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Only five hours a week of moderate exercise could help ward off a cancer diagnosis. A study published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, found strong evidence correlating physical activity to lower rates of cancer and other chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and dementia. Using self-reported data from 600,000 U.S. adults, the observational study estimates over 46,000 cancer cases could be avoided each year through regula... ... Read More

Merit Health plays an integral role in healthcare in central Mississippi, thanks to our knowledgeable and compassionate staff. During Hospital Week, May 7-13, 2023, we recognize and celebrate our caregivers for the difference they make each day. Our team members are energized by their work to fight illness and promote wellness for patients and our community. Around the clock every day of the year, our hospitals offer a safe environment for care thanks to our physical plant and environmental services sta... ... Read More

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in the United States, resulting in seven million office visits to healthcare providers each year. Additionally, 50 percent of women and 3 percent of men worldwide will experience a UTI in their lifetime. While most UTIs are not serious, they can cause discomfort, and if left untreated could lead to kidney damage or sepsis. UTIs are an infection in any part of the urinary system including kidneys, bladder and urethra, often c... ... Read More

JACKSON, MS – To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Merit Health is donating more than 1,500 jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) to Mississippi Food Network. All of that peanut butter was donated by Merit Health employees, medical staff members, and volunteers during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive. According to the Map the Meal Gap, a study conducted by Feeding America, more than 66,000 residents in Hinds, M... ... Read More

Jackson, MS, April 3, 2023 – The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Merit Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to the hospitals for expert care. Beyond providing clinical care, our network is a cornerstone of the community and a major contributor to the economic health of central Mississippi as a major employer and tax-payer and through applying resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall ... ... Read More

Colonoscopy screening is the key to early detection Flowood, MS. (March 15, 2023) – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The good news is, if detected before it spreads, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is about 91 percent. If it’s not caught before the cancer spreads to other organs, the survival rate ... ... Read More

Brandon, Miss – March 9, 2023 – Merit Health Medical Group is pleased to announce that Donald Baker, M.D., and Michelle Vinchwater, CFNP, will now be offering orthopedic services in Brandon. The orthopedic clinic, located at 2841 Highway 18 in Brandon, joins Merit Health’s newest primary clinic, which opened in October of 2022. “Brandon continues to see unprecedented growth, and we are proud to be able to offer primary and specialty care close to home for so many in the community,” says Heather Sistrunk... ... Read More

Jackson, Miss. — Merit Health Central has named Vince Brummett as the new chief administrative officer. Brummett has more than 30 years in healthcare, beginning his career as a radiologic technologist and paramedic where he worked for 17 years. He then moved into healthcare management, becoming assistant CEO at Panola Medical Center, formerly Merit Health Batesville. At Panola, he led clinical operations as well as many of the ancillary departments. Vince served as CEO at UHS-Parkwood in Olive Branch, M... ... Read More

Jackson, MS (Feb. 1, 2023) – Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 650,000 people each year. Here are some other facts everyone should know about heart disease: In the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack. Nearly half of American adults (47%) suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. However, only... ... Read More

Strength training, especially in middle age and beyond, is essential for maintaining a high quality of life and longevity. Just 30 minutes to an hour of strength training a week can increase life expectancy by 10 to 17 percent and reduce the risk of premature death from cancer and heart disease. As we age, our muscle mass, strength and function naturally decreases three to eight percent each decade after the age of 30. By age 60, hand strength and dexterity can decrease, making simple, everyday tasks di... ... Read More