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Dr. Randy Hines received his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY. He completed his family medicine residency at Atlanta Medical Center.
Dr. Hines is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Specialties
Family Medicine
Education & Training
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
Atlanta Medical Center
Wellstar Family Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Family Medicine
Languages spoken
English
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.8
Based on 535 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
I'm very happy with how they treated my son. They respected his condition, something that other offices or hospitals haven't done. Thank you for the excellent care. Please continue treating everyone the same way. Thank you!
April 10, 2026
5
It was great
April 9, 2026
5
I have complained before about being subjected to repetitiveness which is annoying. I'm not the only patient who is annoyed. I complete the self check in, only to be asked the same questions by the nurses, which defeat the purpose of completing the self check in. The nurses should be able to see the same questions we answered during self check. Either eliminate self check in or coordinate the systems. I do appreciate the questions around my eating habits and work out routine since it focuses on preventative measures. Lastly, Dr. Hines is awesome. I truly appreciate the care and time he takes during my physical. He ensures to complete a thorough examination and make appropriate recommendations. He always review my entire medical record.prior to entering the exam room. He always follow up after my tests results to provide comments.
April 9, 2026
5
So Dr. Hines is very personable. He actually relaxes you in terms of patient care and he listens intently. So those are all the traits that he carries with Bedside Manor.
April 8, 2026
5
Dr. Hines does such a great job at listening to my concerns and providing recommendations that's easy to understand. He's a true gem when it comes to patient care. Hea provided several referrals that turned out to be super beneficial in my overall health and preventative care.
April 3, 2026
5
You know that you're in good care. The doctors and staff are polite and professional. Healthcare done right.
April 2, 2026
5
Thank you for your service I really appreciate it.
March 29, 2026
5
I enjoy my medical team and their professionalism.
March 28, 2026
5
I really like Dr. Hines. He listens and he's just truthful with me and I really do appreciate that because some doctors know, but this one, Dr. Randy Hines, he is the best and I trust him with my health, my daily needy. So thank you, Dr. Hines. Have a great day.
March 28, 2026
5
Fast and informative
March 26, 2026
5
If i know of someone needing Medical Help, I'll Gladly Recommend them.
March 21, 2026
5
Totally satisfied
March 18, 2026
5
Dr. Hines always listens to me and always asks really good questions and offers ways to help me improve in areas needed. He is also a good motivator.
March 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very good physician. We have discussions about healthy lifestyles and he encourages healthy eating, exercise, and weight management.
March 14, 2026
5
I know they are very busy. The wait time is a lot even though I arrived 20 minutes early, it was nearly an hour before I actually saw the doctor.
March 14, 2026
5
Hi, I've been working with Dr. Hines for several years now. He's always been very good, very attentive, working hard to get me through my health concerns and his staff, everyone that always works there is always very helpful. So I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Hines and the people that work with him at the WellSTAR facility that he works in. So that's my feedback.
March 13, 2026
5
Dr Hines is awesome!!! A total professional who knows how to make the best decisions regarding my health!
March 12, 2026
5
It was a very very good experience
March 7, 2026
5
I love this practice and my provider Dr. Hines. From the check in to the check out every one was pleasant and professional. Dr. Hines is awesome he sits and spends time with you to talk over any health concerns and offers really good practical suggestions. I give this practice a 10 out of 10.
March 5, 2026
5
Always a friendly and healthy environment.
March 4, 2026
5
Yes, very satisfied with the staff as a whole, from the check-in to the waiting time, which is not that much, and then the excellent care provided by Dr. Hines on a regular basis. I would refer him to anyone looking for a doctor. I appreciate the assistance, appreciate the care, appreciate the clarity and the transparency, and I'm thankful to have him as a doctor.
March 6, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff were very attentive to all my concerns and Dr. Hines seemingly went out of his way to research and come up with the best solutions to my conditions.
February 27, 2026
5
Tya was a joy to experience the morning of my visit. Dr. Hines and his nurse/staff we very good during my time there.
February 21, 2026
5
Great job I am really satisfy with the service I got thank you
February 19, 2026
5
Awesome experience
February 18, 2026
5
My follow visit with Dr Hines was very informative he expressed concern for my recent blood pressure reading My daily routine diet and activity were discussed. Dr Hines gave several suggestion of how I can improve my diet, sleep, physical activity at least 3 times a week. Lastly if I am worried about anything to discuss with someone who I trust.
February 14, 2026
5
The nurse & doctor are the absolute best providers. They were both very attentive, polite and professional. They listened to any of my questions & concerns.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is amazing.
February 14, 2026
5
they did everything well. They listened. They did everything you can possibly have done. It always made me feel good to go there. I wish more doctors was like them and nurses.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very professional and thorough. The lab room on the first floor were excellent today regarding drawing my blood and explaining the process for urine samples.
February 6, 2026
5
I'm very happy with how they treated my son. They respected his condition, something that other offices or hospitals haven't done. Thank you for the excellent care. Please continue treating everyone the same way. Thank you!
April 10, 2026
5
It was great
April 9, 2026
5
I have complained before about being subjected to repetitiveness which is annoying. I'm not the only patient who is annoyed. I complete the self check in, only to be asked the same questions by the nurses, which defeat the purpose of completing the self check in. The nurses should be able to see the same questions we answered during self check. Either eliminate self check in or coordinate the systems. I do appreciate the questions around my eating habits and work out routine since it focuses on preventative measures. Lastly, Dr. Hines is awesome. I truly appreciate the care and time he takes during my physical. He ensures to complete a thorough examination and make appropriate recommendations. He always review my entire medical record.prior to entering the exam room. He always follow up after my tests results to provide comments.
April 9, 2026
5
So Dr. Hines is very personable. He actually relaxes you in terms of patient care and he listens intently. So those are all the traits that he carries with Bedside Manor.
April 8, 2026
5
Dr. Hines does such a great job at listening to my concerns and providing recommendations that's easy to understand. He's a true gem when it comes to patient care. Hea provided several referrals that turned out to be super beneficial in my overall health and preventative care.
April 3, 2026
5
You know that you're in good care. The doctors and staff are polite and professional. Healthcare done right.
April 2, 2026
5
Thank you for your service I really appreciate it.
March 29, 2026
5
I enjoy my medical team and their professionalism.
March 28, 2026
5
I really like Dr. Hines. He listens and he's just truthful with me and I really do appreciate that because some doctors know, but this one, Dr. Randy Hines, he is the best and I trust him with my health, my daily needy. So thank you, Dr. Hines. Have a great day.
March 28, 2026
5
Fast and informative
March 26, 2026
5
If i know of someone needing Medical Help, I'll Gladly Recommend them.
March 21, 2026
5
Totally satisfied
March 18, 2026
5
Dr. Hines always listens to me and always asks really good questions and offers ways to help me improve in areas needed. He is also a good motivator.
March 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very good physician. We have discussions about healthy lifestyles and he encourages healthy eating, exercise, and weight management.
March 14, 2026
5
I know they are very busy. The wait time is a lot even though I arrived 20 minutes early, it was nearly an hour before I actually saw the doctor.
March 14, 2026
5
Hi, I've been working with Dr. Hines for several years now. He's always been very good, very attentive, working hard to get me through my health concerns and his staff, everyone that always works there is always very helpful. So I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Hines and the people that work with him at the WellSTAR facility that he works in. So that's my feedback.
March 13, 2026
5
Dr Hines is awesome!!! A total professional who knows how to make the best decisions regarding my health!
March 12, 2026
5
It was a very very good experience
March 7, 2026
5
I love this practice and my provider Dr. Hines. From the check in to the check out every one was pleasant and professional. Dr. Hines is awesome he sits and spends time with you to talk over any health concerns and offers really good practical suggestions. I give this practice a 10 out of 10.
March 5, 2026
5
Always a friendly and healthy environment.
March 4, 2026
5
Yes, very satisfied with the staff as a whole, from the check-in to the waiting time, which is not that much, and then the excellent care provided by Dr. Hines on a regular basis. I would refer him to anyone looking for a doctor. I appreciate the assistance, appreciate the care, appreciate the clarity and the transparency, and I'm thankful to have him as a doctor.
March 6, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff were very attentive to all my concerns and Dr. Hines seemingly went out of his way to research and come up with the best solutions to my conditions.
February 27, 2026
5
Tya was a joy to experience the morning of my visit. Dr. Hines and his nurse/staff we very good during my time there.
February 21, 2026
5
Great job I am really satisfy with the service I got thank you
February 19, 2026
5
Awesome experience
February 18, 2026
5
My follow visit with Dr Hines was very informative he expressed concern for my recent blood pressure reading My daily routine diet and activity were discussed. Dr Hines gave several suggestion of how I can improve my diet, sleep, physical activity at least 3 times a week. Lastly if I am worried about anything to discuss with someone who I trust.
February 14, 2026
5
The nurse & doctor are the absolute best providers. They were both very attentive, polite and professional. They listened to any of my questions & concerns.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is amazing.
February 14, 2026
5
they did everything well. They listened. They did everything you can possibly have done. It always made me feel good to go there. I wish more doctors was like them and nurses.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very professional and thorough. The lab room on the first floor were excellent today regarding drawing my blood and explaining the process for urine samples.
February 6, 2026
5
I'm very happy with how they treated my son. They respected his condition, something that other offices or hospitals haven't done. Thank you for the excellent care. Please continue treating everyone the same way. Thank you!
April 10, 2026
5
It was great
April 9, 2026
5
I have complained before about being subjected to repetitiveness which is annoying. I'm not the only patient who is annoyed. I complete the self check in, only to be asked the same questions by the nurses, which defeat the purpose of completing the self check in. The nurses should be able to see the same questions we answered during self check. Either eliminate self check in or coordinate the systems. I do appreciate the questions around my eating habits and work out routine since it focuses on preventative measures. Lastly, Dr. Hines is awesome. I truly appreciate the care and time he takes during my physical. He ensures to complete a thorough examination and make appropriate recommendations. He always review my entire medical record.prior to entering the exam room. He always follow up after my tests results to provide comments.
April 9, 2026
5
So Dr. Hines is very personable. He actually relaxes you in terms of patient care and he listens intently. So those are all the traits that he carries with Bedside Manor.
April 8, 2026
5
Dr. Hines does such a great job at listening to my concerns and providing recommendations that's easy to understand. He's a true gem when it comes to patient care. Hea provided several referrals that turned out to be super beneficial in my overall health and preventative care.
April 3, 2026
5
You know that you're in good care. The doctors and staff are polite and professional. Healthcare done right.
April 2, 2026
5
Thank you for your service I really appreciate it.
March 29, 2026
5
I enjoy my medical team and their professionalism.
March 28, 2026
5
I really like Dr. Hines. He listens and he's just truthful with me and I really do appreciate that because some doctors know, but this one, Dr. Randy Hines, he is the best and I trust him with my health, my daily needy. So thank you, Dr. Hines. Have a great day.
March 28, 2026
5
Fast and informative
March 26, 2026
5
If i know of someone needing Medical Help, I'll Gladly Recommend them.
March 21, 2026
5
Totally satisfied
March 18, 2026
5
Dr. Hines always listens to me and always asks really good questions and offers ways to help me improve in areas needed. He is also a good motivator.
March 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very good physician. We have discussions about healthy lifestyles and he encourages healthy eating, exercise, and weight management.
March 14, 2026
5
I know they are very busy. The wait time is a lot even though I arrived 20 minutes early, it was nearly an hour before I actually saw the doctor.
March 14, 2026
5
Hi, I've been working with Dr. Hines for several years now. He's always been very good, very attentive, working hard to get me through my health concerns and his staff, everyone that always works there is always very helpful. So I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Hines and the people that work with him at the WellSTAR facility that he works in. So that's my feedback.
March 13, 2026
5
Dr Hines is awesome!!! A total professional who knows how to make the best decisions regarding my health!
March 12, 2026
5
It was a very very good experience
March 7, 2026
5
I love this practice and my provider Dr. Hines. From the check in to the check out every one was pleasant and professional. Dr. Hines is awesome he sits and spends time with you to talk over any health concerns and offers really good practical suggestions. I give this practice a 10 out of 10.
March 5, 2026
5
Always a friendly and healthy environment.
March 4, 2026
5
Yes, very satisfied with the staff as a whole, from the check-in to the waiting time, which is not that much, and then the excellent care provided by Dr. Hines on a regular basis. I would refer him to anyone looking for a doctor. I appreciate the assistance, appreciate the care, appreciate the clarity and the transparency, and I'm thankful to have him as a doctor.
March 6, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff were very attentive to all my concerns and Dr. Hines seemingly went out of his way to research and come up with the best solutions to my conditions.
February 27, 2026
5
Tya was a joy to experience the morning of my visit. Dr. Hines and his nurse/staff we very good during my time there.
February 21, 2026
5
Great job I am really satisfy with the service I got thank you
February 19, 2026
5
Awesome experience
February 18, 2026
5
My follow visit with Dr Hines was very informative he expressed concern for my recent blood pressure reading My daily routine diet and activity were discussed. Dr Hines gave several suggestion of how I can improve my diet, sleep, physical activity at least 3 times a week. Lastly if I am worried about anything to discuss with someone who I trust.
February 14, 2026
5
The nurse & doctor are the absolute best providers. They were both very attentive, polite and professional. They listened to any of my questions & concerns.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is amazing.
February 14, 2026
5
they did everything well. They listened. They did everything you can possibly have done. It always made me feel good to go there. I wish more doctors was like them and nurses.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very professional and thorough. The lab room on the first floor were excellent today regarding drawing my blood and explaining the process for urine samples.
February 6, 2026
5
I'm very happy with how they treated my son. They respected his condition, something that other offices or hospitals haven't done. Thank you for the excellent care. Please continue treating everyone the same way. Thank you!
April 10, 2026
5
It was great
April 9, 2026
5
I have complained before about being subjected to repetitiveness which is annoying. I'm not the only patient who is annoyed. I complete the self check in, only to be asked the same questions by the nurses, which defeat the purpose of completing the self check in. The nurses should be able to see the same questions we answered during self check. Either eliminate self check in or coordinate the systems. I do appreciate the questions around my eating habits and work out routine since it focuses on preventative measures. Lastly, Dr. Hines is awesome. I truly appreciate the care and time he takes during my physical. He ensures to complete a thorough examination and make appropriate recommendations. He always review my entire medical record.prior to entering the exam room. He always follow up after my tests results to provide comments.
April 9, 2026
5
So Dr. Hines is very personable. He actually relaxes you in terms of patient care and he listens intently. So those are all the traits that he carries with Bedside Manor.
April 8, 2026
5
Dr. Hines does such a great job at listening to my concerns and providing recommendations that's easy to understand. He's a true gem when it comes to patient care. Hea provided several referrals that turned out to be super beneficial in my overall health and preventative care.
April 3, 2026
5
You know that you're in good care. The doctors and staff are polite and professional. Healthcare done right.
April 2, 2026
5
Thank you for your service I really appreciate it.
March 29, 2026
5
I enjoy my medical team and their professionalism.
March 28, 2026
5
I really like Dr. Hines. He listens and he's just truthful with me and I really do appreciate that because some doctors know, but this one, Dr. Randy Hines, he is the best and I trust him with my health, my daily needy. So thank you, Dr. Hines. Have a great day.
March 28, 2026
5
Fast and informative
March 26, 2026
5
If i know of someone needing Medical Help, I'll Gladly Recommend them.
March 21, 2026
5
Dr. Hines always listens to me and always asks really good questions and offers ways to help me improve in areas needed. He is also a good motivator.
March 19, 2026
5
Totally satisfied
March 18, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very good physician. We have discussions about healthy lifestyles and he encourages healthy eating, exercise, and weight management.
March 14, 2026
5
I know they are very busy. The wait time is a lot even though I arrived 20 minutes early, it was nearly an hour before I actually saw the doctor.
March 14, 2026
5
Hi, I've been working with Dr. Hines for several years now. He's always been very good, very attentive, working hard to get me through my health concerns and his staff, everyone that always works there is always very helpful. So I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Hines and the people that work with him at the WellSTAR facility that he works in. So that's my feedback.
March 13, 2026
5
Dr Hines is awesome!!! A total professional who knows how to make the best decisions regarding my health!
March 12, 2026
5
It was a very very good experience
March 7, 2026
5
Yes, very satisfied with the staff as a whole, from the check-in to the waiting time, which is not that much, and then the excellent care provided by Dr. Hines on a regular basis. I would refer him to anyone looking for a doctor. I appreciate the assistance, appreciate the care, appreciate the clarity and the transparency, and I'm thankful to have him as a doctor.
March 6, 2026
5
I love this practice and my provider Dr. Hines. From the check in to the check out every one was pleasant and professional. Dr. Hines is awesome he sits and spends time with you to talk over any health concerns and offers really good practical suggestions. I give this practice a 10 out of 10.
March 5, 2026
5
Always a friendly and healthy environment.
March 4, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff were very attentive to all my concerns and Dr. Hines seemingly went out of his way to research and come up with the best solutions to my conditions.
February 27, 2026
5
Tya was a joy to experience the morning of my visit. Dr. Hines and his nurse/staff we very good during my time there.
February 21, 2026
5
Great job I am really satisfy with the service I got thank you
February 19, 2026
5
Awesome experience
February 18, 2026
5
My follow visit with Dr Hines was very informative he expressed concern for my recent blood pressure reading My daily routine diet and activity were discussed. Dr Hines gave several suggestion of how I can improve my diet, sleep, physical activity at least 3 times a week. Lastly if I am worried about anything to discuss with someone who I trust.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is amazing.
February 14, 2026
5
they did everything well. They listened. They did everything you can possibly have done. It always made me feel good to go there. I wish more doctors was like them and nurses.
February 14, 2026
5
The nurse & doctor are the absolute best providers. They were both very attentive, polite and professional. They listened to any of my questions & concerns.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very professional and thorough. The lab room on the first floor were excellent today regarding drawing my blood and explaining the process for urine samples.
February 6, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very professional and thorough. The lab room on the first floor were excellent today regarding drawing my blood and explaining the process for urine samples.
February 6, 2026
5
The nurse & doctor are the absolute best providers. They were both very attentive, polite and professional. They listened to any of my questions & concerns.
February 14, 2026
5
they did everything well. They listened. They did everything you can possibly have done. It always made me feel good to go there. I wish more doctors was like them and nurses.
February 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is amazing.
February 14, 2026
5
My follow visit with Dr Hines was very informative he expressed concern for my recent blood pressure reading My daily routine diet and activity were discussed. Dr Hines gave several suggestion of how I can improve my diet, sleep, physical activity at least 3 times a week. Lastly if I am worried about anything to discuss with someone who I trust.
February 14, 2026
5
Awesome experience
February 18, 2026
5
Great job I am really satisfy with the service I got thank you
February 19, 2026
5
Tya was a joy to experience the morning of my visit. Dr. Hines and his nurse/staff we very good during my time there.
February 21, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff were very attentive to all my concerns and Dr. Hines seemingly went out of his way to research and come up with the best solutions to my conditions.
February 27, 2026
5
Always a friendly and healthy environment.
March 4, 2026
5
I love this practice and my provider Dr. Hines. From the check in to the check out every one was pleasant and professional. Dr. Hines is awesome he sits and spends time with you to talk over any health concerns and offers really good practical suggestions. I give this practice a 10 out of 10.
March 5, 2026
5
Yes, very satisfied with the staff as a whole, from the check-in to the waiting time, which is not that much, and then the excellent care provided by Dr. Hines on a regular basis. I would refer him to anyone looking for a doctor. I appreciate the assistance, appreciate the care, appreciate the clarity and the transparency, and I'm thankful to have him as a doctor.
March 6, 2026
5
It was a very very good experience
March 7, 2026
5
Dr Hines is awesome!!! A total professional who knows how to make the best decisions regarding my health!
March 12, 2026
5
Hi, I've been working with Dr. Hines for several years now. He's always been very good, very attentive, working hard to get me through my health concerns and his staff, everyone that always works there is always very helpful. So I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Hines and the people that work with him at the WellSTAR facility that he works in. So that's my feedback.
March 13, 2026
5
I know they are very busy. The wait time is a lot even though I arrived 20 minutes early, it was nearly an hour before I actually saw the doctor.
March 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very good physician. We have discussions about healthy lifestyles and he encourages healthy eating, exercise, and weight management.
March 14, 2026
5
Totally satisfied
March 18, 2026
5
Dr. Hines always listens to me and always asks really good questions and offers ways to help me improve in areas needed. He is also a good motivator.
March 19, 2026
5
If i know of someone needing Medical Help, I'll Gladly Recommend them.
March 21, 2026
5
Fast and informative
March 26, 2026
5
I really like Dr. Hines. He listens and he's just truthful with me and I really do appreciate that because some doctors know, but this one, Dr. Randy Hines, he is the best and I trust him with my health, my daily needy. So thank you, Dr. Hines. Have a great day.
March 28, 2026
5
I enjoy my medical team and their professionalism.
March 28, 2026
5
Thank you for your service I really appreciate it.
March 29, 2026
5
You know that you're in good care. The doctors and staff are polite and professional. Healthcare done right.
April 2, 2026
5
Dr. Hines does such a great job at listening to my concerns and providing recommendations that's easy to understand. He's a true gem when it comes to patient care. Hea provided several referrals that turned out to be super beneficial in my overall health and preventative care.
April 3, 2026
5
So Dr. Hines is very personable. He actually relaxes you in terms of patient care and he listens intently. So those are all the traits that he carries with Bedside Manor.
April 8, 2026
5
I have complained before about being subjected to repetitiveness which is annoying. I'm not the only patient who is annoyed. I complete the self check in, only to be asked the same questions by the nurses, which defeat the purpose of completing the self check in. The nurses should be able to see the same questions we answered during self check. Either eliminate self check in or coordinate the systems. I do appreciate the questions around my eating habits and work out routine since it focuses on preventative measures. Lastly, Dr. Hines is awesome. I truly appreciate the care and time he takes during my physical. He ensures to complete a thorough examination and make appropriate recommendations. He always review my entire medical record.prior to entering the exam room. He always follow up after my tests results to provide comments.
April 9, 2026
5
It was great
April 9, 2026
5
I'm very happy with how they treated my son. They respected his condition, something that other offices or hospitals haven't done. Thank you for the excellent care. Please continue treating everyone the same way. Thank you!
April 10, 2026
Publications and Articles
CJCare
Former former major league baseball player CJ Stewart didn’t want to have a colonoscopy. He dreaded the liquid diet. The needles. The IV sedation. The possibility of cancer.
So how did CJ face his fears—and what happened next?
On track for a heart attack
It started in 2020 when CJ scouted a new primary care provider. He chose Dr. Randy Hines II, Wellstar Primary Care. He said Dr. Hines was the most straightforward doctor he had ever visited.
“I was overweight,” CJ remembered. “My health changed positively because Dr. Hines said things to me in a very positive way. He was direct with me and that helped save my life.”
Dr. Hines learned CJ’s father was a diabetic and had quadruple bypass heart surgery to treat a heart attack. CJ remembered him saying, “‘You’re on track to have the same thing but you can control it.’”
CJ admitted that he had a daily dose of French fries and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before bed. Dr. Hines challenged him to rethink his relationship with food if he wanted to see his daughters walk down the aisle one day. It was tough talk and it meant something.
“I really love my daughters!” CJ said. “It made me change.”
As a result, he modified his diet, took up running and lost 45 pounds.
Preventing colorectal cancer
Then CJ’s mom revealed a family history of colon cancer.
“My wife and daughters were like, ‘We really need you to go get checked to make sure you’re good,’” he said.
Because of his fears related to the colonoscopy, CJ wanted to have Cologuard, an at-home screening test for colon cancer. But Dr. Hines recommended the 47-year-old have a preventive colonoscopy screening instead, explaining that if pre-cancerous polyps are detected during the procedure, they can be removed before becoming cancerous.
“I didn’t want to hear it,” CJ laughed. “But hearing that from a fellow African American man, I trusted that it was the right thing to do.”
Can Vitamins and Supplements Support Me in My Wellness Goals?
Many patients take dietary supplements to fill the gaps in their diet or be proactive against disease. But with all the different brands and products available, it can be difficult to decide which vitamin or supplement could be beneficial—and what could even be harmful or detrimental to your health goals.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey, 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over reported using any dietary supplement in the past 30 days, and dietary supplement use is more common among older adults, with 74.3% of adults 60 and older reporting supplement use.
Since 1994, dietary supplements have not needed the authorization of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be manufactured and sold, due to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. This act left manufacturers to their own devices to evaluate the safety of their products, as well as the labeling on those products.
One of the problems in assessing multivitamins is the vast selection of options available. One brand of multivitamin may contain different amounts and different vitamins compared to another brand. Therefore, it is hard to accurately evaluate the benefits of taking multivitamins and their possible effect on conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer since these vitamins are often made differently.
If you’re concerned about getting the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy, your Wellstar primary care provider can work with you on a tailored nutritional plan and can refer you to a dietitian if needed.
“The majority of the vitamins that individuals are attempting to supplement when they take vitamins are already available in their diet,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Randy Hines.
Vitamins and minerals are better used and absorbed by the body when eaten rather than consumed in a pill, according to Dr. Hines.
The various B vitamins are available in lean meats, grains, fish and nuts. The antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) are plentiful in dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Those who truly need to take supplements may have dietary restrictions, chronic conditions such as alcoholism or live in food-deficient areas where vitamins aren’t readily available. Those who don’t fit into those categories can supplement vitamins and minerals through changing their dietary habits.
It’s also important to make sure that there will not be any interactions between supplements and medications that could lead to health concerns or change the medicine’s effectiveness.