What is heart failure? Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen. This means the heart cannot keep up with the demands of the body. Over time heart failure can worsen, even with appropriate medical therapy What is […]
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common, but often uncomfortable, painful, and disruptive. Symptoms can appear suddenly and interfere with your daily routine. Fortunately, UTIs are treatable and often preventable. What is a UTI? A UTI is an infection in the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. While UTIs can affect anyone, they are […]
David Wall spent much of his life creating — through photography, metalwork, gardening and service to his community. Today, that creativity and commitment is focused on caring for his wife, Holly, who now resides at New Horizons Limestone. The couple met while attending Oglethorpe University during freshman orientation, known as “RAT Week.” “I met Holly during ‘RAT Week’,” said David. “She had ‘RAT’ […]
A patient checks into my clinic complaining of fever, cough and runny nose and tell me they have a bacterial sinus infection, and asks for an antibiotic. However, I suspect they have what most people call a “bad cold” or the flu. This situation is very common, especially this time of the year. As a […]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.4 million Americans are living with epilepsy, including 470,000 children. How much do you know about this common condition? Defining epilepsy Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. It is marked by recurrent seizures, which are periods of abnormal electrical activity in […]
Heel pain can sneak up on you. One day you are feeling fine, and the next, you can barely walk across the kitchen without it feeling sharp, stiff or downright painful – the telltale sign of plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain near the arch of the foot. Whether you’re a runner, a […]
Sports are a big part of childhood. With recreational leagues, school sports, and travel teams, young athletes are pushing themselves harder than ever. But as parents, it’s important to ask: should kids play through pain? The short answer: No. Especially when growth plates are still open, playing through pain can lead to serious injuries that can impact […]
Stress fractures are one of the most common running injuries I treat as an orthopedic surgeon, and they’re also one of the most ignored. As a lifelong athlete myself, I understand why. That nagging shin pain doesn’t feel serious at first. You tell yourself it’s just soreness, that you can train through it, that it’ll […]
As a board-certified general surgeon, I want patients to know that they have options nearby for colon cancer screening, especially if you have ever wondered what kind of doctor performs a colonoscopy. Many patients are surprised to learn they can schedule a colonoscopy with a general surgeon close to home. A colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools […]
You might have seen news reports that the actor and musician Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, had to cancel his 2024 concert tour after suffering a stroke and undergoing surgeries to repair a heart defect. Glover, who grew up in DeKalb County whose credits include creating and starring in the TV series “Atlanta,” […]
A hernia is a bulge that may appear when tissue pushes through the muscle holding the tissue in place. The most common type of hernia is an abdominal hernia, which means they form in the belly or groin areas. Hernias can be painful, especially when you cough, lift something heavy or bend over. Do you suspect you […]
In the field of bereavement counseling, one of the most common questions we receive is: “Am I normal? Do others feel this way? Is this normal?” The truth is, grief is deeply personal, and there is no single “normal.” Society often tells us that certain grief reactions are unusual, leading many people to grieve quietly, […]
Children’s hospitals across the country are reporting more and more cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as wintertime draws near. This is no different than what Northeast Georgia Physicians Group is seeing in its pediatric offices and family medicine practices across the region. It’s truly scarier than it has been in recent memory, and we […]
Originally published on October 10, 2020 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year of age that doesn’t have a known cause even after a complete investigation. SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year old. While many of us […]
Originally posted on December 31, 2021 As an endocrinologist, I understand how challenging it can be to manage diabetes, especially during cold and flu seasons. When you’re sick, your body releases stress hormones that can raise your blood sugar and make managing your diabetes harder. Whether you’re dealing with a cold, the flu or other illness, […]
Originally Published: Thursday, June 2, 2022 We get it. It’s hard to choose a doctor. You may be new to the area, or you may just be looking to switch things up when it comes to your health care. No matter the case, the different kinds of doctors out there may be a little confusing, […]
A urogynecologist is a physician specializing in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. They have advanced training in both gynecology (women’s reproductive health) and urology (urinary tract health), making them uniquely qualified to treat conditions that affect the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organs—such as the bladder, vagina, and rectum. Pelvic floor disorders (problems of the pelvic organ and pelvic […]
Tubal ligation, commonly known as “getting your tubes tied,” is a permanent form of birth control chosen by millions of women. As a gynecologic surgeon, I often discuss this procedure with patients who are confident they don’t want future pregnancies. While it’s highly effective, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects and risks before deciding. […]