Archbold Blog

Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight benefits many aspects of your life – including having a baby. “Being overweight or obese can prompt the body to overproduce estrogen, preventing women from ovulating or having periods,” said Katie Hanisee, MD, FACS, FASMBS, general and bariatric surgeon at South Georgia Surgical Associates. “It can also reduce the effectiveness of some fertility treatments.” For men, excess weight may be associated with a reduced sperm count or...

Thinking about your mortality can be uncomfortable. However, making choices about your healthcare before it’s needed can be empowering. Research has shown multiple benefits from taking an active role in your end-of-life planning. This is especially true for people with cancer, other potentially life-threatening illnesses or conditions that may get in the way of making wishes known, such as dementia. Document Your Wishes End-of-life planning involves making an advance directive....

“People tend to fall into two camps about cholesterol,” said Jason Griffin, MD, primary care physician at Archbold Primary Care. “Some people love butter and bacon, while others avoid anything with a hint of cholesterol. The wisest of course fall somewhere in the middle.” What Does Cholesterol Do? Cholesterols is a fatty, wax-like substance that circulates in your blood. Your body uses it to make vitamin D and hormones, build cells and help you digest food. Your liver...

Dehydration is a major risk factor for a common condition among men: kidney stones. When you don’t replace the fluids your body loses, you produce less urine. If you don’t have enough, the amount of waste material in the urine may be more than the liquid needed to neutralize it and carry it out of the body. When this happens, urine becomes concentrated, and the material that forms kidney stones can come together more easily. Kidney stones, which are typically tiny, form when...

When you’re feeling well, it can be tempting to skip regular doctor visits or put off routine screenings. But while they may seem unnecessary, these simple checkups can turn out to be some of the most important steps you can take for your health. “As primary care doctors, we work hard on prevention,” said Jackson Hatfield, MD, primary care physician at Archbold Primary Care. “Our goal is to prevent illness or detect it at a very early stage, so we have a greater chance of treating...

No matter what age you are, it’s important to make your health a priority. But as you reach your 70s and above, some of the things you need to focus on for optimal physical, mental and emotional health become even more essential. “Being healthy as you get older is about more than just avoiding disease,” said Savitri Ramdial, MD, primary care and geriatric physician at Archbold’s Medical Group of Mitchell County. “Things like hearing loss and social isolation can have a big...

The way we process nutrients to produce the energy we need depends largely on a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck – the thyroid. This gland makes thyroid hormones. These, in turn, help control your metabolism, which covers essential processes that include breathing, blood circulation and temperature regulation. When it’s functioning correctly, the thyroid receives scant attention. It only draws a spotlight if it’s not working properly – something that 1 in 8 women will...

Only 5% of Americans eat enough fiber daily – and that’s a problem, as too little fiber raises the risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. “Fiber can help keep you fuller longer, provide lasting energy, promote regularity and lower blood cholesterol,” said Jason Person, RD, LDN, clinical nutrition manager at Archbold. “Also, you don’t need fiber supplements to get it.” How Much Fiber Do I Need? Person recommends that, at minimum, women get 25 grams of...

When you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, your toes can’t move easily. Over time, the longest toe or multiple toes may arch up in the middle into a claw-like shape. This condition is known as a hammertoe. In most cases, other toes – excluding the big toe – will be affected, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Other causes may include pressure from a bunion and previous trauma. Common hammertoe pain points include the ball of the...

Thinking of bariatric surgery? Here’s what to expect. Who It’s For To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, you must meet one or more of the following criteria: Have a body mass index (BMI) or 40 or greater Have a BMI of 35 or greater and at least one obesity-related health condition (diabetes, heart disease, etc.) that puts you at risk Have a history of trying to lose weight with no lasting success 95% of bariatric patients successfully lose half of their extra...

Since the COVID-19 global pandemic hit, many women have more responsibilities than ever, including working full time, raising their families, serving as teachers or taking on the role of caregiver for aging parents. “Women are historically more stressed than men,” said Eugene Sun, MD, psychiatrist at Archbold Northside Center for Behavioral and Psychiatric Care. “Chronic stress takes a toll on the body and can lead to other emotional or physical consequences, such as depression and...

Emergency Department Archbold Medical Center’s emergency department is open 24/7. Visit our emergency department for injuries or illnesses, such as: Abdominal pain Broken bones Chest pain Food poisoning Nausea and excessive vomiting Severe headache Severe injuries, such as deep cuts and majors burns Urgent Care Our urgent care center is open late and on weekends. Visit Archbold Urgent Care Center for minor injuries or illnesses, such as: Allergies Cold...