Smart planning and healthy eating strategies this holiday season can help reduce symptoms of common gastrointestinal conditions. A gastrointestinal (GI) disorder can make holiday buffets and dinners seem like an arsenal of potential stomach problems. Avoiding these food triggers can help you eat, drink and be merry. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) To help keep the burning sensation of GERD from spoiling your celebration, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)... ... Read More

November is “National Family Caregivers Month.” For caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, the disease can take a toll. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are some tips to help support those who have relatives coping with Alzheimer’s Disease: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about its effects and how to respond. Stay in touch. A card, call or visit can show you care. Be patient. Adjusting to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is an ongoing process and each person reacts diff... ... Read More

Dreading the next episode of severe facial pain that comes and goes without warning is no way to spend your time. A one-time, incisionless procedure may relieve discomfort so you can focus on the joys life has to offer. The pain starts out of nowhere—sharp, searing, almost breathtaking. It stops after several seconds, and after a few minutes, begins again. This pattern may continue for nearly an hour before stopping and can begin again without warning. This is what life can be like for persons with the ... ... Read More

You may be familiar with type A personalities, but how much do you know about type D? In this case, the “D” stands for “distressed.” Type D personalities have a combination of traits that lead to high levels of stress, such as experiencing a lot of negative emotions, an inability to express those emotions well, and a tendency to avoid social interactions, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). In addition, Harvard Health states, unlike “type A” people, who are more likely to be perfe... ... Read More

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with more than 150,000 people losing their lives to the disease each year – it’s more than breast, prostate, colon and ovarian cancer deaths combined. In 2015, the latest year for which incidence data is available, there were 2,567 new cases of Lung and Bronchus cancer reported in Mississippi. For every 100,000 people, 72 Lung and Bronchus cancer cases were reported. The same year, lung cancer was the leading cause of death from cance... ... Read More

Merit Health is hosting a nursing career fair Tuesday, October 23 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn first-hand about RN and LPN openings at our Jackson area and Vicksburg hospitals. While meeting with Merit Health nursing leadership, participants will enjoy refreshments, giveaways and more. There’s Merit in opportunities! Please RSVP to Mark.Beason@MyMeritHealth.com . The MS Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 1152 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 3921... ... Read More

Unless you or someone you know has experienced gout, you may think of it as a disease from the distant past that doesn’t get much mention today. But gout is still very much with us, and the number of Americans affected is increasing alongside the increases in obesity and other associated conditions. “Somewhat simplified, gout occurs when excess uric acid forms into crystals within a joint, resulting in inflammation, pain and other symptoms,” Shuja Yousuf, M.D., said. “The good news is, gout is one of th... ... Read More

Is anyone you know over the age of 50 completely free from knee pain? It seems everyone suffers with stiff or painful knees at least occasionally, and research indicates that up to 30% of the adult population is living with at least some osteoarthritis, in one or both knees. Until the age of 50, the condition is equally common in men and women, but prevalence in women increases after 50. As the U.S. population ages, and becomes more active later in life, the demand for stronger and healthier knees conti... ... Read More

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among adults in the United States. Over 140,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with CRC in 2018. Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) issued new screening guidelines, making a qualified recommendation that routine colon cancer screening begin at age 45 years. The ACS estimates that more than 16,000 new cases of colon or rectal cancers will be diagnosed this year in Americans under 50. Some people are at higher r... ... Read More

Gassing up the grill this summer? July is the peak month for grilling- and for burns involving grills. Don’t invite burns to your summer cookout. Here are some tips provided by the JMS Burn Center, located at Merit Health’s Merit Health Central facility in Jackson, to help you avoid burn injury: Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from other objects, like houses or bushes. Check your gas grill for leaks with soapy water. Spray on gas line connections, and if it bubbles, there's trouble. Never s... ... Read More