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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

NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 22, 2022 – Making New Year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them will break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity. “The start of a new year symbolizes a time for change, but adopting new, healthy habits isn’t limited to just one time of year,” says Charla Knapp, FNP-BC with Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care. “Even small, incremental changes in l... ... Read More

Making new year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them, break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity. The start of a new year symbolizes a time for change, but adopting new, healthy habits isn’t limited to just one time of year. Even small, incremental changes in lifestyle can make a big difference in overall health. Seven habits for long-term healthy living: Eat well : Incorpo... ... Read More

This flu season is striking hard and wide across the country, creating anxiety for individuals who are vulnerable to serious complications. As with any illness, it’s important to learn and follow steps that can protect you and your loved ones from contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists four important steps to reduce your risk of infection: Wash your hands consistently throughout the day . Hand washing is still one of the most effective and easiest ways to preve... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, MS – Making new year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them, break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity. “The start of a new year symbolizes a time for change, but adopting new, healthy habits isn’t limited to just one time of year,” says Mallory Stockstill, N.P., with Merit Health Primary Care in Petal. “Even small, incremental changes in lifestyle can make a bi... ... Read More

Keep holiday toy shopping safe and stress-free While buying the hottest and trendiest toys for your child may be tempting at this time of year, Merit Health wants to remind you that safety should always be the first priority. Nothing spoils a holiday celebration faster than an unexpected trip to the emergency room. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2020, there were an estimated 198,000 toy-related injuries treated in ERs across the country, and nine tragic, toy-related deaths ... ... Read More

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

NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 7, 2022 – Merit Health Natchez today announced that Glenda Gordon, Registered Nurse in Women’s Services, has been selected to receive its Nursing Excellence Award. This peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating our patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence. “Merit Health Natchez is fortunate to have many outst... ... Read More

The flu virus continues to spread across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely tracking the number of confirmed cases and urging stringent precautions to minimize its impact. Merit Health Biloxi continues to see flu-symptomatic patients in the emergency room and numerous patients have been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications. While most people will be able to endure the flu’s effects on their bodies and recover, others are at high risk for suffering ... ... Read More

Winter holidays, parties and social gatherings often provide opportunities to overindulge, but when it comes to alcohol, moderation is important for maintaining good heart health. “Holiday heart syndrome,” or atrial fibrillation (AFib) brought on by binge drinking, can occur in healthy adults without any existing heart conditions and is commonly diagnosed around the holidays. AFib is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm that if left untreated can lead to blood clots or strokes. Symptoms of AFib... ... Read More