3 Causes of Knee Pain, Explained

Most types of knee pain occur due to a sudden injury or wear and tear. Here are three of the most common causes of knee pain and options for treating them. Arthritis Several types of arthritis can affect the knee. The most common is osteoarthritis, which destroys the cartilage that cushions the joint. Another type, rheumatoid arthritis, affects the synovium, a tissue in the capsule that surrounds the knee. Treatments: “Losing weight, changing how you exercise to reduce stress on...



Medical Imaging, Explained

X-ray, CT scans and MRI exams are three of the most common tools used in medical imaging. Here’s a rundown of these tests and how they’re used. X-RAY X-ray exams allow radiologists to take internal pictures of your body using small doses of radiation. This test is often used to confirm bone fractures but may also be used to diagnose pneumonia, blocked intestines and other illnesses. Two types of X-ray tests include mammograms, which detect breast cancer, and dual-energy X-ray...



Your Roadmap to Understanding Diabetes Starts Now

Wherever you are on your journey with diabetes, whether regaining control of prediabetic symptoms, fighting type 1 or type 2 diabetes or helping a loved one with their diagnosis, understanding diabetes can be overwhelming. The good news? You can still live a fulfilling life after a diabetes diagnosis. Understanding your options can help you create an action plan and stick to it. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic, long-lasting condition that affects how your body turns...



When It Comes to Cancer Care, There’s No Place Like Home

A cancer diagnosis can be unexpected and overwhelming. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty are heightened as patients and their families look to find the best physicians and most successful cancer treatment options available. From cutting-edge medicine to an expert oncology team, there are many important factors to consider when evaluating your next steps for cancer care. Perhaps the most important decision one will make in the days following a cancer diagnosis is where they will...



Don’t Put Off Your Mammogram Because of COVID-19

From getting vaccinated to wearing masks, you’re taking all the recommended precautions to stay healthy during the pandemic. So why are you putting off your mammogram? Especially when that mammogram could be what saves your life. Women have been smart to “play it safe,” during the pandemic, but now “playing it safe” means continuing to talk to your doctor about scheduling your mammogram. Breast Cancer by the Numbers Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer...



3 Steps for Planning Safe Holiday Gatherings in 2021

It’s officially fall and the countdown to the holiday season has begun. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many families are wondering what the holidays will look like in 2021. From big community events to indoor family gatherings, it’s not too early to think about how you will celebrate. In fact, in many ways planning ahead will help ensure you’re able to celebrate the holidays safely with the ones you love most. Step 1: Start conversations with family now When it comes to...



Let's Hear It for Fish! Seafood is filled with nutrients your body needs.

You do not need to live near the water to enjoy the health benefits of seafood. Fish in all its forms—fresh, frozen or canned—is full of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, and because there are so many varieties, you have lots of options. “Eating fish twice each week is an important part of a healthy diet,” said Kelsey Shackelford, MBA, RDN, LD, clinical nutrition manager with Morrison Healthcare at Archbold. “I advise people to vary their choices to reap the benefits of...



Overcoming Burnout—Here are four things to change today to feel better.

Between the pandemic, your job, the inability to spend time in person with loved ones, it’s easy to feel burned out on life. When you’re stressed, you feel overwhelmed, but you know you’ll feel better when things get under control. Burnout, on the other hand, makes you feel mentally, emotionally or physically stretched past what you can handle. You may not feel like there’s any hope that life will get better. When you’ve reached the point of burnout, prioritizing your mental...



How Diabetes Hurts Your Heart

Diabetes doesn’t occur in a vacuum—it affects many organs and body systems, including the heart. “For people with diabetes, the risk of a heart attack or stroke is double that of individuals who don’t have diabetes,” said Christopher L. Daniels, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Consultants of South Georgia. “Having diabetes can increase your likelihood of dying from heart disease, which is why it’s so important to keep your...



Why You Should Wear A Mask

As the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus sweeps across South Georgia, many experts say it’s time to get back to the basics and reduce the spread of the virus. And that means wearing a mask again, even if you’re vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an estimated 50% of virus transmissions have been linked to asymptomatic or presymptomatic cases where people were likely unaware of their contagious state. And though the COVID-19...



Urgent Care vs. The ER—Where Should You Go When Care Can't Wait?

Health problems don’t always occur when your primary care provider’s office is open. Yet, sometimes it’s hard to determine if your nearest urgent care clinic can help or if a visit to the emergency room (ER) is in order. On the other hand, heading to the ER instead of an urgent care clinic could cost you more money. ER visits may be triple the cost of a primary or urgent care visit, according to the National Library of Medicine. In addition, seeking care in an ER when you don’t...



5 Things You Need to Know About the Delta Variant

A new strain of COVID-19 is causing concern as cases are rising across the country and throughout South Georgia. Since the Delta variant surfaced this summer, its caused more infections and has spread faster than early forms of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know about the Delta variant. 1. The Delta variant is highly contagious Studies show the Delta variant is more than 2x as contagious as previous virus variants. “The Delta variant has...