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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

Employees of Merit Health hospitals are eligible for enhanced benefits designed as pathways to help them eliminate existing student debt faster, pursue additional professional education, and advance their careers. The goal in offering Merit Health Pathways benefits is to support and retain employees and attract a strong workforce, especially frontline nurses, technicians, therapists and other clinicians and caregivers, along with support personnel. Benefits include a student loan repayment program that ... ... Read More

With less than three months left in the year, now is the time to check the status of health plan deductibles and schedule necessary appointments, recommended testing and surgeries before December 31. Most health insurance plans have a deductible requirement—a predetermined amount of health care expenses that must be covered before the plan begins paying the majority (if not all) of expenses related to necessary medical care. “If you have been putting off scheduling prescribed care, it would be wise to c... ... Read More

Merit Health Medical Group is slated to open a primary care clinic in south Brandon in October of 2022. The clinic will be Merit Health’s 13th primary care clinic in the greater Jackson area. The new clinic, located at 2841 Highway 18 in Brandon, features 12 exam rooms, a triage room, and a lab. Covering approximately 5,000 square feet, the clinic has space for up to three providers. The team of healthcare professionals will treat patients for a variety of illnesses including cold, cough, flu and sore t... ... Read More

The new school year is here, which means the lazy, relaxed days of summer have been replaced with hectic school mornings, homework and after school activities. Most likely, your kids have been staying up late and sleeping in during the summer break, so getting them back to a healthy sleep routine may be a challenge. “Lack of sleep is not just an issue of motivating cranky children in the mornings,” said Jennifer Russum, MSN, NP-C. “Studies have shown that lack of quality sleep increases the likelihood o... ... Read More

The wound care centers at Merit Health are helping raise awareness of the risks of chronic wounds during the ninth annual Wound Care Awareness Month. Established in June 2014, this month long campaign helps bring attention to the growing need for wound care to the nearly 7 million Americans currently living with chronic wounds. Program directors across the nation are dedicating the entire month to educating physicians, patients and the general public about the prevalence of chronic wounds and the advanc... ... Read More

Employees of Merit Health hospitals are now eligible for new and enhanced benefits designed as pathways to help them eliminate existing student debt faster, pursue additional professional education, and advance their careers. The goal in offering Merit Health Pathways benefits is to support and retain employees and attract a strong workforce, especially frontline nurses, technicians, therapists and other clinicians and caregivers, along with support personnel. Benefits include a new student loan repayme... ... Read More

Family medicine physician Bill Whitton, MD, has joined Merit Health Medical Group in Brandon. Whitton received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and he also completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine at the Texas Medical Center and at UMMC. Dr. Whitton is board certified in Family Medicine. Whitton can treat your entire family for everything from minor emergencies to chronic disease management and preventive care. Services and conditions treated include: Min... ... Read More

Merit Health Rankin received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022. This national distinction recognizes Merit Health Rankin’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. “Quality and safety are always a patient’s top priority,” said Heather Sistrunk, MHSA, BSN, RN, chief executive officer. “Leapfrog’s high grade for our hospital is independent confirmation of our system-wide steps in place to ensure the safest environment possible.” The Leapfrog ... ... Read More

Merit Health is honoring five nurses who have been selected to receive a Nursing Excellence Award. This peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position and who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence. “Merit Health is fortunate to have many outstanding nurses like these among our ranks - nurses who deliver exemplary care, compassion and servi... ... Read More