Make Health Your Habit as a Family
Published on January 28, 2025
Last updated 02:11 PM January 28, 2025

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Joanna Dolgoff Neety Patel Nikia GarlandPrimary Care KidCare
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Highlights
3 Important Immunizations for Your Newborn
Hepatitis B vaccine
What it does: Protects your baby from Hepatitis B, a virus that attacks the liver and can cause lifelong infection Why it’s important: Hepatitis B isn’t just a risk for adults later in life. Most importantly for newborns, the virus can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Studies show that up to 75% of mothers with chronic Hepatitis B don’t know they’re infected—and 90% of infants who catch the virus during delivery will develop a chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver disease, cancer or even death. What to expect: The Hepatitis B vaccine is a series of three doses given at birth, 1 month and 6 months. Side effects are rare, other than mild soreness at the injection site.Beyfortus (RSV protection)
What it does: Shields your baby from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a common virus that can be much more serious in infants Why it’s important: For most adults, RSV feels like a mild cold. But for newborns—especially those born prematurely—RSV can sometimes lead to serious lung infections and hospitalization. In severe cases, babies may need breathing support in the hospital. Beyfortus provides antibodies that protect your baby through their first RSV season. What to expect: One injection lasts about five to six months. The most common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Studies show Beyfortus reduces the risk of severe RSV illness by about 85% to 90%. Extra protection tip: Moms can also receive an RSV vaccination late in pregnancy, which helps pass antibodies to their newborns. Keeping siblings and visitors with colds away from newborns—and encouraging good handwashing—are other ways to help protect your baby.Vitamin K shot
What it does: Gives your baby the vitamin needed to help blood clot and prevent dangerous bleeding Why it’s important: Babies are born with very little vitamin K, and breastmilk and formula don’t provide enough. Without the shot, newborns are at risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding—a rare but serious condition that can cause internal bleeding in places like the brain and intestines. These bleeds can happen suddenly and may lead to life-altering complications. What to expect: The vitamin K shot has been safely given to newborns in the U.S. since the 1960s, with no significant side effects. If you have questions about newborn immunizations, speak with your baby’s pediatrician. At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, we’re here to partner with you through every stage of your child’s life.
Highlights
6 Weight Loss Questions Answered by Our Experts
Let’s cut to the chase: What is the best way to lose weight?
Dr. Rubin: There is no magic fix that works for everyone. Many people have tried every fad diet out there. They’ve tried being more active. Maybe they’ve even had bariatric surgery or used injectable weight loss drugs—but nothing works. If this sounds like you, schedule an appointment at a comprehensive weight loss center. Find one that offers medical and surgical treatment options and personalized recommendations. And make sure they provide ongoing support to help you meet and maintain your weight loss goals. Dr. Hilton: Both of our centers take this comprehensive approach. We use every tool available to treat obesity. You may be successful with lifestyle changes alone, or perhaps you need to meet with a behavioral therapist or consider surgery, medicine or a combination of therapies. Everyone is unique, and their treatment plan has to be unique too.What’s your take on weight loss injectables—are you a fan?
Dr. Rubin: I’m excited about drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, which people sometimes refer to as GLP-1s. They work because they control your appetite and reduce ‘food noise,’ a persistent, unwanted focus on food. However, not everyone can tolerate the side effects, which include nausea, constipation and diarrhea. If you want to lose more than 20% of your body weight, using one of those drugs alone probably won’t get you there. Another consideration is that many people need to continue taking these drugs for life—even after they reach their weight loss goals.What are some misconceptions about bariatric surgery?
Dr. Hilton: Two big misconceptions are that bariatric surgery is dangerous and it doesn’t work. Here’s what I’d say: First, bariatric surgery is as safe as a routine procedure like gallbladder removal. Second, bariatric surgery is the most long-lasting and effective treatment for obesity available. Most people who have bariatric surgery maintain their weight loss at the 10-year mark.With weight loss drugs dominating the headlines, have you noticed a shift away from surgery?
Dr. Hilton: Yes, but I think that’s temporary. The drugs are sparking conversations about obesity and weight loss, which is a good thing. Patients who have never considered bringing up obesity to their primary care provider are asking about the injectables. They’re making appointments at a comprehensive weight loss center, and they are discovering they have a lot of choices. It isn’t ‘medicine or surgery’ or ‘medicine versus surgery.’ Sometimes the best answer is both.Can you share a weight loss success story with us?
Dr. Rubin: We’ve had so many success stories. One of our rock star patients has lost 250 pounds under our care. Now, she’s living her life again. Her diabetes is in remission, and her cholesterol has improved. She’s no longer depressed and isolated. My whole team is so proud of her—she has completely changed her lifestyle, sees our dietitian regularly and attends our support group. Another patient has lost 135 pounds. He and his wife are losing weight together, and it’s fantastic. Dr. Hilton: We ask our patients at their first visit, ‘What does success look like to you?’ Most have a number in mind, but non-scale victories are important too. Some want to get off their diabetes medicine or shop in a regular store instead of a big and tall store. Others want to take their kids to Disney World or a water park and have fun on the rides—not just watch.What is the No. 1 key to weight loss success?
Dr. Rubin: The key is to make lasting lifestyle changes. Medication and bariatric surgery can only get you so far. If you are ready to make these changes, consider finding a team who offers personalized, long-term support. Dr. Hilton, myself and others at Wellstar are here to help! Ready to take your first step? If you’re considering lifestyle changes, medication or surgery for weight loss, it all starts with a conversation. Schedule a visit with your primary care clinician to discuss your goals, health history and next steps.
Highlights
Out of Sight, Still a Threat
Five years ago, you probably had hand sanitizer in your car, a thermometer in your bag and a mental checklist for every sniffle. That was life during COVID. But these days? It’s easy to forget what once felt urgent.
The same thing happens with men’s health—especially prostate cancer. For a brief moment, maybe after a friend was diagnosed or during a Movember campaign, it’s top-of-mind. But if nothing seems wrong, it quickly slips to the back burner.
That’s a problem—because prostate cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.
At Wellstar, we see too many men surprised by late diagnoses. Why? Because they felt fine. Because they had no symptoms. Because they believed some version of the same three myths:
“Prostate cancer doesn’t kill men.”
Actually, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. But when ignored, it’s dangerous.
“I don’t have symptoms, so I’m good.”
Most early-stage prostate cancers are completely silent. No pain, no urinary issues, no warning. That’s why screening matters.
“Testing leads to side effects.”
Screening doesn’t mean treatment. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple tool that helps guide the next steps. Many men with slow-growing cancers don’t need surgery—just monitoring. For those who do need treatment, options are far more precise and less invasive than they used to be.
Still, fear or discomfort around the prostate keeps many men from checking in until it’s too late. We get it. It’s not the most glamorous part of the body—but it’s vital.
Think of it this way: you’d never ignore a lump on your neck or blood in your stool. Why ignore the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer) just because it’s not visible?
Our team at Wellstar makes prostate cancer screening simple, discreet and personalized. We’re here to talk through your family history, explain your risks and offer guidance without pressure. Whether it’s time for a PSA test, a digital exam or just a conversation, we meet you where you are.
Remember: ignoring prostate cancer doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it harder to treat. Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.
Ready to take action?
Find a urologist near you and book your appointment online. What’s out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind.
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