Snake Bite First Aid: Dos and Don’ts

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy North Georgia’s beautiful trails, lakes, parks and backyards. It’s also the time of year when snakes are most active. Most snake bites can be treated successfully when you receive prompt medical care. Snakes in Georgia Georgia is home to more than 40 species of snakes. Most are harmless; however, Georgia is […]

How do you treat a burn?

Burns are one of the most common household injuries that can range from mild skin irritation to serious medical emergencies. Knowing how to treat a burn properly can help reduce pain, prevent infection, and stimulate faster healing. Here’s what you should know about burn treatment, home care, and when to seek medical attention. How to identify the severity […]

Here Comes the Sun

Safe sun exposure tips Summer in Northeast Georgia brings longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From afternoons by the pool and family vacations to backyard cookouts, gardening and outdoor work, many of us spend significantly more time in the sun during the summer months. While sunlight has its benefits – such as boosting mood and […]

Man with diabetes sitting at table pricking his finger to check his blood glucose while he is sick.

How to manage diabetes while sick

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, […]

Tell falls to take a hike this fall

As winter approaches and December’s chill settles in, the trails take on a whole new beauty. Crisp air, frosted landscapes, and quiet paths make this the perfect time to explore nature in its serene winter form. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a brisk adventure, hiking in late fall and early winter is […]

A man wearing a plaid shirt hiking in a dense forest with hiking sticks.

How do you fix pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition affecting your pancreas, a small but powerful organ behind your stomach. Your pancreas helps your body digest food and control blood sugar, so when it’s not working right, it can lead to serious, possibly life-threatening health problems. If you’re wondering how to fix pancreatitis, you’re not alone. Many people don’t […]

Answering your FAQs about antibiotics

Odds are, you’ve taken antibiotics a time or two to treat an illness. Most people have. But you may still have questions about what they are and how they work best. With the colder months coming up fast, the time where contagious illnesses go wild is also quickly approaching. If an antibiotic is prescribed to […]

woman sitting on couch

What can I do to lower my A1C?

If you have diabetes, you’re probably familiar with the A1C test, which measures your blood sugar. What you may not know, though, is how to lower that seemingly stubborn number. Diabetes occurs when you have a high amount of sugar in your blood. This happens to everyone on occasion, but in those who don’t have […]

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

If you’ve watched a news program on TV recently, you probably heard them talk about a new medication on the horizon for Alzheimer’s disease. Odds are, they probably also used the word “dementia.” How are the two connected? Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often mentioned almost in the same breath. There’s a good reason for […]

Myth vs. Fact: Understanding how hospice works

If a medical provider has suggested hospice for you or a loved one, you probably have many questions and maybe a few fears. Hospice encompasses compassionate and comprehensive care for those in the end stages of life. While it offers many families a gentle journey through a person’s last days, it can be confusing and […]

What is live therapeutic music?

Throughout history, music has been recognized as a potent force in healing and enhancing the human experience. The use of music as therapy dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was used to ease emotional burdens, reduce stress and promote relaxation. In the modern medical landscape, the field of therapeutic music has gained recognition for […]

Why Should I Care about Advance Care Planning?

When it comes to “Advance Care Planning” or “Advance Directives for Healthcare” many people may not know what any of it means, or why it would matter to them. When you come to the hospital, you will always be asked if you have an Advance Directive. However, the large majority of adults say “no” because: […]

5 tips for preventing accidental poisoning in children

Let’s be honest – sometimes kids eat things they shouldn’t, and we’re not talking about ice cream before dinner. Common household and personal care products can be harmful if within a child’s reach. Did you know that poisoning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury among children ages 1 to 19 years old? Luckily, […]

Do I have a sleep disorder?

Sleep is a crucial part of your health and well-being. A sleep disorder can negatively affect your day-to-day life and even those around you. Why Is Sleep Important? Lack of sleep is linked to certain diseases and medical conditions. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night for proper cognitive functioning and […]

5 Tips For New Parents During Baby Safety Month

If you are a new mom or dad, chances are you have plenty of questions. Baby Safety Month is all about getting you the information you need to put your mind at ease when it comes to the safety of your new baby. At Northeast Georgia Medical Center, our Safe Kids of Northeast Georgia program […]

Food Insecurity

These statistics are startling … did you know? Here in the United States, nearly 38 million people live in food insecure households. Of the 38 million, nearly 12 million children in the U.S. are affected. Bringing it closer to home, an estimated 14.4% of Georgia’s children are food insecure. Here in Hall County, an estimated […]

Personal trainer giving advice senior man about next exercise.

Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy: What is the Difference?

When a doctor recommends Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy many people don’t realize the difference between the two.  Both rehabilitation disciplines have the same goal; to help patients manage or eliminate pain caused by various factors such as illness, accidents, post-surgery recovery and to improve overall daily function.  They both use similar modalities, however there […]

Graphic of the word Monkey Pox with a representation of the virus as the first o in the word.

Should I be worried about monkeypox?

An outbreak of monkeypox has recently spread across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, and it’s made its way to the United States. The virus, which is unrelated to chicken pox, is spread mostly through close contact with someone who has monkeypox. The first thing you should know is that monkeypox is rare, and […]