Wellstar Health Highlights

To live life to the fullest, men need to keep a pulse on their health stats, including their prostate numbers. Regular well checks and prostate cancer screenings with a primary care physician or urologist can identify prostate conditions—like prostate cancer—early, leading to better outcomes and higher long-term survival.

Partnering with a Wellstar doctor now means that if you are diagnosed later, you’ll have a team of prostate specialists in your court who are ready to support you faster.

For example, if you have prostate-related symptoms or an elevated PSA, our Prostate Health Program offers patients access to the least invasive and most advanced testing and treatment options. Plus, patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will have a multidisciplinary team to provide treatment options. If needed, men can have non-invasive monitoring, minimally invasive robotic surgery or highly targeted radiation therapy at Wellstar—all of which minimize side effects compared to traditional treatments.

A better approach to prostate health

Wellstar created the Prostate Health Program to offer men a safe place to discuss sensitive health topics with less anxiety. 

One benefit of seeking care at Wellstar is that the team will minimize uncomfortable testing while giving you a best-in-class evaluation that delivers clear results. And you’ll have access to advanced genetic testing. If diagnosed with prostate cancer, patients have immediate access to a team of specialists working together to create the most personalized treatment plan.

“One great benefit of the Wellstar Prostate Program is our multidisciplinary approach to prostate care,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Adarsh Manjunath. “We work closely with radiation and medical oncologists to provide holistic care to our patients. The collective expertise and communication between everyone involved optimizes patient well-being.”

At the first appointment, patients meet with a urologist and a nurse navigator. Navigators help bridge the gap between office visits and medical tests. They’ll facilitate scheduling any appointments that are needed, help patients prepare and arrange any follow-up care that may be needed.

Today’s treatments offer fewer side effects

Once diagnosed, patients have immediate access to a multidisciplinary team of prostate experts. They want what’s best for you and work together to help you understand your diagnosis and personalized care options. Because not all prostate cancers are the same, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. 

Wellstar West Georgia Hospice in LaGrange has provided dedicated, compassionate care for patients for more than thirty years. This year, the facility hosts its 34th Annual Poinsettia Sale to share the beauty of the holiday season, while also collecting contributions that directly benefit its mission.

Once again you can continue the tradition when you purchase beautiful poinsettias through this program to share with your family, friends and business associates. The cost is $15 per plant.

Each plant is hand-delivered (free local delivery) by a hospice volunteer with a personalized card recognizing you and your recipient. Delivery dates for the flowers are Monday through Thursday, December 4 - 7, 2023, in plenty of time to enjoy their beauty all throughout the holiday season.

If you have questions, please call Sandy Melton at 706-845-3962 for assistance. Note that orders more than $75 will be acknowledged showing your tax-deductible contribution.

Funds raised will be used for patient care services for hospice patients at Wellstar West Georgia Hospice, as well as those being served in their own homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. West Georgia Hospice provides services to all regardless of their ability to pay.

Thank you very much for supporting the ongoing care efforts of West Georgia Hospice in our community. And don't delay: the deadline to place your order is November 1, 2023.

Your support of Wellstar West Georgia Hospice is sincerely appreciated, thank you!

Click, call or come in—easy online booking helps students take the first step toward taking charge of their health. Visit any of our student health locations on Campus Loop Road in Kennesaw, in University Village in Kennesaw or in University Courtyard in Marietta.

While physical health is an important part of overall wellness, it’s crucial that students look out for their mental well-being too. We offer compassionate, confidential care for mental health concerns with conveniently located offices on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. Call (470) 578-6644 to make an appointment. Learn more or book online at ksu-health.wellstar.org. 

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on July 14, 2023.

The key to avoiding health problems is prevention, and the keys to prevention are annual checkups, regular screenings and vaccinations. With the start of the next school year looming in late summer, healthcare experts in Atlanta say it’s a good time for families to get back into the routine of scheduling and keeping these important appointments—not just for children, but for parents too, especially that one parent who tends to be the primary scheduler, often the mother.

In an Atlanta Business Chronicle panel discussion in partnership with Wellstar, physicians from Wellstar and Cobb & Douglas Health District discuss why checkups are important and how families can overcome obstacles to stay on track with preventative care.

Taking care of the family and the family’s No. 1 manager

David Rubinger, Atlanta Business Chronicle market president and publisher: When we think about family wellness and how it intersects with our daily work routines, it can get very complicated, given how busy working professionals are. We’re trying to figure out a way to manage not only our children’s health, and maybe our parents’ health if we’re in the sandwich generation, but our own health. The checklist is longer and longer every day. Let’s start with the basics. We’re a few weeks away from the start of school. Dr. Stinson, what are you telling your parents of kids of school age right now?

Dr. Carrie Stinson, Chief, Pediatric Service Line, Wellstar: The summer is a great time to get caught up on all the things that fall through the cracks during the busy school year. Our lives are very hectic, and when school starts back, things get even busier.

One big thing is the annual well-child exam. Every child should have a well-child exam every single year. When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine — you’re scheduling these frequently. When kids get older and busier, these visits may feel less important and fall off your radar.

Well visits are important every year. They focus on the comprehensive health and well-being of your child. Pediatricians focus on physical health, development, emotional, social, and even behavioral health. During these visits, the care team collects information on patient and family history, talks about developmental milestones and how your child is doing in school socially. We also assess sleep habits and nutrition. As they become adolescents, well-child exams become even more important as we ask questions about your child’s mental and sexual health.

Those are important conversations to start having and your pediatrician can be a great facilitator. Sometimes parents are uncomfortable talking about those topics with their children even at an early, pre-adolescent stage, so those well checkups are really great places to get insight on how to approach sensitive topics.

Rubinger: Dr. Stinson, since COVID, tell me what you’re seeing that’s different in terms of talking to both parents and children. I am sure the pandemic took some families off their schedules for well checkups. How has the doctor-patient pediatric conversation changed over the past couple of years?

Dr. Stinson: What we’re hearing from our pediatricians since COVID is also what we’re hearing in the news. The behavioral and mental health crisis that we’re experiencing in this country has been really impactful on children, especially teenagers. During COVID, the social isolation of being out of school for periods of time had a significant impact on adolescents. The rise in social media popularity during that time also had a negative impact on pediatric mental health.

Our pediatricians are really seeing that impact now. They’re feeling the strain our teenagers are experiencing. We’re seeing many more cases of depression and anxiety, and cases that escalate to dangerous proportions such as suicidal thoughts and actions.

We’re trying to respond to it by increasing the resources in our communities, but it’s hard to move fast enough to keep up with the demand. At Wellstar, we are developing an integrative model for behavioral health into our pediatric offices. Five of our pediatric practices will have embedded behavioral health professionals, so pediatricians can make direct referrals and patients have immediate access to behavioral health providers in their pediatric office setting.

Rubinger: Dr. Greaves, the mother might be the caretaker who takes care of the child. Most mothers would put their kid’s health ahead of their own health. Tell me what you are experiencing in terms of women’s health as it relates to those people who are the caretakers. What are the issues that they’re having to face to address their own needs?

Dr. Paula Greaves, Chief, Women’s Health Service Line, Wellstar: Women are usually considered the CEOs of their households and the drivers of healthcare in the community. Most women are the care bridge between several generations. They take care of their children, their parents, their partners and at times their communities.

Unfortunately, they sometimes forget to take care of themselves. As physicians, it is our duty to ensure that women are made aware of the warning signs their bodies may be sending them and encourage them to seek help earlier to improve health outcomes.

There are nine signs that I tell my patients to watch out for:

1. Fatigue: Most women think, “Oh, I’m tired. It’s because I’m doing too much or I’m not getting enough sleep.” But fatigue can be a sign of something more than simply lack of sleep. It could be thyroid dysfunction. It could be menstrual irregularities causing them to be anemic and thus feeling fatigued. It could be heart disease. Fatigue could also be a sign of depression or menopausal symptoms. Every household should own a blood pressure monitor, and women should know their numbers (blood pressure, weight, and last menstrual period).
2. Women should be aware of physical changes within their bodies, including breast changes. Changes in the texture of the skin or a lump or pain in the breast should always be checked out.
3. Bloating is another subtle symptom to be aware of. Most women feel bloated and think, “Oh, it’s time for my menstrual cycle, so that’s why I am bloated.” But bloating can be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem or an enlarged pelvic organ. If you have bloating that doesn’t resolve after one or two cycles, let your doctor know.
4. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm are also red flags. Heart attack signs and symptoms can be completely different in women than the typical ones seen in men. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, so it is very important that these signs are not ignored.
5. Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease. If you notice an unusual cough or wheezing, have it checked out.
6. Weight changes: Either too much weight gain or unexpected weight loss should be mentioned to your physician. Fluid retention can also affect weight gain.
7. Blood in the urine or stool should be reported.
8. Irregular or heavy periods—heavy enough to change pads every hour or soil through clothes.
9. Skin changes such as discolorations, new moles or growths are definitely worth having a professional take a look.

Rubinger:  Is there ever a situation, Dr. Stinson, where you are treating a child and you see a mother whom you can tell is having health issues, even without an exam? As a pediatrician, do you ever say, “Hey, I think you need to get that checked out?”

Dr. Stinson: As pediatricians, we really focus on the whole family. While we’re seeing the child, we’re also interacting with the parents, guardians, grandparents, or whoever’s bringing the child in to see us on a routine basis.

I think we often get questions from family members about their own health because of exactly what Dr. Greaves mentioned. People think, “I am in a doctor’s office. I don’t have time to go to my own doctor. Let me just see if I can get this question answered.

While being careful not to give medical advice to a patient who is not ours or who is outside of our scope of practice as pediatricians, we are very willing to give recommendations on where that person should seek care. One benefit of our health system is we have the expertise to take care of patients from before they’re born until they need end-of-life care. We have a scope of providers within our system who can help with pretty much any problem that might come up. I would not hesitate to refer a patient to Dr. Greaves and say, “This mom is really worried about her own health. Can you please help? She’s very busy, but her symptoms sound concerning. Can you maybe work her into your schedule?

I practice in the hospital, and we have sent several parents to the emergency room in our hospital for their own health while we’re taking care of their child in the pediatric unit.

How providers are addressing rising mental health needs

Rubinger: Dr. Memark, you get to look at this from the standpoint of two counties that are in great need of public health support. What are the trends that you’re seeing at a 30,000-foot view? What do you see within your communities that your organization tries to address?

Dr. Janet Memark, District Health Director, Cobb & Douglas Health District: From my point of view, one of the big things that we do at Cobb & Douglas Public Health is a large community health assessment. Dr. Greaves is actually a member of our board. We just finished a 2016-2020 five-year assessment. This was at the beginning of the pandemic, so keep that in mind. Our next assessment will capture 2021-2025. One of the things that was surprising to me was looking at causes of death in our communities. The assessment showed that in older people, it’s what you’d expect. For example, in Cobb County for those age 75 and older, the leading causes of death are things like vascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s. For ages 65 to 74, it’s heart disease and cancer. But when we started looking at the lower age groups, I was very surprised at what I saw:

• For people in their 30s and 40s, the leading cause of death was accidental poisonings, and that includes drug abuse and drug overdoses. Number two was suicide.
• For ages 25 to 34, number one was overdoses and poisonings and number two was suicide.
• For ages 20 to 24, motor vehicle accidents were number one. Suicide was also number two for this group.
• For 15 to 19, suicide took the number one spot. Number two was motor vehicle accidents.
• For 10 to 14, number one was motor vehicle accidents followed by suicide.

After the timeframe studied in the assessment, we went through two more years of the pandemic, which affected almost everyone’s mental health in one way or another. We’ve heard on the news how pediatricians in medical school are now being trained on how to provide more extensive mental healthcare because there just aren’t enough mental health experts.

It’s wonderful to hear Dr. Stinson say they are really trying to bolster up mental health screenings for our young people during their pediatric visits. I’d also like to add that we have high rates of maternal mortality in Georgia. The state Department of Public Health did a deep dive and found that mental health is a huge component of maternal mortality. You see these same themes of mental health running through several different medical specialties.

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on May 19, 2023.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. The Georgia Department of Public Health reports the state had the 12th highest stroke death rate in the country. Georgia is also part of the “stroke belt,” an area of the southeastern United States with stroke death rates 30% higher than the rest of the nation.

As the leading — but preventable — cause of disability, stroke can happen at any age.

Stroke is a medical emergency, meaning the blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, brain cells start to die and abilities controlled by that area of the brain, such as speech or muscle control, are lost.

New drugs and new advanced treatments — such as the Tigertriever and Artemis — are helping reduce the death and disability impact of stroke, as well as comprehensive care programs and innovative hospital partnerships that expand stroke services into rural areas.

Physicians from Wellstar Health System and the CEO of a hospital in northeast Georgia joined Atlanta Business Chronicle to discuss stroke prevention and the future of stroke care.

Panelists & moderator

• Dr. Rishi Gupta, Endovascular Neurologist and Co-Medical Director of Neuro Care
• Dr. Ashis Tayal, Vascular Neurologist, Wellstar, Director of Neuro Care Network
• Van Loskoski, CEO, Stephens County Hospital
• David Rubinger, Market President & Publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle; Moderator

What is stroke, screening and secondary prevention

David Rubinger: Dr. Tayal, set the stage for us about the definition of stroke.

Dr. Ashis Tayal: A stroke is a sudden injury of the brain due to blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain. Injuries to the brain and disability can vary significantly.

The most common, ischemic stroke injury, is due to obstruction of an artery that causes a loss of blood flow to a critical part of the brain which damages the brain rapidly.

The other type of stroke is hemorrhagic stroke, where there’s a rupture of an artery, bleeding into the brain, or the surfaces of the brain, and that is called an intracerebral hemorrhage or a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Rubinger: I think Americans have become a little better educated as to who’s at risk for stroke, but why don’t you walk us through that. Who would be a potential stroke candidate?

Tayal: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. High blood pressure is an extremely common but controllable condition. Almost 80% of people have hypertension as they’re getting older.

Other risk factors include diabetes associated with elevated blood sugars causing accelerated blockage of arteries and high cholesterol, which can be related to diet and genetics.

Atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia that occurs as people get older, also places people at risk for the most severe and disabling types of strokes. And plaque buildup in specific arteries of the neck and brain also leads to an increased risk of stroke.

Smoking is another risk factor. Many adults still smoke despite a lot of progress in stroke treatment, and smoking puts people at risk for different types of stroke.

Rubinger: What about atmospheric things like stress and other areas like that? How does that play into it? Or do those things manifest themselves because of the other underlying physical conditions?

Tayal: I don’t view stress, in and of itself, as a risk factor for stroke. I think that’s more related to people’s environments and their own personalities and how they respond to stress. I do think people who are under undue stress can have poor lifestyle habits, and those poor lifestyle habits, whether poor eating habits, smoking, weight gain or lack of exercise, can lead to conditions that increase the risk for stroke.

Rubinger: So how is the healthcare system doing treating strokes? Do you believe that what’s going on at the primary care provider’s office is helping or do we have a way to go?

Tayal: In the United States, preventive care has improved the treatment of risk factors that lead to stroke, but communities must maintain routine checkups as many of the risk factors are silent.

There are improved treatments for hypertension, more aggressive treatment for diabetes, and more efforts at smoking cessation. Just the fact that we treat hypertension better than we did a generation ago has had a great impact on lowering the prevalence of stroke.

That being said, some of the most exciting work on stroke has often been done in the area of acute treatment of stroke with clot-busting drugs, catheter-based treatments and medications to protect the brain during an acute injury.

Rubinger: Has pharmacology gotten better in terms of the hypertension medicines that are out there? Have anti-cholesterol medicines improved in recent years?

Tayal: In the past, healthcare providers were often undertreating people with hyperlipidemia — high cholesterol — and not fully appreciating the benefits of significant reductions in cholesterol levels. For example, we’ve learned that driving cholesterol down into much lower ranges under 55 mg/dL can benefit our patients who have vascular disease as a cause for their stroke.

In the fight against high cholesterol, newer medications that prevent the absorption of cholesterol are now available. Recent developments have led to the discovery of a new underutilized class of drugs called PCSK-9 inhibitors that are highly effective.

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has been recognized with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to U.S. hospitals based on data calculated using 26 measures evaluating the hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors.

“Patient safety is at the forefront of everything we do at Kennestone, and we are pleased to be recognized by the Leapfrog Group for earning an A grade,” said Callie Andrews, Wellstar Kennestone Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Not only does an A grade affirm the high quality of care that we deliver to our patients every day, but this prestigious ranking also honors the critical role that our physicians, nurses and caregivers play in keeping our communities healthy and safe.”

The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety (April 2013), Hospital Safety Score is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families.

To see how Wellstar Kennestone’s scores compare nationally and locally, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org, which provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay. Local hospitals’ scores are also available on the free mobile app, available at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Wellstar Health System and Georgia State University’s Department of Respiratory Therapy in the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions announce a $320,000 grant to expand the pipeline of respiratory therapy (RT) professionals.

"Respiratory therapists are a vital part of the care team and are in critical demand – a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and felt throughout the healthcare industry," said Julie Teer, president of the Wellstar Foundation. "The Wellstar Foundation is proud to increase the workforce pipeline by collaborating with and funding Georgia State to hire an additional faculty member to lead a new clinical cohort of RT students at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center."

The faculty shortage is a major barrier to increasing program enrollment and adding this position will result in a 20 percent increase in the program’s enrollment capacity.

"Highly educated respiratory therapists will always be needed, but due to the pandemic and the burnout of healthcare practitioners, the job market is wide open for new graduates," said Dr. Doug Gardenhire, chair of the Department of Respiratory Therapy.

Over 150,000 respiratory therapists work in the United States, and 92,000 are likely to retire by 2030. In addition to faculty shortage, demand for professionals that outpaces the capacity of degree programs also contributes to the national shortage of respiratory therapists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of RT positions will grow by at least 19 percent through 2029 due to an aging population and increased cases of respiratory illness.

"There are more than 17,000 advertisements for needed respiratory therapy positions around the country, and the need is no different in metro Atlanta," said Gardenhire. "This partnership with Wellstar allows us to educate and graduate more baccalaureate and master’s degree prepared respiratory therapists."

Georgia State’s RT program is one of only two U.S. programs to receive the American Association for Respiratory Care Apex Award for three consecutive years. The award recognizes respiratory care in clinical care facilities and educational programs that highlight best practices with evidence-based medicine. Over the past decade, every Georgia State RT graduate has earned a 100 percent pass rate on the licensure exam.

"This grant helps strengthen our relationship with Wellstar and will bring more of our students into the Wellstar system for clinical practice and potentially for employment after graduation," said Dr. Huanbiao Mo, dean of the Lewis College. “Congratulations to RT faculty and leadership for forging this successful clinical partnership."

Explore how the Lewis College at Georgia State is producing respiratory therapists and other professionals prepared for the frontlines of healthcare at lewis.gsu.edu. See how corporate and foundation partner and individual donor dollars are making a difference at Georgia State at giving.gsu.edu. Learn how Wellstar Foundation, through philanthropy and partnership, is making a meaningful difference in the health of our communities at wellstar.org/foundation.

Click to watch 11 Alive coverage of partnership between Wellstar and Georgia State University. 

RSVP by contacting Sarah Hersey at (706) 845-3848 or [email protected]

RSVP by contacting Pam Plasket at (770) 410-4556 or [email protected]

The care teams at Wellstar are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, and we thank our team members for their commitment to world-class care. We also thank Cobb residents for trusting the expertise of Wellstar to keep their families healthy and provide them with more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
Several Wellstar team members have been voted among the Best of Cobb:

• Bruce Alayof, MD
  Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
  Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Second Place


• Kyle Brown
  Wellstar Health Place
  Best Personal Trainer, Second Place


• Ryan Breshears, PhD
  Wellstar Clinical Psychology
  Best Psychologist, Second Place


• Ryan Cantwell, MD
  Wellstar Internal Medicine
  Best Family Physician, First Place
  Best General Practice Doctor, Second Place


• Kozue Cunningham
  Wellstar Health Place
  Best Massage Therapist, First Place


• Diedre Greene, MD
  Wellstar Pediatrics
  Best Pediatrician, Second Place


• Amy Gross
  Wellstar Outpatient Rehabilitation
  Best Physical Therapist, First Place


• Ashish Kapila, DPM
  Wellstar Podiatry
  Best Podiatry, Third Place


• Amy Kewin, MD
  Wellstar Pediatrics
  Best Pediatrician, First Place


• Keisha McClure
  Wellstar Health Place
  Best Massage Therapist, Third Place


• Eduardo Molinary, MD
  Wellstar Pulmonary Medicine
  Best Pulmonary Medicine, Third Place


• David Parks, MD
  Wellstar ENT
  Best ENT Specialist, First Place


• Dhaval Patel, MD
  Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
  Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Third Place


• Daniel Saade, MD
  Wellstar Pediatrics
  Best Pediatrician, Third Place


• Carolyn Smallwood, DO
  Wellstar Primary Care
  Best General Practice Doctor, First Place
  Best Family Physician, Second Place


• Randall Webb, MD
  Wellstar OB/GYN
  Best OB/GYN, Third Place


• Wellstar Atherton Place
  Senior Living and Memory Care
  Best Nursing Home, Third Place


• Wellstar Health Place
  Best Fitness Center/Gym, First Place


• Wellstar Health Place
  Best Yoga/Barre/Pilates Studio, Third Place


• Wellstar Health Place
  A Healthier You- Medical Fitness
  Best Weight Loss Clinic, Third Place


• Wellstar Pediatrics at 3707 Largent Way
  Best Pediatric Group, First Place


• Wellstar Pediatrics at 760 Kennesaw Avenue
  Best Pediatric Group, Second Place


• Wellstar Pediatrics at 121 Marble Mill Road
  Best Pediatric Group, Third Place

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. Of that group, 90-95% have type 2 diabetes. Because this condition often develops in people over 45, getting screened and getting the best treatment to live your healthiest life is essential.

"Diabetes is a chronic and complex condition, and treatments are continuously changing," said Georgia A Forrest, Wellstar primary care physician. "Teaming up with a primary care provider who personalizes your care plan to you and everything that makes you unique should be a top priority."

Whether you currently have type 2 diabetes, a family history of the disease or feel concerned about your overall well-being, you can take proactive steps to manage your health. Here are some key facts to help you better understand the relationship between diabetes and good health.

1. Undiagnosed diabetes costs you money & health
Not knowing you have diabetes carries high medical costs. Undiagnosed diabetes can increase your risk for death and other medical issues.

Diabetes was the eighth leading cause of death in 2021, the most recent data reported by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. And according to the American Diabetes Association, having diabetes doubles your risk for heart disease and stroke — heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. 

2. A diagnosis and personalized treatment can save your life
Knowing you have diabetes and then working to manage your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol effectively can lower your risk of death and help you live a better quality of life.

3. Getting screened for diabetes is easy
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force now recommends getting screened with a simple blood test at the age of 35 for people with no symptoms but who are overweight or obese. Even if you have no signs or family history of diabetes, it can lurk in your numbers. Getting screened can help you catch it early and even prevent it altogether.

Consider getting screened for diabetes if you:

• Are obese or overweight
• Are physically inactive 
• Have a parent or full sibling with diabetes
• Are an African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander 
• Have a history of cardiovascular disease
• Have hypertension
• Have blood work that shows an HDL of less than 35 mg/dl or triglycerides greater than 250 mg/dl
• Have a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Have other medical conditions that lead to insulin resistance

4. Some people have pre-diabetes
If your screening shows that you have pre-diabetes, your blood sugar levels run higher than average but aren't within the range of type 2 diabetes. However, you have an increased risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

Identifying that diabetes is around the corner can help you stop it before it starts.

5. Diabetes treatment plans should be unique
When crafting a plan to address diabetes, the conversation must be about more than the numbers.

"Additional diseases or conditions you may be experiencing in conjunction with your diabetes should also become part of your individualized health plan," Dr. Forrest said.

A complete medical history helps your healthcare provider understand how other medications and treatments may interact with your symptoms and treatments related to type 2 diabetes.

6. Lifestyle modifications can make a big impact on diabetes
Lifestyle modifications may involve slight changes to your weight, the amount of exercise you get, your diet and even your sleeping patterns.

Changes don't have to be major. For instance, your doctor may suggest you lose around 10 pounds and exercise for 30 minutes five days a week.

Our primary care providers work with patients one-on-one but can also refer patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes to Wellstar Diabetes Services to help prevent the onset or manage the effects of diabetes.

7. S.M.A.R.T. diabetes treatment plans
According to Dr. Forrest, your overall plan should include "specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely (S.M.A.R.T.) goals and involve shared decision-making between you and your care provider. There should be plenty of follow-ups to keep the conversation fluid and open to modification."

8. Know your numbers — and acronyms (A1C, CGM, TIR)
Should your screening lead to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, conversations with your health providers will focus on several acronyms and numbers.

“Know your ABCD’s of diabetes,” said Dr. Forrest. “Your A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol and the medications you are taking. Knowing these facts about your health will be key to your success.”

• A = Hemoglobin A1C goal is <7 
• B = Blood pressure goal is <130/80 
• C = Cholesterol goal is to keep bad cholesterol <100 
• D = Drugs 

Keeping the A1C low and within an optimal range will help prevent complications like eye damage, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. 

A mainstay for type 2 diabetes management centers around constant glucose level monitoring. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides readings every few minutes via a sensor inserted just below your skin. Monitoring glucose is a common way to help regulate insulin in your body, giving you the readings you need to self-adjust with insulin when appropriate. Average glucose levels should be 100 mg/dl or lower though they can increase if you've just eaten.

New developments introduced the importance of tracking Time in Range (TIR). Along with monitoring your glucose levels, TIR may impact your customized plan for maintenance. According to Dr. Forrest, the goal for TIR is 70% or more.

9. Receive individualized diabetes care at Wellstar
For diabetes management, a personalized, proactive approach can make all the difference. Wellstar's primary care providers are here to partner with you to help prevent or manage diabetes, heart disease and many other conditions.

"A true patient-centered approach for managing diabetes is the key to the future of this disease," Dr. Forrest said. "Get screened and speak up when it comes to your care. Opportunities for personalized and individualized medicine should be a part of your treatment plan as you move forward."

Find a primary care provider near you.

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on February 9, 2023.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease and stroke are among the forms of cardiovascular disease. In 2019, nearly 900,000 people died of cardiovascular disease in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. In Georgia, about 1 in 3 deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. Most of these deaths are premature and preventable. Atlanta Business Chronicle recently talked with a panel of experts from Wellstar Health System and the American Heart Association about ways to accelerate heart care progress through diversity and inclusion and finding better ways to fight heart disease through unconventional methods, early detection and education and through the workplace.

Panelists & moderator

Moderator: David Rubinger, Market President & Publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle

Rubinger: What is the best way to define heart disease? And what does it mean for our culture?

Dr. Vivek Nautiyal: Let me start by saying that heart disease or cardiovascular disease is a very broad term which include a wide variety of conditions affecting our heart and blood vessels. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which is usually caused by cholesterol plaque clogging the arteries, supplying blood to our heart. This is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and across the world.

Some other types of heart disease include heart failure, which affects the heart muscle pump, heart valve disease and heart rhythm disorders affecting electrical activity of the heart. Vascular disease includes aortic aneurysm, and disease affecting neck arteries going to the brain or arteries going to the legs. All of these would broadly come under heart disease.

These conditions affect the ability of the heart to function properly and can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks or stroke.

Rubinger: How much of that would we consider to be genetics and how much would we consider to be lifestyle, leading to the disease itself?

Nautiyal: Genetics is important, but I would say the vast majority are lifestyle-related. And that is why it's killing so many people. Heart disease is often the result of lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, mental stress.

About four in 10 U.S. adults currently are obese. Three in 10 have high cholesterol, four in 10 have hypertension. One in 10 have diabetes. So, this is an epidemic. Adolescent and childhood obesity is on the rise and we in Georgia are sitting in the diabetes belt of the U.S.

Lack of awareness of these common risk factors often leads to delay in seeking preventive or medical care. You can have hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes for years or decades without knowing, which is why they're called silent killers. Unless you check for them, you may be blissfully unaware of your risk, until one day it leads to a major event.

Rubinger: It's very common to hear about examples where sometimes it can be genetic and other times it can be a lifestyle cause. Dr. Sacks, in your career, how have you viewed this whole conundrum of how to best approach heart disease?

Dr. Harvey Sacks: Getting back to your previous question, one form of heart disease we did not mention is congenital heart disease — malformations of the heart and blood vessels which occur at birth. As regards to lifestyle, when I started practicing cardiology, I saw patients in Paulding County. At that time, it was a rural community, but it is not so rural anymore but rather an extension of Atlanta. Many members of that community had a lifestyle consisting of poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking and use of smokeless tobacco.

We began an educational process to teach people about healthy living. We socialized this into the community by giving talks to schools, churches and Rotary Club meetings.

The community bought into these new concepts, and we have made great progress. We have made significant changes as a result of this education in heart attack rates and cardiac mortality in that community.

Rubinger: Do we have any data to support that?

Sacks: We do. Since we have been seeing patients in Paulding County, data show a decrease in cardiac mortality. People understand the risk factors that contribute to the development of heart disease. And this trend is not unique to Paulding County. Similar efforts have been successful throughout the country. The American Heart Association (AHA) has helped us educate millions of people, and as a result, people are adopting healthier choices.

Unconventional weapons: Collaboration, technology & more

Rubinger: From a medical standpoint, what have you learned from research that has helped deliver better outcomes?

Nautiyal: As Dr. Sacks was mentioning, we have made huge advancements in improving cardiovasular mortality and morbidity, especially in the Medicare population. There's clear evidence of that in the last two decades. One area where we are lagging behind is in the young population. Unlike the older population, in the younger population the event rates are either flat or going up.

One of the reasons for this is that traditional risk factor calculators tend to underestimate cardiovascular risk in young people. By young people, I mean below 50. So, if you are below 50 and you have family members who had premature events or if you have very high cholesterol, or if you are a woman with certain complications during pregnancy, then be aware that traditional risk factors will underestimate your cardiac risk. Also, younger people tend to have this sense of invincibility. You don't have any symptoms. You think, “I’m doing OK,” not realizing that silently, processes are going on in your body which one day will lead to a catastrophic event.

As part of an NIH-funded 4-year study, led by the Mayo Clinic, we at Wellstar are implementing a shared decision-making electronic tool called CV Prevent Choice in our primary care offices. This enables the patient and physician to have a discussion about their personal risk for heart attack over next 10 years. It shows in an easy-to-understand graphic the impact of lifestyle measures, like healthy diet and exercise and — if needed — medications, in reducing their cardiac risk. We collaborated with the Mayo team to include factors on this risk calculator, like family history, women-specific risk factors and coronary calcium score, which alerts the clinician and patient that actual risk may be higher than indicated.

Another area where we in the U.S. lag behind is utilization and adherence to easily available life-saving therapies. A recent study showed that in over 600,000 commercially insured patients with established cardiovascular disease in the U.S., the utilization of appropriate, life-saving medications, such as statins, was low, despite overwhelming evidence of the benefit and established clinical guidelines. Only one in five patients received appropriate high-strength statins, despite these being relatively inexpensive generic medicines. Younger patients and female patients were less likely to receive these therapies. Furthermore, patient adherence, as measured by prescription refill rates, was low.

To better understand some of the factors behind this and also improve our quality of care, we at the Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular care are honored to have been chosen by the American Heart Association, to be one of six health care organizations across the country to participate in an integrated cardiovascular cholesterol management initiative, a learning collaborative grant. As part of this initiative, we will track patients admitted with heart attacks and follow them as they transition home. We will pilot programs to get patients to their treatment goals within a short time after discharge and improve patient outcomes.

Rubinger: Mr. Mooney, why aren’t people taking their statins? Is this part of the problem? Are people making bad decisions based on lack of education about what the risk factors are?

Mooney: There are a lot of factors that play into why patients are not adhering to taking statins or medications. Some of those barriers is health literacy, access to health care, and the affordability of medications. The expansion of Medicaid could address some of these factors. We at the American Heart Association are supporting the states that are advocating for Medicaid expansion.

Rubinger: What have been the major technological changes that have really made your jobs more effective or easier?

Sacks: There are different kinds of technology. One type is the evolution of the treatment of coronary heart disease. We are not only able to diagnose blockages in coronary arteries, but in a large proportion of the patients we can treat them with stents, reserving surgery for more extensive and complex heart disease. We are treating patients with valve abnormalities without having to open their chests, thus providing a much less invasive procedure.

A spot on the lung, or pulmonary nodule, is sometimes found incidentally on a CT which was ordered for another reason. We have an AI (artificial intelligence) program to follow and surveil these nodules for the possible development of lung cancer. And in addition, some of these patients have been found to have enlargement of their aorta (known as an aortic aneurysm). AI can identify these patients from a narrative report. They can then be referred to medical and surgical specialists for treatment. This helps prevent an otherwise fatal event from rupture of the aneurysm.

The other part is virtual visits. We believe that virtual visits are the future. There are so many people who for many, many reasons cannot come in to see the doctor, whether it's a transportation issue, whether it's having childcare, finances, whatever it may be. We want to bring those technologies to the person when they can't come to us. We believe that we can really influence people's lives greatly by being able to do that technologically by virtual visits.

Rubinger: And virtual medicine was something really born out of the pandemic. Is the concept of virtual medicine here to stay, Dr. Nautiyal?

Nautiyal: I believe so. The idea was there before, but the pandemic forced us into implementing it a very short time span. Now I think it's going to stay, but in a hybrid model. In-person conversation and physical exams still have meaning in spite of all the technology. An example of a hybrid model would be if someone was hospitalized recently for heart failure and now needs frequent visits for adjusting medications, they don't have to come in every time. We can do virtual visits to adjust the medications and get them to their goal.

Sacks: Psychological ill health can be as important as physical disease. Wellstar has introduced a Cardiovascular Behavioral Health program which can in part be virtual. It integrates behavioral health with physical wellbeing. We can help patients identify emotional problems which can contribute to physical maladies. Obesity is a prime example.

Obesity is often stigmatized, but it is actually a disease. And when you recognize it as a disease, you can treat it as such, similar to how we can treat other conditions. We can do a lot of this support virtually. We also have medications to curb obesity and even surgery for complex cases. If we eliminate the stigma associated with certain conditions, we can better treat them. We need to recognize emotional triggers which can lead to physical medical issues.

Prioritizing early detection

Rubinger: You mentioned earlier younger people who may think they’re invincible. These are the people who need to learn about early detection, earlier on in their lives. What is the recommendation you all give to the younger population to start monitoring their own heart health to know whether they need help? What are the steps younger people need to take to make sure they are addressing these issues?

Nautiyal: I would like to highlight two key groups who are at a very high personal risk of heart attacks or strokes. One is familial hypercholesterolemia. This is a genetic condition where you have high cholesterol levels since early childhood. The way to identify this is to know your cholesterol numbers and know your family history. Familial hypercholesterolemia, FH for short, is not as uncommon as we thought. One in 250 people have FH, and only about 20% of people with FH have been identified or recognized. This leaves a vast reservoir of undiagnosed and undertreated people. If you are a man with untreated FH, there is a 50% chance of having a heart attack by age 50, that is basically a coin flip. Women with untreated FH have a one in three chance of having a heart attack by age 60.

The second group is people with family history of premature heart attacks or strokes.

If you are in one of these two groups, I would strongly urge you to seek preventive cardiology consultation.

Regardless of whether or not you belong to one of these two groups, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of following a heart healthy dietary pattern, exercising regularly, not smoking, getting adequate sleep and knowing your numbers — blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels.

On a positive note: know that your DNA is not your destiny. If you treat FH adequately early on in life, you can have a healthy and long life without any cardiac problems. Similarly, and this has been well studied, even among people who have a cluster of genetic mutations predisposing them to heart attacks (high polygenic score), following a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce their risk by 50%. Again, your DNA is not your destiny.

At Wellstar, we also offer a robust 'Know Your Heart' screening program for the general public to schedule an appointment. The advanced version of this includes a CT coronary calcium score. For specialized care, we have a Preventive Cardiology office, where we offer evidence-based, patient and family-centered care with a multidisciplinary team including a cardiologist, dietician, clinical pharmacist and geneticist. Our cardio-genetics program has the highest volume of patients in Georgia.

Mooney: Through programs like Kids Heart Challenge at the American Heart Association, which partners with schools to help prepare children for success by empowering them to embrace a healthy lifestyle — eat well, move more and stay tobacco free. The Kids Heart Challenge prepares elementary students for future success both physically and emotionally. Through cardio-pumping physical activities, kids learn the importance of being heart-healthy. Participating schools and/or teachers receive discounted certificates for PE equipment, direct contributions to their school and new curriculum resources for whole-child centered learning. Healthy students are better learners; teachers and schools have a major influence on students’ health, and the Kids Heart Challenge is designed to support and improve those efforts.

One other AHA program, Target BP (blood pressure), using the M.A.P. (measure accurately; act rapidly; partner with patients, communities) Framework is connecting the community to clinics. This program here at the American Heart Association is designed to work with clinicians with improving how blood pressure is measured, developing treatment algorithms to improve uncontrolled blood pressure. This program’s framework was used to train barbers and stylists in an initiative called “Do You Know Your Numbers?”

We worked in barber shops and salons, faith-based and community-based organizations to install blood-pressure monitors and train them on how to use them. In the barbershop we talk about sports, families, children, so within that conversation it was simple to bring up “do you know your numbers?” And once they asked that question, and their clients are interested in knowing their numbers, they are able to screen those clients for high blood pressure. The people who need medical care are connected with health centers or clinics.

It has worked and it has grown and it's nationwide. We sent this national hypertension project throughout so many different communities, whether rural or urban. We find that bringing in that community component helps get patients to seeing their clinicians.

Education to reduce the numbers

Rubinger: Education about cardiovascular disease risk factors clearly plays a big part in helping people avoid making bad decisions. What programs or initiatives have had the biggest impact?

Sacks: If there is a group of people that we have significantly impacted, it is women. Mr. Mooney can speak to this too. You know, if you ask a woman what is she most likely to die from, she will probably tell you breast cancer or uterine cancer. But the truth is she is most likely to die from heart disease. The AHA has highlighted this with their Wear Red Day events and other programs. Women have come to understand their cardiac risk, and that their symptoms of heart disease may differ from those of men.

Mooney: I would agree with you on that. The information, as it relates to women dying of heart disease, is really the approach of addressing social determinants of health.

And quality improvements are really about self-management. For example, with the blood pressure project, it is a way of educating the patients, empowering the patients to take control of their blood pressure through what the doctors have shared with them. Talking to and educating these patients, as in the example Dr. Sacks gave in Paulding County, helps them know what are those factors that impact their health, such as healthy eating, access to care, also access to medication.

We're discovering in this hypertension research project that these populations would not have had access to blood pressure monitors outside of the doctor's office to get true blood pressure readings. That's self-measurement. Now these devices, when they check their blood pressure, it automatically links up into their EMR systems. It's all about time: the patient comes from that (screening) to a follow-up appointment. Doctors have a real clear big picture of what the patient’s true blood pressure readings are, and that's where it goes into better treatment plans as it relates to physical activity, diet, and so forth.

Sacks: That recent study involving stationing pharmacists in predominantly African-American owned barber shops demonstrated the power of education. They screened patrons’ blood pressure. A large number of men, with no prior medical history, were found to have significant hypertension (high blood pressure). These individuals were then placed on medication. It was an amazing study because they were able to identify, educate and treat these patients thus reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke.

Rubinger: The key here is my numbers. My primary care physician needs be looking at those numbers closely, even though I am a younger person, because they're the bridge to getting referred to take care of these conditions. Is the primary care system addressing the hard health issues in cardiac care?

Nautiyal: When we started the Preventive Cardiology Program about two years ago, we took a holistic or multi-pronged approach for this very reason. When thinking of cardiovascular risk in the population, you can imagine a pyramid. At the base of the pyramid are people with traditional risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. As you move up this pyramid, you will have more serious risk factors — for example, diabetes — and at the tip of the pyramid would be people with familial hypercholesterolemia or family history for premature heart disease, who are fewer in comparison to the base, but have highest personal risk.

We'll make the most impact by focusing on the base, because that's where the most patients are and that can be addressed adequately at the primary care level or through community-led initiatives.

And we at the Wellstar Preventive Cardiology Program are engaging with our primary care colleagues to accomplish this through the initiatives I mentioned earlier, helping them in their own preventive strategies and identifying those at the tip of the pyramid, with higher personal risk who will benefit from specialized preventive cardiology care.

Mooney: That's what the American Heart Association is all about: bringing awareness on heart disease to rural and urban communities and vulnerable populations. We are developing science based tools and resources for clinicians and providers to keep them informed with the current research and what's going on out there, as well as providing educational tools in all languages for their patient population.

We discovered that patients heard the numbers but didn't know what they meant and didn't know how they impacted their bodies. We design educational materials for these patients to really understand the consequences of high blood pressure for any literacy level. For example, in some workshops with patients and the community, we may use infographics of a home water hose connected to a street fire hydrant as an example of blood vessels to the heart and/or a boxer beating the kidney to give a visual of what high blood pressure does to the body organs. Blood pressure has impacts on your entire body. Giving the visual, just keeping it simple and straight to the point.

Rubinger: It's all about trust, right? They have to trust the medical system. There are certain communities that in the past have not trusted the medical establishment.

Mooney: Absolutely. That's why we are such a big proponent of diversity in the workplace and bringing young scholars, HBCU scholars, historical black institutions and biomedical students into this arena, connecting them with cardiologists and scientists throughout their undergrad, up into medical school and up into their careers. That's key. And that's important because getting out there in the community is key to building that trust. People trust people who are very familiar with their environment.

Expanding heart care to diverse groups

Rubinger: That need to build trust between the medical profession and certain communities leads me to another issue: the disparity in different groups when it comes to obtaining medical care. How can our cardiac experts help close the gap in this area?

Mooney: The AHA has put a lot of money and research and grants focused on science-based solutions to address health inequalities through, for example, our Health Equity Research Network on Prevention of Hypertension.

I'm research-focused on cardio and oncology working in underserved communities and bringing forward awareness of the connection of heart disease and cancer, as well as putting our money back into the community to support community-based organizations that are addressing social determinants of health that could assist with improving overall cardiovascular health as it relates to addressing food insecurity, vaping advocacy work that we do in school systems throughout the country and also where we are invested into people. We're working with our historically black colleges and universities, identifying those underrepresented in the medical field and enlightening them to also become representatives in the medical field to help improve overall health and communities throughout the nation. We've been committed to that, and we're very much committed to that.

As it relates to the training for our providers and clinicians through quality improvement programs such as “Get Down With Your Blood Pressure” and our cholesterol control program as well, we are providing the research and the educational tools for providers and for patients to assist health systems. We'll start on improving blood pressure with other health systems throughout the United States and particularly in the metro Atlanta area.

Sacks: If we needed a reminder about health equity, certainly the pandemic provided us with that experience. The mortality from Covid was much higher in the African-American and Latino communities. There is a saying that a parent is only as happy as their least happy child. Similarly, the medical community should only be satisfied if everyone has access to health care.

We must do a lot more than we are doing to ensure a better distribution of our resources. That is our obligation as health care providers. We need to deliver health care to those who are unable to come to us, but who nonetheless are in need of our services. We need to go to them.

Winning in the workplace

Rubinger: How important is the employer towards helping deliver on some of these messages to their employees?

Sacks: From the business standpoint, employers need to offer more health and wellness opportunities for their employees. And why is that? Because if they do, their workers will spend more time at work and less time at home, sick. They will spend less time in the emergency room because of adopting a healthier lifestyle and medical conditions will be identified sooner. The more businesses can promote these kinds of internal programs, the more an employee realizes 'my employer really cares about me; they really want me to be healthy.' It's a win-win for everyone, so those programs need to be much more widespread and offered to more people.

Mooney: The American Heart Association has workplace programs where we work with employers throughout the nation and throughout Georgia. Also we work with organizations just in in terms of broadening or expanding the pool of applicants, or those in leadership, to be able to be a representation of the community in which they serve.

You’re considered obese when your body mass index (BMI) reaches 30.0 or higher. Sometimes that means you gain 15 pounds, and nobody notices you’ve gotten much bigger. Sometimes it means you have a visible weight problem.

For U.S. adults aged 20 and over, there’s a 41.9% prevalence of obesity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That most likely makes it more common than you suspected. And, even if you don’t feel like you’re severely overweight, being obese — according to the numbers — means opening the door to a long list of potential health risks.

So, if you can’t stop gaining weight or simply aren’t seeing the pounds come off no matter what you do, it’s time to consult a primary care doctor or advanced practice professional (APP).

Understanding what causes chronic weight gain

“Physicians previously thought obesity was only due to overeating and less exercise,” said Dr. Alicia Shelly, a Wellstar primary care provider. “The advice was always to move more and eat less, but it never guaranteed they would lose significant weight.”

In recent years, there’s been a shift in understanding weight gain, where it can stem from and how broad the range of categories really is. You can be obese because of:

• Medical conditions
• Depression or anxiety
• Thyroid issues
• Genetics
• Immune conditions
• Environmental issues

The factors that impact your weight gain drastically affect your options for treatment and what lifestyle changes you need to make to see a difference.

The one constant of obesity

Even with so many factors potentially causing obesity, the one constant is its negative impact on your health.

“There are more than 200 complications that accompany obesity,” Dr. Shelly said. 

These include more serious issues like heart disease, liver disease, hypertension and diabetes, but also other risks like reproductive disorders, sleep apnea, joint pain and mood disorders.

“Losing only 5-10% of your current weight can prove beneficial at reducing the risk of many of these obesity-related complications,” Dr. Shelly shared.

Reducing your weight by just 2.5% percent can help lower your risk of diabetes, and losing just 5% percent of your weight can improve your overall quality of life.

Having the weight conversation with your provider

Being overweight — and talking about it — can sometimes be difficult. You may feel embarrassed or that your weight gain reflects poorly on you. However, seeing that so many factors can cause weight gain that may be out of your control, there’s no reason to fear this type of conversation. What’s important though, is having a doctor or APP you trust and who supports you.

Tips for discussing weight with your doctor

1. Be ready to talk about your weight. This conversation may include answering questions that feel uncomfortable to you but will help your doctor provide the right level of care.
2. Listen carefully to the health risks associated with your weight and be open to creating a strategy for even a modest weight loss, like 5-10 pounds.
3. Participate in the creation of your treatment plan. Consider your doctor's recommendations, and speak up about what will or won’t work for you.
4. Be open to losing weight at a realistic rate.

Your expectations for what weight loss should look like may be different than your health provider. However, it’s sometimes necessary to put your assumptions about weight loss aside. Use the information your doctor gives you to make an educated choice as to what’s best for your overall health.

There’s no rush to lose weight. What’s important is making positive changes that you can commit to indefinitely that will take weight off and allow you to keep it off.

What a weight loss plan may look like

Many weight loss plans begin with lifestyle changes. These can include changing how you handle stress, keeping a food journal or focusing on portion control. You may even have to add or remove certain foods or beverages from your diet.

With these changes should also come a plan for staying vigilant even when life throws a curveball to your routine.

“It is common for people to get overwhelmed with the challenges during their weight loss journey and quit,” Dr. Shelly said. “This is why a piece of your weight loss plan will include addressing potential challenges and mapping out ways to overcome them.”

Appetite suppressants may also assist with an effective weight loss plan. New weight management options have come on the market in recent years. Your doctor may prescribe an FDA-approved medication, but it’s good to know that most offer an average weight loss of anywhere between 6-15%, and all carry the possibility of side effects that range from insomnia to nausea to constipation.

Work closely with your doctor before taking any medication, and only use what they prescribe.

Beginning your weight loss journey

Once you’re motivated to start losing weight, the first step on your journey is to create a road map with a qualified medical professional as your guide. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or search for a primary care provider near you.

Wellstar Paulding Medical Center now offers spine surgery, giving patients in Paulding County and surrounding areas access to expert care for spinal conditions. 

Spine surgery can help people like patient Ulysses Price find relief from chronic pain and get back to the activities they enjoy. 

“Low back pain is such a common complaint among patients, and there are a limited number of specialists who are able to address these concerns,” said Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip Parry. 

If you are experiencing neck or back pain or managing a spinal condition, Wellstar’s Neuro Care team will work with you to create a personalized care plan and decide if surgery is the most effective treatment option. Wellstar’s spine surgeons help patients with a variety of spinal conditions, including scoliosis, sciatica, arthritis, herniated disks and spinal deformities.  Our spine surgeons perform cervical disk replacements and cervical fusions for cervical neck pain syndromes and offer both simple and complex spine surgical options for patients with low back pain syndromes. 

Surgeons at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center also perform peripheral nerve decompression surgery for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and other compression neuropathies. 

“Wellstar offers a unique opportunity for patients to receive comprehensive, compassionate and close-to-home care for whatever disease process they may have,” Dr. Parry said. “The spine care provided here at Wellstar is world-class.” 

Schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon in Hiram by calling (770) 422-2326. 

Whether you experience an injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent your condition from worsening. 

With primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, as well as retail pharmacies, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation? Learn the differences between each type of medical service so you don’t delay and get care right away. 

Local Pharmacies 

If you are ill and have minor symptoms, over-the-counter medications can help you feel better. At your local retail pharmacy, you can find over-the-counter treatments for minor conditions like colds. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away with over-the-counter treatments, contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care location. 

Local pharmacies also carry at-home COVID-19 tests, offering a convenient testing option for people who have been exposed or are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19. 

Virtual Care 

Whether you have a busy schedule or are just looking for a more convenient option, virtual appointments are an easy way to keep up with your health from anywhere. 

At Wellstar, we offer virtual visits with both primary care providers and specialists — no matter if you are an established patient or not. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

If you’re an established patient, simply request a virtual visit through MyChart. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to sign up for MyChart and keep all of your important health information in one secure space. You can also call your physician’s office directly and request a virtual appointment over the phone. 

These days, many types of appointments can be done virtually, including consultations, care for chronic conditions and prescription management. In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide virtual urgent care through WellstarON for minor medical concerns. 

While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away. 

Primary Care 

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. 

Your primary care provider — either an internal or family medicine physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, depending on your age and medical needs — gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more accurate view of your overall wellness. 

Services include: 

• Annual wellness exams 
• Health screenings, labs and imaging 
• Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure 
• Immunizations for children and adults 
• Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds 
• Coordinating care with other specialists 
• Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety 

Find a Wellstar primary care provider in your neighborhood. 

Urgent Care 

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions. 

We also offer urgent care through WellstarON, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home. 

Wellstar Urgent Care provides: 

• Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones 
• Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts 
• COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older 
• Lab and X-rays 
• Sports physicals 
• Occupational health services 
• Worker’s compensation services 

Find a Wellstar urgent care location near you or make a virtual urgent care appointment. 

Emergency Care 

In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care. 

When the unexpected happens, Wellstar is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We even have several pediatric emergency room locations, specifically designed to treat children. 

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency: 

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
• Chest discomfort or pain 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Fainting or loss of consciousness 
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes 
• Sudden, severe pain 
• Uncontrolled or severe bleeding 
• Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting 
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts 
• Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior 
• Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents 

Find a Wellstar emergency department close to you. Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital. 

Innovative technology at Wellstar is offering patients a new, minimally invasive option for lung biopsies, reducing complications and helping expedite lung cancer treatment.

The Ion system is a robotic-assisted platform for performing lung biopsies. If a lung cancer screening or any other CT scan shows a suspicious nodule, providers will need to perform a biopsy to determine if the patient has lung cancer and how to proceed with care.

“Those nodules may not be cancer, but in certain situations we still need to know what it is,” said Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Timothy Udoji. “The Ion technology helps us biopsy those nodules to get an answer so that additional workup can be done immediately. If it is cancer, we want to catch it at an early stage.”

The system uses a three-dimensional spatial recognition technology that helps guide a catheter down the airway, deep into the lung, all the way to small nodules where biopsies can be performed. The robotic catheter maintains its shape and stability throughout the biopsy process significantly improving diagnostic yield compared to other modalities.

“The better the image and the more certainty we have of the spatial location of the catheter, the better we can avoid complications by making sure we are not too close to a blood vessel or the edge of the lung,” said Wellstar Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Daniel Fortes.

During the biopsy, providers can also use the Ion system to mark an area in the lung, making it easier to find later during surgery.

“If something is very small and hard to find in surgery, Ion can be used to mark that area with dye, or contrast, that allows us to find it in surgery,” Dr. Fortes said. “With this technology added to the surgical robotic system in the operating room, we can better identify those lesions and remove smaller portions of lung, also called segments.”

Technology to help provide peace of mind

The Ion system also has further reach than previous technologies and is able to more easily biopsy nodules in the peripheral areas of the lung. For many cancer patients, this will allow them to initiate care earlier and improve their outcomes, as well as give them peace of mind during the treatment process.

“Mental health impacts physical health. We are able to confidently biopsy and identify these nodules and that means a lot for our patients,” Dr. Udoji said. “Now, with this new technology we are able to get a biopsy done much earlier which has huge outcome implications for malignant nodules.”

At Wellstar, cancer care is tailored for each patient. In the Wellstar STAT Clinic for Lung Cancer, patients meet with multiple specialists at once to discuss their care options and create a personalized treatment plan. Specialists in the STAT Clinics, which are located at Wellstar Cobb, Kennestone, North Fulton and West Georgia medical centers, work with patients to determine the optimal course of treatment and will talk with patients and families about biopsy options, including the Ion system. The STAT Clinics give patients the opportunity to have their diagnoses managed right away, and literature shows that the clinics’ diagnostic and treatment model improves outcomes for patients.

The Ion system is currently in use at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Learn more about lung cancer care at wellstar.org/lungcancer.

Wellstar Health System has recently hit 1 million active users on MyChart. When we deployed this electronic medical record patient portal in 2015, we were the first Georgia-based health system to offer the service to patients.

Since then, MyChart has transformed the way patients interact with their healthcare information and clinical team by giving them 24/7 access at their fingertips. Patients became active participants in their care, both during their hospital stay and at home. Research shows that empowering patients to take control of their health leads to lower costs and better clinical outcomes.

MyChart’s "Open Notes" feature also allows patients to go to appointments and ask questions without having to worry about writing down information. Our physicians type up all notes and attach them to the records, allowing patients to review everything once they get home. If additional questions come to mind, patients can also ask them directly on the portal.

"I love MyChart and that I keep everything organized. What medications I'm taking, I can order them easily. I can text the doctors and Sharon at Ryan Cantwell's office, the nurse there," said Frank Ryan, who has used Wellstar to navigate through his health journey for several years.

"At Wellstar, we work as a team to take care of our patients," Wellstar Family Medicine Physician Dr. Ryan Cantwell  said. "I enjoy being my patients’ quarterback and coordinating their care with other physicians. Through our electronic health records system, the referral process and communication with other specialists is easy and accurate."

That’s why Wellstar continues working on how we connect digitally with our patients to improve their experience and keep them in control of their health.

In 2018, we set the goal of reaching Epic’s top quartile for MyChart activation, which was 50 percent. At that time, the activation rate at Wellstar was 28 percent, with 420,000 patients signed up for MyChart. As of July 2022, the MyChart activation rate at Wellstar hit 65 percent.

Looking to the future, Wellstar is focusing on increasing and optimizing MyChart digital experiences, particularly around patient self-scheduling, e-Check, and MyChart bedside utilization for in-patient encounters. This high level of MyChart engagement ultimately gets Wellstar closer to our mission of providing world-class healthcare to every person we serve.

Click here to sign up for MyChart today and start taking advantage of all its benefits.

Quick history lesson: In the 1990s, U.S. doctors adopted the prostate-specific antigen test—or PSA—to identify prostate cancer early, when it’s more treatable. While the PSA helped more men get diagnosed, concern was raised over the risks versus benefits of biopsies, procedures and treatment. In response, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gave a controversial recommendation against routine screening with PSA in 2012.

But with new evidence from a variety of credible studies, they changed their recommendation in 2017. The current Task Force recommendation focuses on men having a conversation with their doctors about their risk for prostate cancer and the risks and benefits of screening.

Why did the guidelines change?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in males after skin cancer. According to projections by the American Cancer Society, there will be twice as many new prostate cancer cases diagnosed as lung cancer this year.

“The prevalence of the disease cannot be ignored,” said Wellstar Health System Chief of Primary Care and Medicine Service Line Dr. Jeffrey Tharp, a primary care physician. “Early-stage prostate cancer has higher survivability than prostate cancer diagnosed in later stages.”

Dr. Tharp pointed out that while guidelines have changed, so have the way doctors diagnose and treat prostate cancer. An elevated PSA does not automatically mean a cancer diagnosis. And when cancer is diagnosed, some care options have no side effects.

Read on to learn:

• Who should have a conversation with their doctor about prostate cancer screening, and when
• Who is at higher risk
• How the reason that’s holding some men back has changed
• What is a PSA and why having them at regular intervals is important
• Care options for prostate cancer

A new multidisciplinary program at Wellstar cares for people with aortic conditions, providing both emergency and non-emergent treatment.

The Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program brings together a highly-skilled team of experts, including cardiovascular surgeons and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. These providers share the common goal of diagnosing, treating and preventing aortic diseases and emergencies — making care more comprehensive and improving outcomes for patients.

“Traditionally, aortic diseases have been managed by multiple physicians spread throughout multiple specialties, which can lead to confusion, delays in treatment and competing treatment plans,” said Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James Ryan Burke. “Wellstar has created a single, multidisciplinary program to bring together aortic-specific disease expertise and leverage advanced technology.”

Aortic health is crucial to overall wellness

The aorta is the major artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. If the aorta is ruptured, then blood does not flow to other areas like the legs, feet and brain, which can lead to lasting brain damage or death.

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta. Aneurysms are often asymptomatic until they become large, rupture or dissect. However, an aortic dissection, when a tear develops on the inner wall of the aorta, is one for concern. Depending on the aneurysm location, the most common symptom could be one of severe chest pain, back pain, or abdominal pain.  When an aneurysm ruptures or tears, it can lead to death within minutes or hours.

Wellstar’s aortic program takes a proactive approach to prevent aneurysms by monitoring and treating aortic conditions.

“Identifying aortic pathology early leads to better patient outcomes,” said Wellstar Cardiovascular Disease Specialist Dr. Jennifer Giuseffi. 

The program’s team partners with patients to reduce their risk of an aortic emergency. Risk factors include tobacco use, being older than 65, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease, family history of aneurysms, certain connective tissue disorders, and certain genetic conditions. Men are also at higher risk than women.

The team of aortic care specialists gets to know each patient and collaborates with them to create a personalized care plan to keep their aorta healthy.

“Every patient is different. Every aorta is different. The risk factors and complications with every aorta are different,” Dr. Giuseffi said. “Within our group, we’ll be able to address all of our patients’ issues individually.”

Wellstar’s approach to aortic care brings together experts from multiple specialties, allowing patients to have all their questions answered and get multiple perspectives.

“All patients with aortic diseases being cared for at Wellstar will benefit long-term through the program’s unique collaboration of health care practitioners from cardiology, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery all working together to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for patients with these complex heart conditions,” said Vascular Surgeon Dr. Michael Corey.

Managing aortic emergencies

While the program includes an outpatient component to help patients manage aortic conditions or recover from aneurysms or dissections, the systemwide team is also prepared to save lives and step into action during emergencies.

The program offers treatments including aortic root and aortic valve surgery, thoracic aortic surgery and thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

If you experience any of these symptoms of aortic disease, call 911:

• Severe, sudden pain in the chest, back, abdomen or groin area
• Pulsating feeling in the abdomen similar to a heartbeat
• Cold, numbness or tingling in the hands, legs or feet
• Drop in blood pressure, dizziness or feeling faint

While the team performs procedures at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, care teams at all Wellstar hospitals are trained in how to address aortic emergencies and transfer patients if needed. Kennestone was the first hospital in Georgia and only fourth in the country to receive the highest certification in cardiovascular care — the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center Certification — by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association.

Receiving care from the Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program

To see a provider in the aortic program, patients can either be referred by their physician or call the office to make an appointment. The team will help patients determine which provider they should see first, depending on their health history or aortic condition. Call (770) 590-4180 to make an appointment or learn more about the program.

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on August 19, 2022.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 600,000 people dying of cancer in the country in 2021. While the U.S. death rate, or the percentage of people dying from cancer, is decreasing — partly due to fewer people smoking — the number of cancer deaths is going up due to our aging population. All these statistics are behind the call to decrease cancer deaths by 50% in the next 25 years. Atlanta Business Chronicle recently talked with a panel of experts from Wellstar Health System and the American Cancer Society, headquartered in Atlanta, about ways to accelerate cancer care progress through scientific research, patient care, partnerships, early detection, diversity and inclusion, and local care.* (Remarks edited for clarity and brevity.)

Panelists & moderator

Moderated by David Rubinger, market president and publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle.

*Wellstar partners with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers to provide world class cancer care close to home.

Research & treatment

David Rubinger: Where are we today in the world of scientific research? Are we in a good place in terms of research dollars?

Kimberly Jackson: I think we’re in a good place, but we can always be doing better and that’s a fact. There’s no other nongovernmental, nonprofit organization in the United States that’s focused on finding the cause and cures for cancer like the American Cancer Society. We’re committed to continuously funding the best new and ongoing projects at institutions across the country. For instance, right now in Georgia, we are currently funding eight research multi-year grants that are totaling more than $6.3 million. In addition to funding and conducting research, we are mobilizing our grassroot network advocates to increase the funding for cancer research. We’re primarily supporting those investigators that are early in their career, who are doing the most innovative cancer discovery research.

Rubinger: While the aging population is causing the cancer deaths to increase, the average death rate for the population has actually decreased. What do you attribute recent successes to and how will we continue to fight cancer deaths in the future?

Dr. Steve McCune: The mission of the Wellstar and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers partnership is to help cancer patients live longer by providing innovative therapies in their local communities. What we have seen in the last 10 years has revolutionized the treatment of certain cancers, particularly lung cancer and melanoma, with immunotherapy and targeted therapies, oral drugs that address a gene mutation. What may be a good way to think of that is it’s the Achilles heel for certain cancers: they have one gene that drives their growth. And there are, because of the research that has occurred, typically one or more drugs that may specifically treat that mutation and block it so that it no longer encourages the growth of cancer cells.

Next-generation sequencing makes it very easy and fast to sequence 400 to 500 genes in a tumor from an individual patient, so that you know exactly any gene mutations in that particular tumor. It’s the most individualized medicine you could have. That’s the reality and that’s very accessible for many patients.

Rubinger: Nicole, from the nursing standpoint on the front line with patients, how has immunotherapy changed the relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider psychologically?

Nicole Centers: From the patient care perspective, it’s very clear that patients are more involved in their care. They want to have more say in their care. When we can educate patients appropriately up front about all of their different options and their care along with their providers, they feel like they have more control. We know when patients feel more in control of their care, they’re more compliant to the plan of care. When it comes to immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies that are given, they’re generally tolerated far better than chemotherapies of the past. That doesn’t mean everything can be treated with an immunotherapy or monoclonal antibody. However, when we have more options to give patients that they can tolerate better, then it kind of alleviates all of those nightmares of, “This is a horrific journey,” and, “It’s not going to work for me.” Overall, we have medicines that work with your body to fight the cancer in ways that we just haven’t had before.

Patient care & partnerships

Rubinger: The cancer “moonshot" is a term that excited everyone. Have you seen the concept of patient care change from when you first got into the field to where it is today?

McCune: I think it’s dramatically different. In some ways the moon shot has already happened and I'll explain what I mean by that.

Immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of cancer. If you have a chemotherapy that kills 99% of cancer cells, well that means eventually that 1% keeps coming back. Immunotherapy can work for years, even after the actual immunotherapy has stopped. It’s not a vaccine, but it works in much the same way that a person’s own immune system actually can control or eliminate the cancer. I think that, in a sense, was the biggest game changer for the way that people were treated.

I started doing this about 20 years ago. And so most things that we treated were chemotherapy, very few things that were actually what we would have called targeted therapy or intelligently designed targeted therapy. The first drug was really coming out at that time called Gleevec, which treated CML (chronic myeloid leukemia.) I treated patients before that era who had to have a bone marrow transplant or they were basically going to die of CML. And now we think of CML as a condition that’s almost 100% survivable. We have eight different medicines that are commercially available for treating CML. It’s totally changed the future for some patients who would have had very poor outcomes otherwise.

Melanoma used to be very difficult to treat. Chemotherapy didn't work well. A treatment called Interleukin-2 worked for about 8% of patients and no one really knew why. It basically is an early immunotherapy but with a lot of toxicity. Now you have drugs like Opdivo, Yervoy, Keytruda, which are really the standard of care. Chemotherapy is rarely, if ever, used for melanoma.

There are antibody drug conjugates — something that basically has a payload on the monoclonal antibody, so it homes in on certain proteins on the outside of different cancer cells. That’s a way of delivering a toxin directly to the cancer cells with less impact on normal tissues.

There are companies all over the United States, from large to small, that are really driving the innovation in targeted therapies, antibody drug conjugates, so it’s an exciting time in oncology.

Wellstar has participated in trials for 15 years. In just the last three years, we have participated in cancer trials resulting in over 20 FDA approvals for either new medicines or new combinations of medicines. Usually, it is four to five years before something is FDA-approved. Now not everything’s approved, not everything works better, but it gives people hope and it gives them the chance to have cutting-edge therapies in their local communities.

Rubinger: Nicole, how have advances like these changed the psychology of talking with a patient with a cancer diagnosis?

Centers: I think it has changed. When I started in this field 20 years ago, we would say “the breast cancer down the hall" or “this is the breast cancer treatment.” Now we say, “the patient with breast cancer,” “the patient with lung cancer,” and we treat it as an illness that is part of the whole person, versus the whole person being the illness. That’s a different way that we think about things and that’s how we approach our patients differently when it comes to nursing.

There’s a very unique field inside of nursing called navigation. And one of the things that moonshot really promoted was something that we've been out here doing for a pretty good while, but it brought it to the center stage for all Americans to hear this word called a navigator. It meant someone that was going to guide you on your cancer journey. Several years ago, there was just one kind of navigator and they tried to do the whole care path, but we at Wellstar recognize that there’s lots of pieces to people who could have cancer, people who are being tested for cancer, and those patients that actually have cancer. So we have screening navigators, we have diagnostic navigators, and we have actual care trajectory navigators, which are oncology nurse navigators. We have over 15 of those in our system and some of those specialize by tumor type and some of those are more generalized.

What they do is they actually bring the whole person into view during their care. It means if you have childcare or if you have your parents, that you're taking care of first, or that transportation is an issue, these navigators work with you and your provider as well as your payers, whether it’s insurance or if you don't have insurance, we try and get you on insurance — to be sure that those things that would affect your compliance to the plan of care, they're helping you resolve.

It’s great if you can come in for your treatment. But if your dog has to be walked at two o'clock every single day and your treatment starts at noon, then we need to help you get a dog walker. We need to help you link to resources. For years there have been resources out there that patients didn't even know to utilize. And so organizations have this money that’s sitting there trying to help patients, but no one to link them to it. Navigators link patients to community resources, to national resources. The American Cancer Society has this really great program that will offer patients free rides to go get their cancer care, and most patients don't even know about that. But you talk to the navigator and they're like, “Wait, I have them on speed dial” because they get to know what those resources are, and they can help patients keep their appointments and keep a total life balance.

When we look at that, what that does is it makes their care more effective because they're more compliant to the plan of care.

The other thing navigators do is to help timeliness of care. So if two providers talk and say “we're both going to go see Sally Sue,” or whoever your patient is, and they turn to the front desk and say, “be sure we get this patient on the schedule.” However, the front office staff may not be aware the appointment doesn't meet the latest benchmark for timely care. So what a nurse navigator does is say, “Wait, we have some timeliness to care parameters that we know are best practice.” And they work with that provider or that office to help expedite those appointments.

The best part of navigation is it really brought care back into the patient’s community. Patients didn't understand what was available to them in their community. They thought you had to go to an academic center in a large city that cost them lots of money because they had to stay in hotels or take a flight or go get a car, because there’s so many patients in the states that don't have valid transportation that can take them two hours away. Navigators help patients understand what’s available in their community and the care that they can receive. They can also link them to clinical trials, arrange for assisted lodging and help patients get the best care out there to survive their cancer.

We've also seen an uptick in clinical trials because the navigators say, “Do you remember when your doctor talked to you about clinical trials? Do we want to circle back on that? And do you want to go talk to your doctor again?" They're reinforcing that education.

Second opinions & local care

Rubinger: Let’s move to another topic: the second opinion. The second opinion might be local, but if you have the resources, it might be at Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson or Mayo. Is there less of that going on today because local providers are able to provide that level of confidence in what the care is going to be? Twenty years ago you would have maybe run to Houston.

McCune: I think people still do, but maybe for a different reason. I think they have more information and more knowledge and they're not just running to Houston, they're running to a specialist in Houston or New York or Atlanta. I say, “Hey, you're not stepping on my toes. I want you to get a second opinion. I can help you get that, more than just a cold phone call. Let me try to get you to the right person.”

At Wellstar, we do have Mayo Clinic Care Network e-consults available. That’s a pretty easy way to get a quick question answered if we need a specific answer or a second opinion without someone having to travel somewhere.

In addition to second opinions, we believe in collaborative care. We have groups of cancer experts who diagnose and plan treatments together in tumor boards so patients have the best outcomes. In Specialty Teams & Treatments (STAT) Clinics, multiple cancer specialists meet with the patients and their families in one place on one day to help them get questions answered. This helps them start treatment faster so they have better outcomes.

Centers: At Wellstar, 300 cancer specialists in our network can collaborate with each other. When they do request second opinion e-consults from the Mayo Clinic, it is free to patients which is a really nice thing because they usually have to pay for second opinions.

Rubinger: Kimberly, when I think of the Cancer Society, I think of the research dollars going to help cure cancer. But as we were talking earlier about how it helps with driving patients to treatment, the society’s partnerships with a Wellstar or other healthcare systems may be less well known. Can you address that?

Jackson: Collaboration is absolutely critical. So many cancer patients and their families are facing barriers and challenges that are too complex for just one organization to address on its own. To help overcome those barriers, we unite organizations in partnership to improve the lives of people facing cancer.

One example, we have Hope Lodges all over the country where individuals and a family member are able to stay for free and they're wonderful. It’s a great resource for our patients and their families.

Another example is we partner with Wellstar and other health systems in Georgia to provide those transportation grants that Nicole talked about and service to people who need it the most.

For some people with cancer, transportation is a challenge and it creates that barrier to receiving the treatment that they need. Many of them need daily or weekly treatment and often over the course of several months and the need was particularly pronounced during the pandemic. We were able to provide funding to 251 health systems across the country to alleviate that financial burden of transportation.

Another way we mobilize the cancer community on both the national and the local level is through our mission-critical roundtables. We're providing organizational leadership and expert support to multi-organizational roundtables focused on breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer, HPV vaccination and patient navigation. Each roundtable has a shared vision to support people to prevent and support and survive cancer. It’s a proven model close to home. Wellstar Health System was a key partner in launching our Georgia Lung Cancer Roundtable, whose primary goal is to improve screening rates and lung cancer outcomes.

Rubinger: Our society has come a long way in terms of reducing smoking. What are the trends in lung cancer that you're seeing? Does it primarily impact your older patients or is it across the age spectrum?

McCune: It can be any age and certainly there are people who are non-smokers who are much more likely to have a lung cancer that is driven by a single gene mutation and those are usually treatable with targeted therapy, which is typically an oral drug. So, in one sense, lung cancer is a disease of people who have smoked for a long time, 30 or 40 years. But it’s also a disease of nonsmokers. I do think people are generally smoking less. I remember people used to smoke in the pediatrician’s office when I was little. Things have changed dramatically.

There is a very active lung cancer screening program at Wellstar through the thoracic surgeons and the pulmonary physicians. It looks at people who have had some smoking history, who are typically at more risk for developing lung cancer. They'll have a low-dose screening CT scan, and we do see a number of lung cancers get discovered earlier. That’s a worthwhile initiative when something is surgically curable, as opposed to it’s gotten so advanced that people are having symptoms.

The pandemic impact – screenings & DEI

Rubinger: During the pandemic, I didn't see my doctors as often. None of us did. It was harder to access healthcare the way we did before. What has that done?

Centers: The pandemic did change us. A lot of screening procedures at the beginning of the pandemic were paused, but we were still able to quickly to return to those services. But the temporary delay made some patients think that screening wasn't as important as it once was. We really worked hard to get the message out there about the importance of early detection.

We use a lot of automated tools like our lung nodule software to help us identify nodules in patients who come into our system for other reasons and have those incidental findings. We also work with our church network here at Wellstar. We work with BLKHLTH in Atlanta, and there’s lots of healthcare organizations that are reaching out to their communities to get people back to screening.

We at Wellstar have made a very concerted effort to go back out and say, “We have kit testing that you don't have to come into the hospital to have done. You can do that at home. Let us help you get the kits.” We reopened our screening mammography centers with all the safety protocols in place. And then we called the patients and said, “Hey, you missed your cancer screening.”

We did see an initial dip because if you're not screening, you're not finding it, as cancer usually doesn't hurt. So most people don't know that there’s something in there growing. Now we're seeing patients come in with later stages, or more advanced tumors than we traditionally would have seen. That’s because of the lag in screening.

Rubinger: Kimberly, is this consistent with what you've been seeing?

Jackson: Yes it is. Early during the pandemic, cancer screening rates decreased dramatically and an estimated 35% of Americans missed routine cancer screening due to Covid-19-related fears and care disruptions when many facilities reduced or suspended services. Screening rates remain below historical averages. In addition to the coronavirus, top barriers to screening are that individuals have no symptoms, procrastination, lack of recommendation, cost, and no insurance. During the pandemic we worked with healthcare systems to address the issue as part of the “Get Screened” initiative. Through donor support, we were able to provide $2.2 million in grant funding to 77 health partners to implement quality improvement strategies to rapidly increase cancer screening rates and reduce the barriers that have been exacerbated through the pandemic. Wellstar was one of our partnering health systems in the Get Screened initiative. They were able to increase their breast cancer screening rate by 6.8 percentage points, which resulted in over 44,000 people in Georgia being up to date with their breast cancer screenings.

Rubinger: One of the crises in our society is the ability that people have to access care. When you think about those things from the DE&I perspective, where do we see the biggest challenges and where are the biggest opportunities?

Jackson: While the pandemic is shining a light on the issue, the reality is if we were focusing on having more diverse physicians, nurses, etcetera, if we were focused more on removing the barriers and investing more, we would have fewer people who are getting diagnosed at later stages, or, you know, unfortunately losing their lives to cancer. That’s a fact. There’s an opportunity right now that we cannot shy away from. The evidence is there to show the tie between the impact on an entire community by ensuring equitable health for all by focusing on the ones that need the most is actually equalizing and improving the health of the community itself.

Rubinger: I'm curious what role can the employer play?

Jackson: The employer, they have team members and staff that make up the community that we're seeking to serve. So what they can do immediately is educate the employees on the resources that are available on the prevention side. They can also make prevention a priority and establish norms of only offering healthy snacks, for example.

As well, they can encourage employees to go to their doctors, and also for the top leaders to serve on these boards and these councils of the hospitals and organizations like the American Cancer Society, to be aware and to stay ahead of the issues and to be informed and proactive about helping the community.

Centers: There’s really three ways to look at equitable care, and it’s not a one-path journey. First off, there’s a screening environment and the diagnostic environment, getting people to the services where they are and getting them access to care.

The second part is a mistrust of the healthcare system, which is ingrained in many of our societies across the U.S., so educating them to the safety parameters we have in place to ensure that all patients have equal access to care.

The third component is to teach our healthcare providers, be they nurses, medical assistants, physicians, about diversity and the things that happen to patients who maybe don't look like you, that walk through the door. What we know is, especially among our patients of color, that when they come in, sometimes their complaints aren't taken as seriously as others. We see that in the national studies.

What we have to do is educate our providers and our healthcare workers, but also educate our patients to say “you are your own best advocate.” If you go to a doctor and you're not getting the care that you think that you need or you deserve, then you can go to another place or else you can reach out to your patient advocates at the facility that you're going to. At Wellstar, we have invested a lot of time and energy into educating all staff so that all patients who walk through the door regardless of their social standing, regardless of what they look like, regardless of their history, are all treated equitably, and we do our best.

Rubinger: Dr. McCune, anything to add on that topic?

McCune: Yes. We have a diverse group of research coordinators, both African-American and native Spanish-speaking, so I do think there are opportunities to narrow some of those health gaps. I will say the pandemic across the board affected clinical trial enrollment, because there are typically more procedures like more CT scans that a person has to go through to go on a clinical trial, than just receive what we would call standard of care therapy. So across the board, that is something that has reduced clinical trial participation and that is starting to come back.

But I do think you have to meet people where they are. We obviously have a health system that covers some urban to rural areas in Georgia. One of the things that we're able to do is take clinical trials to people who are as far west as Carrollton, as far north as Cartersville, or closer to the Atlanta area in Marietta, Austell and Douglasville. We're expanding that research network as well.

Not everybody can drive two hours. Not everybody has a family member who can drive them when they're too sick. Access to care is a huge list of things that don't sound like much but a ride to the doctor’s office, a ride to a CT scan is the difference between someone getting care or not getting care. It’s things that seem little but are really not.

When you were talking about what can corporations do, I'll just say, it seems like most people’s experience is very dependent on whether the human resources person is nice to them. From the patient’s point of view, either “they're working with me and I can show up,” or “if I have a bad day, I can just stay home,” or “they fired me yesterday.” So maybe just a little bit of grace there. People have their federally mandated leave but they need more than that. They need a little attitude of caring or just going the extra mile, to help somebody get through their cancer treatment. They'll probably be a better employee and grateful if you treat them nicely.

Wellstar now offers advanced care for people with head and neck cancer — a complex disease that is often aggressive and requires coordination amongst multiple cancer experts. The new STAT Clinic for Head & Neck Cancer opened on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center on August 11, 2022. 

People with all types and stages of head and neck cancer now have access to expert care and advanced treatments that are typically only available at academic centers. Treatments available in North Fulton include complex excision and reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfers as well as CyberKnife radiation treatments.

Technologically advanced CyberKnife care close to home

In Wellstar’s STAT Clinics — short for Specialty Teams and Treatments — patients can see multiple cancer subspecialists to be diagnosed, have questions answered and finalize a treatment plan in a single day. This reduces the need to drive to different locations and helps the patient start treatment faster. 

“The concept of multidisciplinary care is tried and true and shown to be effective for cancer patients,” said Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, the head and neck cancer surgeon who co-founded the North Fulton STAT Clinic for Head & Neck Cancer. “This model decreases the time to proceed and receive care.”

First, a group of medical specialists including a head and neck oncological and facial plastic surgeon, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a pathologist and a neuroradiologist review the patient’s pathology and imaging as a group to diagnose, stage and create a personalized treatment plan. 

Next, the patient and their family meet one-on-one with the head and neck cancer surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. This is an opportunity for the patient to learn about the recommended treatments and ask questions. 

“Traditionally, patients must drive to several different appointments to learn the stage of their cancer, meet with different specialists and make decisions,” said Dr. Nagender Mankan, the dedicated medical oncologist in the new STAT Clinic. “At that point, four to five weeks have gone by. In STAT Clinic, we are expediting the complicated decision-making process.” 

The patient also meets with a nurse navigator. This specialized nurse helps coordinate many aspects of care for the patient including scheduling appointments and connecting patients with support team members, such as a registered dietitian, a speech therapist or a dentist who may help relieve irritation in the mouth and throat. 

Why STAT Clinic is good for patients, and what to expect

When a STAT Clinic patient needs surgery, Dr. Sokoya is one of only a few surgeons in the region to perform complex excision and reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfers.

“North Fulton has now become a destination center for head and neck cancer treatment because of our ability to offer advanced surgical care,” he explained. “The launch of this STAT Clinic is exciting, and it’s going to bring very advanced, high-level care to this area.”

Hundreds of patients travel to Roswell each year to seek Dr. Sokoya’s expertise from Georgia, Florida and Alabama. 

Patients from all over the Wellstar system are seeing Dr. Sokoya for complex head and neck cancer management,” said Dr. Mark McLaughlin, a Wellstar radiation oncologist who co-founded the STAT Clinic.

Adding the new clinic allows us to invite those patients to come to North Fulton for evaluation and discussion of treatment options. Then we can work with their hometown doctors.”

Technologically advanced CyberKnife care close to home

Patients of the STAT Clinic who are candidates for radiation therapy will soon have access to the latest CyberKnife technology when the new Wellstar North Fulton Hospital Cancer Center opens in early 2023. The CyberKnife radiation suite will be one of just two in the entire metro Atlanta area.

People with complex head and neck cancer such as large or recurrent tumors often benefit from CyberKnife radiation therapy. The technology minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue and limits side effects while shortening treatment courses. Normally patients receive five to eight weeks of radiation therapy. In many situations, they can complete their radiation course in as few as one to five treatments with CyberKnife.

“This highly advanced technology treats advanced head and neck cancers,” Dr. McLaughlin said. “You don’t have to go all the way into Atlanta.”

STAT Clinic for Head & Neck Cancer at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is located at 4500 Hospital Blvd, Suite 120 in Roswell, Georgia. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the nurse navigator at (770) 751-2556.

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 a check-up with your Wellstar primary care physician as well as on-campus counselors.

“Anxiety often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed,” said Wellstar Physician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “It’s not always recognized or talked about because people think it’s a normal part of life. But when anxiety interferes with completing homework, socializing or working at your job, it’s not necessarily normal. It’s helpful to have someone check it out.”

Signs of anxiety can also include difficulty sleeping, abdominal pain, headaches, significant changes in appetite or an explosive temper.

“There are effective treatments that make a difference for students including lifestyle changes, medication and therapy,” Dr. Doyle said.

Getting enough sleep, exercise and healthy food are highly important, and Dr. Doyle also recommends planning downtime from social media and life responsibilities.

“Therapy and role-playing can help you recognize your stressors and think through how to handle them ahead of time so you can face those situations,” he said. “For example, on exam day, start with positive self-talk. You can say, ‘I’m feeling nervous. I have a headache and an upset stomach. I know that’s because I’m anxious. I’ve taken many tests before and I can do this so I don’t need to worry about it.’ Breathing exercises before the test can help you stay calm. You can also plan ahead of the test to do something enjoyable afterward and to focus on that instead of the stressor.”

To help you start the semester off feeling mentally strong and physically healthy, here are some wellness tips to get you off to your best school year yet.

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.
• Make mental health a priority. Get sufficient sleep, exercise and nutrition. Bring up any questions or concerns about stress, anxiety and depression with your primary care provider.
• Recognize anxiety and manage it. When you recognize a situation that triggers anxiety, start positive self-talk and deep breathing. 
• Schedule in self-care. College can be intense. Make time for yourself to do things you enjoy for your mental and physical well-being.
• 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.

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 annual physical today and be sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.

Wellstar's interpreting team partners with clinicians to ensure that culturally and linguistically diverse patients, including those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, have access to communication and information in all aspects of their healthcare. 

Effective communication, which includes verbal, nonverbal and written, is an essential component of quality care, successful treatment plans and patient safety. Communication errors can have negative and even life-threatening consequences.  We integrate literacy, culture and language access to improve healthcare quality for diverse populations.

Technology Benefits Effective Communication

In addition to staff interpreters, Wellstar has partnered with Martti to provide remote interpreting services both on video and telephone. Martti offers many benefits, including access to 250 languages, an average of 30 seconds to connect with an interpreter, and top-of-the-line equipment in hospitals and outpatient practices, with user-friendly technology. Wellstar is also making network upgrades to optimize the connection on calls with interpreters, which will be especially beneficial for deaf or hard-of-hearing patients who use video calls to communicate with their interpreters. 

Wellstar Provides Communication Assistance

Our team is comprised of professional interpreters and experienced translators. Wellstar is the only health system in the state that has nationally certified American Sign Language interpreters on staff. An interpreter must understand cultural nuances, be proficient in at least two languages and follow professional interpreting ethics and best practices. 

Being bilingual alone does not qualify someone to be a professional interpreter. At Wellstar, for a bilingual team member to interpret in their department, they must complete medical interpreter training and pass the same proficiency assessment we require of our full-time interpreters. Like interpreters, the translator's skills are assessed for written language proficiency. Proof of competency for our team includes training in the following areas:

• Medical terminology, specialties, anatomy and physiology, medical conditions, pathology, symptoms and treatment, medical tests and diagnostic procedures, medical abbreviations and acronyms 
• The use of advocacy to enhance communication 
• Multiculturalism and diversity 
• Interpreter Code of Professional Ethics & Standards of Professional Practice 
• Spoken and written fluency in both source and target languages
• Message interpretation accuracy, cohesion and clarity

Communication Assistance at Wellstar

If you are within the Wellstar Health System, your care team can assist in finding an interpreter for you. If you are in the community or at home, you can call Wellstar’s Direct Access to an Interpreter line at (470) 944-7300. This line is staffed by interpreters, in multiple languages, who can assist patients to communicate with their provider’s office or the appropriate Wellstar department. You simply provide the interpreter with the Wellstar phone number you would like to reach. 

For more information or questions about these or other language access services, please contact [email protected].

El equipo de interpretación de Wellstar trabaja en asociación con los médicos para garantizar que los pacientes cultural y lingüísticamente diversos, incluidos los sordos o con pérdida de la audición; tengan acceso a la comunicación y estén informados en todos los aspectos de su atención médica.

La comunicación efectiva, que incluye verbal, no verbal y escrita, es un componente esencial de la atención de calidad, los planes de tratamiento exitosos y la seguridad del paciente. Los errores de comunicación pueden tener consecuencias negativas e incluso mortales. En WellStar integramos el acceso a la alfabetización, la cultura y el idioma para mejorar la calidad de la atención médica para diversas poblaciones.

Tecnología que beneficia la comunicación efectiva

Además de los intérpretes de planta, Wellstar se ha asociado con Martti para brindar servicios de interpretación remota tanto por video como por teléfono. Martti ofrece muchos beneficios, incluido el acceso a 250 idiomas, un promedio de 30 segundos para conectarse con un intérprete y equipos de primera línea en hospitales y consultorios ambulatorios, con tecnología fácil de usar. Wellstar también está realizando actualizaciones de red para optimizar la conexión en las llamadas con intérpretes, lo que será especialmente beneficioso para los pacientes sordos o con pérdida de la audición que usan videollamadas para comunicarse con sus intérpretes.

Wellstar proporciona asistencia de comunicación

Nuestro equipo está compuesto por intérpretes profesionales y traductores con experiencia. Wellstar es el único sistema de salud en el estado que cuenta con intérpretes de lenguaje de señas americano certificados a nivel nacional. Un intérprete debe comprender los matices culturales, dominar al menos dos idiomas y seguir la ética y las mejores prácticas de interpretación profesional.

Ser bilingüe por sí solo no califica a alguien para ser un intérprete profesional. En Wellstar, para que un miembro bilingüe del equipo esté habilitado para servir como interprete en su departamento, debe tomar el curso de entrenamiento como intérprete médico y aprobar la evaluación de aptitudes que exigimos a nuestros intérpretes de tiempo completo. Al igual que los intérpretes, las habilidades del traductor se evalúan para el dominio del idioma por escrito. La prueba de aptitudes de nuestro equipo incluye capacitación en las siguientes áreas:

Terminología médica, especialidades, anatomía y fisiología, afecciones médicas, patología, síntomas y tratamiento, pruebas médicas y procedimientos de diagnóstico, abreviaturas y acrónimos médicos

• El uso de la defensoría del paciente para mejorar la comunicación
• Multiculturalidad y diversidad
• Código de ética profesional y normas de práctica profesional para intérpretes
• Fluidez hablada y escrita en los idiomas de origen y de destino
• Precisión, cohesión y claridad en la interpretación de mensajes

Asistencia en comunicación en Wellstar

Si se encuentra dentro del Sistema de Salud WellStar, su equipo de atención puede ayudarlo a encontrar un intérprete para usted. Si se encuentra en la comunidad o en su hogar, puede llamar a un intérprete a la línea de acceso directo de Wellstar al (470) 944-7300. Esta línea cuenta con intérpretes, en varios idiomas, que pueden ayudar a los pacientes a comunicarse con el consultorio de su proveedor de salud o el departamento de Wellstar correspondiente. Simplemente proporcione al intérprete el número de teléfono de Wellstar con el que desea comunicarse.

Para obtener más información o preguntas sobre estos u otros servicios de acceso de idioma, comuníquese con [email protected].

As a longtime resident of Paulding County, Imogene Walraven Waldrop has a passion for giving back to the community that she called home for years – the place where she made so many memories with her brother, Bobby, and sister, Doris, and where she and her husband spent the early years of their marriage together. Unfortunately, illness has taken the lives of many of Ms. Waldrop's loved ones, which is why she is so dedicated to uplifting the well-being of her community by bolstering healthcare services and enhancing access to care.

In the fall of 2021, Wellstar Paulding Hospital was designated a Level IV Trauma Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Level IV Trauma Centers demonstrate the ability to provide advanced trauma life support prior to transfer of patients to a higher-level trauma center when necessary. This added community resource was made possible by gifts to the Wellstar Foundation from generous members of the community like Ms. Waldrop. In 2018, she also made a substantial contribution to the hospital’s new infusion center, aptly named the Imogene Walraven Waldrop & Charles W. Waldrop Infusion Center. The 2,860-square-foot facility provides patients undergoing cancer and other medical treatments with world-class care conveniently located within their community. 

“After witnessing both my brother and sister having to travel long distances to receive cancer care, I realized how critical it was to have these resources in Paulding,” Ms. Waldrop said. “Through the Infusion Center and now the Trauma Center, Wellstar is making leading-edge healthcare available to people when and where they need it most – that’s something I’m happy to be a part of.”

Ms. Waldrop’s donations to the Foundation were made through planned gifts, which allow donors the flexibility of contributing to the causes most meaningful to them while supporting their financial goals and creating a long-lasting legacy. 

“I have enjoyed working with the Foundation and take pride in knowing that 100 percent of my gift will stay right here in Paulding,” said Ms. Waldrop. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in my community that will benefit people now and the generations to come.”

The Wellstar Foundation is grateful to Ms. Waldrop for her dedicated partnership and philanthropic support. Through the generosity of corporations, organizations and individuals like Ms. Waldrop, the Foundation is addressing Georgia’s most pressing challenges through a strategic focus on health equity, behavioral health, innovation and workforce development. To learn more about the Foundation’s strategic initiatives or to discuss whether a planned gift may be right for you and your family, visit wellstar.org/foundation or email [email protected]. 

The new school year comes with a lot of change for children—a different classroom, teacher, peers, learning material and routine. These changes can cause stress and anxiety in some children and teens, especially if they struggle in school and dread going back.

How to respond to stress

Kids and teens of all ages can feel stress at times, and that’s normal. It’s essentially a signal to get ready for what’s coming. With typical back-to-school stress, a parent or caretaker can help adolescents start the school year with confidence—and gain important coping skills—with the following tips.

1. Listen and validate your child or teen’s feelings.
2. Talk through what they can expect of everything from the morning routine to the bus ride to the school day and dismissal.
3. Visit the school and the classroom, especially if the child is younger or is new to the school.
4. Check in with your child about how the year is going so far.
5. Look ahead at what the rest of the year could be like.

Recognize chronic stress and anxiety

Stress can be good for kids. But on the other hand, chronic stress and anxiety that lasts for more than a few weeks aren’t healthy. In recent years, Dr. Doyle has noticed a growing number of adolescents, especially females, have anxiety.

“It’s normal to have stress; it’s not normal to have anxiety,” said Wellstar pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “Understandably you get nervous with new situations that make you uncomfortable, but you’re still able to do it and have fun. Significant anxiety starts to interfere with a child or teen’s ability to do what they need to do—homework, school, social situations. That’s when it’s helpful to get it checked out.”

In addition to having difficulty participating in and completing activities, signs of anxiety in children and adolescents can include difficulty sleeping, abdominal pain, headaches, significant changes in appetite or an explosive temper.

Effective treatments include lifestyle changes, medication and therapy. For example, lifestyle changes can include getting enough sleep, exercising, eating a healthy diet and planning downtime from social media and life responsibilities.

“Therapy and role-playing can help you recognize your stressors and think through how to handle them ahead of time so you can face those situations,” he said. “For example, on exam day, start with positive self-talk. You can say, ‘I’m feeling nervous. I have a headache and an upset stomach. I know that’s because I’m anxious. I’ve taken many tests before and I can do this, so I don’t need to worry about it.’ Breathing exercises before the test can help you stay calm.”

Start the year strong with a wellness screening

Another way to begin the school year right is to check in on your child’s emotional and physical health. Wellstar pediatricians will get to know your child and help them live their healthiest.

“I try to do whatever I can to help our patients and families so that when they leave my office, I've given them something to hold onto that is going to make life better for them,” Dr. Doyle said.

Find a pediatrician near you and book your child’s back to school exam so they can start the year strong.

Your body supports you in everything you do, from everyday activities like grocery shopping to milestones and memories with friends and family. 

But while you may make sure you eat healthy, get your exercise and see your doctor to keep up with your physical health, it’s important to check in on your mental health, too. 

Wellstar offers a full range of behavioral health services close to home in convenient locations, so you can feel your best both physically and mentally.

Meeting you where you are

If you’re dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression, you may turn to your primary care physician or another healthcare provider for help. Wellstar is removing barriers to behavioral healthcare by integrating those services into many of our locations. 

On-site behavioral health providers work at many of our primary care and specialty clinics, making it a little easier to take that first step in improving your mental health. Wellstar also provides access to on-site and virtual behavioral health specialists in hospital emergency departments and on the medical floors.

“We know that patients are already struggling with stigma, and sometimes it takes a lot for a patient to come into care with a behavioral health professional, and we wanted to remove that stigma,” said Dr. Ryan Breshears, Wellstar’s chief behavioral health officer.

About 1 in 3 patients with a physical health condition also could benefit from some form of mental health support, Dr. Breshears said. Wellstar’s providers work together across specialties to ensure each patient receives “whole person care” – addressing both their mental and physical well-being.

“When you address the mental health components that an individual is dealing with, you’re going to improve the physical outcomes,” Dr. Breshears said. “In the same way, if you address the physical health outcomes, you’re probably going to provide care that improves the mental health outcomes as well.”

Wellstar Psychologist Dr. Shawn Coyne works with cardiac patients to provide that whole person care to patients like John Petrick and his daughter Janin as they adjust to cardiac diagnoses. 

Cardiac health and behavioral health are closely tied, Dr. Coyne said – if someone is depressed, they are twice as likely to have a cardiac health issue or twice as likely to experience a second cardiac event. Heart patients are also three times as likely to be depressed as the general population.

In addition to cardiovascular behavioral medicine, Wellstar also offers several other specialized programs to assist patients with the mental and emotional challenges of a medical condition: 

• Metabolic behavioral medicine, for patients with metabolic conditions or who have received bariatric surgery
• Psycho-gastroenterology to provide support to gastrointestinal patients
• Psychosocial oncology to help patients adjust to cancer treatment
• Somatic symptom disorders for people experiencing unexplained physical symptoms that may be caused or impacted by stress

With Wellstar’s PeopleCare approach, providers tailor care to each patient, taking the time to get to know their needs and create a customized care plan.

“You as the patient are part of the treatment team,” Dr. Coyne said. “You are involved, you can participate, you give feedback, you engage and we get a better end product when we work as a strong team.”

To learn more about outpatient behavioral health services, call (770) 644-1570.

Compassionate inpatient care

If you or a loved one requires immediate care for a behavioral health condition, our inpatient behavioral health units provide 24-hour care for adults ages 18 and older.

Inpatient behavioral health services include round-the-clock monitoring, medication management, individual and group therapy, and educational resources for both the patient and their family.

If you have questions, you can reach our Behavioral Health Assessment & Resource Center anytime at (470) 732-3789. However, in the case of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Learn more about Wellstar’s behavioral health services.

It’s that time of year again — flowers blooming, temperatures rising and people gearing up for outside activities in the warmer months.

If you’re one of the more than 50 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, you may take the yellow pollen as a telltale sign to stay indoors. However, that may also mean missing out on fun times with family and friends.

Instead of suffering with frustrating allergy symptoms for another season, take back control of your health with help from Wellstar.

Let's clear the air

If seasonal allergy symptoms — such as congestion, runny nose or itchy eyes — bring you down, don’t put off getting the proper care.

“Allergies tend to flare up in the spring and summer time,” said Dr. Zhong “John” Zheng, Wellstar Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) physician. “Allergies are a patient’s response to an environmental allergen or can even be present in the home, such as dust and pet dander.”

Other common causes can include seasonal changes or allergens like perfume and smoke inhalation.

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or a chronic condition like asthma, specialty care can help you stay on track.

When the weather starts to warm up, many people start getting ready for the spring season. Along with cleaning and decluttering your home, you should also spruce up the space you live in every day — your body.

When you prioritize your well-being and do the proper up-keep for your health, it may help you stay ahead of potential medical issues.

To feel your best this spring and beyond, we’re sharing our top tips to keep you healthy.

Check for a clean bill of health

Setting our clocks forward can also be your reminder to set up a visit with your primary care provider.

“People should definitely add a wellness exam to their spring-cleaning checklist, regardless of age. Routine preventative care every year is very important,” said Dr. Nayab Dhanani, Wellstar primary care provider.

During a wellness exam, your physician will check your Foundational 4 Numbers — body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

From there, your physician can help create a screening plan to help keep you ahead of chronic conditions or serious diseases. Recommended screenings may vary depending on your family history, gender and age as well as your physician’s orders.

“The importance of screenings is really to be proactive instead of reactive,” said Dr. Facia Dew, Wellstar primary care physician. “It’s better to know a person’s risk factors so we can screen accordingly. Our goal is to meet their unique medical needs and help them live a healthy life.”

Be sure to bring up any other medical concerns, health questions or wellness goals at the appointment. Wellstar providers are partners in your care, committed to keeping you feeling your best physically, mentally and emotionally.

Spruce up on colon screenings

Talking about colon health can feel a little uncomfortable, but getting screened could save your life. If caught early, colorectal cancer has a 91% survival rate.

Starting at age 45, everyone should get a colonoscopy. Those with a higher risk or family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening even sooner.

Learn more about how well starts with clean colons.

For many people, talking about colon health can be a little uncomfortable. However, medical issues don’t just go away if you ignore them.

Being proactive about your well-being with preventative care can help catch colorectal cancer or another serious condition early, often before it becomes a bigger problem.

Wellstar is committed to keeping your colon healthy with preventative screenings and expert care, so you can continue to live well.

Catch colorectal cancer early

Early detection is the best prevention, especially when it comes to colon cancer. If caught early, colorectal cancer has a survival rate of 91%.

“Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, so it’s very important that everyone gets screened,” said Dr. Cameron Body, Wellstar gastroenterologist. “For an average risk person, screenings should begin at age 45.”

Those with a higher risk or family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening even sooner. Talk with your provider to start a screening schedule — and stick with it to stay ahead of the disease.

Schedule your colonoscopy today.

Why colonoscopies work

During a colonoscopy, your physician will view the inside or your colon and look for polyps or any other abnormal tissue that could be cancerous. This preventative testing is key to catching colorectal issues at the start.

“A colonoscopy is the gold standard when screening for colon cancer. The procedure itself is not painful, and we make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process,” Dr. Body said.

“The goal is to do a high-quality exam with a good prep to find polyps when they’re small and get them removed to minimize the risk of them subsequently developing into cancer,” Dr. Body explained.

“For colon cancer, it takes a polyp about five to 15 years to evolve into an invasive cancer,” shared Dr. Carmen Klass, oncologist and hematologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. “If you have a colonoscopy every five to ten years, they can remove the polyp and it will never be declared an invasive cancer.”

“In fact, if all Americans did their screening colonoscopies every five to ten years, then the death rate for colorectal cancer would drop by 50%,” Dr. Klass shared, urging people not to put off the preventative screening.

See how colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

Wellstar is home to a new tool that is improving treatment for patients experiencing intra-cerebral hemorrhages, or bleeding strokes.

Wellstar Neuro Care has been on the cutting edge of minimally invasive procedures and surgeries for patients suffering with strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. This latest treatment offers minimally invasive surgery for a disease with devastating outcomes. The Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device uses a neuroendoscope — a small tube with a camera — that is inserted into the brain to reach the bleeding in areas of the brain that were previously unreachable by neurosurgeons. The clot is pulled out using the end of the tube, either with suction or a device that eats away at the clot.

Wellstar is a leader in this groundbreaking treatment — only a handful of health systems in the country offer it. Now, Wellstar patients can access this care close to home, which is especially crucial for brain bleeds — a condition that has been nearly impossible to treat in the past.

While 80% of strokes occur because a blood vessel in the brain or neck is clogged, these deep-in-the-brain, often fatal bleeding strokes can be difficult to access without damaging other parts of the brain. Often, these patients’ conditions are managed with therapies to keep the pressure in the head down. Bleeding strokes are dangerous as well — about 40% of people who experience one die within 30 days, and 75% are severely disabled, according to Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman. 

However, innovative technology like the FDA-approved Artemis system can improve those outcomes, and Wellstar is keeping that world-class care close to home. The tool has been used at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center and Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center.

“With the cutting-edge Artemis tool and new protocol for treating these difficult types of brain bleeds, we can be safe about the removal of these clots deep in the brain. It's a ‘finesse’ tool,” Dr. Zussman said. “We can access and remove the clot without damaging other parts of the brain, which can heal faster and better. It saves lives and saves quality of life.”

To learn more about stroke care at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/neurocare.

After taking a bite of food, you may not think about its journey through your body. From beginning to end, your digestive system is working hard to keep you healthy.

“Your digestive system plays an essential role in your well-being, helping your body to absorb nutrients, provide energy and fuel for your favorite activities,” explained Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Arif Aziz.

That’s why it’s so important to do your part to protect your gut health.

Wellstar helps your digestive system stay on track, so you can feel your best and keep doing the things you enjoy most.

Care from top to bottom

Your digestive system is made of an entire team of organs: the esophagus, stomach, intestines (small and large), pancreas, liver, gallbladder, rectum and anus.

“With so many parts working together, your digestive system requires expert care to stay well,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Inder Tandon. “Regular check-ups with your Wellstar provider can help identify potential digestive issues early.”

At a routine exam, your provider can screen serious diseases like colorectal cancer and help identify chronic and common digestive conditions.

“If specialized care is needed, your primary care physician can refer you to our expert team of gastroenterologists right away,” Dr. Tandon shared.

Find a Wellstar provider near you and schedule a check-up today.

Catch colorectal cancer early

Most colorectal cancer starts as a growth, or polyp, in the colon or rectum. Because polyps develop slowly over time, you may experience few warning signs and not know you have a medical issue for months, or even years.

That’s why it’s so important to get a colonoscopy — it could save your life. When caught early, colorectal cancer has a 91 percent survival rate.

People with average risk should have a colonoscopy starting at age 45. Those at high risk or with a family history of colon cancer may start screenings even sooner.

Learn more about colorectal cancer screening.

For nearly 30 years, Madge Hand knew something was going on with her body, but never determined what was causing her head-spinning health issues. 

She had been in and out of several hospitals, looking for answers and trying different treatments, but her physicians couldn’t pinpoint the right diagnosis. 

Now with the help of Wellstar experts, Madge is managing her dysautonomia – a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate – so she can get her health back on track.

A Dizzying Diagnosis

Madge, 79, started noticing symptoms when she was in her 50s. When she moved from lying down to sitting up or from sitting up to standing, her blood pressure would drop drastically — going as low as 60 over 30, compared to the normal level of about 120 over 80. Her doctors at the time were unable to determine the issue. She also experienced frequent nausea and was unable to eat.

She started rehab for general weakness. When she later broke her hip due to dizziness, she struggled to complete rehab because when she tried to walk, her blood pressure would drop and she would feel faint.

Madge has some answers and is now working with Wellstar’s autonomic program, one of only a few programs in the country certified to treat these disorders, to get back on track.

It turned out that Madge has dysautonomia — her autonomic nervous system isn’t working like it should, which affects her blood pressure and makes her feel faint. She is also managing her orthostatic hypotension, which causes her blood pressure to change suddenly when she stands. To prevent her blood pressure from suddenly dropping, she takes a steroid to keep it higher, along with midodrine, a medication used to treat orthostatic hypotension.

Only a few specialized programs are certified to treat autonomic disorders, but Madge can get the personalized care she needs close to home. Dr. Howard Snapper, a Wellstar cardiovascular disease specialist, is one of fewer than 50 physicians in North America board-certified to diagnose and treat these conditions. The autonomic center at Wellstar treats disorders of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate, temperature, sweating and digestion.

Convenient, Expert Care

Madge’s first appointment with Dr. Snapper was virtual, keeping care convenient. As Wellstar has one of only two autonomic disorder programs in the Southeast, patients can travel long distances to see specialists. Virtual appointments remove barriers to care for autonomic disorders, and the program recently expanded care with two new advanced practice providers.

“Sometimes, the symptoms of autonomic disorders can be confused with signs of other conditions,” Dr. Snapper said. “However, Madge had many of the common symptoms, including sudden changes in blood pressure, nausea and fainting.”

Madge said she is grateful that the health issues she has been dealing with for almost 30 years are now being addressed.

“Since I started working with Dr. Snapper, I feel so much better,” Madge said. “Now I can complete my rehab, and I know how to keep my blood pressure under control.”

Wellstar offers virtual appointments with the autonomic program, as well as in-person visits in Woodstock. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Snapper, call (678) 324-4400.

When it comes to getting high-quality care for your heart, you can count on Wellstar.

Because we know well starts with healthy hearts, we offer leading expertise, innovative treatments and compassionate care to protect your cardiovascular health.

From heart attacks and rehabilitation to cardiac surgery and psychological support, your heart is in expert hands at Wellstar.

High-tech heart treatments

As part of the largest Emergency Cardiac Care Center (ECCC) network in Georgia, Wellstar ensures world-class heart care is never far away.

Our cardiac experts are ready to treat patients like Brett Faucett at the first signs of a heart attack. We use high-tech equipment — including electrocardiograms (EKG), chest X-rays and cardiac catheterization — to diagnose heart attacks quickly.

Getting the right care can minimize or even prevent heart damage. That’s why Wellstar relies on the most advanced treatments, such as Shockwave technology, medicines and life-saving cardiac surgery, to effectively prevent and treat heart attacks as fast as possible.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital has a new cardiac hybrid operating room, bringing a catheterization lab and surgery suite together in one place. With catheter-based procedures, our interventional cardiologists can provide expert, minimally invasive heart attack care.

We also perform structural heart procedures, including valve repairs and replacements, along with cardiac surgery and electrophysiology procedures that can determine the cause of heart rhythm problems.

At Wellstar, we don’t just treat heart conditions when they happen. Our providers also offer world-class preventative care, helping people like Latoya Jordan catch chronic conditions — such as high blood pressure — at the very start.

That way, you can continue to be the healthiest you.

Care that never skips a beat

If an on-going heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), is keeping you down, Wellstar has a team of experts who can help.

When Frank Ryan’s heart had trouble keeping pace and kept him from playing the tuba, he felt off-beat in everyday life. After getting specialized care at Wellstar, he’s back in the band again.

Wellstar Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Narendra Kanuru shared state-of-the-art treatments available for heart rhythm disorders.

“Along with advanced medical therapies, we have numerous interventional or surgical therapies, including pacemakers, defibrillators and other advanced cardiac devices as well as cardiac catheter ablation,” Dr. Kanuru said.

Cardiac catheter ablation is a non-surgical procedure available at Wellstar that helps restore a regular heart rhythm by blocking abnormal electrical signals.

With the latest advances in electrophysiology at Wellstar, we’re keeping hearts going strong.

Hope for heart failure

Wellstar also provides expert care for people with congestive heart failure like Bow Matthews. The husband and father-of-two found support from our Heart Failure Academy and learned how to take care of his well-being for the long haul.

To help prevent heart failure flare-ups, Wellstar offers a remote heart monitoring technology that provides real-time health information to our providers.

“With heart failure, as with all health issues, it’s best to take preventative action and stop problems from occurring,” said Dr. Hans Lee, Medical Director for the Wellstar Congestive Heart Failure program. “Monitoring your heart health and staying in touch with your cardiologist can help keep you out of the hospital and keep your heart in shape.”

For those whose hearts need extra assistance like Mike Clements, a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD) can be a game-changer. An LVAD is a battery-powered pump that is surgically implanted to help the heart more effectively pump blood.

"An LVAD gives patients with severe heart failure the opportunity to get their lives back,” said Dr. Brian Howard, Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure & LVAD program at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. “These life-saving devices are powerful enough to take over for the failing heart. They allow patients to enjoy life with their loved ones as they await a heart transplant, and in some cases, they even serve as an alternate to a heart transplant entirely.”

At the Heart Failure Clinic at Wellstar Cobb Hospital and the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, trained experts provide specialized care for those with heart failure and LVAD implants, helping to improve quality of life.

After Mike received his LVAD implant, he was able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Thanks to advanced technology available at Wellstar, patients with heart failure can keep doing what matters most.

Specialized support services

Wellstar has dedicated resources to help people with cardiac conditions find support.

Following a medical event like a heart attack or other serious cardiac problem, Wellstar offers cardiac rehabilitation to get people back on track.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically monitored program that provides education, support and lifestyle modifications. Our team helps you learn heart-healthy behaviors and lower your risk for future heart issues.

However, we understand health journeys aren’t just about physical healing. Dealing with heart issues can also cause many difficult mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

“At Wellstar, we wanted to build out a program just for our cardiovascular patients because behavioral health and cardiac health are really closely connected,” said Dr. Shawn Coyne, Wellstar Director of Health Psychology & Cardiac Psychologist. “In fact, cardiac patients are three times more likely to be depressed than the general population.”

After living with three chronic heart conditions for years, John Petrick found solace in meeting with a Wellstar cardiac psychologist. Now, he’s learned new coping skills and how to prioritize his mental well-being.

With Wellstar’s support services at the ready, patients with complex conditions can better understand themselves and their overall health.

Care to keep your heart healthy

No matter what your cardiovascular concerns may be, Wellstar is dedicated to helping people with heart conditions live life to the fullest.

Learn more about how Wellstar is protecting heart health in Georgia, and how you can take control of your cardiac health.

Wellstar Paulding Hospital is now offering device implantations and catheter ablations in a new, state-of-the-art heart care lab, expanding the hospital’s cardiology services.

If you have a heart rhythm disorder and need a permanent cardiac device like a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted, Paulding’s cardiologists now offer these procedures close to home with qualified, compassionate providers who will take the time to get to know your needs. 

Your care team will continue to support you after the device is implanted, too. Your electrophysiologist will ensure your device continues to work properly and check the battery life, and you’ll be able to work with our experts to create a personalized diet, exercise, lifestyle and medication plan to keep your heart in top shape.

Paulding also offers another solution for arrhythmia — catheter ablations. During this procedure, a small tube is inserted into a blood vessel, then guided to the heart to scar areas of tissue that are causing the abnormal heart rhythm. The scars block the electrical impulses that cause the abnormal rhythm. 

Wellstar Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Anand Kenia is performing these procedures at Paulding and sees patients in Hiram. To make an appointment with Dr. Kenia, call (678) 324-4444. 

When a kid experiences a sudden medical emergency, it can be a stressful experience for both the parents and the child.

With four dedicated pediatric emergency departments, Wellstar Health System helps families have peace of mind that their little ones are in expert hands. Find a location near you:

• Wellstar Cobb Hospital
• Wellstar Douglas Hospital
• Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
• Wellstar Paulding Hospital

Here, we know quick action, advanced services and compassionate care are essential to treating children like 12-year-old Alex. When he broke his leg during football practice, the injury could have caused lasting damage if he didn’t get the proper care.

“From the moment we arrived at the ED, the experience was absolutely phenomenal. He wasn’t treated like a number,” said Stephanie, Alex’s mother. “Knowing that the Wellstar team really cared about my son helped build my trust.”

Due to the severity of the break in Alex’s leg, surgery was a likely outcome.

“There was a 90% chance that my son would need surgery,” Stephanie explained. The odds seemed stacked against them.

However, the skilled pediatric team, led by Dr. Mark Brown, didn’t give up. They expertly set Alex’s break in a cast. Because it was done so well, he never required surgery to heal.

Now, months after the injury, Alex is on the mend and finishing up his last few physical therapy sessions. He will make a full recovery and can keep playing the sports he loves.

That’s because Wellstar knows kids aren’t just “mini adults.” Our pediatric specialists take time to understand your child’s unique needs, even in an emergency.

Expert emergency care just for kids

Our pediatric emergency departments are designed for our youngest patients, from birth to early adulthood. We deliver emergency care for a full range of pediatric emergency conditions, including:

• Fracture
• Head injury
• Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction or severe abdominal pain
• Acute asthma
• Pulmonary issues
• Diabetic emergency
• Severe allergic reaction
• Seizure

Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments are powered by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates (PEMA) to provide high-quality care. Pediatric patients also have access to child life specialists who are trained to help children understand their injuries, medical care and even how to cope with difficult emotions.

In addition to our skilled medical team, each facility offers special equipment — like small casts and crutches — that are the perfect size for kids at any age or stage. Having the right technology, treatments and resources in place helps your child heal and feel better.

Don’t delay care for kids

Medical emergencies are just as serious for children as they are for adults. If your child needs care for a life-threatening condition, call 911 right away.
For routine care and other specialty services, find Wellstar pediatric care near you.

Wellstar has a wide network of experts close to home. From well-child exams and specialty care to diagnostic testing and high-tech treatments, our team is here to protect your child’s health.

It’s impossible to count all the ways your heart supports you in a single day. Whether it’s checking out a new trail, gardening or simply playing with your kids, every beat of your heart helps you do all the activities you enjoy most.

That’s why it’s so vital to take care of your cardiac health — and doing so is easier than you might think. According to Wellstar medical experts, consistency is the key.

“To keep your heart in top shape, make gradual changes sustained over a lifetime,” said Dr. Vivek Nautiyal, Wellstar medical director of preventative cardiology. “Investing in your heart health can be as simple as going for a walk after work, trying a healthy recipe or scheduling that wellness exam you may have been delaying.”

Remember to start small — by just taking a few simple steps, you can keep your heart going strong.

Detect heart disease at the start

Getting a heart screening is a great way to care for your cardiac health. Wellstar's Know Your Heart screening program helps catch potential heart problems early, so you can live life to the fullest. Through this testing, you can learn your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

After the screening, you will receive an individualized health report with all the latest stats about your heart. Our team will go over the results with you one-on-one and recommend lifestyle modifications to help you be the healthiest you.

Schedule your heart screening today.

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or visit the Know Your Heart page for more information.

Protecting your heart takes a team

Along with monitoring your overall well-being, your primary care physician can help catch potential heart problems early.

“At your annual wellness exam, your provider can assess your risk of certain heart conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure,” Dr. Nautiyal explained.

Your physician will check the Foundational 4 numbers that are the cornerstone of general wellness and heart health, including:

• Body mass index (BMI)
• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose (sugar)
• Blood cholesterol

“Your provider can help create a personalized plan to keep your heart healthy, which may include diet, exercise or other lifestyle modifications,” Dr. Nautiyal shared. “If you need expert cardiovascular care, they can also refer you to a heart specialist right away.”

When it comes to staying ahead of potential health issues, Dr. Nautiyal also shared the importance of being aware of your family history and cardiovascular stats.

“Be sure to know your cholesterol numbers and seek a preventative cardiology consultation if you have a family history of premature heart attacks, coronary disease or stroke — especially at an age below 55 years old,” Dr. Nautiyal said.

Learn more about the advanced heart care services offered at Wellstar.

For people with autonomic disorders, finding treatment can be difficult. With only a few specialized programs in the country, getting care can require traveling a long distance. 

However, patients in Georgia can access this crucial care close to home. Wellstar Cardiovascular Disease Specialist Dr. Howard Snapper, who sees patients in Woodstock, is one of fewer than 50 physicians in North America certified to diagnose and treat autonomic disorders.

Autonomic disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), involve the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary body functions like heart rate, temperature, sweating and digestion. 

When people with POTS move from sitting down to standing up, their heart rate increases by about 30 beats per minute, but their blood pressure doesn’t change. This sudden increase can lead to dizziness or fainting. Most patients with POTS are younger women about 13 to 50 years old.

“Autonomic disorders are not that rare — about 2 to 3 million people in the country are affected — but they are often underdiagnosed because the symptoms can indicate other conditions,” Dr. Snapper said. “It can also be difficult to get the proper diagnosis and treatment to start improving these conditions.”

Dr. Snapper sees patients from as far as California, and Wellstar has one of only two autonomic disorder programs in the Southeast. With the addition of two new advanced practice providers, Wellstar’s program now has increased capacity and can help more patients live healthier and more comfortably.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Snapper, call (678) 324-4400. 

Small changes add up to big results. By incorporating simple habits into your life, you can kickstart your wellness journey and stay on track for the long run.

Schedule a wellness exam

Seeing your primary care provider at least once a year is the single most important thing you can do for your health.

At your annual exam, your physician will help keep you healthy and reach your wellness goals. They screen for diseases to stay ahead of medical issues and check in on your overall well-being.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to prompt you to book an appointment. You can also use an important date, such as your birthday, anniversary or holiday, as a marker to remind you to schedule a visit.

Get moving to stay well

If you’re focused on improving your fitness routine, put a plan in place to be more active and drop the extra pounds. According to Wellstar Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Asher Niazi, consistency is key to succeed.

“Raise your heart rate 45 minutes a day, at least five to six days a week,” Dr. Niazi said, stressing the importance of regular activity. “You don't have to go in gym and spend two hours working out. Exercise can be as simple as going on a brisk walk.”

For those looking to slim down, your healthcare provider can help jumpstart your health journey with a tailored diet and exercise plan.

Set a sleep routine

Having a bedtime routine is essential to catch more Z’s over the year. When you wake up feeling rested, you often feel more productive and energized throughout the day.

Get started by setting a specific time to go to sleep — and sticking to it. Make sure you reserve at least seven to nine hours per night for sleep.

Limit your screen time before getting in bed. Bright screens from a phone, computer or TV can keep your brain awake and make it harder to fall asleep.

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, have a decaffeinated cup of tea or take a warm bath to help you relax.

Eat a balanced diet

When it comes to losing weight, many people look for a “quick fix” which can often create unhealthy ways of eating. Creating a healthy eating plan from the start can help avoid any fad diet pitfalls.

Nutrition plans that restrict or eliminate food groups, and those with extreme calorie deficits are difficult to maintain and can often produce more weight gain or undesired results, according to Wellstar Registered Dietitian Kelly Prian.

Diet trends can also create a negative relationship with food, which can make it harder to achieve your goals. Kelly Prian shared that those with long-term success focus on maintaining a plan that enables steady weight loss over time.

A healthy nutrition plan is balanced and emphasizes on whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.

Try not to overcomplicate healthy eating. Focus on starting with small changes like filling half your plate with vegetables, or have fun trying new recipes.

Take care of your mental health

Self-care is an important aspect of your mental well-being, and should be made a consistent part of each day.

“Make self-care a priority and a non-negotiable,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomez, Wellstar clinical health psychologist and Clinician Resiliency & Well-Being Program Lead.

“Think of self-care as a form of personal healing and a way to strengthen resilience,” Dr. Gomez explained. “Much like the way exercise enhances physical health, self-care enhances mental health.”

According to Dr. Gomez, even small acts of intention can turn tasks we do on “autopilot” into more meaningful experiences.

“When washing your hands, give yourself a hand massage,” Dr. Gomez shared. “When driving, use red lights to practice deep breathing. Listen to a book on tape or language lessons rather than the radio, or call someone to reconnect.”

If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, Wellstar’s behavioral health specialists are here for you.

“Working with a mental health provider is different than speaking with a friend, or even a ‘life coach,’” Dr. Gomez said. “Mental health professionals are trained and licensed to address psychological or emotional wellness.”

Need support? Connect with a Wellstar behavioral health specialist.

Stay safe during the pandemic

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, things may feel uncertain. However, there are several steps you can take to protect your health.

Focus on what you can control. Get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, if eligible. You should also continue following the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance around others.

If you are having a difficult time coping with your emotions, find support from a behavioral health specialist.

No matter what your health resolutions may be this year, we’re here for you. Learn how to win at your wellness goals with the help of Wellstar health experts.

With the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19, our communities are seeing a surge in cases of the virus, as well as a higher demand for testing.

Wellstar, along with other Georgia health systems, has experienced high volumes at our facilities, particularly in emergency departments. Our dedicated care team continues to work hard to keep our community healthy, and our facilities will continue to provide life-saving care, including in emergencies when those we serve need us most.

However, to keep emergency care available to those with critical health needs, people should seek care at the facility most appropriate for their condition.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you have several choices for testing and care. If you test positive, isolate from others, monitor your symptoms and contact your primary care provider to discuss treatment options.

If you have no symptoms

If you are asymptomatic but have a known or possible COVID-19 exposure, you can seek testing at an urgent care, primary care office or other testing site.

While Wellstar offers rapid and PCR testing at all of our urgent care centers, those locations are experiencing longer wait times due to high demand. Find a testing site near you on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

If you have mild or moderate symptoms

Get tested if you have mild or moderate symptoms. If you test positive, your provider can help you determine the best course of treatment.

If your symptoms escalate and become more severe, go to an emergency department.

If you have severe symptoms

If you experience severe symptoms, immediately seek care at your nearest emergency department or call 911.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pressure or pain in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake up or stay awake
• Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on your skin tone

Even in a pandemic, it is important to not delay care for life-threatening emergencies, whether you have COVID-19 or are experiencing another health emergency like a stroke or heart attack. Our emergency care experts are here to care for you and your family in critical situations when you need us most.

After nearly two years in the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a face mask may be second nature to many of us. However, as the highly contagious Omicron variant spreads, it’s important to know single-layer cloth masks offer minimal protection.

Wellstar Health System has recently updated its mask policy when visiting our facilities, and recommends people follow these guidelines to stay safe.

How to choose the right mask

• Cloth doesn’t cut it. Choose a medical-grade mask – not a cloth mask – with two or more layers of fabric.
• Stop the flow. Make sure your mask has a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out.
• Coverage counts. Select a face mask that completely covers your nose and mouth.
• Find the right fit. Ensure your mask is snug on your face with no gaps.

Take action to protect your health

• Stick it to COVID. Now, everyone aged five and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Make sure to get the shot and booster, when eligible.
• Wear a mask. Upgrade your mask to the most recent recommendations. Wear your face covering when out in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands often with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
• Watch your distance. Maintain a safe social distance around others, especially when in a public setting.
• Avoid the crowd. Skip large gatherings or groups of people if possible, especially when indoors.

For more safety tips and resources, visit Wellstar’s COVID-19 resource page.

With the holiday season now behind us, people look forward to the fresh start of the New Year and all the possibilities it brings. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life.

Without the proper planning and support, however, these ambitions can quickly be put off or even forgotten. In 2022, it’s time to break the cycle and make progress towards your goals.

By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions, better your health and stay motivated.

Wellstar patients were among the first in Georgia to benefit from an FDA-approved imaging technology that detects the extent of prostate cancer earlier and with greater accuracy than current imaging methods.

A diagnostic agent is given to patients as an injection. Once it is in the body, it binds to PSMA, or Prostate Specific Membrane Antigens. Prostate cancer cells usually have a higher level of PSMA. 

When used with PET scans, this innovative technology gives physicians a clearer image of prostate cancer lesions and enables providers to determine the best course of treatment. It is the most sensitive scan available for prostate cancer.

Wellstar is among the first in Georgia to routinely offer PSMA PET scans.

While standard scans have limited sensitivity for prostate cancer, this advanced imaging is much more capable of identifying prostate cancer, which allows Wellstar doctors to determine if the cancer is limited to the prostate or if it has spread to other parts of the body.

“It allows us to make sure we’re not missing any sites of cancer that aren’t picked up with old-school imaging,” Wellstar Urologist Dr. Justin Watson said. “If there is an area of cancer outside what we’d typically treat, and we pick it up with this imaging, we can make sure we address that area, too.”

Providers can then tailor treatment to each patient’s individual needs, collaborating with the patient to find the best course of action and improve outcomes.

“This imaging helps us ensure that patients are receiving the right treatment, which improves their outcomes,” Dr. Watson said.

The new imaging technology improves upon scans that were used in the past.

“This is several leaps forward in our ability to see prostate cancer on a scan in high resolution,” Dr. Watson said. “In the older scans, things are difficult to see and sometimes not even perceptible, and with the new scans, they light right up and we know much better what we’re dealing with.”

This PSMA imaging is currently available at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, with plans to expand to other locations.

Wellstar urologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists work collaboratively to provide prostate cancer patients a full range of treatments to consider including active surveillance, CyberKnife/radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

To learn more about prostate cancer treatment at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/prostatecancer or call 1 (877) 366-6032.

If you find the holiday season overwhelming, you’re not alone.

Wellstar experts say many people may have strong emotions at this time of year, especially since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"For many people, COVID-19 was a catalyst for alienation and isolation – further magnified at times by the loss of friends and family members," said Dr. Ryan Breshears, chief behavioral health officer with Wellstar Health System. "The research is unequivocal – loneliness is a driver of morbidity and mortality. Whereas feelings of grief are normal and understandable following loss, during the holiday season, it is imperative that we connect back to meaning, purpose and relationships. Prioritizing that human connection with others can, in essence, be a life-saving measure."

Tips to take care of your mental health

Difficult emotions may be unwelcome visitors this time of year, but you can take steps to help yourself feel better.

• Connect to purpose. Make time for meaningful activities and loved ones who bring joy to your life.
• Prioritize social interactions. Research indicates that just being around other people can generate a sense of belongingness that is therapeutically helpful. Activities that provide opportunities for human interaction (such as going to a local coffee shop, attending a sporting event, etc.) have the potential to mitigate the focus on what we’ve lost.
• Spend time with pets. When human companionship is limited, finding ways to connect with animals can also be healing.
• Use a gratitude journal.  The effects of gratitude are powerful. Shifting focus from what we have lost to the meaningful things and relationships we possess can help us manage the emotional residue of grief.
• Reach out for support. If you’re feeling isolated, connect with family and friends by setting up plans, speaking on the phone or sending a text message.
• Validate your emotions. Honor your feelings. There is no way we “should” or “should not” feel. Feelings are simply a byproduct of our experience. The way we feel always makes sense, even if we don’t understand why.
• Release expectations. Sometimes traditions change over time. Try not to worry if things don’t go as planned or exactly how they were in the past.
• Embrace self-care. Recharge and renew your spirit by making time for yourself this season.
• Plan ahead. Whether it’s gift-giving or holiday baking, planning in advance can alleviate last-minute stress.
• It’s okay to say no. If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that you don’t have to be involved in every activity of the season.
• Manage social media. Social media can help to drive a sense of connection with others, but it can also have drawbacks. Know yourself and your triggers. If it’s hard to manage your feelings when people portray a picture-perfect version of the holidays, take a step back and limit screen time.
• Limit media coverage. If news is upsetting, take breaks and limit your exposure.
• Seek professional help, if needed. If you are having a difficult time coping, find support from a behavioral health specialist.

Looking for more ways to stay well? Learn how to give yourself the gift of health and partner with a Wellstar primary care provider.

When someone is diabetic, a small wound can escalate into a major health issue and, in many cases, lead to an amputation. However, with proper wound care and accelerated healing with hyperbaric medicine, Wellstar patients are partnering with providers to treat wounds like diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers can develop if diabetes is not well-managed, and some causes of ulcers include poor circulation and high blood sugar. Ulcers may go unnoticed at first because many people with diabetes are also affected by neuropathy and do not have feeling in their feet, said Dr. Ricardo Duran, Medical Director of the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Department at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

Also, if a diabetic person gets a wound, it may not heal as quickly, as people with diabetes are more likely to also experience poor circulation, immune system deficiencies and elevated blood sugar levels.

“When you combine the lack of sensation in the foot with the lack of healing, that leads to even more damage,” Dr. Duran said.

Foot ulcers should be taken seriously — when a diabetic person has an open wound, their five-year mortality rate increases by about 32%, according to Dr. Duran.

Hyperbaric therapy aids healing

When Venson Rolle developed a foot ulcer, he knew he needed to seek care. In Dr. Duran, he found a healthcare partner dedicated to preventing amputation and keeping him healthy. “Dr. Duran was very patient, and he was ready and willing to do anything possible for me to get the correct treatment to heal all the way,” Venson said.

Dr. Duran helped Venson’s ulcer heal by off-loading the foot with orthotics to prevent further injury, treating him with antibiotics and using hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber allows the lungs to get more oxygen. That oxygen then flows through the body, promoting wound healing. It helps repair tissues and treat infections.

“It provides oxygen at high pressure and keeps the tissues alive while the antibiotics work to guarantee that we have a better outcome,” Dr. Duran said about the procedure.

Venson, whose ulcer has healed, said he is grateful that the treatment has improved his quality of life.

“I can’t thank him enough,” Venson said about Dr. Duran.

Preventing diabetic ulcers

Dr. Duran recommends that people with diabetes work with their primary care provider to manage diabetes and monitor their A1C.

People with diabetes should also check their feet every day, looking on the bottoms of the feet and in between the toes for any signs of wounds or ulcers, Dr. Duran said.

“They should not rely on how it feels, because the sensation is abnormal and they might not feel an ulcer,” Dr. Duran said.

Dr. Duran said people with diabetes should also avoid smoking and eat a diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein to help prevent ulcers.

The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital doesn’t just treat diabetic ulcers — patients can also find treatment for traumatic injuries, burns, pressure ulcers and other wounds. To make an appointment, call (770) 751-2830.

Patients in North Fulton who need weight management assistance have a new option, with providers who will support them at every step of their journey.

Wellstar's Center for Best Health now has an office in North Fulton, conveniently located at 1360 Upper Hembree Road, just across the street from Wellstar North Fulton Hospital and inside the primary care practice of Dr. Nandini Sunkireddy and Dr. Amy Barfield.

Dr. Sunkireddy is the physician overseeing this Center for Best Health location, and she is welcoming new patients to both primary care and the Center for Best Health.

The Center for Best Health offers a comprehensive approach to weight management and includes behavioral health, nutritional therapy and dietician services, medication management, meal replacement through Optifast and exercise management. When bariatric surgery is an appropriate option, our providers will offer referrals.

Our providers tailor care to each patient’s individual needs and lifestyle, creating the right treatment plan to help each person achieve their optimal health. The interdisciplinary care team includes a physician, dietitian, exercise physiologist and psychologist.

“We support you as a team in every step of your weight loss journey until you reach your goal,” Dr. Sunkireddy said. “We all support your efforts to keep the weight off by helping you develop a healthy lifestyle.”

The Center is for people whose A1C is equal to or greater than 6.5, indicating diabetes, or those who have a BMI equal to or greater than 30 with another chronic health condition such as high blood pressure.

Between cookie baking, busy shopping trips and being with family, the holiday season can pass by in a blur. Through all the hustle and bustle, Wellstar health experts warn it can be all too easy to put off your wellness.

“During this hectic time of year, health may be the last thing on your mind. However, the best present you can give yourself is prioritizing your well-being,” said Dr. Umme Nur, internal medicine physician with Wellstar.

“Seeing your provider now can help you stay on track this season,” Dr. Nur explained. “It can also help you jumpstart your health goals in January and already have a care plan tailored to your needs.”

Start healthy habits

It’s easy to let your normal routines slip during this time of year. However, you can take small steps to stay on track every day.

• Eat right. It’s okay to indulge in holiday treats, but try to keep your main meals balanced with fruits and veggies.
• Don’t forget about fitness. Create a routine and stick to your exercise goals, even if it’s just a quick, 30-minute stroll.
• Catch some Z’s. Maintain an adequate sleep regimen to help your body rest, feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Check in on your well-being

Remember, the perfect gift isn’t something wrapped with a bow — it’s putting your health first. That means partnering with a Wellstar primary care provider (PCP) and scheduling a wellness exam.

Your physician will help you take charge of your health and create a personalized plan just for you. Because your PCP is a pro at preventative care, they’ll help keep you ahead of potential medical problems.

After your annual check-up, you’ll “know your numbers” for:

• Blood pressure. Taken with a simple arm cuff, a blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
• Blood glucose level. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
• Blood cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
• Body mass index (BMI). The body mass index (BMI) estimates human body fat, which may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

At your exam, be sure to bring up any health goals, such as weight loss or managing a chronic condition. Your provider will work with you to create a custom treatment plan for your unique needs.

Know your family history & take action

Depending on your gender, age and family history, your provider may also recommend other preventative tests to screen for diseases before they start, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy.

Your physician can also help you understand your potential health risks with:

• Know Your Heart screenings. Preventative heart screenings help determine your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
• Genetic risk assessment. Genetic testing is a tool to help people determine their hereditary risk of cancer and heart problems. This program also helps couples and expecting mothers with prenatal or preconception concerns.

Learn more about how having an established primary care provider can keep you well.

For a half decade and counting, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital has used an advanced treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to provide vital oxygen supply to people when it matters the most.

For the dedicated team members at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, their five-year ECMO anniversary marks more than a milestone. It means saving more lives.

ECMO in action

ECMO is a cutting-edge technology that has been vital in treating critically ill people — like Zac DiGiorgio — whose lungs are in peril and unable to function on their own.

Dr. Asif Saberi, Wellstar medical director of critical care & ECMO, shared how this state-of-the-art therapy works.

“ECMO is a way to provide air to the body when the lungs fail completely,” Dr. Saberi said. The innovative therapy helps removes carbon dioxide from the bloodstream using a machine when the lungs cannot on their own.

“During ECMO, blood is diverted from the body using plastic catheters — called cannulae — which are approximately the size of a garden hose,” Dr. Saberi explained.

“When the blood is redirected from the body, it is ‘cleaned’ of carbon dioxide which the lungs would have done naturally,” Dr. Saberi said.

After that, the re-oxygenated blood is recirculated through the system to supply life-saving oxygen to the body.

People who suffer traumatic injuries are not the only ones benefitting from the high-tech treatment. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, ECMO has also become instrumental in the fight against the virus.

ECMO & the COVID-19 pandemic

Recently, ECMO has been key in caring for COVID-19 patients with the most severe symptoms.

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, and can affect the lungs and a person’s ability to breathe normally. In fact, the American Lung Association reported that the lungs are the first organ affected by the virus.

Symptoms like shortness of breath and difficulty breathing may appear suddenly and be severe. For the most critical cases, expanding access to ECMO can be a gamechanger.

“Our ability to provide one specific therapy, ECMO, for a significant number of young people in the extreme manifestation of the disease, is possibly the difference between life and death,” Dr. Saberi shared.

By offering ECMO right here in Georgia, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is helping to save lives and fight back against the virus. And, for us, five years is only the beginning.

To learn more about how our team is providing world-class care for the community, visit the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital page.

From catching cancer to following through with expert care, Wellstar ensures patients never have to fight lung cancer alone.

Wellstar is dedicated to early intervention in lung cancer, which improves outcomes for patients. After detection of an abnormality on a CT scan, patients are immediately surrounded with an interdisciplinary support team devoted to their well-being.

Identifying lung cancer early

If you are at increased risk for developing lung cancer, talk to your provider about screenings. With a low-dose CT scan of the chest, it only takes a few seconds to check in on your lung health. These screenings are offered at most Wellstar imaging centers.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recently revised lung screening guidelines. Patients may qualify for screening if they are 50 to 80 years old and smoked for 20 years. If they are a former smoker, they may qualify if they quit less than 15 years ago. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services is considering enacting these recommendations.

“Lung screening improves a person’s chances of detecting a lung cancer at an early stage and being cured of that cancer,” said Wellstar Thoracic Surgeon Dr. William Mayfield.

Because finding cancer and starting treatment sooner can be life-saving, Wellstar has invested in the incidental nodule program. When people come into a hospital seeking care for something else — whether that be a health condition like appendicitis or a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident — they might get a scan of the abdomen or chest that also shows portions of the lungs.

Using artificial intelligence, reports of those scans are fed to report coordinators, categorized based on their risk level, and if the patient is higher-risk, forwarded to nurse navigators for review. Nurse navigators consult with physicians about the findings, and Wellstar can then initiate care if cancer is found.

“People that come to the hospital for other problems may also be walking around with a lung cancer they didn’t know about,” Dr. Mayfield said.

The program, which started in fall 2020, has identified 66 cases of lung cancer and eight other types of cancer, as of Nov. 1, 2022.

“Now those people are getting care, and it’s quite likely those cancers would have been missed,” Dr. Mayfield said.

Wellstar is developing another incidental nodule program for the abdominal area, which could lead to the discovery of several cancers including ovarian, kidney, bladder and liver cancers.

The program aligns with Wellstar’s goals of enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve.

“It was the right thing to do for the community. If we miss these cancers, it is a broken promise to the patient,” Dr. Mayfield said.

Then, if cancer is found, Wellstar “closes the loop” by initiating treatment and connecting the patient with resources, Dr. Mayfield said.

Expert care and support at every step

From the very beginning, Wellstar’s lung cancer patients are surrounded by a team of experts. Rather than go through the time-consuming process of driving to multiple appointments with different specialists, patients meet with all these providers in one place.

The Wellstar Lung Cancer STAT Clinic gives patients immediate access to specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgery.

“No other health system does multidisciplinary care the way Wellstar does,” Dr. Mayfield said.

Getting multiple expert opinions from the start not only gives patients peace of mind, it speeds up treatment, too. In the United States, the average time between an abnormal scan and the beginning of treatment is 95 days, Dr. Mayfield said. The STAT Clinic reduces that time to as little as 14 days. Time-to-treatment affects long-term survival in lung cancer patients, Dr. Mayfield said — a six-week delay can reduce five-year survival by up to 13%, according to research from the Cleveland Clinic.

“Time really does matter in the treatment and diagnosis of lung cancer,” Dr. Mayfield said.

High-tech surgery options

For many patients, surgery is a crucial part of lung cancer treatment. Wellstar offers several minimally-invasive options, reducing recovery time for patients.

Dr. Mayfield said more than 90% of Wellstar’s lung cancer surgeries are performed using either the da Vinci Surgical System or Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery techniques (VATS).

Minimally-invasive surgeries reduce pain, scarring, blood loss and infection, as well as time to recover — getting patients back to work and other routines quicker.

The da Vinci system is equipped with 3D cameras and instruments that can make very intricate, precise movements, allowing for shorter incisions and more accurate surgery. Some patients can leave the hospital as early as the next day.

To prevent lung cancer and keep your lungs healthy, talk to your primary care provider and follow a few tips, such as avoiding smoking and getting your exercise. Learn more about treatments on our cancer care page.

If you’re a woman suffering from pain or discomfort due to uterine fibroids, you’re not alone. An estimated 26 million women in the U.S. have uterine fibroids — and more than 15 million will experience symptoms or health concerns.

Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, affecting 20 to 80% of women by age 50. Often, these benign tumors are small and do not cause issues.

However, for some women, the growths can lead to painful symptoms, including:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Trouble emptying your bladder
• Constipation
• Enlargement of lower abdomen

While all women can develop uterine fibroids, Black women are disproportionately affected. Black women often have fibroids at younger ages, larger growths and more severe symptoms compared to other racial groups.

Pain doesn’t have to be part of life. Women experiencing fibroid pain can find expert care, advanced treatments and support at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital.

Fibroid care close to home

Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital provides a minimally-invasive treatment called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which can help improve symptoms and quality of life. While fibroids can also be treated with surgical options like a hysterectomy, UFE offers a non-surgical solution that preserves the uterus.

During this procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts sand-like particles into the artery that supplies the fibroid, blocking its blood supply. This method prevents estrogen and other nutrients from reaching the tumor, which can cause the fibroid to shrink up to 50%.

Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital’s trained imaging team performs UFE every day, offering a wealth of expertise and experience. Providing high-quality, comprehensive fibroid care close to home can make all the difference for people with fibroid pain.

“UFE offers many women a minimally-invasive solution to treat fibroid symptoms,” said Dr. Jordan Ray, interventional radiologist with Quantum Radiology, who works with the imaging team at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital. “When this uterine preservation therapy is compared with other treatment options, patients recover faster and experience better outcomes without the need for surgery.”

In addition to a quicker recovery time and fewer complications, women who choose UFE at Wellstar also benefit from Wellstar Fibroid Care Coordinators.

Wellstar Fibroid Care Coordinators help the process go smoothly for patients, including scheduling appointments, obtaining insurance verification and coordinating referrals. One-on-one care is provided at every step, from pre-op to surgery and through recovery.

With complete fibroid care and a supportive team at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital, women can get back to living pain-free.

For more information and to find out if UFE is the right treatment for you, call (678) 581-5900.

Patients in West Georgia don’t need to drive to Atlanta for life-saving cancer care. The Enoch Callaway Cancer Center keeps quality care close to home and combines the resources of a large facility with the personalized, compassionate feel of a smaller location.

“One of my missions is to bring great cancer care to people close to where they live, so they can access that care much more easily,” said Wellstar Radiation Oncologist Dr. Robert Taylor. “To have Wellstar backing this world-class treatment, building this new cancer center and this fantastic team that we have, is absolutely stellar.”

At the Enoch Callaway Cancer Center at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, patients will find the latest in technology and clinical trials, paired with expert providers who care for both their physical and mental well-being.

Eliminating tumors virtually

Cutting-edge technology at the Cancer Center allows providers to target tumors using X-ray technology, keeping the journey to living cancer-free painless for patients.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy takes about 30 minutes per treatment, with some patients requiring multiple treatments and others only needing one. It is most effective in early stage brain or lung cancer and can also be used to treat metastatic cancer.

“We’re able to use X-rays to very precisely target a tumor and literally kill that tumor inside there without the patient undergoing any surgery,” Dr. Taylor said. “Despite the name, there’s no cutting involved, and there’s no anesthesia involved.”

The patient lies on a table for the treatment, and “at the end of that 30 minutes, they will get up off that treatment table and walk out of the facility feeling the same as they did when they came in,” Dr. Taylor said.

“It’s absolutely miraculous to see people get off the table and know their brain tumor has been cured or their lung cancer has been cured,” Dr. Taylor said.

Prevention plays a clear role in keeping your lungs healthy and, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that has never been more true.

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can affect the lungs, which may impact your ability to breathe normally and, in some cases, even cause lasting breathing problems after recovery.

“Infections like COVID-19 come predominantly through the airways,” said Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Hitendra Patel, explaining how the virus often enters the body.

Within the first days of infection, COVID-19 starts attacking cells in the respiratory system. In fact, the American Lung Association reported that the lungs are the first organ affected by the virus.

Being infected with COVID-19 can lead to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and cough — symptoms which can appear suddenly and be severe.

“It’s important people do everything in their power to protect their lung health,” Dr. Patel urged. “This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic and as variants emerge.”

While the world continues to work together to control COVID-19, there are ways you can be proactive and protect your lungs.

Whether you’re running a marathon or simply running errands, having healthy lungs helps you to live comfortably and do the activities you enjoy.

Lung health is an important part of overall wellness. It’s best to prevent health issues before they start, and Wellstar experts will partner with you to personalize a plan to keep your lungs healthy. 

Book an appointment online to check in with a provider about your lung health and follow these tips to breathe a little easier.

Don’t smoke or vape

If you are a smoker, keep in mind that there are both short-term and long-term benefits to quitting. One to nine months after the last cigarette, your shortness of breath should decrease. Within 10 years of quitting, a former smoker's risk of developing lung cancer is 30% to 50% below that of a person who continues to smoke.

Also, if you don’t smoke, do not pick up the habit. Nicotine is highly addictive, even more so than many other drugs including narcotic opiates, according to Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Hitendra Patel.

Dr. Patel said that vaping is gaining popularity, especially among younger people. However, vaping irritates a person’s airways and increases their risk of asthma.

“Nothing but air should go in and out of the lungs,” Dr. Patel said. “Any other chemical or substance, or inhalation of smoke of any kind, is going to be detrimental and harmful.”

Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Jignesh Dholaria said misinformation about vaping is common.

“People have the notion that vaping is somehow safer and that it doesn’t have the same chemicals that cigarettes do,” Dr. Dholaria said. “We’re seeing a lot more harmful effects from vaping just because we don’t always know all the chemicals that are in these vapes. That has caused a lot more lung-related injuries.”

Get your exercise and sleep

While staying active is a critical component of overall wellness, it’s especially important to keep your lungs in top shape.

“As you’re breathing in and out, getting rid of carbon dioxide and inhaling more oxygen, that helps your tissues, which helps you feel better overall,” Dr. Dholaria said.

Even if it is raining — or if pollutants are especially high that day and you’re worried about lung irritation — there are ways to get your steps in. Dr. Patel recommends going to an air-conditioned shopping mall or store to get some exercise if being outside is not an option.

“Continuing to exercise to the fullest of your body’s ability is an important step of maintaining whatever lung health you have,” Dr. Patel said. “If you start with healthy lungs, staying on an exercise program and regimen is vital.”

Balance that exercise with some rest, too. Dr. Patel, who is also the medical director of Wellstar’s sleep program, said being well-rested can ward off sickness, including some respiratory illnesses.

“If you don’t sleep well, that means your immune system is not going to function as well as it should,” he said.

Try breathing exercises

In addition to getting your sleep, some relaxation and breathing techniques can have benefits for both mental wellness and lung health. 

Dr. Patel recommends “4-7-8 breathing,” which involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds and then exhaling for eight seconds.

Benefits of breathing exercises may include lower stress and anxiety levels, lower blood pressure and better sleep.

Manage your asthma

If you have asthma, know your lungs and avoid the environmental triggers that cause the condition to flare up, Dr. Patel said. Common triggers include pet dander, seasonal changes, allergens like perfume and smoke inhalation. 

Asthma can also run in families, although there is often no specific reason why a person develops asthma, Dr. Patel said.

“Sometimes people underestimate how bad asthma can be,” Dr. Patel said.

If you have asthma, see your primary care physician to monitor your lung health. Pulmonologists specialize in caring for people’s lungs, and they often collaborate with primary care providers to create personalized plans to manage their patients’ asthma.

Ask your provider about screenings

Early detection is key in cancer treatment, but many lung cancers present in later stages, Dr. Patel said.

“In that area in the middle of the lungs and the middle of the chest, there are no pain fibers or pain sensors in there,” Dr. Patel said. “If a tumor occurs there, patients don’t know it. They don’t feel it, and it doesn’t hurt them.”

Lung cancer is sometimes found when it spreads and causes complications, Dr. Patel said.

If you are at increased risk for developing lung cancer, ask your provider about screenings. You should consider screenings if you are a current or past smoker. Visit our lung cancer screening page to learn more about if screening, which involves low-dose CT scans, could benefit you. To keep up with your lung health, find a Wellstar physician near you.

Whether she’s riding motorcycles with her husband, enjoying a roller coaster with her daughter or keeping others well as a chiropractor, Kimberly Smith-Howard stays busy. 

But Kimberly still makes time to visit Wellstar Spalding Medical Center for her regular screenings like mammograms—and says she has made health and wellness a priority since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2006.

Kimberly, who has lived in the Griffin area since high school, had just turned 40. She saw her gynecologist for her annual checkup and got her first mammogram. It came back abnormal, and so did her Pap smear. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and cervical pre-cancer.

Kimberly said maintaining a positive attitude helped her through treatment, and she was encouraged along the way by a team of experts.

“When people are going through such a bad time, and they’re not feeling well, it really means so much to have healthcare professionals who are concerned as much about your mental health as they are your physical health,” Kimberly said. “They’re not just there to do a job, get through the day and go home. They’re there to really encourage the patient and make them feel better physically and mentally.”

After chemotherapy, radiation, a lumpectomy and a hysterectomy, Kimberly has stayed healthy for 15 years. Her diagnosis renewed her focus on her own wellness, and she decided to enter the healthcare field herself. In 2011, she went back to school, earning a bachelor’s degree in health coaching and later her chiropractic degree from Life University. Now, she is working on a master’s degree in positive psychology. 

Kimberly still goes to Wellstar Spalding for care.

“I’ve always had the most compassionate nurses and the most competent doctors. Everybody has always treated me really well,” she said.

That care she relies on is convenient as well, she added.

“I love being close to home. I love that I have a hospital that does such a great job that’s right at my back door,” Kimberly said.

She encourages women to make time for health screenings and seek care if something seems wrong.

“Always do your routine check-ups and take care of yourself. Know your body,” she recommends.

To schedule a mammogram, call (678) 581-5900.

Remote heart monitoring technology is helping Wellstar patients prevent heart failure flare-ups by keeping their providers up-to-date with real-time information about their health.

The CardioMEMS HF system monitors pulmonary artery pressure. Changes in pressure are an early indicator of worsening heart failure, but providers can often address the issue through some easy adjustments to the patient’s care. 

The system gives patients and providers the opportunity to be more proactive in heart care, reducing hospitalizations and helping prevent acute heart failure episodes.

“With heart failure, as with all health issues, it’s best to take preventative action and stop problems from occurring,” Dr. Hans Lee, medical director for Wellstar's congestive heart failure program, said. “Monitoring your heart health and staying in touch with your cardiologist can help keep you out of the hospital and keep your heart in shape.”

The device is implanted by an interventional cardiologist. Once the sensor is implanted, patients take daily readings at their convenience, saving trips to the doctor’s office. Physicians then review the data and contact the patient if needed.

Wellstar offers this technology at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, Wellstar Paulding Medical Center and Wellstar Douglas Medical Center. 

Consult with your Wellstar cardiologist to learn whether the CardioMEMS system could be beneficial for your care plan. To find a cardiologist, visit our heart care page. 

From your prenatal care through welcoming your family’s newest member, Wellstar provides compassionate, expert care through pregnancy and childbirth. While this is an exciting time for families, it can also be challenging. Wellstar provides several support groups and opportunities to connect with other families.

The Mother Support Circle is a virtual group for postpartum women to discuss the joys and challenges of transitioning to motherhood. You will learn how to support your physical and emotional health, nutrition and mood changes. The group also covers how to promote your baby’s development through interaction, bonding and setting up routines. Meetings are every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. on Microsoft Teams.

Breastfeeding has many nutritional benefits for babies, and it can reduce your stress level and help you bond with your child. Whether you're a new mother with questions about breastfeeding, or you want to meet other parents and share experiences, you're welcome to join one of Wellstar's expert lactation consultants for a weekly virtual Q&A. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.

Learn more about support groups at Wellstar. To find a provider, visit our women’s health page.

When someone has breast cancer, catching it early can be life-saving. As part of Wellstar’s efforts to address health inequity and enhance the well-being of those we serve, Wellstar recently offered free mammograms so local women could check in on their breast health.

A $5,000 grant from the American Cancer Society provided the mammograms, helping to remove barriers to healthcare access. Mammograms, which were promoted through the American Cancer Society website, were available at imaging facilities at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Wellstar Cobb Hospital, Wellstar Douglas Hospital and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. 

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, excluding skin cancer. 

“Unfortunately, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so early detection is key,” said Dr. Paula Greaves, Wellstar’s chief women’s health officer. “There are some risk factors that women cannot change, such as genetics, but there are some that women can reduce, such as smoking and nutrition.”

Breast cancer is more treatable when it is caught early and treatment can start as soon as possible. 

“Mammograms are essential in early detection,” Dr. Greaves said. “It is recommended that women start getting mammograms at age 40, or earlier if there has been a family history of breast cancer — and to continue not only getting mammograms but seeing their gynecologist for regular breast exams.”

To ensure our communities are educated about cancer screenings and have access to essential care, Wellstar has partnered with the American Cancer Society’s Return to Screening initiative. 

“The American Cancer Society’s Return to Screening initiative has brought together mammography leaders from across the state for a meeting once a month to brainstorm and collaborate on ways to get women to have their annual screening mammograms,” said Lynn Hanks, executive director of medical imaging operations for Wellstar. “The learning collaborative allows us to share best practices and what has been successful at other locations.”

To schedule a mammogram, call (678) 581-5900. 

New Shockwave technology at Wellstar is expanding access to life-saving heart care.

If a patient has a complex calcium blockage in their heart arteries, this innovative technology will break up the blockage using sonic pressure waves. It safely cracks the calcium to prepare the artery for stent placement, keeping treatment efficient when time matters most. 

Calcium makes the blockage more difficult to reopen with traditional treatments, including balloons. Previously, if a patient’s artery could not be opened using a balloon, the patient would need to be transferred to Kennestone Regional Medical Center with open heart surgery capabilities to undergo an atherectomy — where a physician would break up the blockage with a small drill or laser.  With this new shockwave technology, open heart surgery services are not needed as a backup.

Wellstar’s talented and experienced interventional cardiologists are currently using Shockwave technology, also known as intravascular lithotripsy, to treat complex blockages at Kennestone, Cobb, Douglas, Paulding, North Fulton and West Georgia hospitals, allowing complex care to be performed expeditiously, safely and close to home.

Visit wellstar.org/heartcare to learn more about how Wellstar can keep your heart healthy. 

Whether you experience a traumatic injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent your condition from worsening.

But with primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation?

Learn the differences between each type of medical service so you don’t delay and get care right away.

Primary Care

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life.

Your primary care provider — either an internal or family medicine physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, depending on your age and medical needs — gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more accurate view of your overall wellness.

At Wellstar, our primary care providers’ goals are to keep you feeling your best, from annual check-ups to health screenings and immunizations to last-minute sick visits. They can also easily connect you with specialists, such as a cardiologist or neurologist, for expert care.

What we treat

“See your primary care provider for chronic conditions, conditions that require follow up, medication refills, wellness checks and overall health management,” shared Associate Medical Director of Wellstar Urgent Care Jennifer Bush.

Services include:

• Annual wellness exams
• Health screenings, labs and imaging
• Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Immunizations for children and adults
• Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds
• Coordinating care with other specialists
• Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety

Find a Wellstar primary care location in your neighborhood.

Virtual Care

Whether you have a busy schedule or can’t find anyone to watch the kids, virtual appointments are an easy way to keep up with your health from anywhere.

At Wellstar, we offer virtual visits with both primary care providers and specialists — no matter if you are an established patient or not. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet.

If you’re an established patient, simply request a virtual visit through MyChart. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to sign up for MyChart and keep all of your important health information in one secure space. You can also call your physician’s office directly and request a virtual appointment over the phone.

These days, many types of appointments can be done virtually, including consultations, care for chronic conditions and prescription management. In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide virtual urgent care through WellstarON for minor medical concerns.

Benefits of virtual care

Virtual care is a great way to find medical appointments that are flexible and fit your life. Advantages include being able to:

• Skip traffic and avoid the drive into the medical office
• Stay home if you are feeling sick
• Squeeze in an appointment on a busy schedule
• Avoid arranging childcare if you have young kids who need supervision
• Have your family by your side from the comfort of home

While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away.

Ask your provider if virtual care may work for your next appointment. Learn more about online care options.

Urgent Care

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions.

Because these locations offer walk-in care, extended hours and weekend availability, it’s easy to get the care you need. We also offer urgent care through WellstarON, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home.

What we treat

“Go to urgent care for non-life-threatening illness and injuries, such as minor cuts — even ones that require stitches — cold and flu, nausea, painful urination, infections, rashes, animal bites, fever and simple fractures and sprains,” Jennifer Bush explained.

Wellstar Urgent Care provides:

• Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones
• Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts
• COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older
• Lab and X-rays
• Sports physicals
• Occupational health services
• Worker’s compensation services

While urgent care provides convenient health services, keep in mind, it’s not a substitute for having an established primary care provider. Learn the benefits of primary care.

Find a Wellstar urgent care location near you or make a virtual urgent care appointment.

Emergency Care

In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care.

When the unexpected happens, Wellstar is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24-hours a day for people of all ages. We even have several pediatric emergency room locations, specifically designed to treat children.

Keep in mind, the emergency department is for life-threatening medical emergencies.If you need COVID-19 testing, visit a DPH testing location near you.

Signs of a medical emergency

“Go to the ER if you are having a life-threatening injury, such as confusion, head injury, severe chest pain or shortness of breath, drug overdose, abdominal pain, sudden dizziness or numbness, seizures, severe allergic reactions or severe burns,” Jennifer Bush said.

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes
• Sudden, severe pain
• Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
• Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
• Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior
• Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents

Find a Wellstar hospital location close to you. Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital.

Now the next time you need care, you’ll know where to go, whether it’s to see your primary care provider, schedule a virtual appointment, get walk-in care at an urgent care center or fast emergency care when it matters most.

Along with leading healthcare systems throughout the state and nation, Wellstar Health System is requiring all team members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect the health and safety of our patients, clinical team and community.

Getting the COVID vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, children and the community from the spread of COVID-19 and new variants.

We understand you may still want information, so here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the safety and efficacy of the COVID vaccines.

• Which vaccines are approved by the FDA?

The Pfizer vaccine is the first to be approved by the FDA for people age 16 and older. The Pfizer vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children 5 to 15 years old.

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available under EUA for people age 18 and older.

• Is it OK be vaccinated against COVID-19 if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant?

The CDC strongly recommends that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant receive the COVID-19 vaccine, due to its proven safety and effectiveness. Please consult with your Wellstar OB/GYN provider prior to taking the vaccine. More information is available from the CDC here.

• What about bad reactions to the vaccine?

You will be observed for approximately 15 minutes after your vaccination to ensure you have no immediate adverse reactions, which have been very rare. Familiarize yourself with mild and more severe reactions to the vaccine prior to your vaccination. Mild symptoms include soreness around the injection site, headache, body aches and a mild fever. These side effects mean the vaccine is working to create antibodies to help you fight infection.

• Are there long-term effects of the COVID vaccine?

Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including for COVID-19. Historically, vaccine monitoring has shown that side effects generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose. For this reason, the FDA required each of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines to be studied for at least two months (eight weeks) after the final dose. Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected.

• How many doses of the vaccine are necessary, and at what times?

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. After the initial dose, a second dose is needed at either about 21 days (Pfizer) or 28 days (Moderna). However, if it is not feasible to adhere to the recommended interval, the second dose of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be scheduled for administration up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose.

• How long will the vaccine protect me?

At this time, scientists are gathering data to determine how long protection lasts. A third booster shot is recommended for certain age groups.

• Which groups are eligible for a booster shot?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently amended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 booster shots. Now, everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot to enhance their protection. Young people ages 16 and 17 can also get their booster, as well.

The timing of your booster depends on which vaccine you have received and how long it’s been since you received the vaccine. For more information, visit our COVID-19 vaccines page.  

At this time, your Wellstar physician is not able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at their office. To find a COVID-19 vaccination site, visit vaccines.gov.

• Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine every year like influenza?

Duration of protection and new strains of COVID-19 are two important factors that will determine if booster or repeat vaccination is necessary. Investigations are ongoing.

• Do I need both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. DPH and the CDC urge everyone to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible and the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Do I have to sign any forms to get a vaccine?

Yes. You need to sign a consent form prior to receiving the vaccine.

• I have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Who can I call?

We recommend that you check Wellstar’s COVID-19 resource center for the quickest and most convenient general information about COVID-19 vaccines. If you have additional questions, contact us at (770) 956-STAR (7827). If you call us, please be patient as call volumes have been very high recently.

• I tested positive for COVID-19. Can I still get the vaccine?

Yes, but if you have COVID-19 it is recommended you wait 30 days after your positive test result. If you have COVID-19 and have also had monoclonal antibody therapy or plasma it is recommended you wait 90 days.

• If I am allergic to eggs can I receive a vaccine?

Yes. You can be vaccinated if you have an egg allergy. Both Moderna and Pfizer are mRNA vaccines and do not require egg or egg products to manufacture.

• Can I trust vaccines developed so quickly?

Scientists began developing a vaccine more than a year ago when the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus genetic sequence became available, and Pfizer and Moderna had already been working with mRNA vaccines for several years. Because the vaccine includes mRNA and not a killed or attenuated virus, there’s no need to grow the virus in culture, which can be a difficult and time-consuming step.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is what’s called a viral vector vaccine.
To create this vaccine, the Johnson & Johnson team took a harmless adenovirus – the viral vector – and replaced a small piece of its genetic instructions with coronavirus genes for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

The adenovirus vector vaccine is safe because the adenovirus can’t replicate in human cells or cause disease, and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can’t cause COVID–19 without the rest of the coronavirus.

This approach is not new. Johnson & Johnson used a similar method to make its Ebola vaccine.

Finally, the vaccines were tested in areas with a high infection rate so scientists were able to gauge effectiveness quickly. No shortcuts were taken in development of this vaccine.

• Does the vaccine contain a virus?

No. Neither the Pfizer, Moderna nor the Johnson & Johnson vaccines contain live virus. It is not possible for the vaccine to give you COVID-19.

• Once I get vaccinated, can I still contract COVID-19 and infect someone with the virus?

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness. According to the CDC, infections only happen in a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated and, when they do occur, infections are generally mild.

If a fully vaccinated person does contract COVID-19, they can spread the infection to others. That’s why it’s important to continue following the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance — even after you are vaccinated.

• Can I stop wearing a mask after I get vaccinated?

Even after you are vaccinated, you should wear a mask. You should also continue to practice social distancing and proper handwashing. No vaccines for any illness are 100% effective, and it takes up to two weeks after the second vaccine for the body to reach peak immunity.

• Is it OK to take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) after vaccination?

You can take over-the-counter pain relievers after the vaccine if you develop a mild reaction such as a headache or body aches.

• How do I schedule a vaccine?

Currently, Wellstar is not providing COVID-19 vaccinations at our medical offices. Find a vaccination site near you at vaccines.gov or visit a local retail pharmacy, such as CVS or Walgreens.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website or our COVID-19 vaccine page to learn more.

With minimally invasive spine surgeries and compassionate, expert caregivers, Wellstar’s spine patients are returning to their routines, pain-free.

Brenda Hawkins was having problems with her neck, and it got to the point where she couldn’t lift her arms above her head. 

As her issues got progressively worse, she sought care from neurosurgeons who were unable to treat her. Then, she went to Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, where she not only found a solution, but a true healthcare partner.

Dr. Basheer Shakir, a neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, specializes in spine and neck procedures that are minimally invasive, reducing recovery time for patients. Through the front of Brenda’s neck, he was able to remove discs that were pinching her nerves and causing neck and arm pain. She went home from the hospital the next morning.

A few months later, Brenda found herself struggling with a lower back issue that made it hard to walk. She returned to Dr. Shakir, who presented her with another option that was minimally invasive. This time, he did a procedure through the side of her spine to decompress her nerves and fuse her lumbar spine. She was able to walk out of the hospital three days later.

Brenda said Dr. Shakir is "such a great person and did a great job.”

“He's very personable. I just wanted to walk again, and he enabled me to do that,” she said.

Brenda is one of many patients who have benefited from spine surgery at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. Spine surgery doesn’t just fix back pain — it can also address issues including weakness, loss of dexterity, numbness, bowel or bladder issues and improper posture. 

Solutions for long-term pain

Liz Helgesen had been dealing with low back pain for 20 years. She couldn’t sit for long periods of time, travel on long car rides or get dressed and put shoes on, and she was experiencing muscle spasms after performing simple tasks. To deal with the pain, she had tried several methods including exercise, yoga, physical therapy, dry needling and medication.

Dr. Shakir was also able to help Liz, performing a procedure to shave the bone and make room for the nerves that were being compressed.

Just three months after her surgery, Liz is able to turn and bend without back pain, and she has told her friends and other healthcare providers about how Dr. Shakir has helped her live more comfortably. 

Finding a healthcare family after injury 

Jeff Chandler has also been able to recover with the help of Dr. Shakir and the team at North Fulton. When Jeff fell off a roof last year, he snapped his pelvis in half and broke his ribs and right shoulder. His July 2020 surgery rebuilt his pelvis and sacrum, stabilized his lower spine and decompressed the nerves. 

Jeff said his inpatient rehabilitation care team at North Fulton became like family as he began recovery. He’s now able to walk again with no support after the surgery done by Dr. Shakir. 

“Dr. Shakir is great. He is kind, encouraging and realistic — which can be scary, but he is very thorough and a good listener,” Jeff said. “He focuses on the bright side of things and did an awesome job in surgery. He is confident and comfortable.”

Wellstar’s expert neurosurgeons can help stop pain, reduce spine degeneration and help you get back to your everyday routine.

“North Fulton offers state-of-the-art procedures and all modern, minimally invasive techniques that allow operations to be done outpatient or with a very short hospital stay with speedy recovery,” Dr. Shakir said.

To make an appointment with Dr. Shakir and find out if spine surgery is the solution for you, call (770) 664-9600. 

• Endometrial (uterine) cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Other rare types

Lower your risk for gynecological cancer

At your annual women’s health appointment, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your family history and lifestyle choices that can make a positive impact on your health. Here are some ideas to consider lowering your risk for different types of gynecological cancer:

• Share your family history with your healthcare provider. Only about 5 to 10% of gynecological cancers are genetic, according to Wellstar Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Amy Carroll. However, some patients may benefit from genetic risk assessment, which looks for hereditary gene mutations that increase an individual’s risk for ovarian cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Women who are overweight have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the most common type of endometrial (uterine) cancer– and for the cancer to return after treatment. This is a challenge for many people and your health providers want you to feel empowered–not embarrassed–to discuss your BMI, nutrition, weight reduction and wellness.
• Stay tobacco-free or quit tobacco. Again, many health providers can help women with education and resources to quit smoking or vaping for the long haul. Quitting tobacco can reduce your risk for some gynecological cancers and many other health conditions.

Watch for changes in your body & talk to your doctor

Because there are no screening tests for gynecological cancers other than cervical cancer, it is important for women to be educated on the signs and symptoms—and to act on them.

“Unfortunately, there are many vague symptoms associated with a lot of gynecologic issues,” Dr. Carroll said. “Typically, I tell people if you have any symptom that doesn’t come and go but persists for a couple weeks or more, it’s worthwhile to talk to somebody about it.”

Dr. Carroll said that one symptom patients should always discuss with their provider is post-menopausal bleeding. Also, while most people experience occasional bloating, persistent bloating can be a sign of ovarian cancer and should be discussed with a provider, she said.

Signs & symptoms of gynecological cancer

Some gynecological symptoms to discuss with your doctor include:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Excessively heavy menstrual cycles
• Abnormal bleeding between periods
• Unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating or nausea
• Discharge or pain with intercourse
• Severe change in bowel or bladder habits
• A heavy feeling in the pelvis
• A sore or lump in your vulva

The highest level of treatment for gynecological cancer

The physicians and healthcare teams at Wellstar are focused on keeping women healthy and preventing and lowering the risk of cancer and other health conditions. However, when a woman does get gynecological cancer, she has access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable gynecological cancer experts close to home.

Our gynecologic cancer care program includes:

• A gynecological cancer-specific multidisciplinary tumor conference where gynecological oncologists, radiation and pathologists meet to diagnose and plan treatment.
• Gynecologic cancer surgeons who perform procedures robotically, laparoscopically or as open procedures, based on evidence-based practices that lead to the best outcomes.
• A robust support network that includes cancer-specific nutritional counseling, genetic counseling, nurse navigation, psychological counseling and more.

Learn more about gynecological cancer

Take control of your health and learn easy ways to prevent and screen for cervical cancer.

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 Regional Medical Center.

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.

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 works closely with other prostate cancer specialists to offer patients a multidisipinary approach. This type of care helps patients get the most comprehensive and personalized 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 18 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 weekly updates on our website regarding the current status of COVID-19 patients we are treating system-wide.

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. 

A booster shot is now recommended for people ages 18 and older to enhance their protection. Young people ages 16 and 17 can also get their booster, as well. The Pfizer booster has been approved for children 12 to 15, and immunocompromised kids 5 to 11 years old.

The timing of your booster depends on which vaccine you have received and how long it’s been since you received the vaccine. Learn more. 

• 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?

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and new variants emerge, Wellstar locations may adjust their visitor guidelines based on the level of community spread and to protect our patients and clinical staff. 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?

We cannot share data regarding the ages of our COVID-19 patients. However, COVID-19 can affect people of any age. The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot, when eligible. Learn more.  

• 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.

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

Wellstar is reporting the number of patients currently on ventilators system-wide on our website.

• 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) and data on how variants respond to monoclonal antibodies. If you have COVID-19, contact your Wellstar medical provider to see if you are eligible for this treatment.   

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 COVID-19 continues to spread, 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.

While Wellstar is offering rapid and PCR tests at all 18 of our urgent care locations, we are experiencing increased wait times due to high demand. Find additional testing locations by visiting a local retail pharmacy, such as Walgreens or CVS, or through your local health department.

How do I get tested?

Due to the increase in demand for COVID-19 testing and evaluation, online appointment availability at Wellstar Urgent Care Centers may be limited. We are continuing to see patients on a walk-in basis.

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 determine the appropriate location to receive care.
• 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?

At this time, it is strongly recommended that patients with a non-COVID, non-emergency medical need use WellstarON for care, including:

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

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best defense against COVID-19 is vaccination. Everyone five 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 five 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 new variants 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.

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.
• HbA1c (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.

A new, cutting-edge technology is coming to Wellstar — and will be a gamechanger for patient safety.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Paulding Hospital are the first in our system to adopt Telesitter, a remote video monitoring system designed to protect at-risk patients.

The state-of-the-art system includes in-room video, two-way audio capabilities and a central monitoring station where trained team members are ready to act in the event of an accident, injury or other emergency situation.

In addition to our frequent in-person checks, this technology helps ensure patients remain safe throughout their stay. It’s the latest way we’re keeping our promise to deliver PeopleCare to each and every person we serve.

Enhancing safety for at-risk patients

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. 

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.