Newsroom

Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), each year. Commonly brought on during the fall and winter, the condition can occur during any seasonal change and last as long as four or five months. People with SAD may feel lethargic or moody and tend to sleep more. Symptoms also can include social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, weight gain, and feelings of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women and those living farther ... ... Read More

Making new year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them, break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity. The start of a new year symbolizes a time for change, but adopting new, healthy habits isn’t limited to just one time of year. Even small, incremental changes in lifestyle can make a big difference in overall health. Seven habits for long-term healthy living: Eat well : Incorpo... ... Read More

The flu virus continues to spread across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely tracking the number of confirmed cases and urging stringent precautions to minimize its impact. Merit Health Biloxi continues to see flu-symptomatic patients in the emergency room and numerous patients have been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications. While most people will be able to endure the flu’s effects on their bodies and recover, others are at high risk for suffering ... ... Read More

Winter holidays, parties and social gatherings often provide opportunities to overindulge, but when it comes to alcohol, moderation is important for maintaining good heart health. “Holiday heart syndrome,” or atrial fibrillation (AFib) brought on by binge drinking, can occur in healthy adults without any existing heart conditions and is commonly diagnosed around the holidays. AFib is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm that if left untreated can lead to blood clots or strokes. Symptoms of AFib... ... Read More

Strokes, or “brain attacks,” claim the lives of nearly 160,000 Americans each year. As the fifth leading killer and the most common cause of disability, strokes devastate individuals and families every day. However, strokes can be prevented by up to 80% through adopting a healthy lifestyle and controlling stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. According to the National Stroke Association, two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of... ... Read More

2023 is fast-approaching: scheduling necessary appointments, tests and surgeries now makes sense When New Year’s Day 2023 rolls around, the slate will be wiped clean and everyone will gain a fresh start to another new year. The slate that’s wiped clean also will include the tally of healthcare expenses you’ve incurred through 2022 which count toward your deductible. “Now’s the time to play it smart and check to see if you’ve met your deductible,” says Brett Maxfield, chief operating officer at Merit Hea... ... Read More

As a parent or loved one grows older, mild memory lapses are natural and common. People often become more forgetful as they age – and these episodes are sometimes endearing, but more often worrisome for family members. It’s important to distinguish between occasional forgetfulness and memory problems that may signal a serious health condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Typical symptoms of mild forgetfulness include difficulty remembering familiar words or names, misplacing items, or taking longer to ... ... Read More

Breast cancer remains a top risk for women, making up 30% of all new female cancer cases in the U.S. annually. Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Merit Health Biloxi is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away. Here in Mississippi, 17,202 cases of new female breast cancer were reported in 2019, the most recent year data is available. ... ... Read More

Hitting the proper sleep target is one key heart health Everyone knows there is value in getting a good night’s sleep. After all, no one wants to fall asleep during a lunch date or at the conference table in a 3 pm meeting! But one of the best reasons to consistently pursue the right amount of quality sleep is the impact it has on your heart. A very large European study published in 2011 involved the sleep patterns of nearly 475,000 people. Results indicated that “short sleepers” – defined as less than ... ... Read More

Stress is an unfortunate fact of life for most people: that feeling of worry, dread or nervous anticipation that accompanies the challenges we deal with on the job or in the home, during our daily commute or errands, or in our dealings with family, friends or colleagues. When we encounter a stressful situation – no matter how nerve-racking it may be, our body physically reacts, releasing hormones that enable us to deal with the circumstances: the well-known ‘fight or flight’ reaction. These hormones – a... ... Read More