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Interventional cardiology physician Randel Smith, M.D., FACC, has joined Merit Health Medical Group in Flowood. Dr. Smith focuses on the functions and disorders of the heart and circulatory system. He provides routine and preventive cardiac services, as well as helping to manage chronic conditions. Dr. Smith received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, LA. He also completed his residency at Louisiana School of Medicine where he was appointed Chief Residen... ... Read More

Check your deductible status and FSA balance to see if there’s money to be saved or used Most consumers pay significant premiums for their health insurance, but not everyone takes full advantage of the benefits of insurance coverage, especially once the annual deductible has been reached. Using your health plan benefits for medical visits, screenings and procedures is the best way to support your overall health. And, as the current plan year comes to an end, right now may be the best time to address any... ... Read More

On average, adults in the United States sit for over 12 hours a day. This sedentary lifestyle is becoming increasingly more common largely due to jobs that require sitting for prolonged periods, long commutes, TV binge watching and increased cell phone usage. But, this lifestyle can cause real harm to overall health. Sitting down for extended stretches increases the risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and obesity, even in those who exercise regularly. Often, prolon... ... 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 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 complic... ... Read More

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Despite being preventable and treatable, many individuals still die from this disease due to a lack of awareness about preventive care. Merit Health is committed to promoting early detection and prevention of colon cancer through regular colonoscopy screenings because, when detected early, the survival rate for colon cancer is approximately 90%. During this non-invasive p... ... Read More

If that weekend Zumba class, game of basketball or run through the park have you limping into work on Monday morning, you are not alone. Sports injuries are now the second leading reason for physician office visits after the common cold. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, knee pain accounts for 4 million primary visits annually. Considering the prevalence has increased almost 65% over the past 20 years, it’s no surprise that a growing number of these injuries are occurring among “we... ... Read More

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., but many people show no symptoms. Certain screening tests like a cardiac CT calcium scoring can help to detect heart disease and provide patients with the time to improve their health outcomes. A cardiac CT calcium scoring is a common test that utilizes a noninvasive CT scan to provide information about whether calcified plaque is in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart ... ... Read More

Temperatures across the United States are rising and so are incidents of heat exhaustion. In fact, between 2016 and 2021, the number of patients diagnosed with heat exhaustion between the months of May and September rose by 53%. Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea and muscle cramps and the condition is more likely to affect the elderly, those with high blood pressure and people who work in a hot environment according... ... Read More

Four reasons why taking a break is critical to your health Jackson, MS 7/14/2023 – The benefits of a good summer vacation go well beyond having a good time. Taking a vacation can reduce stress levels and decrease the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Time off is also associated with greater happiness and improved job performance when you return to the office. And while we all know a little time away from work is critical to health and well-being, 55% of Americans... ... Read More

Only five hours a week of moderate exercise could help ward off a cancer diagnosis. A study published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, found strong evidence correlating physical activity to lower rates of cancer and other chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and dementia. Using self-reported data from 600,000 U.S. adults, the observational study estimates over 46,000 cancer cases could be avoided each year through regula... ... Read More