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Hattiesburg, MS – Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 650,000 people each year. Here are some other facts everyone should know about heart disease: In the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack. Nearly half of American adults (47%) suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. However, only about 1 in... ... Read More

Merit Health Wesley has named Julie Spiers, RN, as the 2022 recipient of the Margaret LaFon Employee of the Year Award. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Spiers was chosen from among more than 1,200 employees for the honor. “In healthcare, it takes each of our employees showing up every day and putting the needs of their patients before their own needs for our organizations to be successful,” said Chief Executive Officer, Todd Blanchard. “We take opportunities li... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, MS – 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,” says Mallory Stockstill, N.P., with Merit Health Primary Care in Petal. “Even small, incremental changes in lifestyle can make a bi... ... Read More

Schedule appointments, tests and surgeries to maximize your health plan benefits before year end Hattiesburg, MS - As the holidays approach, it’s easy to forget to take advantage of your insurance benefits. Now is a good time to review your outstanding health care needs and take full advantage of paid-up deductibles or available funds in Flexible Spending Accounts while you still can. “When discussing health care needs with their doctor, people should also consider the best strategy for using their heal... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, MS – 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 Wesley is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away. In Mississippi, 2,396 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2019, the most recent year data is av... ... Read More

Hattiesburg - Merit Health Medical Group welcomes Patricia L. Campbell, M.D., to the primary care clinic in Petal, where she will join John Nelson, Sr., M.D., and Mallory Stockstill, N.P. “Primary care is the foundation for building good health as we progress through life, and being able to help patients not only treat their issues, but also prevent future disease, is what I truly enjoy about family medicine,” says Campbell. “Having the opportunity to know patients and help them over the years is what I... ... Read More

Merit Health Wesley unveiled a $3.4 million expansion for patients who need critical care. The hospital is adding an 8-bed critical care unit and a 12-bed step down unit. The increase in critical care beds will allow the hospital to meet the needs of more patients who need a higher level of care. The step down beds provide care for patients who are transitioning from Intensive Care to standard inpatient care. “It’s important our hospital continues to grow to meet these needs of the Pine Belt,” says Chie... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, MS (August 17, 2022) - Merit Health Wesley announces the appointment of Todd J. Blanchard, MHA, FACHE, as chief executive officer effective September 19, 2022. Blanchard comes to Merit Health from Willis-Knighton Health System, located in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he has served as an administrator for the past 12 years. Most recently he served as vice president of operations at Willis-Knighton Bossier Health Center, a 166-bed hospital with a medical group of 158 employed physicians. Blan... ... Read More

You always hear the bad news: heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. But the good news is many of these deaths and risk factors are preventable. Symptoms like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, excess weight and obesity can be improved with lifestyle changes and healthful eating. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends these small changes in diet for a big impact on your health: Eat more fruits and vegetables. One good goal is to fill half your plate with colorful fruits a... ... Read More

Hattiesburg - Merit Health Wesley welcomes two new providers to the Pine Belt. Abhishek Jaiswal, M.D., is joining the organization’s cardiology group and Kirk Moses, M.D., is joining the hospitalist team. Abhishek Jaiswal, M.D., specializes in cardiac electrophysiology. An electrophysiologist studies your heart's electrical system or activity and is used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia. Jaiswal obtained his medical degree from the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.... ... Read More