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Article Category: Newsroom

Playing it Safe Ahead of the 4th of July Holiday

Published on July 01, 2024

Last updated 04:07 PM July 01, 2024

A friendly image July 4

As we look forward to the 4th of July holiday, fireworks, swimming, and grilling offer plenty of fun summer activities for families across Georgia. However, it's important to be cautious with fireworks, which can quickly turn your Independence Day celebrations sour. While public fireworks displays have safety measures to protect us, fireworks at home may be less safe, especially for kids!

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 10,000 individuals were treated in ERs for fireworks-related injuries in 2022, 38% of which were burns.

With summer camps in full gear and celebrations right around the corner, Wellstar sat down with Dr. Danny Branstetter, the chief medical officer of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, and Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician and representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics, to learn their safety tips for staying safe while we celebrate this holiday.

According to Dr. Dolgoff, "The most common injury from fireworks is a hand burn. But it can be worse, such as a hand fracture, cuts, or gashes, or even the loss of a finger," Dr. Dolgoff continued. "Facial injuries, including burns and eye injuries, are also common. If you're going to handle fireworks, please be very careful."

We can be so caught up in the excitement of summer that we don't realize there are other seasonal injuries we should be careful to avoid. Dr. Branstetter reminds us that we see more water injuries like drownings and near drownings, water ski and boating accidents, and even head, neck and spine injuries from diving in shallow water.

He went on to share that with extreme heat, we should plan ahead to avoid heat-related exhaustion, stroke, and sunburns. And to be careful to prevent burns from items that can get hot from the summer sun, like playgrounds and seat belts.

And let's not forget those pesky summer critters, "insect and plant illnesses – from mosquito bites and allergic reactions to poison ivy, bee stings and snake bites."

As a pediatrician, Dr. Dolgoff often works with new parents who wonder if sparklers are safe. She stresses that parents should "not underestimate the danger of sparklers. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt some metals. They account for a high percentage of injuries, emergency room visits, and fires every year. The sparks can cause burns and eye injuries." And she added, remember to soak all sparklers in a bucket of water before throwing them away!

If your family plans to participate in holiday activities, remember the word FIRE with these essential safety tips!

  • Families: Always avoid holding a lighted firework in your hand, and never point or throw it at another person. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers
  • Injury: Fireworks should only be lit outdoors, away from people, houses, and other flammable materials. We recommend wearing protective eyewear to avoid eye injuries
  • Run Off: Once you have lit a firework, move away quickly, do not light more than one firework at a time, and don't try to re-light fireworks that don't go off
  • Extinguish: Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks that do not go off or spark a fiery mishap. Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them

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Media Room Urgent Care
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Healthcare provider checks girl's temperature

Highlights

How Urgent Care Answers Many Healthcare Needs

The Weekly Check-up Atlanta

More patients of all ages, from young adults to busy families and seniors, are visiting Wellstar Urgent Care, attracted by the convenience and accessibility to skilled providers.

Urgent care is the appropriate first stop for many non-emergency situations, such as respiratory ailments, sports injuries and falls. You can make same-day appointments, walk in to one of our Urgent Care Centers or have a Virtual Urgent Care visit.

“It’s great for patients to have a place they know they can get in that day if they need to—for themselves or for their children,” said Dr. Andrew Thornton, a family medicine physician. Dr. Thornton is the lead physician at Wellstar Urgent Care in Holly Springs, Alpharetta and Woodstock.

“What I do to help patients in urgent care is very rewarding, and I think it fills a huge need in healthcare today.”

Need a visit quickly? Urgent care may be the answer

Many Wellstar Urgent Care locations have extended hours and are equipped to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, such as:

  • Cough, congestion, sore throat, fever and body aches
  • Stomach aches and distress
  • Respiratory viruses, such as flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Sprains, strains and broken bones
  • Injuries from falls, workplace accidents or sports

The centers have X-ray and CT scanning equipment, and you can get school and sports physicals. The centers also administer vaccines recommended by clinicians to prevent serious illnesses.

Urgent care can help avoid unnecessary and costly emergency room visits. But it's important to remember that the Emergency Department is the right place in any potentially life-threatening situation. Dr. Thornton advised that you should head to the emergency room if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Severe chest pain, especially with tightness or squeezing
  • Open wounds with uncontrolled or rapid bleeding
  • Sudden severe pain
  • Traumatic injury, such as from a motor vehicle accident
  • Active shortness of breath
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Stroke-like symptoms, such as:
    • Trouble speaking
    • Sudden difficulty walking
    • Arm or leg weakness
    • Sudden vision loss
    • Confusion

Urgent care fills some of today’s healthcare gaps

Wellstar is continually seeking ways to meet the evolving needs and preferences of patients and our communities.

A Kaiser Family Foundation 2018 poll found that 45% of adults ages 18 to 29 didn’t have a primary care provider. The number was 28% for adults ages 30 to 49.

Not having a primary care provider leaves you with few options if you become ill or injured. It also means you aren’t getting care that could detect serious illnesses early, when they are more treatable.

Find a primary care provider near you.

It’s not surprising that many Gen Z and millennial patients use urgent care. According to an article in The  Journal of Urgent Care Medicine, around 36% reported having been to an urgent care clinic in the past six months.

Busy families are also frequent visitors to urgent care, a fact that Dr. Thornton said he understands firsthand as parent to two children involved in sports.

Among the common injuries Dr. Thornton sees in urgent care are sports injuries, including concussions.

“As a parent, I’ve experienced the anxiety you feel when your child is suddenly sick or hurt and you don’t know if you can get in with the pediatrician that day,” he said.

Technology ties Urgent Care Centers to Wellstar specialists and services

As busy as they may become, urgent care physicians always take the time you need.

Clinicians can use electronic medical records to review your medication list, past test results and other health information. The same system allows urgent care providers to refer you for follow-up with primary care or other specialists at Wellstar.

Often, patients come to urgent care for a provider’s note to explain why they missed work or school. “We’re always happy to see you and provide the documentation you need,” Dr. Thornton said. “But while you’re here, we will do a physical exam. We can also do testing when indicated."

Another benefit to patient care is a mobile application that records patient-provider conversations, transcribes the recordings and drafts a clinical note. Dr. Thornton said the technology frees providers to observe you closely and focus on what you’re saying.

“Patients appreciate anything we can do to keep our focus on them, especially in urgent care,” he said. “It’s a fast-paced environment. We want to be able to give them every minute that we have.”

Learn more about Wellstar Urgent Care

  • Know where to go to get care —urgent care, ER, primary care or pharmacy—based on your symptoms and situation.
  • Find a Wellstar Urgent Care Center or book a virtual visit.
  • Sign up for Wellstar MyChart so you’re ready to make an urgent care visit the next time you or a family member needs one.
  • Listen to Dr. Thornton discuss Wellstar Urgent Care practice on 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Check-Up.
Keep reading
Panelists speaking at Health Connect South 2025

Newsroom

Catalyst by Wellstar Joins Health Connect South to Drive Healthcare Innovation

ATLANTA – Healthcare leaders from across the Southeast convened at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Wednesday for the 12th annual Health Connect South summit, a high-energy gathering that showcased the region’s brightest minds and boldest ideas in health innovation.

The summit drew hundreds of professionals from across the healthcare spectrum—from hospital systems and research institutions to startups and government agencies—all united by a shared mission: to advance health through collaboration.

One of the day’s standout sessions was the panel “Innovation and the Changing Face of Healthcare Delivery,” which brought together a dynamic mix of voices leading change in the industry. The panel featured Moses Ike, venture principal at Catalyst by Wellstar; Jesse Goodwin, PhD, chief innovation officer at the Medical University of South Carolina; and Chris Lee, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Huxley Medical. The discussion was moderated by Greg Jungles, HealthTech catalyst at Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC).

The conversation tackled some of the most pressing questions in healthcare today: How do we deliver care more efficiently? How can startups and health systems work together to scale innovation? And what role does venture capital play in shaping the next generation of health solutions?

“Innovation isn’t just about the latest app or device—it’s about reimagining how we care for people,” said Ike. “It’s about building systems that are smarter, faster and more compassionate.” 

As principal of venture at Catalyst by Wellstar, Ike is at the forefront of healthcare investment strategy. He leads efforts to identify and support early-stage startups that are tackling real-world challenges in health-tech, healthcare services and business efficiency, including Rheaply, CalmWave and Gabbi.

“We’re not just investing in companies—we’re investing in the future of care,” Ike added. 

Catalyst by Wellstar, launched by Wellstar Health System, manages a $100 million venture fund, making it one of the largest early-stage, multi-sector healthcare corporate venture funds in the country. The fund is designed to fuel cross-industry solutions that can transform how care is delivered, accessed and experienced.

Throughout the panel, speakers emphasized the Southeast’s growing role as a hub for health innovation. From Atlanta’s thriving startup ecosystem to Charleston’s research-driven medical community, the region is increasingly seen as fertile ground for bold ideas and scalable solutions.

“This panel showcased the incredible momentum in our region—from academic institutions to venture-backed startups—all working together to transform healthcare,” said Jungles.

Known as the largest healthcare gathering in the Southeast, Health Connect South has built a reputation as a launchpad for new partnerships and transformative conversations. This year’s theme centered on breaking down silos and building bridges across disciplines to shape the future of care.

Keep reading
Panelists speaking at Health Connect South 2025

Newsroom

Wellstar Leader Addresses Rising Cancer Rates in Younger Women at Health Connect South

At this week’s Health Connect South conference, Dr. Steven McCune, oncology service line physician lead, joined an impactful panel discussion titled “Women First: Collaborating for Better Cancer Care, Redefining Outcomes for the Next Generation.” The conversation brought together Dr. McCune and other regional experts to explore the alarming rise in cancer diagnoses among younger women.

Research shows that women under 50 are 82% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men in the same age group. Historically, cancer research and treatment have focused primarily on older patients.

“If you come see me for breast cancer, we’re about 10 to 20 years too late,” said Dr. McCune. “We want to work on prevention rather than treatment. This is about working together and collaborating to provide access to care in Georgia.”

Dr. McCune highlighted the Wellstar Center for Genetics —the largest genetic risk assessment program in Georgia—and its focus on identifying younger women at higher risk. Building on that commitment, Wellstar Women’s Health is championing Gabbi, an innovative tool that uses data and technology to expand access to advanced breast cancer risk screening. Supported by Catalyst by Wellstar, a program led by Dr. Hank Capps, Gabbi reflects Wellstar’s commitment to advance healthcare innovation to improve patient outcomes. Wellstar is also partnering with the Medical College of Georgia to train medical students and residents, helping expand the physician workforce and improve access to care across the state.

The panel, moderated by Dr. Kristin Higgins, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Cancer Center, featured leading voices in the field, including Dr. Lynn Durham, president and CEO of Georgia CORE, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing oncology research and education.

“We work with health systems throughout the state, and we want to make sure that Georgians are getting the best cancer care they can get,” said Durham. “I’m a three-time cancer survivor and luckily I am cancer-free today because of clinical trials and the incredible care we have right here in Georgia.”

Together, the panelists discussed:

  • The impact of rising cancer rates on younger women.
  • Gaps in care, awareness and research that need to be addressed.
  • Opportunities for health systems, nonprofits and national organizations to collaborate in new ways.

Dr. McCune also stressed the importance of trusted primary care relationships.

“It’s easy to say a person needs to be their own advocate, but I think in the course of a busy day we have to take a step back and listen to people,” McCune said. “The best thing people can do is have a relationship with a primary care doctor where you’ve built a sense of trust.”

By participating in this regional forum, Wellstar continues to elevate its voice in the broader healthcare community—reinforcing our commitment to addressing the toughest challenges in cancer care through innovation, collaboration and compassion.

Keep reading
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