With the holiday season now behind us, people look forward to the fresh start of the New Year and all the possibilities it brings. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life.
Without the proper planning and support, however, these ambitions can quickly be put off or even forgotten. In 2022, it’s time to break the cycle and make progress towards your goals.
By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions, better your health and stay motivated.
Article Category: Highlights
Here’s to a Healthy You in ‘22
Published on January 03, 2022
Last updated 09:43 AM January 03, 2022
Pick one or two resolutions that you believe to be important, implementable and impactful. If the resolution is important to you, be sure you understand the ‘why’ behind the resolution.
- Dr. Rebecca Gomez
Wellstar Clinical Health Psychologist
How to reach your health goals
Making a resolution can sometimes feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Dr. Rebecca Gomez, Wellstar clinical health psychologist and Clinician Resiliency & Well-Being Program Lead, shared easy ways to identify and create goals.
“Pick one or two resolutions that you believe to be important, implementable and impactful,” Dr. Gomez advised. “If the resolution is important to you, be sure you understand the ‘why’ behind the resolution.”
Use the SMART goal-setting system to help define your goal and develop attainable resolutions.
- Specific — Be clear about what exactly you want to accomplish. Include as many details as necessary, such as potential obstacles or extra requirements.
- Measurable — Use metrics to measure your progress and determine how to meet the goal. If you have a big goal, you may need to set smaller milestones along the way to stay on track.
- Achievable — Attainability is an important factor to consider when it comes to goal setting. “While behavior change comes with any resolution, it is also unfair to yourself if you set a goal that is not feasible,” Dr. Gomez added.
- Relevant — Align your resolutions with your life purpose and reasonable wellness goals based on your current health status and available resources.
- Time bound — Set a realistic, target deadline to reach your goal with checkpoints at intervals along the way. Markers provide an opportunity to measure progress and reassess any changes needed to stay on track.
Keep in mind, you may encounter some bumps in the road along the way. Recognizing all the small accomplishments can help you stay motivated and win in the long run.
“Find ways to celebrate success throughout the year. Focus on what small steps you’ve accomplished rather than how far you have to go,” Dr. Gomez shared. “Also, have a resiliency plan to help you bounce back after a more challenging day.”
Partner with a Wellstar provider
When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care provider.
Drs. Shamamah and Asher Niazi, Wellstar internal medicine providers, shared why regular appointments are vital for your well-being.
“Wellness exams and health screenings are so important because they can pick up problems that the patient is not aware of yet,” explained Dr. Shamamah Niazi.
“A wellness exam provides a full 360° view of a patient’s health,” added Dr. Asher Niazi. “This includes what risk factors they may carry, and if they are up-to-date on all their preventive care like immunizations, vaccinations and other screenings.”
To check your health status and screen for potential medical issues, your physician will take your Foundational 4 numbers for:
- Blood pressure. A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
- Blood glucose level. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
- Blood cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can show clogged arteries which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
- Body mass index (BMI). A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.
Abnormal results during these tests can indicate risk factors, such as obesity or high blood pressure, or even the onset of a serious health condition like diabetes. Your physician may also perform other screenings — including hearing, vision or depression — to check your overall health and well-being.
Whether your resolution is weight to lose weight, better manage a chronic condition or be more active, your healthcare provider is a great source of support. They will work together with you to create a personalized plan to help you succeed.
Ready to tackle your wellness goals this year? Book an appointment with a Wellstar primary care provider today.
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Out of Sight, Still a Threat
Five years ago, you probably had hand sanitizer in your car, a thermometer in your bag and a mental checklist for every sniffle. That was life during COVID. But these days? It’s easy to forget what once felt urgent.
The same thing happens with men’s health—especially prostate cancer. For a brief moment, maybe after a friend was diagnosed or during a Movember campaign, it’s top-of-mind. But if nothing seems wrong, it quickly slips to the back burner.
That’s a problem—because prostate cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.
At Wellstar, we see too many men surprised by late diagnoses. Why? Because they felt fine. Because they had no symptoms. Because they believed some version of the same three myths:
“Prostate cancer doesn’t kill men.”
Actually, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. But when ignored, it’s dangerous.
“I don’t have symptoms, so I’m good.”
Most early-stage prostate cancers are completely silent. No pain, no urinary issues, no warning. That’s why screening matters.
“Testing leads to side effects.”
Screening doesn’t mean treatment. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple tool that helps guide the next steps. Many men with slow-growing cancers don’t need surgery—just monitoring. For those who do need treatment, options are far more precise and less invasive than they used to be.
Still, fear or discomfort around the prostate keeps many men from checking in until it’s too late. We get it. It’s not the most glamorous part of the body—but it’s vital.
Think of it this way: you’d never ignore a lump on your neck or blood in your stool. Why ignore the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer) just because it’s not visible?
Our team at Wellstar makes prostate cancer screening simple, discreet and personalized. We’re here to talk through your family history, explain your risks and offer guidance without pressure. Whether it’s time for a PSA test, a digital exam or just a conversation, we meet you where you are.
Remember: ignoring prostate cancer doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it harder to treat. Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.
Ready to take action?
Find a urologist near you and book your appointment online. What’s out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind.
Highlights
Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.
Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.
Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same.
“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.
Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”
At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.
“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”
A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens
Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.
Navigating life’s most challenging moments
During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.
A long legacy of care
Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more.
Care in Augusta
Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to:
- Pediatric primary care and specialty care
- A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
- A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
- A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
- A Level IV Epilepsy Center
- One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
- Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions
- Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions
Care in Metro Atlanta
Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:
- Pediatric primary care and specialty care
- Pediatric Emergency Departments at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers
- An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta
- Level III NICUs at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb
- Level II NICUs at Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers
- Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Center in Kennesaw offering a range of high-quality, child-centered services
Care in West Georgia
In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:
- Pediatric primary care in LaGrange
- Level II NICUs at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in Griffin and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange
Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids
As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.
In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.
In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.
"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”
Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.
Highlights
Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men
Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.
About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with clinicians discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.
“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.
Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.
“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”