Newsroom

Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems The holidays are here, but you may not be feeling very jolly. Where’s that yuletide cheer? Holiday stress can hamper your enjoyment of the festivities of the season – and more importantly, take a long-term toll on your health. Stress is an unfortunate reality of day-to-day life, due to overcommitted schedules, work and family pressures, lack of sleep and an overly ambitious to-do list. During the holidays, our already frantic schedule is turned up ... ... Read More

Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), each year. Commonly brought on during the fall and winter, the condition can occur during any seasonal change and last as long as four or five months. People with SAD may feel lethargic or moody and tend to sleep more. Symptoms also can include social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, weight gain, and feelings of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women and those living farther ... ... Read More

Employees of Merit Health hospitals are eligible for enhanced benefits designed as pathways to help them eliminate existing student debt faster, pursue additional professional education, and advance their careers. The goal in offering Merit Health Pathways benefits is to support and retain employees and attract a strong workforce, especially frontline nurses, technicians, therapists and other clinicians and caregivers, along with support personnel. Benefits include a student loan repayment program that ... ... Read More

With less than three months left in the year, now is the time to check the status of health plan deductibles and schedule necessary appointments, recommended testing and surgeries before December 31. Most health insurance plans have a deductible requirement—a predetermined amount of health care expenses that must be covered before the plan begins paying the majority (if not all) of expenses related to necessary medical care. “If you have been putting off scheduling prescribed care, it would be wise to c... ... Read More

A fluttering heart isn’t always romantic – it can also be a sign of a health condition called atrial fibrillation (Afib). Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, is a common heart condition affecting around 2.2 million people in the United States. While the condition, on its own, generally is not life-threatening, it can be a significant risk factor for stroke – a leading cause of death and disability. Approximately 15 percent of strokes – 75,000 to 100,000 each year – are caused by untreated atria... ... Read More

You always hear the bad news: heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. But the good news is many of these deaths and risk factors are preventable. Symptoms like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, excess weight and obesity can be improved with lifestyle changes and healthful eating. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends these small changes in diet for a big impact on your health: Eat more fruits and vegetables. One good goal is to fill half your plate with colorful fruits a... ... Read More

Merit Health welcomes B. Judson Colley III, M.D., MPH, cardiac electrophysiology (EP) specialist to our medical staff. An electrophysiologist specializes in the study of the heart’s electrical system or activity used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias may be harmless, while others are more serious and require lifestyle changes and intervention. Dr. Colley works with an experienced team of nurses and nurse practitioners to provide evaluation and treatment using advanced healt... ... Read More

The new school year is here, which means the lazy, relaxed days of summer have been replaced with hectic school mornings, homework and after school activities. Most likely, your kids have been staying up late and sleeping in during the summer break, so getting them back to a healthy sleep routine may be a challenge. “Lack of sleep is not just an issue of motivating cranky children in the mornings,” said Jennifer Russum, MSN, NP-C. “Studies have shown that lack of quality sleep increases the likelihood o... ... Read More

The warm weather of summer creates more opportunities for people to spend time outside. Whether you are working, exercising, or doing other activities it is important to protect yourself from heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Know what to expect when you are planning outdoor activities by checking the temperature and heat index. Try to plan exercise and outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, early morning and late afternoon. “Spending time in cool, air conditio... ... Read More

Gretta Madison never thought she’d see the day when she’d be wearing her 20-year-old daughter’s jeans. Madison has lost 120 pounds as a result of bariatric surgery performed by David Carroll, MD, FACS, FASMBS, surgeon and medical director of the bariatric program at Merit Health River Oaks. Making several long-term lifestyle changes following the surgery has helped Madison maintain an optimal weight of 130. Today, she's happily swapping clothes with her daughter and regularly receiving compliments from ... ... Read More