News that Harrison Ford withdrew from the 2025 Oscars ceremony due to a diagnosis of shingles has brought attention to this common, often painful, condition. Usually thought of as a childhood disease, the chickenpox can have lasting effects well into adulthood because the virus remains inactive in the body even after recovery. Years after you have had the chickenpox, the virus can reappear in the form of shingles. One in three Americans will experience shingles in their lifetime according to the Centers... ... Read More

FLOWOOD, MS, February 24, 2025 – Today, Merit Health kicked off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting Mississippi Food Network, and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in Central Mississippi. Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life. Yet, it is one of the least donated items. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive kicks off on February 24 and will run through March 21. “Merit Heal... ... Read More

Small, consistent changes create healthier habits to last a lifetime The new year often reignites an interest in health and wellness – in a 2024 poll, 79% of respondents said their New Years’ resolutions involved health. While sweeping resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, there are small, simple steps that you can take every day to make a lasting improvement in your health. “Even small lifestyle changes can increase longevity, reduce the risk associated with chronic disease, improve mental health a... ... Read More

Brush up on stroke risk factors and symptoms to protect your health FLOWOOD, MS – In the midst of all the gifts and good times, the holidays also come with a higher risk for medical emergencies, including stroke. Celebrations often include rich foods and alcohol, and busier social calendars can leave less time for exercise and sleep. Added stress from holiday preparations, shopping for gifts, increased expenses or traveling, along with millions of other holiday activities can affect the body. Cold weath... ... Read More

On October 10th, the world observes World Mental Health Day, a crucial reminder of the importance of mental well-being in our lives. This year, Merit Health takes the opportunity to highlight its behavioral health services for adults and adolescents, along with its dedicated chemical dependency program. Recognizing that mental health is deeply connected to physical health, Merit Health is committed to providing holistic care for individuals of all ages. Merit Health offers a range of services designed t... ... Read More

September 18, 2024 - Jackson, MS — In a significant development for local healthcare, Merit Health Central proudly announces the grand opening of its new chemical dependency unit. This unit provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, marking an expansion of the hospital’s existing behavioral health services. To mark the occasion, a ribbon cutting led by the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership was held at Merit Health Central on September 17, 2024, and was atte... ... Read More

Flowood, MS, September 16, 2024 – Fall is almost upon us and it’s a good time to review health insurance policies to ensure you will get the most out of plan benefits, especially if you have already met the annual deductible. Many insurance plans will cover most, if not all, costs for eligible medical procedures and treatments once an individual meets the deductible and out of pocket maximum, making the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule any necessary or elective medical procedures th... ... Read More

Merit Health announces that two of its outstanding employees, Holly Thomson and Mallory Vandevender, FNP-C, have been named among Rankin County's Top 40 Under 40. This prestigious recognition highlights the very best young professionals in the county, celebrating their roles as industry disruptors and innovators. Holly Thomson, a senior clinical recruiter for Merit Health, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and innovation in her role. Despite the challenges of extensive travel and the demands on her... ... Read More

Summer 2024 is predicted to bring on the heat which can put extra stress on your heart. For every degree body temperature rises, the heart beats approximately 10 beats per minute faster, according to the National Institute of Health. That’s why in hot temperatures it becomes harder for the body to cool off, especially for those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation (AFib). “Our bodies get rid of excess heat through sweat. Hot, humid weather forces the... ... Read More

Residents of Magee and the surrounding areas now have convenient access to orthopedic care with the arrival of a new orthopedic provider, Reagan Vaughn, P.A. Vaughn joins Donald Baker, M.D., who has been a trusted orthopedic specialist in Magee for several years. The two Merit Health providers can now see patients every Thursday, starting July 25, at their clinic located at 300 3rd Ave. SE in Magee. The addition of Vaughn to Dr. Baker’s clinic ensures that residents will have access to specialized care ... ... Read More