Article Category: Highlights
Make Health Your Habit as a Family
Published on January 28, 2025
Last updated 02:11 PM January 28, 2025
At Wellstar, we understand how important your family’s health is to you. That’s why we partner with people and families across all ages to provide the continuing care each person needs to live their healthiest, fullest life.
By following tips from Wellstar pediatric and primary care experts to prioritize healthy habits at every stage, families can work together to take charge of their health and foster a lifetime of well-being.
Related Articles
Highlights
6 Weight Loss Questions Answered by Our Experts
People who want to lose weight have more options than ever before. However, deciding which one to pursue can be a challenge. Should you go for lifestyle changes alone? Consider weight loss surgery? Or look into injectable weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy?
We asked two Wellstar physicians to weigh in on this popular topic—and their answers might surprise you.
Dr. Lisa Hilton
is director of minimally invasive and
bariatric surgery
at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and director of the Center of Obesity and Metabolism at Augusta University.
Dr. Mitzi Rubin
is a family medicine physician and director of the
Wellstar Center for Best Health.
Here’s what these two experts have to say about obesity, treatment options and the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight loss.
Keep reading
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.
Highlights
Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.
Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.
Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same.
“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.
Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”
At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.
“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”
A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens
Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.
Navigating life’s most challenging moments
During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.
A long legacy of care
Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more.
Care in Augusta
Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to:
- Pediatric primary care and specialty care
- A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
- A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
- A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
- A Level IV Epilepsy Center
- One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
- Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions
- Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions
Care in Metro Atlanta
Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:
- Pediatric primary care and specialty care
- Pediatric Emergency Departments at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers
- An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta
- Level III NICUs at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb
- Level II NICUs at Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers
- Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Center in Kennesaw offering a range of high-quality, child-centered services
Care in West Georgia
In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:
- Pediatric primary care in LaGrange
- Level II NICUs at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in Griffin and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange
Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids
As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.
In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.
In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.
"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”
Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.