Wellstar Health Highlights

Wellstar’s expert cardiac care specialists partner with patients at every step, from preventative care to high-tech treatments and supportive life-changing advice. 

For Mike Clements, the innovative care he received at Wellstar has empowered him to meet his goals and be there for life’s special moments — including walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding and meeting his first grandchild.

Life-saving LVAD implants 

In October 2020, Mike received a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implant to support his heart. An LVAD is a battery-powered pump that is surgically implanted and does the job of the heart, pumping blood throughout the body. The external rechargeable battery pack can provide up to 17 hours of power, and most patients with LVAD implants are able to return to work and other routine activities. 

For patients whose hearts cannot effectively pump blood on their own, an LVAD is life-saving technology. The device can either keep the patient healthy until they can receive a transplant or serve as an alternative to a heart transplant.

Your Wellstar cardiologist or heart failure specialist can help you determine if an LVAD is the right option for your heart care.

Mike’s decades-long Wellstar partnership

Mike has been a Wellstar patient for decades, beginning when he began experiencing heart issues and was referred to Dr. David Caras for a consultation. As a Wellstar heart patient, he was ready to receive life-saving care right when he needed it, years later.

After Mike received his LVAD implant, an interdisciplinary team of Wellstar providers helped him recover. After Dr. Richard Myung and Dr. Theresa Luu performed the surgery, he spent three weeks in inpatient rehabilitation at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, guided by an expert team who helped him adjust to life with the implant.

Mike had been on vasopressors to elevate his blood pressure, and when he lost circulation in his toes and developed gangrene, Wellstar Podiatrist Dr. Ashish Kapila performed an amputation of the toes to control the infection, which could have been particularly dangerous with the LVAD. 

And when Mike was determined to walk his daughter down the aisle for her June 2021 wedding, Wellstar helped make it happen. He began cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. He knew the aisle at the church was 40 feet long, so his physical therapy team measured the distance and practiced with him. 

In June, he was able to walk with his daughter at her wedding, with the support of his LVAD implant keeping his heart beating with every step. Then in August, he was able to enjoy another family milestone — the birth of his first grandchild.

Mike said Wellstar made his care personal and helped him feel supported on his heart health journey. The LVAD coordinators and nursing team in the critical care unit and cardiovascular ICU and on the blue floor at Kennestone became like family as he began his life with the LVAD, Mike said.

“I can’t say enough great things about Wellstar Health System. They truly deliver ‘PeopleCare,’ from the physicians to the clinical staff to the maintenance team that cleans the rooms,” Mike said. “Rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach, they take the time to know me and my healthcare needs and coordinate care seamlessly. I feel like we’re a team in this journey together.”

Mike walking his daughter down the aisle

Steve Shelton, a retired middle school principal who lives in Villa Rica, is living life to his fullest years after having a robotic prostatectomy in December of 2014. The procedure was performed by Dr. Justin Watson at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Robotic prostate cancer surgery has several key advantages over the more traditional approach. It shortens the time spent in a facility following a surgery. It also reduces surgery site blood loss, scarring and pain, and speeds up recovery. This method also has the potential to preserve nerves.

Steve remembered he was in his fourteenth year serving as the principal of Mount Paran Christian School Middle School when his urologist, Dr. Thomas Emerson, broke the news that he had cancer.

“I had to lean up against the wall for a minute,” Steve said. “Dr. Emerson drew out diagrams and presented us with all of our options. My wife, Brenda, and I made the decision right then that I was going to do the robotic surgery. I wanted to be decisive and take action and I wanted the cancer gone.”

Robotic prostate cancer surgery reduces surgery site blood loss, scarring and pain, and speeds up recovery.

“The robot allows us to see the prostate better and spare the nerves, which can preserve sexual function,” said Dr. Watson.

When Vera McAdoo was experiencing bleeding in her brain, Wellstar didn’t give up and stayed by her side for every step of recovery.

In September 2019, Vera was at work as an inventory analyst. Then, she suddenly woke up in the emergency department at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. 

She had a bleeding arteriovenous fistula, an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain. She had been exhibiting some worrying signs.  She was not talking, she couldn’t open her eyes, and her pupils were not responding.

But Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. William Humphries saw hope, and Wellstar was there when seconds mattered. 

Vera was taken to the angiography suite for a catheter-based treatment to control the source of the bleeding before going to the operating room. She underwent an emergent surgery to remove the fistula and treat the swelling in her brain by removing part of her skull. 

She was in a coma in the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit for 30 days, but her care team never gave up. Then, as she started healing, Kennestone’s inpatient rehabilitation program stepped in, ensuring she had the tools and support she needed to return to routine.

Kennestone is home to a specialized Neuro-Intensive Care Unit staffed with a multidisciplinary team of neurocritical care physicians, neurologists and nurses experienced in treating the most complex stroke and aneurysm cases. 

“It was a blessing that Dr. Humphries was there and saved my life,” Vera said. “My care at Kennestone was great.”

To learn more about how Wellstar treats conditions involving the brain, visit our neuro care site.

The month of September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. The term “gynecological cancer” describes a group of cancers including endometrial (uterine) cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer, among other rare types.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be more important than ever for women to brush up on their health IQ to help stay ahead of gynecological health issues. The more you know could potentially save your life one day.

The pandemic vs. women’s health

Dr. Jeffrey Hines, Chief of the Division of Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology, said the pandemic caused many women to skip important cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings.

The Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), an independent, non-profit research institute found women’s health services were significantly affected in 2020 compared with 2019:

• HPV vaccines that prevent cervical cancer were down by 75%
• Mammograms and Pap smears that identify breast and cervical cancer in earlier, more treatable stages were down by nearly 80%

Unfortunately, women are already experiencing the consequences.

“There’s an uptick in cancer diagnoses with more advanced disease,” Dr. Hines said. “It’s so important that women realize that it’s safe to go to their providers to get their mammograms and Paps.”

The breast milk donation program at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital has reached a major milestone — 104 mothers in the community have helped other families by donating 50,000 ounces of breast milk to keep the most vulnerable babies fed and healthy.

Kennestone’s lactation team is dedicated to making sure every baby has the resources they need to stay healthy from the day they’re born, and the hospital’s breast milk donation program gets babies off to the right start.

If, for any reason, a mother is unable to provide breast milk, or enough breast milk for her baby in the NICU, donor milk from a Human Milk Banking Association of North America milk bank can help fill the gap. “For many babies in our NICU, this is life-saving medicine,” said Roxanne Graham, supervisor of maternal and infant support services at Kennestone.

Through Kennestone’s partnership with the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin, mothers and their babies throughout the country have the option of using donated breast milk, giving babies a head start on all the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breast milk provides babies with infection-fighting antibodies that lower their chances of getting sick. It also offers protection against developing allergies and is easier for babies to digest. Donated breast milk is pasteurized and screened to ensure safety.

“It improves the quality of human life, especially for babies that are medically fragile,” Graham said. Kennestone’s milk depot opened in 2018. The NICU there has been using donor milk since 2012.

“It has significantly decreased the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a serious and life-threatening condition associated with premature infants,” said Marie Black, the assistant nurse manager for Kennestone’s NICU. “We highly encourage our moms to pump for their babies but in instances where there is not enough supply, we have our donor milk for those babies.”

To celebrate reaching 50,000 donated ounces, Kennestone’s “Liquid Gold” display showcases the amount received using 390 gallon containers.

If you are interested in donating breast milk, the process is convenient. Donating mothers are asked to become vetted with the milk bank and provide at least 100 ounces for the first donation. After that, smaller donations can make a difference — 5.5 ounces feeds a premature baby for 24 hours, according to the Mother’s Milk Bank of Austin.

Once you have collected and stored your milk, drop it off at a collection site. In addition to Kennestone, Wellstar Douglas Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital also partner with the milk bank.

Call (770) 793-8087 to learn more about donating life-saving breast milk to Kennestone’s milk depot.

Surgery for prostate cancer has evolved, offering men with aggressive prostate cancer more treatment choices. One high-tech treatment is a robotic prostatectomy, where the prostate is removed robotically by a surgeon with specialized training.

Robotic prostate cancer surgery has several key advantages over the more traditional approach. It shortens the time spent in a facility following a surgery. This method also reduces surgery site blood loss, scarring and pain, and speeds up recovery as well as having the potential to preserve nerves.

“The robot allows us to see the prostate better and spare the nerves, which can preserve sexual function,” said Dr. Justin Watson, a urologist who performs robotic prostatectomies at Wellstar Kennestone Advanced Outpatient Center for Surgery in Marietta. Dr. Watson typically meets with patients in the Prostate Cancer STAT Clinic. This clinic allows men an opportunity to meet with multiple prostate cancer specialists on one day in one place so they can benefit from the most comprehensive care.

Read Steve Shelton's story, a man who had a robotic prostatectomy at Wellstar and is living life to his fullest today.

Georgia summers are no joke when it comes to high temperatures and humidity, with 90-degree-plus days very common in our summer months. When you’re out and about — and certainly when exercising — it’s important to pay close attention to how hot weather affects your body.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can have serious health consequences, but the good news is that you can help prevent these conditions by keeping close tabs on how you’re feeling and taking a few smart steps.

Your body’s temperature regulation system

Your body works hard to maintain a healthy temperature, and it knows how to regulate your internal temperature, for instance, by making you sweat to cool your skin. Health concerns can come up, however, when weather conditions overcome your body’s internal monitoring system and your core temperature gets too high.

Keep your cool

Here are some of the things you can do to keep your core temperature in a healthy range on a hot day.

• Drink plenty of water when you exercise outdoors. Proper hydration is key to your body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
• Take frequent breaks in shady areas. This will also help regulate your body’s overall temperature.
• Don’t push yourself too hard, especially on very hot days. Moderation is smart in these conditions.
• Avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks when outside in hot weather. Beverages like these dehydrate the body, making temperature regulation even harder. 

Watch for warning signs

It’s important when outside in the summer heat to know your body and be aware of its limits, especially when exercising. 

Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion like:

• Heavy sweating with goose-bump-like skin
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Experiencing muscle cramps, nausea, headache
• Your pulse rates goes up and stays elevated

If you experience symptoms, take steps to cool yourself down.

• Go to a cooler place, such as an air-conditioned space indoors
• Drink water or a beverage fortified with electrolytes
• Rest

Get medical care when you need it

Seek medical assistance if:

• You are vomiting
• You can’t seem to cool down, especially after an hour 
• You feel worse, rather than better, after taking steps to get cooler
• You have a temperature of 104°F, or higher

Expert physicians at your nearby Wellstar Urgent Care location are experienced and able to assist with conditions like heat exhaustion. Your doctor will evaluate and monitor your condition, recommending the appropriate treatment to help balance your body temperature. 

If you or a loved one cannot safely reach one of our 17 convenient locations, please call 911 for emergency assistance.

To best inform our communities about the state of the COVID-19 surge throughout our 11 hospitals, Wellstar Health System is providing daily updates on our website and social media channels regarding the current status of COVID-19 patients we are treating system-wide.

Additionally, we are sharing our localized COVID patient data on each hospital’s specific Facebook page. 

In efforts to keep our communities up-to-date and answer any inquiries regarding this data, we’ve answered frequently asked questions below:

• Are people without the second dose counted as unvaccinated?

Based on FDA and CDC guidelines, Wellstar considers a “fully vaccinated” person to have had either one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines with peak immunity achieved two weeks after the second dose. 

• Why are vaccinated people still getting positive tests?

While no vaccine prevents someone 100% from getting sick, the COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death. Because a vaccinated person can still contract the virus and may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, it’s advised that even vaccinated people still wear a mask and follow safety precautions.

• Why can’t vaccinated caregivers be allowed into the hospital?

Due to the highly contagious nature of the Delta Variant of COVID-19, the level of community spread and to protect our patients and clinical staff, Wellstar is not allowing visitors at this time. You can learn more about our visitation guidelines here.

• Are all your nurses and doctors vaccinated and is that verifiable?

Wellstar Health System has mandated that all team members be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 effective October 1, 2021. 

• What are the ages of the patients being reported?

While we cannot share data regarding the ages of our COVID-19 patients, we can confirm that the widespread Delta Variant is infecting young people at a higher rate than we have seen with previous variants.  

• How many of these patients have previously had COVID?

Just as we are seeing vaccinated people become infected with COVID-19, we are also seeing reinfection in those who have had a case of COVID-19 in the past. 

• How many patients have died from COVID?

This information is available via the Georgia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Daily Status Report which provides a detailed analysis of cases, hospitalizations and deaths by county, as well as other demographics.

• How many of these patients have pre-existing conditions?

Out of respect for our patients, we are unable to provide details of patients’ medical information. However, the Delta variant of COVID-19 can cause severe illness in those who are not immunocompromised and have no pre-existing conditions. 

• Are all these people on ventilators at the same time?

Wellstar is reporting the number of patients currently on ventilators system-wide on both our website and social media channels.

• Are these numbers since the beginning of the pandemic or just today?

Wellstar is reporting the current number of COVID patients in our care, daily. 

• Are we testing for other respiratory illnesses such as flu, or are we assuming everything is COVID?

All COVID-19 patients have been confirmed to be COVID positive with a COVID-19 test. 

• Do you administer monoclonal antibodies?

Yes, Wellstar Health System does administer monoclonal antibodies for outpatient treatment of COVID-19 patients who qualify based on emergency use authorization (EUA). If you have COVID-19, contact your Wellstar medical provider to see if you are eligible for this treatment.   

Learn more about the Delta Variant of COVID-19 and what you can do to protect yourself and others. To find a vaccination site near you, visit vaccines.gov. Get updates and information on COVID-19 at Wellstar by visiting wellstar.org/COVID19.

As the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads, our communities are seeing a surge in cases, especially among the unvaccinated and in children not yet eligible for the vaccines.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, it is recommended you get tested so you can take action for your health and to help stop the spread. Wellstar is offering rapid and PCR tests at all 17 of our urgent care locations, keeping care convenient and close to home. Testing is also available at retail pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS, as well as through your local health department.

How do I get tested?

If you require COVID-19 testing, we encourage you to book an appointment online in advance whether you have symptoms or not. At this time, all online appointments are reserved for COVID-19 testing due to high demand.

While we also offer walk-in COVID-19 evaluations and testing, reserving a time online is often easier for busy schedules and may potentially help save time in the waiting room.

We are still providing walk-in care for other non-emergent medical issues, such as colds, sprains, strains, minor cuts and burns.

What if my child needs a COVID-19 test?

While our urgent care centers will perform COVID-19 testing on children 12 and older, Wellstar recommends choosing a testing location based on your child’s medical circumstance. If your child requires a COVID-19 test and is:

• Asymptomatic (showing no symptoms): Find a local COVID-19 testing site near you.
• Showing mild to moderate symptoms: Contact your Wellstar pediatrician’s office directly to book a COVID-19 testing appointment.
• Experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, unable to keep liquids down, lethargy, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms: Seek immediate medical care at the nearest pediatric emergency department.

For more information, visit our Pediatric Care During COVID-19 resource page.

Which tests are available?

Wellstar offers rapid and PCR tests. Both tests involve a provider inserting a swab into your nose to collect nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat.

PCR tests look for viral genetic material in the sample. Test results are usually available within 24 hours. A lab processes the sample. Same-day results are available at the urgent care centers located at Wellstar health parks when testing is completed by noon.

Rapid COVID-19 tests detect specific protein in the sample, which may indicate a COVID-19 infection. The sample is then processed at the testing location. Results are also available at the testing location, normally in 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I still be treated at an urgent care location if my health issue is unrelated to COVID-19?

We are still offering walk-in urgent care for non-emergent medical issues, such as:

• Cold/flu
• Cough
• Cuts
• Minor burns
• Sore throat
• Sprains

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best defense against COVID-19 is vaccination. Everyone 12 and older is eligible to get vaccinated, and the shots are very effective at preventing COVID-19. Visit your local retail pharmacy to stick it to COVID and get your vaccine. 

However, our youngest community members under the age of 12 are especially vulnerable because they can’t get their shots yet. As schools are back in session, it is especially crucial that we step up to protect ourselves and our communities. Follow the 3Ws — wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance from others — and get a check-up with your Wellstar primary care provider to stay healthy. 

It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and at Wellstar Health System, we understand many people may feel frustrated. For a moment, life seemed to be getting back to normal, but now it feels as though we’re back at the start.

However, we can’t give up the fight. As the Delta variant and other strains of the virus emerge and spread, it’s time to take action.

We have to rise up and take COVID-19 down. It’s up to all of us to make well happen.

That’s because just as much as saving lives and fighting illness happens every day at Wellstar, creating a healthy world starts with you. And right now, we have hope through new, life-saving tools to defeat the virus.

Here’s how to do your part to make well happen:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine to stick it to COVID and help stop the spread of the virus.
• Schedule a wellness exam with your Wellstar primary care provider to stay on top of your health.
• Wear a mask to help protect yourself and others. Keep in mind, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and highly transmissible through the air. Wearing a mask can help reduce community spread, even if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds to rid your hands of viruses, bacteria and other harmful germs that are easily spread by touching.
• Watch your distance around other to avoid community spread of COVID-19.

While these actions may seem small, they have a huge impact when it comes to keeping Georgia safe and healthy.

Right now, people who are unvaccinated and children under the age of 12 who aren’t eligible to receive the vaccine are at risk. Vulnerable members of the community are counting on us to step up and get vaccinated.

Together, we can help save lives and keep each other safe.

How Wellstar is helping to make well happen:

As you dedicate yourself to doing your part, Wellstar continues to keep the people and communities we serve safe every day. We have been working hard to make well happen, across all of our hospitals, health parks, urgent care centers and hundreds of medical offices.

From suiting up in PPE to keeping our facilities sparkling clean, our team has put additional measures in place to protect our patients and ensure people can receive safe, expert care.

To learn more, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital performed its first robotic neurovascular case — a diagnostic cerebral angiogram, which is a procedure used to evaluate blood vessels in the brain. The ability to complete these high-level procedures is now possible using the CorPath System, a robotic-assisted technology. Neurosurgeons Dr. Ahmad Khaldi and Dr. William Humphries performed the procedure.

“The first case with the CorPath System was very successful. Sitting away from the patient in a radiation-protected cockpit, I was able to use a joystick to advance the catheter, millimeter by millimeter,” Dr. Khaldi said. “Additionally, the enhanced visualization of the technology provided me with great control of the catheter. In my opinion, the enhanced control, visualization, and measurement of the CorPath System will transform the way we perform neurovascular procedures and ultimately improve patient care.”

“An aging baby boomer population is driving demand for new innovative technologies to treat strokes,” added Dr. Humphries. “Robotics offers physicians and patients a minimally-invasive technology that may improve the ability to provide rapid endovascular care to patients in the future.”

The CorPath System allows interventional neurosurgeons to perform the procedure remotely, away from the patient bedside. Seated in a radiation-protected cockpit, the physician uses a joystick to robotize catheters and wires to access the neck and brain blood vessels. Additionally, the technology provides neurosurgeons with the ability to accurately measure blockages and precisely position stents. The hope is that this technology will eventually be used for additional stroke treatments to restore blood flow to the brain and treat other complex diseases such as brain aneurysms.

“We are proud to be one of the first medical centers in Georgia to adopt the CorPath System,” said Wellstar Senior Vice President and Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Chief Operating Officer Callie Andrews. “The adoption of the CorPath System at Wellstar Kennestone truly emphasizes our continuous commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technology to our patients and clinical community.”

Whether it’s your first time on campus or you’re a seasoned college student, the start of a new school semester can be exciting, stressful and a little scary all at the same time.

Between finding classes on campus and fitting in with new friends, you may be feeling anxious about the upcoming semester. Keep in mind, new-school-year nerves are normal and there are resources to help you — including your Wellstar primary care physician as well as on-campus counselors.

While the COVID-19 pandemic may make your college experience look different this year, you can use your independence on campus to take control of your well-being.

“As you head back to college, your new freedom also means making important decisions about your health,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “With new variants of COVID-19 on the rise, getting the vaccine is your best defense against the virus.”

“Be sure to follow other safety protocols on campus like the 3W’s — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance — to keep yourself safe,” Dr. Doyle shared.

To help you start the semester off right, here are some wellness tips so you can take on the new year and live your best, healthiest life.

Study guide to stay healthy

From medical appointments to personal safety, follow our tips to prepare for college and prioritize your health.

• Take control of your health. Book your annual physical with your primary care physician at the start of the semester.
• Keep yourself safe. Get the COVID-19 vaccine and follow your school’s guidelines about the virus, such as social distancing and mask protocol.
• Lead by example. It can be hard to do the right thing and mask up — especially when your college peers may not be — but it’s important to follow safety precautions to make well happen.
• Make mental health a priority. Bring up any questions or concerns with your primary care provider and learn about mental health resources at your college.
• Stay organized. Use a planner or calendar to schedule classes, exams and study time to keep yourself on track.
• Set roommate rules. If you’re living with roommates, create clear rules for your space like noise levels, chores and when other friends are allowed over.
• Know your surroundings. Get familiar with the campus layout and where the security station or emergency phones are located.
• Use the buddy system. Stay alert on campus and walk with a friend when possible, especially at night.
• Protect yourself at parties. Never leave drinks unattended, whether you’re hanging out at a bar, party or other gathering with friends.
• Schedule in self-care. College can be intense. Make time for yourself to do things you enjoy for your mental and physical well-being.

Get ready for campus life

Heading to college can be a big transition, and you may feel anxiety about the upcoming changes, especially during a pandemic. But don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need help getting ready or adjusting.

Talking to your Wellstar is a great place to start, whether your concerns are about physical, emotional or mental health. Our health partners are here to support you and can connect you with specialists to keep you feeling well.

Book your appointment today, and be sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.

As children prepare for the new school year, one step families can take to stay healthy is to head to the pediatrician for an annual check-up.

Regular pediatric check-ups are beneficial for the whole family. Together, you can discuss your child’s development, behavior, eating habits, sleep schedule and any other concerns you may have about their health. Because you and your child share the same goal — staying healthy and happy — your Wellstar pediatrician will partner with you both.

The largest emergency department (ED) in Georgia just passed a huge milestone. Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s new, state-of-the-art ED has now been serving Cobb County and the surrounding community for one year.

From saving lives with advanced medical care to fighting COVID-19 on the frontlines, our expert emergency team has truly risen to the challenge over the last year — and we’re just getting started.

At 263,000 sq. ft., our Level II Trauma Center is more than double the size of the hospital’s prior ED. However, it’s not just the impressive size of the building that sets it apart.

With cutting-edge technology, leading treatments and expert providers always at the ready, the Wellstar Kennestone ED delivers better, faster care when it matters most.

PeopleCare when it counts

When it comes to emergency care, every second matters.

From top to bottom, the new ED is built to save lives. The innovative layout includes separate care zones based on medical service, level of care and age, allowing us to treat patients faster. We even have a full-service pediatric area so our littlest patients can receive specialized, kid-friendly care.

Since its opening on July 23, 2020, the Wellstar Kennestone ED has:

• Served 104,980 of our family, friends and neighbors in the community.
• Treated 10,759 pediatric patients, who can get back to being kids again.
• Performed 319 emergency surgeries with advanced, life-saving technology.
• Landed 244 helicopters, which flew patients in for fast, expert treatment.

While those may be a lot of statistics, Wellstar never treats people like a number. With the ED’s high-tech capabilities and smart design, our medical experts can still personalize care even amid a life-threatening situation.

So, whether you or a family member experiences a traumatic injury or sudden medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke, the Wellstar Kennestone ED offers quick, effective emergency care close to home.

Care during COVID-19 & moving forward

Emergencies don’t stop — even during a pandemic. When the Wellstar Kennestone ED opened during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Georgians still needed to find safe emergency care.

We’ve added new infection prevention protocols into our already thorough safety routines, ensuring our medical experts can provide safe, life-saving care every day. In uncertain times, people count on Wellstar for expert trauma and emergency care.

Today, the Wellstar Kennestone ED is continuing to protect the people and communities we serve. From emergency surgery to expert trauma care to behavioral health services, we make sure people can get the emergency care they need without going far.

Learn more about the Wellstar Kennestone ED and how we are making a difference in Georgia.

A new school year is right around the corner. While kids may be the ones returning to the classroom, parents still have their own homework to do too: making sure their child has a healthy start.

Before heading back to school, Wellstar health experts say it’s more important than ever prioritize your child’s physical and emotional well-being.

“Parents can help their children be prepared for school by starting early,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “Be sure to speak to your children and address any anxieties they may have now about the new school year.”

“Also, getting them scheduled to see their pediatrician for important screenings and immunizations will help them be their healthiest,” he shared.

A new cardiac hybrid operating room at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital brings a catheterization lab and surgery suite together in one space, making treatment more efficient and encouraging collaboration between our expert providers.

The operating room, which is projected to treat more than 500 patients a year, is outfitted with the latest technology in heart care. The equipment brings together multiple imaging modalities in one environment allowing for an enhanced view of the patient’s beating heart during procedures. 

With tableside control of multiple applications in the lab, providers have the freedom of movement to focus on exacting their treatment strategy, thus improving outcomes. This technology is also safer because it exposes both patients and providers to less radiation.

“This state-of-the-art space is the most advanced hybrid operating room in the Atlanta area,” said Dr. Amar Patel, interventional cardiologist and co-medical director for the structural heart and valve program at Wellstar. “Bringing several services into one room allows us to provide complex cardiac care for our community efficiently and effectively, using the top tools available to us.”

Structural heart procedures, such as valve repairs or replacements, will be performed in the hybrid operating room, along with cardiac surgery and some electrophysiology procedures that can determine the cause of heart rhythm problems.

To learn more about how Wellstar can keep your heart in top shape, visit wellstar.org/heartcare.

Wellstar East Cobb Health Park now has a new, non-invasive way to get an inside look at your liver health, quickly and painlessly. 

An exam with FibroScan, the first FDA-cleared device for diagnosis and monitoring of liver disease, only takes a few minutes, is painless for the patient and produces immediate results for evaluation by a physician.

Results can be used to rule out the need for an expensive, more painful liver biopsy or other invasive procedure. 

“When it comes to your liver health, it’s best to be proactive and take action to stay healthy before issues develop,” said Dr. Arif Aziz, chief of Wellstar’s digestive health service line. “This cutting-edge device allows us to monitor your liver without a painful or time-consuming procedure, and since it’s conveniently located at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park, our patients don’t have to travel to take advantage of this new technology.”

The exam only takes about five to 10 minutes. You will lie comfortably on an exam table and raise your right arm above your head. Then, the operator will apply a water-based gel to your skin and place the probe on your ribcage. They will take 10 quick, pain-free measurements. The technology not only saves you pain, it speeds up the diagnostic process as well — results are available immediately for your physician to review.

This new technology can be especially useful for diabetic patients. Fatty liver disease makes it more difficult to control diabetes and can worsen outcomes. 

Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis of liver and associated complications. It is one of the leading reasons for liver transplant in the United States.

To learn more about your liver health and schedule a FibroScan exam, make an appointment with a Wellstar gastroenterologist.

If you’re a sports fan, you probably know your stats.

Like how NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins remains undefeated in Atlanta Hawks history for PTS (points: 23,292). And that Atlanta Brave Mike Soroka’s career ERA (earned run average) is 2.86. But there are a few, more important numbers you should know off the top of your head: your health stats.

Do you know your BP (blood pressure)? What about your LDL (low-density lipoproteins)? Maybe you can clock an eight-minute mile or bench press 250 pounds, but do you know your BMI (body mass index)?

Statistically speaking, men are less likely than women to see their doctor once a year.

Dr. Randolph Taylor, a Wellstar Sports and Primary Care Physician, said men typically avoid seeing a doctor due to fear of receiving bad news.

“Similar to how athletes look at their stats to improve their performance, we as men need to visit our primary care physicians regularly to know our medical stats in to order to perform as husbands, fathers and sons,” Dr. Taylor said. “Yearly physicals can catch illnesses before they start and prevent health issues from getting worse.”

Getting and staying healthy doesn’t just help us feel better — it ensures we can be there for those we care about, too.

“It’s also for loved ones — spouses, partners, children and parents. We’re not only here for us. We’re here for our friends and family,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller. “The best thing you can do for those you care for is to take care of yourself.”

 

Stats all men should know to stay in the game:

• BMI (body mass index). This metric determines whether you have a healthy body weight and categorizes obesity levels. A normal BMI range is between 18.5 - 25.
• LDL and HDL (low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). This blood test measures cholesterol levels and should be part of your wellness routine starting in your 20s. For men age 20 or older, healthy LDL levels should be under 100 milligrams per deciliter and aim to keep your HDL above 40.
• BP (blood pressure). Your provider will take your blood pressure during your regular visit, but you can also find blood pressure checking stations at many pharmacies or buy your own device to use at home. Blood pressure under 120/80 is considered ideal.
• HgA1c (hemoglobin A1C). This metric measures whether or not you have healthy blood sugar. If you are diabetic, you should check your A1C every three months.
• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen Test). Men who are 50 or older should discuss prostate cancer testing with their provider, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at a higher risk, including African American men and those who had a brother or father diagnosed with cancer before age 65, should ask their provider about testing at age 45. Patients who had more than one close relative with prostate cancer at an early age should have this conversation with their provider when they’re 40.

 

Along with staying up-to-date on those health stats, men should also be getting regular colorectal cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer screening get checked regularly beginning at age 45. Screenings should continue through age 75, and after that patients can discuss their personal risk and history with their provider.

Your Wellstar primary care provider will partner with you in creating a personalized health plan. To find a primary care provider, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule an appointment online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably glued to every game, rooting for your team and analyzing every play. But are you as vigilant with your own health?

In addition to knowing your health stats — those important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar — you should also watch out for health conditions that more commonly impact men.

An annual physical gives you the opportunity to ask your provider questions about your health, and you’ll also get a few quick, crucial health screenings that can catch issues early or put you on track for staying well. 

“See a doctor at a minimum of once a year to prevent issues from occurring,” said Dr. Randolph Taylor, a Wellstar Primary Care and Sports Medicine Physician.

A minimum of a yearly exam will allow the discussion of issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and sex drive, Dr. Taylor said.

That annual checkup isn’t the only thing men need to do to stay healthy. Dr. Taylor also recommended that men get regular exercise and avoid smoking to stay in top shape and prevent illness.

Take action against these illnesses

Some illnesses are more likely to affect men than women, so men should be especially mindful about taking steps to prevent these issues:

• Cardiac issues. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. About 1 in 13 white men, 1 in 14 African American men and 1 in 17 Hispanic men have coronary heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Knowing your stats like blood pressure and cholesterol can help you assess your risk, and your Wellstar provider will collaborate with you on a personalized heart health plan.
• Lung cancer. Men are slightly more likely to get lung cancer — the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 15, while it is 1 in 17 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. African American men are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to white men. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Parkinson’s disease. Men are more likely than women to have Parkinson’s disease. Wellstar’s neurologists and neurosurgeons are experts in helping patients manage this condition.
• Kidney stones. The lifetime risk of kidney stones is about 19% in men and 9% in women, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Staying hydrated can help prevent kidney stones.
• Prostate cancer. While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer and are more commonly affected at younger ages. Men who are 50 or older should ask their doctor about testing, and African American men should discuss testing with their provider at age 45. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should also consider screenings at a younger age, and your provider will discuss your options with you. 

Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller also said men need to stay active and stay away from smoking. But he also said a few lifestyle changes that are sometimes overlooked can make a difference in how you feel.

“What’s often neglected is a full and consistent night’s sleep,” Dr. Miller said. “And keep stress under control — too much stress can negatively impact our immune systems.” 

To find a primary care provider, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page. 

With dedicated health resources and caring, compassionate providers, Wellstar is making care more accessible to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+).

Historically, many healthcare systems have not focused on the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Wellstar Family Medicine Physician Dr. Gabriella Maris addressed the gap in care.

“The LGBTQ+ community has been marginalized by the healthcare system,” Dr. Maris said. “There is a lack of providers who have adequate training to understand and treat their unique health risks.”

Wellstar believes every person should have access to safe, high-quality healthcare. At each of our primary care locations, we maintain a welcoming, non-judgmental environment to treat patients.

“I want to be a very vocal advocate and ally for people who identify as LGTBQ+,” said Dr. Jeremy Neuman, family medicine physician at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. “I want them to know this is a safe place. I am here to support them in their health and life goals.”

Our family medicine practice in Atlanta also offers specialized health services to people who are LGBTQ+, making it easier to get care close to home.

“My goal with this practice is to address the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community,” Dr. Maris said, who is a physician at the convenient Atlanta location.

Across Wellstar Health System, we’re committed to providing inclusive medical services in a safe, comfortable space to make LGBTQ+ care more available.

When a stroke or heart attack strikes, every second matters. Saving time could mean saving a life, and it’s crucial that medical treatment starts right away. That’s why in the case of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately — don’t drive yourself or another person to the hospital. 

Emergency Medical Service crews are trained to start life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital, minimizing damage to your heart or brain. They can also conduct and interpret electrocardiograms to diagnose a heart attack in the ambulance. 

You also don’t want to drive if you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke yourself because your condition could worsen on the way to the emergency department and impact your ability to stay safe on the road. 

“If you're having an emergency, which could be severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness that you can't really explain, you've got to call 911,” said Dr. Ed Malcom, an emergency medicine physician at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. “The ambulance and the EMS services will get you to the emergency department in a safe way, and we will get you taken care of.” 

When a patient has a heart attack, ambulance crews communicate with our cardiac team on the way to the hospital, bypassing the emergency department and diverting directly to the cardiac catheterization lab, where our team is ready to restore blood flow to your heart. Calling 911 means reopening the heart artery sooner. And when someone has a stroke, it’s also crucial to take action right away — the sooner you seek treatment, the more brainpower can be saved. 

To learn more about how Wellstar treats heart attacks and strokes, visit our heart care and neuro care pages. 

Wellstar’s cancer care team follows patients through every step of their cancer treatment, from screening to becoming a survivor. Cancer care is about more than a chemotherapy or radiation appointment — and our providers get to know their patients, rejoice in every milestone and support them even after they’re cancer-free.  

This year for National Cancer Survivors Day, we’d like to join our patients in reflecting on their cancer journeys and celebrating their victories. Survivors Day is not only a joyful occasion for survivors and their loved ones but serves to inspire those undergoing treatment, assuring them that their providers and communities are on their side cheering them on. 

“It’s a planned moment in time that everyone stops, looks and listens and really cherishes that very moment where we can look back at the cancer journey and see how far we’ve come — and then have hope as we look into the future for quality of life and more time with our loved ones,” said Marsha Suber, assistant vice president for hospital operations at Wellstar Cobb Hospital. 

Events at several of our locations, including precautions such as wearing a mask and social distancing, will bring together survivors and their support systems to celebrate victory over cancer. Just like defeating cancer is collaborative — uniting expert providers, resilient patients and caring loved ones and supporters — Survivors Day will include everyone involved in a patient’s cancer treatment. 

“Cancer doesn’t just impact the patient. It impacts everyone around them, so including everyone in the education, therapy management and support of the cancer patient is critical for not only the patient’s mental health but for the family’s,” Suber said. 

Several Wellstar facilities will host Survivors Day events. RSVP for one of these celebrations by calling (877) 366-6032, then pressing 0. 

• Wellstar Cobb Hospital - Monday, June 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
• Wellstar Acworth Health Park - Saturday, June 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 
• Wellstar Paulding Hospital - Sunday, June 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. 
• Wellstar North Fulton Hospital - Sunday, June 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. 
• Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center - Sunday, June 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. 

When you’re struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise, watching the number on the scale continue to go up can get frustrating. If you aren’t seeing results, it may be time to consider a new solution.

Bariatric surgery — commonly known as weight loss surgery — could be the answer to help you slim down when healthy lifestyle changes aren’t enough. At Wellstar, people who take the next step don’t have to do it alone.

Wellstar Cobb Hospital has a comprehensive weight loss surgery program so you can become a healthier version of yourself. Led by Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Dr. Suraj Menachery, the team is dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness goals.

“Wellstar Cobb has built such a caring and impressive team,” Dr. Menachery said. “We’ve created an outstanding community of support.”

From consultation to surgery to recovery, Dr. Menachery and his experienced team will make sure you get the care you need.

When people plan outside activities or a trip to the tanning salon, skin cancer may be the last thing on their minds. However, prolonged or intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays — either from the sun or tanning beds — is harmful to your skin.

Skin cancer can be sneaky when it starts. The disease often begins as just a mole and, if left untreated, can develop into a bigger skin problem. Melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, is a growing concern for many health experts.

“Of all skin cancers, melanoma is the most serious and it is becoming increasingly more common worldwide,” said Dr. Dean Kirkel, oncologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. “The disease can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, and even be potentially fatal.”

Since hiding away from the sun isn’t an option, you can make better choices for your skin health, such as wearing sunscreen, skipping the tanning bed and avoiding sunburns.

In addition to protecting your skin, you can take charge of your health with simple steps to catch skin cancer earlier.

When it comes to strokes, seconds can mean the difference between life, death and lasting damage. That’s why Wellstar Health System is dedicated to developing faster, more effective stroke treatments not just for Georgians, but people across the nation.

Recently, Wellstar Director of Stroke & Neurocritical Care Dr. Rishi Gupta helped test a groundbreaking device to treat complex ischemic strokes, working alongside UCLA’s Dr. Jeffrey Saver and device manufacturer Rapid Medical.

During a two-year period, patients in 16 medical centers across the country were enrolled in a clinical trial to develop the state-of-the-art stroke treatment, with Wellstar registering the highest number of participants.

Dr. Gupta’s efforts will have a profound impact on stroke treatment moving forward, as Wellstar continues to lead the pack when it comes to neuro care.

“Wellstar is on the cutting-edge of many new stroke technologies and therapies, through our participation in groundbreaking clinical trials,” Dr. Gupta explained. “Our research not only brings patients in Georgia the most advanced stroke treatments close to home, but can help save more lives across the country.”

Now, neurointerventionalists nationwide will have access to the new, FDA-approved technology called TIGERTRIEVER™ to help stop strokes faster and improve patient outcomes.

For many people, the warning signs of a stroke — like numbness in the arm, confusion, loss of balance or trouble speaking and seeing — are unmistakable. But often, the underlying cause of these life-threatening medical events can be harder to uncover.

“Strokes are complicated because there’s no pain associated with it,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Many people think they can sleep it off and they’ll be better in the morning.”

“However, if you are experiencing the signs of a stroke, the faster you get to the emergency room, the more likely it is that we can reverse disability.”

While the telltale symptoms may be similar to one another, all strokes are not alike.

At Wellstar, we know each and every stroke is different. That’s why our neuro team provides tailored care along with fast, life-saving treatment for all types of strokes, even the most complex cases.

Fight back against strokes and learn the difference between the three main types: ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attack.

When a patient has a pulmonary embolism, it’s crucial that they receive the right care, right away. A new team of experts at Wellstar brings together specialists from several disciplines to collaborate on care, quickly and accurately assessing patients and formalizing a personalized treatment plan.

The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT), implemented systemwide at Wellstar, ensures that all our patients receive timely treatment for this serious condition. Pulmonary embolisms, or blood clots in the lung’s arteries, are the third leading cause of death among hospitalized people and the third most common cardiovascular cause of death. With this new initiative, patients have an entire care team dedicated to fighting those statistics. 

The PERT includes interventional cardiologists, critical care specialists, pulmonary experts, emergency medicine physicians and hematologists, who look at the patient’s case from multiple perspectives.

“In emergencies like pulmonary embolism, time is of the essence in treating this potentially fatal condition,” said Dr. Salvatore Mannino, Medical Director of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology for Wellstar. “With our new multi-disciplinary, multi-hospital team, several specialists can weigh in at once, speeding up treatment and making sure the patient receives the treatment that will lead to the best outcome.” 

If a patient needs to be transferred to another facility for treatment, Wellstar makes that transition seamless, with providers efficiently communicating between hospitals about the patient’s personalized care plan.  

Learn more about how Wellstar’s cardiovascular providers can keep you healthy at wellstar.org/heartcare. To make an appointment, call (770) 956-STAR.

When someone has a stroke, it’s crucial that they get treatment right away. 

If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Ambulance crews can start treatment on the way to the hospital, speeding up care and saving brainpower. 

“Many people think that they can sleep it off, or that they can go to bed and they'll be better in the morning,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, Wellstar director of stroke and neurocritical care. “If you have a loss of sensation, you cannot move your arm or your leg, you have trouble speaking or you have trouble with your vision, the faster you get to the emergency room, the more likely we are to reverse your disability.” 

Learn the warning signs of a stroke, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone else, BE FAST. 

• Balance — One sign is a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.
• Eyes — Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be symptoms of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
• Face — One side of the face may be drooping or feeling numb. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears lopsided or uneven.
• Arms — Look for sudden arm weakness or numbness. Check if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.
• Speech — Check for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to determine if they are having trouble talking.
• Time — The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged. Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Reduce your risk of a stroke by living a healthy lifestyle. Your Wellstar provider can partner with you in creating a treatment plan to stay in good health. To learn more about Wellstar’s brain, spine and nerve health services, visit our neuro care page or call (770) 956-STAR (7827). 

These days, people can connect with friends online or join a virtual business meeting with just a click of a button. So, why not make your next doctor’s appointment just as easy?

With Wellstar Virtual Care, you can visit your Wellstar physician, remotely – from the comfort and convenience of home. All you need is a smartphone, computer or tablet to stay connected with your provider.

From getting wellness exams to managing chronic conditions, Wellstar Virtual Care gives you the flexibility to find safe, expert care anywhere.

For more than a year, our communities have done their part to fight COVID-19.  

We have stayed home, worn masks when we’ve gone out, been extra careful with washing our hands and avoided large gatherings. That’s meant that holidays and birthdays have looked a little different, all so we can stay safe and healthy. 

The separation and fear have been draining, and many of us have dealt with loneliness and stress as we worry about our health and our loved ones. 

But now we have something to celebrate. Hope has arrived in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine. All Georgians age 12 or older are now eligible to get their shots. 

At Wellstar, we've chosen to lead by example. Across our health system, frontline healthcare workers and leadership have "stuck it to COVID." Whether they want to gather with friends and family, travel to a new destination or help protect vulnerable members of the community, our Wellstar team members all have their #MyWhy — the reason they chose to get vaccinated. 

For Dr. Jeffrey Hines, chief of gynecologic oncology for Wellstar, getting the shot was about a sense of responsibility. As medical director of the Wellstar Center for Health Equity, Dr. Hines works to ensure our underserved populations have access to the care they need to stay safe and healthy. He got the COVID-19 vaccine to protect those around him. 

“I’m a father, I’m a husband, I’m a brother and I’m a grandfather, and it’s important for me to protect my family,” Dr. Hines said. “I understand the science, and the science is important, but equally important to me is I want to be a trusted voice to people in the community who are most at risk for this and perhaps may have the most questions.” 

Dr. Sophia McIntyre, senior vice president of Wellstar Medical Group, also said she got her shot to stop the spread, noting that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected minority communities.  

“The reason why I got the COVID-19 vaccine is to ensure that I’m doing my part to bend the curve,” Dr. McIntyre said. “We know that African Americans and Latino Americans are dying at a higher proportion.” 

Dr. Danny Branstetter, Wellstar’s medical director for infection prevention, has been at the forefront of Wellstar’s work to fight COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. Now, he wants to see life return to normal, because health isn’t just about your body. It’s also about your personal connections and overall well-being. 

“I’m tired of being separated from my friends and family. I’m tired of seeing small businesses fold,” Dr. Branstetter said. “I’m tired of seeing the increased burden this places on those without resources. I’m tired of the loneliness this puts on those who are isolated and the elderly. My question is, aren’t you tired, too?” 

All of us play a part in ending this pandemic. 

“We’re in this together, and we can end this together through vaccination,” Dr. Branstetter said. 

To find a vaccination site near you, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website or local retail pharmacy.

She had a herniated disc on her sciatic nerve, along with degenerative disease, which is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain. She had tried epidurals and other treatments without much improvement, and it got to the point where she couldn’t walk without taking heavy pain medication.

But Barbara was determined to stay mobile. She turned to Dr. Marcus Gates, a neurosurgeon at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, about her next steps. Barbara was a little hesitant about surgery, but after getting to know Dr. Gates and discussing her treatment options, she felt confident about conquering her pain.

“Dr. Gates made me feel comfortable,” Barbara said. “He explained all the details of the surgery, such as how long the incision would be and how long it would take. He has a great bedside manner.”

For Dr. Gates, surgery is about more than the procedure — it’s about the person and how he can help them live a fulfilling life.

“Everything is tailored to the patient. It's customized care,” Dr. Gates said. “So what I'm trying to do is listen to the patient, figure out what exactly they need and try to provide that care as efficiently as possible.”

Barbara said Dr. Gates helped ease her fears about surgery and envision her life without pain.

“Dr. Gates told me I would walk out of the hospital after surgery,” she said. “He inspired me, and I believed him.”Barbara was back to doing her usual activities the same day of the minimally invasive surgery.

To learn more about how you can find success through spine surgery and find a solution for your pain, make an appointment with Dr. Gates in Austell or Smyrna at (470) 956-4410.

Barbara Deans

A stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. In fact, every four minutes someone in the United States experiences a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During Stroke Awareness Month this May, Wellstar health experts are spreading the word about how they’re helping Georgians can stay ahead of these life-threatening medical events.

“Because we live in the stroke belt here in Georgia, it is imperative we provide cutting-edge care for stroke victims,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Wellstar’s ability to leverage our hospitals to work as one, cohesive unit and provide the same quality of care across the board really sets our health system apart.”

With the largest Joint Commission stroke-certified network in Georgia and access to advanced stroke care, Wellstar is dedicated to treating strokes faster and more effectively. But while we’re always ready to jump into action with life-saving treatments, stopping a stroke starts with you.

Do your part to lower the risk of a stroke and learn the warning signs that may help save a life.

At Wellstar, every cancer patient’s care plan is tailored just for their needs. When it comes to head and neck cancers, a team of expert specialists form an interdisciplinary care team that supports the patient and their family through the whole treatment process.

“The concepts are the same, but every case is different,” said Dr. Justin Hart, a Wellstar radiation oncologist. “Every patient’s situation is unique, so we need to fully understand the location and extent of their disease and then customize their treatment plan. This is why our multidisciplinary Head and Neck STAT Clinic is so critical for these patients.  Only in a STAT Clinic can a head and neck surgeon and a radiation oncologist evaluate patients simultaneously.”

The Head and Neck Cancer Specialty Teams and Treatments (STAT) Clinic involves multiple specialists at once, giving patients and their loved ones the opportunity to get their questions answered in fewer visits. Patients and their families are involved in every decision, and their providers are right by their side. 

“We work together as an interdisciplinary care team, and the patient sees that they have multiple specialists invested in their care,” Dr. Hart said. “It shows them that their doctors are thinking of them together, even if we may be interacting with them separately after seeing them as a team in the STAT Clinic.”

The STAT Clinic also speeds up diagnosis, staging and treatment.  “We get answers faster, so we can help tailor that care plan much earlier. Then, the patient can start treatment sooner and get healthy,” said Dr. Timothy Ryan, a Wellstar Ear Nose & Throat physician. “We know that earlier treatment improves outcomes for patients.”

Head and neck cancers, like many forms of cancer, are much more treatable if caught early, so it is important patients pay attention and contact their provider right away if they experience any symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Head and neck cancers can present in many different ways. If you experience any of these signs, be proactive and reach out to your Wellstar provider so you can address the issue and find the cause. 

In the mouth

• A white or red sore that does not heal on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
• Swelling in the jaw
• Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth
• A lump or thickening
• Problems with dentures

At the back of the mouth (pharynx)

• Trouble breathing or speaking
• A lump or thickening
• Trouble chewing or swallowing food
• A feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Pain in the throat that won’t go away
• Pain or ringing in the ears or trouble hearing

In the voice box (larynx)

• Pain when swallowing
• Ear pain

In the sinuses and nasal cavity

• Blocked sinuses that don’t clear
• Sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics
• Bleeding through the nose
• Headaches
• Pain and swelling around the eyes
• Pain in the upper teeth
• Problems with dentures

Dr. Ryan also recommends that if you’re a smoker and you have hoarseness for more than six weeks, you should see a Wellstar Ear Nose & Throat physician.

About twice as many men as women get head and neck cancers, and they are more common in people over the age of 50.

Although Wellstar’s expert providers are well-equipped to help you fight head and neck cancer, there are several steps you can take to prevent cancer from forming, including limiting exposure to the sun and cutting out tobacco and alcohol. Your Wellstar care team can work with you on a plan to keep your head and neck healthy and set achievable goals to prevent cancer. To learn more about head and neck cancer, see Wellstar’s guide to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. Call (770) 956-STAR for more information.

You can schedule an appointment with a Wellstar provider by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of the page. Learn more at wellstar.org/cancercare. 

A cancer diagnosis can be unexpected and scary for both patients and their loved ones. But at Wellstar, we know the key to fighting cancer lies in a collaborative team approach.  

That’s why we’ve partnered with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers (NGOC) to bring the highest level of expert cancer care to Georgia. Here, you will have a multidisciplinary team by your side — an entire group of experts who will take the time to get to know you and will help you face cancer with confidence. 

“We’re there for our patients, to come up with their cancer plan, to get them through that, but we also follow them, oftentimes for 5 years or 10 years, to make sure that their cancer doesn’t come back,” said Dr. Michael Andrews, chief cancer officer at Wellstar. “It can be a very rewarding and close relationship.” 

NGOC is a team of board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists passionate about fighting for each patient. They are leaders and innovators in community-based cancer care and focus on creating the best outcomes for each patient.  

And with convenient locations all throughout metro Atlanta, you can get the care you need without the added stress of travel. 

Thanks to high precision instruments and tiny incisions, robotic-assisted surgeons give people a chance to have better outcomes—such as less recovery pain, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, or for some outpatient procedures, no hospital stay at all.

World-class robotic services close to home

“We offer patients the best-in-class robotic surgical services, spanning from cancer and cardiothoracic procedures to highly coordinated bariatric robotic surgery—and everything in between,” said Dr. Scott Miller, a Wellstar urologist in North Fulton.

Wellstar has grown to house 13 state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical systems at several of our hospitals and two outpatient surgery centers.

Because of the remarkable demand for robotics and the comprehensive offerings of the program, Wellstar recently named Dr. Miller the Director of Robotic Surgical Services. In his role, he ensures best practices are followed to deliver consistent, high-quality robotic procedures across all Wellstar locations.

Tiny instruments, big benefits

“One of the great things about robotic surgery is that we can do bigger operations through smaller incisions,” said Dr. Harry Lightfoot, a general surgeon at Wellstar Cobb Hospital and Wellstar Vinings Health Park. “Ultimately, that has a better impact on patients. Robotic surgery allows me to do complex work with less pain, less risk of infection—and it helps the patients get back to their lives faster.”

Dr. Lightfoot compared the length-of-stay in the hospital for a patient who has a robotic colon resection versus an open procedure. The majority of his patients go home within 1 ½ to 2 ½ days but a patient who has an open procedure stays in the hospital around a week.

“The idea is to have the least amount of tissue manipulation,” he explained. “By limiting the how much we alter the tissues, body processes go uninterrupted, and patients have quicker recoveries.”

As the weather starts to warm and flowers bloom, spring is in the air – and so is pollen.

If you deal with frustrating symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing or watery eyes, you’re not alone. Each year, more than 50 million people in the United States have allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Wellstar knows every Achoo! can impact your daily life, making it difficult to enjoy outside activities with family and friends. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, you can use simple strategies to take control of your seasonal allergies.

Tips to Relieve Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are your immune system’s response to certain environmental triggers, such as pollen from trees, grass or flowers. Your body’s reaction to these allergens can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, red or itchy eyes, throat irritation and post-nasal drip.

By playing it smart and planning ahead, you can take steps to relieve your allergy symptoms. Follow the helpful tips below to say goodbye to seasonal allergies:

• Masks make a cool accessory. Wearing a mask can not only keep others safe from COVID-19, but also prevent you from breathing in pollen and other allergens.
• Try over-the-counter medications. Consult your Wellstar provider about common allergy remedies like antihistamines and nasal spray.
• Check the weather report. Avoid outside activities on days that are dry, windy or have a high pollen count of 1,000 or more.
• Don’t invite allergens inside. Keep windows and doors shut to prevent pollen from blowing into your home and contaminating surfaces.
• Stay on top of spring cleaning. Dust and vacuum often to remove potential allergens, such as dust, dander and pollen.
• Don’t forget your four-legged friends. Be sure to wash or brush your pets more often to remove loose fur and dander.

Expert Care for Allergies

When at-home remedies aren’t enough, Wellstar Allergy & Immunology is ready to care for you. If your symptoms are severe, you may need specialized treatment for allergies or be dealing with a chronic condition, such as asthma.

At Wellstar, we diagnose and treat a full range of adult and pediatric allergy conditions. Our allergists will partner with you to create a personalized care plan, which may include allergy shots, prescription medication or other therapies.

Don’t sneeze or sniffle through another season. Wellstar provides the world-class, tailored allergy care you need at convenient locations across metro Atlanta.

Click the “Book Now” button at the top of any page to schedule an appointment.

While Wellstar’s expert cancer specialists are well-equipped to help their patients fight cancer, they’re also dedicated to stopping cancer before it starts.

Part of preventing cancer is knowing your risk and taking action early. Wellstar’s Genetic Risk Assessment Program helps patients determine whether they may be at higher risk for some cancers.

At Wellstar, our focus is PeopleCare—personalized healthcare tailored just for you. For cancer care, that means taking a close look at what makes you unique—your distinct genetic makeup that sets you apart. Genetic counselors use a compassionate approach to guide patients and their families so they can make informed healthcare decisions.

“We are the busiest genetic counseling program in Georgia,” said Wellstar's Chief Cancer Officer, Dr. Michael Andrews. “Cancer care now is very genetically-based, and the specialists in our program can look for certain abnormalities and adapt treatments based on what they find.”

Halting Hereditary Cancers

Genetic mutations play a major role in about 5–10% of cancers. A patient with a family history of cancer who learns they have specific genetic mutations can partner with their provider to be more proactive, whether that involves screening, lifestyle changes or medical treatments. Taking a few proactive steps could prevent cancer, even if the patient’s genetics may put them at a higher risk.

Genetic testing can also benefit cancer patients and empower their whole families with important information. If a cancer patient learns they carry a mutation, it can help relatives decide if they could benefit from genetic testing. Also, people who have certain cancers and also have specific DNA sequences may benefit from targeted therapies.

Some possible signs of hereditary cancer include:

• Unusually early age of cancer onset
• Multiple primary cancers in a single patient
• Cancer in paired organs (such as in cancer in both breasts)
• Multi-generational cancers
• Rare tumors
• An unusual presentation, such as male breast cancer
• Belonging to an ethnic group known to be at high risk for hereditary cancers
• No environmental explanation for the cancer

Some gene mutations can increase your cancer risk, so if your provider finds that you are affected, they may recommend increased screenings and other precautions to monitor your health.

• TP53: This gene produces a protein that slows down tumor growth. Mutations in this gene can cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which puts patients at an increased risk for developing some cancers.
• BRCA1 and BRCA2: Mutations in these genes increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and male breast cancer.
• PTEN: This gene also stops tumor growth. Mutations in this gene are associated with Cowden syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of breast, thyroid, endometrial and other forms of cancer.

Take charge of your health—and maybe help out a family member, too—by learning more about how your genetics could affect your cancer risk. Call (470) 793-7472 to book an appointment with a Wellstar Genetic Counselor. Both in-person and virtual visits are available. Learn more at wellstar.org/cancercare.

At Wellstar, people are at the center of everything we do, from compassionate medical care in hundreds of locations across Georgia to your online experience of accessing that care. That's why we've redesigned our website with you in mind.

Our new website is crafted to enhance your healthcare experience and features a clean, modern layout that will make it even easier for you to access physicians, make appointments, find services and locations nearby, and so much more.

PeopleCare at Your Fingertips

The new and improved wellstar.org is part of the ongoing evolution of the Wellstar brand and yet another example of PeopleCare. We want to make sure that you get the information and resources you need as quickly as possible.

The updated, mobile-friendly online presence will help you find critical resources in just a few taps. You can easily locate helpful features like “Find a Doctor” and “Pay Your Bill” directly on the homepage. If you are visiting another page on the website, simply click the “For Patients and Families” tab on the top left of the menu bar.

Some key resources on Wellstar's new website include:

• Find a Doctor—Getting convenient care close to home just got easier. Click on the "Find a Doctor," search by your location, pick a specialty that best fits your personal care, and you will be paired with world-class physicians immediately.
• Our Services—At Wellstar, we know that every health journey is different. When you use the "Our Services" button located on the homepage, it will help guide you to your personal healthcare destination. Once you're on the page, you'll be able to pick the service that best suits you and your care.
• Find a Location—Find a convenient Wellstar location near you. Simply click on the "Find a Location" button on the homepage or click the "Book Now" button at the top of any page.
• Pay Your Bill—View your medical bills online, safely and securely. Click the "Pay Your Bill" button on the homepage or visit your MyChart account on the top right corner of any page.

COVID-19 Resource Center

Get the most up-to-date information from our health experts by heading to the COVID-19 Resource Center. You'll receive the latest news on the COVID-19 vaccine, testing and other helpful tips like how to care for a sick loved one and managing your mental health during the pandemic.

Moving Forward & the Future of Wellstar.org

In addition to the user-friendly design and up-to-date information, our new modern platform provides enhanced stability and security. That means you can always feel safe when browsing our website or paying your bill online.

This launch is just the beginning for wellstar.org, as we continue to address the ever-changing healthcare needs of the community. We hope you like our new digital home!

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us at online@wellstar.org.

As you prepare to welcome a new little one to your family, you are faced with so many decisions about childbirth and parenting, which have been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this exciting but possibly stressful time, your Wellstar provider can guide you through these difficult choices, taking into account your personal medical history and your unique pregnancy situation.

Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for emergency use against COVID-19, many patients have questions about how getting the vaccine could affect pregnancy and breastfeeding.

As vaccine supplies become more plentiful and eligibility expands to more age groups, OB/GYN experts recommend that vaccines be offered to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Here is their guidance for new mothers considering the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are pregnant and you get infected with COVID-19, you are at higher risk of severe complications.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women are more likely than people who are not pregnant to experience severe illness, be admitted to the ICU and need to use a ventilator for breathing. There is also a higher risk of death from COVID-19.

The vaccines will not change your or your baby’s DNA.

Don’t worry about the vaccines altering you or your baby’s genetic material—that’s not how the mRNA vaccines currently available work. The CDC and ACOG agree that the vaccine cannot cause any genetic changes in you or your baby because they do not enter the nucleus of cells, where DNA is housed. The vaccines trigger a protein response in your body that helps build immunity. For more information on how the vaccines work, check out Wellstar’s COVID-19 Community Toolkit.

You and your baby will not get COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine.

The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine confirms these vaccines cannot give you or your baby COVID-19. The vaccines currently available contain mRNA, not any form of the COVID-19 virus.

There is no data to suggest vaccination impacts future fertility.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine and ACOG both recommend that those trying to become pregnant or considering a future pregnancy still get vaccinated. You will not have to delay or avoid pregnancy after getting both doses of the vaccine. There is also no reason to delay pregnancy attempts because you got the vaccine.

You can still breastfeed.

ACOG recommends that COVID-19 vaccines be offered to lactating women. The Association of Breastfeeding Medicine agrees and says there is no need to avoid starting or to stop breastfeeding if you get the shot.

If you have any questions about the vaccine’s effect on pregnancy or fertility, a discussion with your women’s health provider could help you make an informed decision together. A phone call or virtual visit with your caregiver is a safe and easy way to get more answers about the COVID-19 vaccine.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the foremost professional membership organization for obstetricians and gynecologists. It is comprised of over 60,000 members (board-certified OBGYNs) spanning the entire career lifecycle.

Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is the professional society made up of OBGYNs with advanced training and focus on high-risk pregnancies and conditions.

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is the professional society made up of OBGYNs with advanced training and focus on infertility.

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) is a global community of medical doctors with diverse backgrounds and specialties creating a network of experts and advocates to drive breastfeeding medicine forward.

You may be wondering why Valentine’s Day has become such a big deal for a healthcare system like Wellstar. It’s because we aren’t sending our heartfelt thanks and virtual hugs to just anyone. This year, we believe our healthcare heroes deserve all the love and appreciation.

At Wellstar, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve, and nothing would be possible without the continued commitment of our team members.

Whether they are fighting the virus on the frontlines or working behind the scenes to keep our facilities sparkling clean, each and every team member plays a vital role at Wellstar Health System.

From February 10-14th, we want to honor Wellstar healthcare heroes as “Vital Valentines”—those dedicated to delivering world-class care to Georgia. Our team members always put the health and safety of our patients and communities first, even through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of backing down from the challenges over the past year, our team members have rolled up their sleeves, taken on new responsibilities and shown fearless leadership to continue the life-saving work we do every day.

Please join us in celebrating the selfless commitment of Wellstar’s “Vital Valentines” as we continue to move forward into a new era of hope and healing.

Show Your Support on Social Media

Have you had a standout experience with a Wellstar team member? Tell us how our team has gone above and beyond. Simply write a sweet social post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtags #WellstarHealthSystem and #VitalValentine.

For more feel-good stories about our “Vital Valentines,” follow Wellstar Health System on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Are you getting the most out of your healthcare experience? If you don’t have an established Wellstar primary care provider (PCP), you could be missing out on some major benefits.

Some people visit a different doctor each time they need a check-up or just whenever they feel sick. Similarly, many patients use the walk-in convenient of urgent care as a substitute for primary care. However, in both of these cases, it can be difficult for you to build a lasting health partnership and leave your care feeling incomplete.

Having a designated Wellstar primary care physician – and specialty medicine providers within the same health system – give you an entire team of health experts that are invested in you and your well-being.

Benefits of a Primary Care Provider

The main role of a primary care provider is to keep you healthy at every age and stage of life. To keep you feeling your best, these experts are trained to:

• Get to know and understand your unique health needs. Your PCP can keep you on track with your individual wellness goals, whether you are planning to start a family, need help managing a chronic illness or maintaining a healthy weight.
• Coordinate care and provide referrals for specialists. Your PCP can quickly and seamlessly get you in touch with Wellstar Health System’s robust network of medical experts, such as cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists and more.
• Keep you up-to-date on immunizations and vaccinations. You can build up your body’s immunity to common diseases and protect your health with the latest vaccines, all ordered by your PCP.
• Order appropriate health screenings, diagnostic tests and follow-up care. If your wellness check-up reveals certain risk factors, chronic conditions or new diagnoses, your PCP can help you get the right treatment fast.
• Treat you for acute illnesses, such as colds or the flu. When you feel under the weather, your established PCP can often get you an appointment sooner so you can feel better.

Continuing Care for Every Stage of Life

As you get older, your healthcare needs will change. That’s why many people keep the same Wellstar primary care provider for years, even decades.

Your physician can help you stay ahead of health issues and deliver tailored care for your unique needs, as they change over time. These experts are your first defense against many preventable diseases and catch major illnesses earlier, so you have the best possible outcome.

Ready to find the right Wellstar primary care provider for you? We make it easy to get expert, comprehensive primary care at many convenient locations across metro Atlanta and West Georgia. To find a location near you, simply click “Book Now” at the top of any page.

At Wellstar, we treat more than patients. We treat people—friends, family, neighbors—who are wholly unique. That’s why our cancer specialists never use a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to your care.

As soon as you are diagnosed with cancer, we provide expert and tailored care that can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery. Our multidisciplinary oncology teams rely on the latest research, innovative treatments and world-class technology to target tumors with precision.

No matter your diagnosis or stage of disease, our cancer experts can create the best and most effective treatment plan for you.

Expert, Personalized Cancer Care

Our dedicated oncology team includes board-certified oncology physicians and surgeons, nurse navigators, registered dietitians and genetic specialists, who are ready to fight alongside you at the first signs of cancer.

Whether you live in the metro Atlanta or West Georgia area, Wellstar makes it easy to find expert care. We have specialized cancer treatment centers close to home, including the newly-renovated Enoch Callaway Cancer Center at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center and Specialty Teams and Treatment (STAT) Clinics at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

Here, patients get a customized care plan for their unique cancer diagnosis quickly, instead of waiting weeks or months for treatment.

At the STAT Clinics, each patient has a face-to-face meeting with their oncology team on one day, at one appointment. This multidisciplinary approach helps you get the right treatment for your unique diagnosis as soon as possible.

Access to cutting-edge care

Wellstar offers a wide range of advanced and minimally-invasive treatment options, such as:

• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): During this procedure, a one-time, concentrated dosage of radiation is administered during surgery. That means patients like Nan Harman-Dempsey can finish their radiation in mere minutes, instead of weeks of follow-up appointments.
• Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR): Using targeted beams of radiation, radiation oncologists can virtually cut out tumors without ever making an incision. This treatment can be crucial for people like John Cashen, who have cancer in more complicated areas in the body like the lungs.
• CyberKnife robotic surgery: This state-of-the-art treatment delivers precise, high-dose radiation to tumors, while also protecting healthy tissues in the body.
• Integrated therapies: Alongside conventional treatment methods, physicians may suggest other therapies—including acupuncture, yoga and meditation—to promote relaxation and improve quality of life.

As part of the Mayo Clinic Care network, your trusted Wellstar doctors can combine their understanding of your unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so that you get exactly the care you need, close to home.

Whether you have just been diagnosed with cancer or are looking for a second opinion, Wellstar’s expert oncology team can help you get back to life faster.

Wellstar believes not one cancer diagnosis is ever the same.

That’s because each and every person is unique, from their body, genetic makeup, medical history and lifestyle. No matter your cancer diagnosis or stage of disease, our oncology experts create a care plan that is custom-fit for you.

From metro Atlanta to West Georgia, our comprehensive cancer network provides patients with world-class technology, leading expertise and multidisciplinary care through every stage of their cancer treatment.

Screenings & preventative care

Wellstar health experts aim to catch cancer early, so you can have the best outcome possible. An annual visit with your primary care provider (PCP) can help you stay ahead of many major diseases, including cancer.

During a wellness exam, our PCPs use preventative health screenings—such as mammograms, colonoscopies and prostate exams—to spot cancer or other potential diseases faster, often before symptoms even appear. Screenings for lung cancer are also available, often ordered for those who have a history of smoking or may have been exposed to carcinogens.

That means we can save more patients’ lives like Frank Ryan, who defeated cancer twice, and Phyliss Davis, who beat breast cancer after being diagnosed during a routine mammogram.

If your family has a history of cancer, a genetic risk assessment can help determine the possibility of you developing the disease and the likelihood of passing the genes to children.

Diagnosis & treatment

Wellstar invests in state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat cancer quickly and effectively. Our patients have access to a wide range of minimally-invasive and cutting-edge cancer treatments, including intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) and CyberKnife robotic surgery.

At Wellstar, we understand no person with cancer is exactly alike. That’s why our multidisciplinary team of experts will develop the right treatment for you, considering your unique diagnosis as well as your medical history, health concerns, lifestyle and personal beliefs.

At select Wellstar locations, patients have access to our Specialty Teams and Treatment (STAT) Clinics. Here, people with cancer receive personalized, world-class care while being fast-tracked from diagnosis to treatment in record time.

As part of the Mayo Clinic Care network, your trusted Wellstar doctors can combine their understanding of your unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so that you get exactly the care you need, close to home.

Any time your doctor wants to confirm a treatment plan or request a second opinion, they can consult directly with Mayo Clinic's top specialists on your condition.

Recovery & continued support

People with cancer can find support from the Wellstar oncology team, including nurse navigators, oncology registered dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and financial counselors.

Cancer and certain treatments can often have physical, psychological or cognitive side effects that may impact your daily life. Cancer rehabilitation and integrated therapies—including acupuncture, yoga and meditation—can help you live your fullest, healthiest life by lessening the side effects of cancer and treatment.

Whether have recently been diagnosed with cancer or are entering remission, education and support are essential. Wellstar offers cancer-related support groups and educational opportunities, such as nutrition and fitness classes, to help you cope.

At Wellstar, you never have to brave cancer alone. Our dedicated oncology team will provide continued, compassionate care for every step of your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

From a balancing a busy work schedule to running errands around town, it can be easy to keep putting off important wellness appointments. However, an annual visit with your Wellstar primary care provider is one of the best investments you can make in your health.

Just like building savings in a bank account, each preventative care appointment adds more value to your health. That’s because, instead of just getting treatment just when you feel sick or experience symptoms of a serious condition, preventative care helps you stay ahead of potential medical problems.

Taking the time to schedule an annual wellness exam can pay off in the long run.

Early detection for everyone

At Wellstar, we preventative care is the key to living your fullest, healthiest life. During an annual exam, our primary care providers use preventative screenings to help catch major diseases early and prevent chronic conditions.

While different types of tests may be recommended based on your age, gender and medical history, common screenings include a:

• Physical exam
• Family history questionnaire
• Check of your vital signs
• Blood pressure test
• Blood cholesterol analysis
• Body mass index (BMI) assessment

Atypical results may indicate an increased risk of certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Your primary care provider may order extra testing or refer you for follow-up care with a Wellstar specialist, such as a cardiologist, neurologist or oncologist.

Understand your risk factors

Knowledge is power. Understanding the results of your wellness exams can help you take charge of your health and make informed decisions about your care.

The results of your health screenings may reveal certain personal risk factors. Some of your risk factors can’t be changed, such as your age, genetics or family medical history. Others are under your control and can be adjusted to help you live well, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and choosing not to smoke.

Understanding your test results and risk factors can help you become your own wellness advocate. Armed with knowledge about your health, you can often reduce the effects of a serious condition, improve your outcome or avoid certain health complications altogether.

Your wellness check-up is also a safe space to discuss your health goals and medical concerns. Whether you need help maintaining a healthy weight or managing a chronic condition, your Wellstar primary care provider will create a tailored care plan just for you, based on your unique health needs.

Don’t delay your annual exam. Schedule a visit today by clicking the ‘Book Appointment’ button at the top of any webpage.

No stroke is ever the same. That’s because people—their brains, their nervous systems, their genetics—are all different. At Wellstar, we provide world-class stroke care for each and every patient when they need it most.

During a life-threatening stroke, parts of the brain may become damaged, causing long-term disability, permanent injury or even death. Our trained team understands how getting fast, expert stroke care can mean the difference between life, death or lasting damage.

From metro Atlanta to West Georgia, Wellstar has the largest Joint Commission stroke-certified network in Georgia, so you’ll receive high-quality care wherever you go. Count on our medical experts to treat your stroke as quickly and safely as possible.

At Wellstar, we deliver personalized care to every patient, every time. That’s because we know you are more than a number, diagnosis or medical chart. Our dedicated experts support you through every stage of your wellness journey, providing care that is as unique as you.

That’s what PeopleCare is all about.

Because we know preventative care plays a major role in staying healthy, our primary care providers (PCPs) will build a PeopleCare plan just for you.

Your PeopleCare plan is your unique blueprint for better health. It doesn’t look like anyone else’s. PCPs create tailored treatment plans for each patient, based on your health concerns, family medical history and results from routine wellness exams.

Using these building blocks, PCPs can form an action plan and often get ahead of major health problems like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. That’s exactly what happened for Nan Harman-Dempsey and Frank Ryan.

Four Tests for Better Health

Wellness exams arm you with knowledge, so you can take control of your health.

No matter your age or medical history, it is recommended to get a medical check-up at least once a year. At your next doctor’s visit, make sure to “know your numbers” for:

1. Blood Pressure A blood pressure test uses an arm cuff and pressure gauge to measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. This simple test can help diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
2. Blood Glucose Level With just a drop of blood, your doctor can analyze the amount of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate the onset of diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease or stroke.
3. Blood Cholesterol A lipid panel is a simple blood test that shows your cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often called “bad” cholesterol. Abnormal cholesterol levels can indicate clogged arteries which may lead to heart disease, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease or stroke.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI) The body mass index (BMI) estimates human body fat, using a person’s weight and height. People with high BMIs may be at an increased risk for health problems, including heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and more.

Wellness for Everyone

For both men and women, basic wellness exams are an important step in staying healthy.

• Men For men, colonoscopies and prostate exams are key to catching major diseases early. In addition to a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a quick way to screen for prostate cancer. Using a blood sample, specialists analyze the levels of PSA. Higher than normal readings may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
• Women For women, an annual well-woman exam can help keep your reproductive health in check. Typically, these screenings include a mammogram, pelvic exam and pap smear to spot potential breast or gynecologic cancers.

To schedule a primary care appointment, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or click the “Book an Appointment” button at the top of the page.

At Wellstar, we believe prevention is the best way to protect yourself from a potential flu infection. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to get a flu shot every year.

This year, your loved ones age 12 and older may also choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect their health.

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,  we know it may be confusing to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19. If you are unsure if you are experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, please see the comparison section below.

Flu vs COVID-19

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both viral respiratory illnesses and share many common signs and symptoms. Both illnesses are contagious and can be spread through person-to-person contact, although COVID-19 can spread to other people more easily and quickly than the flu. New variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, are more contagious and spreading quickly across the U.S.

Since the flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms and traits, it may be difficult to determine which respiratory illness you may be experiencing. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are key differences between the two illnesses:

Similarities

• Fever* or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headaches
• Vomiting and diarrhea, most common in children
• People 65 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of contracting the flu and COVID-19.*
• Serious medical complications may occur, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, cardiac injury, worsening health conditions and bacterial infections.

*Note: Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Children under the age of 5 may also be at higher risk of contracting the flu.

Differences

Seasonal flu shots are widely available to the public. With the COVID-19 vaccine now available for people age 12 and older, you and many of your loved ones can choose to be vaccinated to help keep our community safe. Find a location near you through the DPH website or at a local retail pharmacy. 

Compared to the flu, people with COVID-19 may often:

• Experience sudden change or loss in taste or smell

• Experience additional complications in severe cases, including blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs or brain
• Take longer to develop symptoms (up to 14 days after infection)
• Stay contagious longer (at least 10 days after symptoms appear)

Diagnostic testing may be the best way to determine if you are currently infected with COVID-19 or may have had a past infection of the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, click here.

Is It the Flu, Common Cold or COVID-19?

Compared to COVID-19 and even the flu, people with common colds usually experience milder than the other infections. Typically, colds do not result in serious health problems or complications, such as pneumonia or bacterial infections.

People with colds are more likely to have stuffy or runny noses. In general, experiencing fever, chills and headaches are uncommon.

For more detailed information, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or visit our COVID-19 resource page.

At Wellstar, we know not one person’s life has gone untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Across Georgia — and throughout the world — we’ve had to continue to fight the virus as new variants emerge. But through every challenge and triumph, we’ve all been in this together.

However, hearing the same news reports and safety information over and over can become tiresome. It’s possible to forget what our community has been working towards… but now is not the time to tune out.

Wellness is a two-way street, and it’s up to all of us to make well happen.

That’s because just as much as saving lives and fighting illness happens every day at our Wellstar healthcare facilities, staying well starts with you. When you focus on the wellness of your world — yourself, family and friends — you have a profound impact on people everywhere.

When you join the movement to make well happen, you become a wellness warrior.

Here's how to do your part to make well happen:

• Stick it to COVID and get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect your health and prevent the spread of the virus.
• Wear a mask to keep yourself healthy and the most vulnerable members of our community safe.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds to rid your hands of viruses, bacteria and other harmful germs that are easily spread by touching.
• Watch your distance around others to avoid community spread of COVID-19.

As you dedicate yourself to doing your part, Wellstar continues to keep the people and communities we serve safe every day. We have been working hard to make well happen, across all of our hospitals, health parks, urgent care centers and hundreds of medical offices.

How Wellstar is helping to make well happen:

Wellstar is ready to protect your health amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We’re dedicated to delivering safe, expert care to our patients, no matter what their medical concerns may be.

From suiting up in PPE to ensuring our facilities stay sparkling clean, our team members have put additional measures in place to protect you from infection. To learn more, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

As we fight on the frontlines to keep Georgia well, we also look to you. You are a change-maker. When you do your part, we all work together to make well happen.

At Wellstar, we are here to support your children’s health and safety this school season.

In the wake of COVID-19, returning to school has posed new challenges. For many students, in-person education means scoring A’s while also learning how to stay safe. Some schools have opted for virtual learning, with parents taking on the dual role of caretaker and teacher.

This year, protecting your child’s health is more important than ever. To help them head back to school feeling their best, be sure to schedule a wellness exam with their pediatrician and follow our other helpful tips.

Whether your child is attending school in-person or online, it’s important to teach them the proper steps to protect their health. That’s why Wellstar has created a simple, back-to-school song to make safety easy and fun.

It’s almost too cool for school. Check out the song here and you can even join in on the fun by sharing the video of your child’s rendition on social media.

At Wellstar, we know many people — especially teens and young adults in their 20s and 30s — may be experiencing ‘COVID fatigue’ after more than a year of the pandemic. However, as COVID-19 cases and new variants of the virus emerge, we must work together to keep the community safe.

During this time, protecting your health means protecting your personal freedom in the future. If you would like to hang out with friends or go on vacation when it’s safe, then it’s important to follow preventative health measures now.

If we all work together now, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and get back to normal activities, safely.

Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick

Use these helpful tips to keep yourself and others in the community safe:

• Stick it to COVID. Get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect your health and help keep your friends and family safe.
• Make masks a priority. Wear a mask or cloth face covering when in close proximity to others. Check mask policies for local businesses before you go, and follow their protocols to protect yourself and others around you.
• Keep your circle small. Although it may be tempting to attend a large gathering with your friends and family, be sure to avoid groups of more than ten people.
• Practice social distancing. Maintain a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others in public. Remember, wearing a mask or cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.
• Follow best practices for better health. Practice preventative health measures like frequent hand-washing (for at least 20 seconds) and covering coughs and sneezes.
• Stay social while you stay at home. Connect with friends virtually over the phone or video chat, instead of having an in-person meeting.Avoid drugs and alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), substances can weaken your body’s ability to fight infections such as COVID-19.
• Be smart about your plans. When possible, visit shared spaces during slower times to avoid crowds and limit contact with others.
• Consider postponing unnecessary travel. Taking trips and traveling may put yourself or others at a higher risk of infection.
• Stay home if you feel sick. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home to help keep others in the community healthy. However, if you are experiencing an immediate medical emergency, get help right away.

For more resources and information about how to protect your health during the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

In the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, many people may feel anxiety or stress. Handling strong emotions is a normal response, according to Wellstar health experts.

“Things are changing very rapidly,” says Dr. Chirag Patel, Wellstar Medical Director of Population Health. “This virus is new, and Wellstar has been preparing and taking care of the communities we serve. We also encourage people to take care of themselves physically and mentally.”

According to the CDC, reactions during the outbreak can include:

• Fear and worry about your health status and that of your loved ones who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Worsening of chronic health problems. Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Figuring out ways to cope with anxiety and stress can help you, your loved ones and your community. If stress begins to interfere with your daily life, reach out to your healthcare provider.

Here are some helpful coping tips:

• Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your healthy life.
• Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.
• Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.

For more information, please see the CDC's website on managing stress in children, adults and medical caregivers.

At Wellstar, we are committed to keeping you and your family safe every day. As we transition to the summer months, it’s important to continue health precautions to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

With new variants of COVID-19 on the rise, it’s important to be smart when venturing into public businesses and shared spaces, such as hiking trails, parks and pools. According to Wellstar health experts, the increased activity and contact with others could lead to a rise in COVID-19 cases.

“Although summer can be a relaxing time for us all, it’s not time to become lax with preventative health measures,” said Dr. Chirag Patel, Wellstar Medical Director of Population Health. “Unfortunately, many of our favorite summertime activities, such as visiting the beach or park, can bring large groups of people together and put you or your loved ones at a higher risk for infection.”

“While enjoying the sunshine and fresh air this summer, it’s important to use common sense when venturing into public spaces,” Dr. Patel explained. “People should continue taking extra safety precautions such as social distancing and frequent handwashing. If we’re not careful, the community could see a spike in COVID-19 cases.”

Summer Safety Tips

Protect your health and have fun this summer season. Start by getting the COVID-19 vaccine to keep yourself, your loved ones and the community safe.
Here is an easy way to remember how to stay safe:

• Small Groups – Keep your circle small. Don’t attend large gatherings and avoid large groups of people if possible.
• Big Spaces – Play it safe. When visiting public places, maintain a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others.
• Short Times – Limit your time in shared spaces. When possible, schedule outings during slow periods to minimize contact with others.
• Quiet Places – Find quiet environments and use your inside voice. When speaking in a lower volume, it can help reduce the potential risk of saliva droplets contaminating the air.

Before you leave for an outing, don’t forget to take a personal summer safety “go” bag for each member of your family that includes:

• Cloth face coverings
• Disinfecting wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Personal utensils for dining — like a fork, plate, or cup — to avoid using shared items.

For more resources and information about how to protect your health during the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

Wellstar is committed to providing the best and safest care possible to children. Across our health parks, pediatric offices, pediatric emergency departments and dedicated pediatric center, we’ve put extra precautions in place to prevent the spread of infections such as COVID-19 so children can thrive.

When it comes to pediatric surgery, we are committed to providing safe care. Therefore, each child will receive a pre-op COVID-19 test, and we’ve developed this helpful resource for parents so they know what they and their child can expect.

Keeping Kids Calm & Engaged

We understand many children may be going through a difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many may experience anxiety and stress—especially if they can’t visit a loved one in the hospital. Wellstar has created some talking points for parents to help them explain to children why they must not visit at this time.

Additionally, if parents are struggling to keep kids feeling connected during the pandemic, our pediatric experts have developed these great ideas for engaging kids at home.

Kids & COVID-19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most COVID-19 cases in children are mild and mirror adult symptoms, such as fever, runny nose and cough. However, some children—especially those with underlying medical conditions—may get severely ill from COVID-19 and may require hospitalization.

The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit contact as much as possible. While adults make up the majority of COVID-19 cases, children may be asymptomatic and may pass the virus to others. Children should have limited interaction with higher-risk individuals, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

If your children may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and keep your children at home and away from others as much as possible.

Wellstar is committed to keeping our communities safe and healthy amid COVID-19 and beyond.

At this time, it’s important to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you can to help protect yourself and others. Be sure to continue following the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. The most commonly reported symptoms are:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fever

Other symptoms can include:

• Body aches
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drainage
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea

“We are finding that 80 percent of COVID-19 cases are mild and can be handled at home,” says Dr. Danny Branstetter, Wellstar Infectious Disease Specialist. “It’s when symptoms worsen and become unmanageable that people will need clinical medical attention. You can also speak with your healthcare provider about potential outpatient treatment, especially if you are a high-risk individual.”

If symptoms get worse, call an emergency department, urgent care, primary care provider or your local health department ahead of time to receive guidance on coming in for testing and treatment.

What happens if you or a loved one gets sick?

The CDC advises that caregivers who have had close contact with a confirmed case or someone under investigation for COVID-19 should closely monitor their own health. If you develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.

Caring for someone at home who is sick

“It’s important to care for a loved one, but do it safely,” says Dr. Branstetter. “While symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the flu or common cold, we have to remember that this is a new virus and we are still learning about it. The highest levels of research are being conducted to combat this disease, so caregivers at home must exercise caution to protect themselves and others.”

When caring for someone at home, the CDC recommends:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer, if available, that contains 60-95% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Viruses can be transmitted easily through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding with the patient. After the patient uses these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean all frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bedside tables, counters and tabletops every day. Also, clean any surfaces that may have body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions.
• Wash laundry thoroughly using a normal laundry detergent according to washing machine instructions and dry thoroughly using the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label.
• Help the patient follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for medication.
• Provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions and other personal needs, and help with basic household needs.
• Try to stay separated from the patient as much as possible. Stay in another room and use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if available.
• Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.
• Care for any pets in the home. The person who is sick should not handle pets or other animals while sick.

What to do if you become sick:

Your healthcare provider and public health staff will evaluate whether you can be cared for at home. If it is determined that you can be isolated at home, you will be monitored by staff from your local or state health department. You should follow these steps until a healthcare provider or local or state health department says you can return to your normal activities.

• Stay home except to get medical care. Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
  • If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19 to help to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.
• Monitor your symptoms, including tracking your oxygen levels at home. Patients should seek immediate medical care if their oxygen level is 94 or less, according to Dr. Branstetter.
• When resting, it is helpful to sleep on your stomach.
• Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

Discontinuing home isolation

• Stay at home until instructed to leave. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.
• Talk to your healthcare provider. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

For more information, visit the CDC.gov.

Adults age 65 and older are at a higher risk of contracting severe illnesses, including coronavirus (COVID-19). That’s why it’s especially important for older adults to take preventative health measures during a pandemic.

At this time, it’s important for seniors to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect their health. Be sure to continue to follow the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

Under normal circumstances, older adults may experience loneliness and depression. But with the cancellation of many community events and disruption of everyday activities due to COVID-19, the senior population can feel even more isolated.

“Typically, when we reach retirement, we tend to form daily and weekly routines that become very important to us and ensure we are socializing with others and living a fulfilling life,” said Dr. Jeffrey L. Tharp, Wellstar Health System Chief of Primary Care and Medicine Service Line.

“Now that our elderly are practicing social distancing, they no longer have these outlets. This may lead to further downstream effects, such as exercise limitation, nutritional deficiencies and lack of compliance with medical appointments and treatments,” Dr. Tharp explained.

As stress and anxiety about the outbreak increases, seniors may also experience changes in sleep patterns and worsening signs of depression and dementia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several ways seniors can stay happy and healthy during this difficult time:

• Breakaway from news coverage. Watching, reading, or listening to constant news and social media stories about COVID-19 can increase stress and anxiety.
• Care for your physical health. Try to maintain your personal hygiene, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.Make time to rest and relax. Every day, set aside time for fun activities you enjoy.
• Stay connected with friends and family. Reach out to your trusted loved ones to share your concerns and feelings.
• Call your healthcare provider for support. If you are feeling overwhelmed several days in a row, ask for help from your healthcare team.
• Take action if strong emotions persist or worsen. If you, or a loved one, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or feel like you may harm yourself or others, call 911 for immediate assistance.

For more information, please visit our article about taking care of your mental health.

Offering Hope to Elderly Loved Ones

During this challenging time, friends and family can be an important support system for seniors. Even while social distancing to keep elderly loved ones safe, people can still find ways to connect with them.

Here are some easy ways to help older adults cope with the stress:

• Make a virtual visit. Setting up a video chat, making a phone call or sending a quick text message can go a long way in helping older adults feel connected.
• Send snail mail. Take the time to write a physical letter or send pictures of your favorite memories together. This small act of kindness can bring older adults comfort and hope.
• Brighten their space. Help seniors feel upbeat and positive by keeping their living spaces well-lit. Gift a flower arrangement to add a cheerful pop of color to their home.
• Encourage proper hygiene. Send little reminders to your loved ones to wash their hands often and bathe daily.
• Be mindful of mental health. Remind older adults to think positively and relax with fun activities like puzzles and other games.
• Take a walk down memory lane. Reminiscing about happier times can help improve memory function and bring older adults hope, even while they’re staying inside their homes.
• Keep news to a minimum. The constant media coverage about COVID-19 can be overwhelming for older adults. Suggest they only check one or two reputable news sources a day for the latest information.
• Lend a helping hand. Offer your care and support during this challenging time. Let your loved one know you’re just one phone call away if they need anything. 

Finding ways to help elderly loved ones cope with anxiety and stress can help them stay healthy and hopeful. If you notice stress beginning to interfere with your loved one’s daily life, encourage them to reach out to their healthcare provider.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website on keeping older adults safe both physically and mentally.

Two-time breast cancer survivor Heidi Bohlmann was accustomed to successfully facing health challenges. But when stomach pain brought the Roswell resident to Wellstar North Fulton Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), she faced her ultimate challenge: a torn small intestine, which led to a life-threatening infection.

“I remember being in the ED, then waking up in a hospital room 11 days later with machines all around me,” said Bohlmann, 58. “My family from Wisconsin was there. No one was sure I would pull through.”

Bohlmann underwent surgery to repair her perforated bowel, which included creating a hole in her abdomen so the contents of her small intestine could empty into an external pouch. Called an ileostomy, the procedure allows the intestine to heal.

Healthcare is always changing, always evolving. For over 25 years, we’ve made moving forward our mission, whether that’s investing in the most advanced treatments, bringing on only the best and brightest physicians, or giving back to the community we serve.

Now, Wellstar is offering the quality healthcare you’ve come to depend on with a fresh look and feel. Updating our visual identity is the next step in our journey of providing world-class healthcare to every person, every time.

Together, we are one health system over 24,000 members strong, from 11 hospitals, more than 250 medical offices, 9 cancer centers, 21 imaging centers, 5 health parks, and 15 urgent care centers. As the largest healthcare system in Georgia, Wellstar’s new branding represents all these moving parts seamlessly working together.

People are at the center of everything we do and every decision we make. We’re committed to pursuing better care for everyone, whether you’re just starting a family, fighting a chronic illness or staying healthy for retirement. To reflect this, the stylized, medical cross in our new logo embodies the human life cycle. Strong and steady, it moves with confidence and clear direction.

While our outward expression may be changing, we pride ourselves on delivering the same quality of care to you and your family. With our trademark purple, we continue our promise to be there for the biggest moments of your life. This color shows the respect and humility we have for serving the members of our community and staying attuned to the needs of others.

As always, we want to be the most valued and trusted partner in your health journey. In times of hardship, the community often turns to healthcare systems for shelter, care, and support. With the addition of a cool shade of blue to our color palette, it brings balance and new life to Wellstar. Deeply reassuring, this represents stability and calmness in moments of uncertainty.

At Wellstar, we know our patients come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We provide personalized care for everyone, making an impact on the lives of real people every day.

We are Wellstar—and we are here every step of the way—for you.

The MyChart Patient Portal is easy to use, can be accessed from anywhere and puts all your health records—and your family’s health records—at your fingertips. Mary Hyde, a Radiation/Oncology Care Coordinator at Wellstar Paulding Hospital, is constantly using MyChart to manage all her family’s healthcare needs.

She reaches out to doctors, pays bills, makes appointments and tracks their medical history. Mary can even see lab reports, request prescription refills, and review doctor’s notes.

“I use MyChart two or three times a week at least, sometimes more! I love the text and email updates, and that it lets me know when there are test results and bills to be paid,” Mary said. “Well, I don't love getting the bills, but it is a nice feature.”

Every member of Mary’s immediate family uses MyChart. She has her records, as well as proxy access for her two boys, and her husband has his own account. One of their boys has special medical needs that they are monitoring closely, so MyChart is convenient.

“Being able to look in MyChart to monitor his weight and labs, and reference these without having to carry around a notebook to different specialists who may not be on Epic (or in the Wellstar system) has been very helpful,” Mary explained. “I can pull up MyChart via the app in the exam room to show the doctor his growth or illness, so we can treat him effectively. It's literally been a lifesaver at times.”

Thanks to MyChart, Mary was able to identify her son’s unusual weight pattern. Before his seventh birthday, she noticed he was becoming very skinny. She looked back at his MyChart and discovered he had not gained any weight since his 6-year check-up. Mary used this information to consult with their pediatrician and other specialists to determine the cause and work towards a solution.

“MyChart just makes sense. It is so user-friendly, easy to use and helpful when you need to reference a previous doctor visit or the last time you took an antibiotic,” Mary said. “Let's face it: we are all busy and need an app to help us remember stuff like this!”

If you haven’t already signed up for access to the MyChart Patient Portal, it’s free, easy and you can do it today at wellstar.org/mychart. Just fill in the information, click “Sign up, I Don’t Have a Code,” and you will receive an email with access information in the coming days.

The new Wellstar Paulding Hospital is turning five this September. It was our first opportunity to design a hospital from the ground up, and it became one of the first hospitals in the country to use a geothermal energy system, which uses the heat from below the Earth’s surface to heat and cool the facility.

Paulding Hospital features 112 private inpatient rooms, 40 emergency exam and pediatric emergency exam rooms, seven surgical suites, two GI-specific surgical suites, a bronchoscopy suite and decentralized nursing stations.

The hospital recently celebrated an extraordinary accomplishment when it received the coveted Florida Sterling Georgia Oglethorpe Award, which recognizes the hospital’s exceedingly high performance in patient safety, workforce engagement, and financial stewardship.

Over the years, Paulding kept expanding its list of services, bringing much-needed care close to home. One of these offerings is a state-of-the-art catheterization lab, where patients can get treatment for heart attacks and coronary artery disease. The lab opened in 2017, providing care to patients who previously had to travel to either Cobb or Douglas counties for this same life-saving treatment.

“Wellstar’s philosophy has been to deliver high-quality care to the community,” said Harvey Sacks, MD, who served as Paulding County’s sole cardiologist for several decades. “Bringing interventional cardiology here allows people to be treated near home, and makes it easier for their families to be with them at the hospital. Having family with the patient is an important part of healing.”

That same year Wellstar Paulding was also recognized for innovation and excellence in clinical care for patients with COPD and diabetes. The hospital won second place for its focus on diabetes care, which led to better controlling blood sugar for patients with diabetes while in the hospital. Wellstar Paulding Hospital also won third place for lowering readmission rates for patients with COPD.

Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital has begun replacing their emergency medical services (EMS) trucks with innovatively designed trucks to better serve residents in Spalding County. Easily recognizable, the first two of the bright red and white trucks with large purple lettering are now on the streets providing the latest in life-saving technologies for Spalding County, and backup emergency response care for Henry, Lamar, Butts and Pike counties.

The larger of the two EMS trucks is a tall, diesel-driven critical care vehicle equipped with advanced cardiac equipment. The truck also has the capacity to transport up to three patients at one time and is outfitted for neonatal transport. Additionally, it could be used to transport air flight crews to and from the scene and the hospital.

Both trucks feature innovative monitors and mobile hotspots to advance EMS’ use of telemedicine, linking the paramedic, physician and patient while en route to the hospital. Wellstar Spalding Regional EMS was the first to launch this webcam capacity in Georgia.

Each truck is also part of an Infectious Disease Transport Network, the only one between Atlanta and Macon. As members of this network, Wellstar Spalding Regional’s award-winning team of EMS paramedics and EMTs are specially trained and can turn either truck into an “isopod” isolation unit for emerging infectious diseases.

To reduce the number of paramedic back injuries caused by heavy lifting, the trucks incorporate new automated stretchers. These units provide support for emergency personnel by removing the need to lift a 75-pound stretcher along with the weight of the patient. This equipment is well-positioned to save EMS personnel from debilitating back injuries and lengthy rehabilitations, the number one cause of career ending disability in the EMS industry. Considered the safest in the industry, the stretchers also incorporate safety lockdowns from front to back, ensuring the patient is secure while in the truck.

Spalding Regional’s EMS paramedics and EMT’s provided input on the unique internal design to maximize efficiency and safety. For example, the trucks have been fitted with an automated lift to load and unload the large, extremely heavy, oxygen tanks that assist patients experiencing difficulty breathing. Jonathon Johnson, Director of Wellstar Spalding Regional’s EMS is proud of his team.

“Paramedics and EMT’s play a vital role in any system of care, often the first line of medical care for critical patients. This new equipment expands the safety for our patients and our personnel, and continues our long history of dedication and commitment to improvement of patient care in this community.”

Wellstar EMS is available 24/7 and responds to more than 16,500 calls annually with each truck in the fleet running between 200 and 250 hours each month. Each new truck costs the hospital between $150k and $180k. This first new critical care vehicle was purchased and outfitted through a gift from the Dundee Community Association to the Wellstar Foundation.

To keep up with the community’s high-demand, Spalding Regional has plans to replace seven additional trucks and add one more Critical Care truck to its fleet. Donations to the Foundation help. Every dollar designated to Spalding Regional funds much-needed projects that support the health and well-being of the local community. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit wellstar.org/give or call (770) 956-GIVE (4483).

Wellstar Paulding Hospital’s ICU staff recently celebrated their success at improving patient safety by eliminating catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). They have been five years without a CAUTI in the ICU.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common types of healthcare-associated infections, accounting for more than 12 percent of infections reported by acute care hospitals, according to the CDC. Paulding’s ICU and infection control staff joined efforts to decrease the number of CAUTIs.

Some of the interventions were simple policy and process changes, while others required equipment changes. But it was the engagement of the front-line nursing staff that proved crucial to the efforts, which included:

• Performing CHG product use and bathing practices


• Eliminating/reducing indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) placement


• Education on appropriate indications for IUC placement


• Daily assessment of catheter necessity


• Reminding staff about the nurse-driven IUC removal protocol to improve awareness among staff


• Use of external catheter systems

Wellstar Paulding Hospital also celebrated another accomplishment recently. It won the Florida Sterling Georgia Oglethorpe Award, which recognizes the hospital’s exceedingly high performance in patient safety, workforce engagement, and financial stewardship.

No one wants surgery. But when it’s necessary, it makes sense to choose the least invasive, most highly advanced type, if possible. And for a wide variety of surgeries, it is possible. At Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, a team of highly skilled robotic surgeons is using the most advanced technology available to help patients get back to their lives sooner than ever.

“Our team of robotic physicians has collectively performed more than 6,000 surgeries,” said Scott Miller, MD, North Fulton Hospital’s medical director of robotic surgery. “And our specially trained anesthesia team has also provided care to thousands of patients. At North Fulton, we offer the highest level of robotic surgery expertise.”

Robotic surgery specialties at North Fulton Hospital include colorectal, general, gynecologic (oncologic and benign), thoracic, trauma and urologic. And the surgeries are performed by clinical leaders. Dr. Miller, a urologist, was the first surgeon in Georgia to robotically remove a prostate. Named to Atlanta Magazine’s list of Top Doctors for 10 consecutive years, he has also been recognized for the past decade as a “National Top Doctor” by established research firm Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. The list aims to identify the top one percent of specialists and sub-specialists in the US.

Dr. Miller explains that with robot-assisted surgery, the surgical system is operated by a physician sitting a few feet away from the patient. Using a high-powered camera, the surgeon guides the arms of the robot that holds surgical tools, which are inserted into the patient through small incisions. With robotic surgery, the surgeon’s movements are more precise, according to Dr. Miller.

“Robotics allow greater range of motion, and thanks to the magnified, three-dimensional image of the surgical field, we can see the patient’s anatomy in better detail,” he said. “It’s the difference between looking through a window and actually walking into a room.“

With the smaller incisions we make during robotic surgery, there’s less blood loss, less post-operative pain, less scarring, quicker recovery and a lower risk of complications,” adds Dr. Miller, who emphasizes another benefit unique to Wellstar North Fulton Hospital: personal, compassionate care.

“The surgeon you first meet with will be the physician who performs your surgery, and sees you postoperatively. We each personally care for our patients, from start to finish.”

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital's Robotic Surgeons

Gregory Coffman, MD General, Trauma and Colorectal
Shelley Dunson-Allen, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Caroline Gibbons, MD Gynecology
Scott Miller, MD Urology
Ryan Mullins, MD Urology
Theolyn Price, MD Thoracic
Evelyn Reynolds, MD Gynecologic Oncology