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REHABILITATION: WHEN NURSING CARE IS NEEDEDNERVES IMPACT HEALTH MORE THAN YOU KNOW

REMEMBERING LOVED ONES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The Future is Here: NEW HOSPITAL OPENS IN ADEL

Happy Holidays

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I N S P I R E SOUTHWELL MEDICAL has the services you need, in one place.

F O C U S SOUTHWELL HEALTH AND REHABILITATION and when it’s time for skilled nursing care.

D I S C O V E R YOUR NERVES might impact your health more than you thought.

C O N N E C T TAKING CARE during holiday grief.

S H A R E MELINDA KNIGHT, MD, on innovation and big dreams.

winter issue

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES FOR NEW TRMC TOWER PROJECTWe thank our patients and visitors for their patience as construction continues for the new Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) patient tower.

This expansion project, which includes a new ER and inpatient units, will be completed in fall 2021. The TRMC main entrance has closed along with a portion

of 18th Street. Patients and visitors are asked to park in the 20th Street lot and enter the hospital through the 20th Street entrance.

A parking lot shuttle service is available from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., as long as a volunteer is available. To be

picked up by the shuttle service, please call 229-353-CART.

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RECONSTRUCTING YOUR BODY: BODYTITE ALLURE PLASTIC and Reconstruction Surgery (APRS) now offers a revolutionary procedure to firm tissue and tighten loose skin. This procedure, performed by Derron Spikes, MD, uses radiofrequency to tighten the skin around the abdomen, arms, and thighs. The Bodytite procedure requires less downtime for healing than traditional surgery, with little to no scarring. Dr. Spikes and the team at APRS are available to develop a personalized plan that is right for you, giving you natural-looking results. Dr. Spikes encourages patients to review their motivation for any plastic surgery, saying, “Each procedure is highly individualized and should only be done for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit an ideal image.”

Christmas gift certificates are avail-able. If you would like to learn more

about Bodytite, call 229-391-3600.

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HI N S P I R E | R E J U V E N A T E

SOUTHWELL Health and Rehabilitation AT SOME POINT, whether it be after a surgery or as a loved one gets older, most families will begin to consider whether or not short- or long-term skilled nursing care is needed for their loved one. Take a look at two questions that you ought to ask yourself when it comes time to consider skilled nursing care.

DO YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY SKILLS? Whether or not your loved one is experiencing a long-term chronic illness or is recovering in the short-term from a surgery, like a knee-replacement, a skilled nursing care facility like Southwell Health and Rehabilitation can provide the care your loved one needs.

DOES YOUR LOVED ONE NEED AROUND THE CLOCK CARE? For some people, occasional or part-time assistance from a family member or part-time caregiver is enough. For others, staying at a skilled nursing facility can provide the assurance you need that your loved one is receiving the care they need throughout the day and night.

If you’re interested in Southwell Health and Rehabilitation for you or your loved one, call (229) 896-8157 to see about being placed on our waiting list.

SOUTHWELL MEDICAL, the highly-anticipated, 120,000 square foot campus that represents the new name and location for Cook Medical Center, is now fully operational and ready to serve the community. The new Southwell Medical campus mirrors the same services previously offered, but also offers enhanced services, such as an extensive medical imaging department with SPECT-CT, CT, and X-ray. The imaging department also offers women’s services including mammography, bone density tests, and ultrasound. In addition, outpatient surgical services will soon be offered in a variety of specialties.

In addition, the new campus houses the Sylvia Barr Center, a 12-bed geriatric psychiatric facility, the Cook Senior Living Center, which has been renamed Southwell Health and Rehabilitation, and Southwell Medical Adel Primary Care,

which is the new combination of the primary care practices formerly named Cook Family Wellness Center and Cook Primary Care.

“We could not have been more excited to move into this new, state-of-the-art facility. Our team worked extremely hard to ensure the move was safe and seamless for our patients and residents,” said Christopher Dorman, President and CEO of Southwell. “Over the past six months, it has taken the support and tireless work of the community, public officials, and our staff who committed to actively plan and stage this large-scale move.”

Dorman added that a grand opening event with guided tours will be scheduled in the near future. “We know our community is looking forward to seeing our new facility,” he said.

For more information about the new Southwell Medical facility, please call (229) 896-8000 or visit www.mySouthwell.com.

New name, new location FOR COOK MEDICAL CENTER IN ADEL

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D I S C O V E R | C E N T E R S O F C A R E

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROMECarpal tunnel syndrome may well be one of the most common nerve disorders out there. We sat down with Dr. Kyle Fleck, MD, of Georgia Sports medicine to learn more about this common disorder: “The carpal tunnel, on your wrist near your palm contains the median nerve, which provides feeling and muscle control in your hand,” Dr. Fleck says. “When experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen tissue within the carpal tunnel (often caused by overuse, or potentially another inflammatory illness, like arthritis) squeeze the median nerve, slowing or even blocking the nerve impulses that travel through the median nerve to the rest of your hand.”

WHAT IT MEANSThink about all of the things that you do with your hands throughout the day. Dr. Fleck would then encourage you to consider how difficult those things would be if your hand were numb, tingling, in pain, or less functional than it is normally. Individuals suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may find that it’s hard to button their shirt in the morning, type at their job during the day, hold a book in the evening, and more.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ITFor individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Fleck has many potential treatments,

Small Nerves,

BIG IMPACTWhen it comes to having surgery or visiting your doctor or the hospital,

most people think of major illnesses, diseases, or injuries. In reality,

sometimes the smaller parts of your body can cause problems just as big

as a weak heart or broken limb. Take a look below to learn about two small

nerves that can cause big health issues—and what you can do about it.

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Small Nerves,

BIG IMPACT

depending on the severity and impact of your disorder. Once you’ve been diagnosed, the first step is typically rest and relaxation—resting your wrist, immobilizing it with a sprint, and potentially treating the inflammation with ice packs and medications. Dr. Fleck may also recommend surgery—”one of the most common surgeries in the US”—which is typically an outpatient procedure.

If you’re concerned that you may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Georgia Sports Medicine for a

consultation at 229-386-5222 or visit www.tiftregional.com/GSM. Dr. Fleck will be performing procedures at the new Southwell Medical facility in Adel.

RETINAL REPAIRThe retina is a nerve layer at the back of the eye, responsible for sensing light and sending images to your brain. According to Dr. Russ Richardson, MD, of Southern Vitreoretinal Associates, “it’s important that your retina lay flat against the back of your eye to work correctly. If, for some reason, that is disrupted, it’s possible you may experience a number of different vision problems.”

WHAT IT MEANSFor most individuals, a PVD (posterior vitreous detachment) is no problem. Usually, a PVD is identified by the presence of ‘floaters,’ small specks that appear and shift in your field of vision. This common event occurs because the vitreous, a clear gel that occupies 80% of your eye, detaches itself from the optic nerve and the retina. “However, if you have a weak retina, or if the vitreous gel is abnormal, it’s possible that it can cause a tear or detachment in the retina, and that’s when you ought to be concerned as it can lead to eventual blindness,” says Dr. Richardson.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT“If you start noticing floaters, it’s time to see an ophthalmologist,” says Dr. Richardson. Most likely, they’ll perform a thorough exam to ensure that your retina is still laying correctly against the back of your eye. If your retina is torn or detached, they’ll be able to make sure you have the necessary surgery (often, right there in your doctor’s office) to correct the problem.

Please call (229) 386-0297 or visit svaretina.com for more information.

MOVE BETTER. FEEL BETTER. Live Better.SOUTHWELL CHIROPRACTIC experts Ryan Byrnes, DC, and Joshua Pridemore, DC, with Southwell Chiropractic can now be found at Tift Regional’s Musculoskeletal Center in Tifton, adjacent to the Affinity Clinic.

Dr. Byrnes and Dr. Pridemore are neuromusculo-skeletal specialists, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, among other problems. They do not use medications or surgery as treatments, but rather utilize natural, hands-on methods tailored to each patient’s needs, along with exercise and lifestyle adjustments.

New patients are being accepted. To make an appointment, please call 229-386-5405. Southwell Chiropractic is located on the second floor of the Tift Regional Musculoskeletal Center at 2227 Highway 41 North in Tifton.

Visit www.tiftregional.com/chiropracticservices for more information.

JOSHUA PRIDEMORE, DC

RYAN BYRNES, DC

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THE HOLIDAY SEASON is typically a time of joy and companionship—a time for visiting family, gathering with friends, celebrating the past year, and looking forward to the new year together. However, for people who have suffered the loss of a friend or loved one, the holidays may make that grief (whether it’s new or old) re-surface in new ways. If you’re experiencing grief this holiday, here are some things to consider.

DON’T EXPECT TOO MUCH Whether this is your first holiday season without your friend or loved one, or your 10th holiday season without them, know that experiencing grief during the holidays is common and that you are not alone. Take some time to re-examine your holiday plans and tasks and decide what you can do. Ask for, and accept, help from others when it comes to shopping and preparing for meals and get-togethers.

DETERMINE THE ENVIRONMENT RIGHT FOR YOU If you’ve typically spent your previous holiday seasons bopping from one party to another, or if you’re used to hosting a large get-together at your home for all of your friends and family, you may feel like you have to continue to do this. Instead, ask yourself if that is the right environment for you, or if you would prefer to attend a smaller get-together with only your immediate family or close friends. You can also look for other, new events

that you might enjoy, like attending a particular church service or spending time with a senior’s group in your area.

CREATE NEW TRADITIONS If your friend or loved one typically carves the ham on Christmas Day, or prepares the champagne toast on New Year’s Eve, plan a new tradition. Maybe it’s time to pass the carving knife to a grandson to carry on the tradition, or perhaps it’s even time for you to pour the champagne and raise a toast to your lost loved one. Whatever your traditions were, be prepared to adjust them to fit your life now, and know that you can grow to love these new traditions as well.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS When it comes down to it, a major part of grief is trying to recognize what you need and giving that to yourself. For many people, this means allowing themselves to grieve and surrounding themselves with loved ones while keeping their physical health up by eating well and staying in motion. It’s also important to recognize when you, or a senior in your life, may need additional help in their grief. If you or your senior loved one is experiencing depression or anxiety due to grief that is disrupting life, it could require an increased level of care. A short stay of seven to ten days at the Sylvia Barr Center can help patients understand what they are facing, build a treatment plan with a psychiatrist, and get back on their feet.

Patients can refer themselves to the Sylvia Barr Center or be referred by their family member, physician, hospital, assisted living facility, or nursing home. Call the Sylvia Barr Center at 229-896-8100 or visit www.tiftregional.com for more information.

I N T H E

HOLIDAYSH O P E

remembering loved ones

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HS H A R E | S P O T L I G H T

SAY HELLO TO UROLOGIST DR. MELINDA KNIGHTJOB: “I am a double board certified urologic surgeon specializing in urologic oncology and urinary tract reconstruction. I was recruited to join the established and respected urology team at Tift Regional and to be the Director of Robotic Surgery for the system.”

PASSION: “I grew up in Sylvester, Georgia. When the opportunity at Tift Regional became available, I was thrilled to be able to bring my expertise back home. As the Director of Robotic Surgery, I am helping to establish a multidisciplinary robotic surgery program with the goal of making our program a referral center of excellence for robotic surgery in Southern Georgia. There is so much that

a comprehensive robotics program can bring to this region. I’m excited to help bring about more advanced procedures and treatments to support the incredible physicians and surgeons at Tift Regional Medical Center and help improve lives in a place I call home.”

HOBBIES: “I love learning and being better at what I do. When I’m not working, I usually participate in extreme sports, like scuba diving, or trying something new, like kiteboarding. I also love fashion—I may not like shopping, but the art and history that goes into it throughout the ages is fascinating.”

PATIENTS: “Many of my cancer patients are dealing with issues out of their control. That’s why, for things in your control, I urge patients to do what they can. Two examples? Quit smoking—it’s correlated with bladder cancer! Lower your salt intake (especially here in the South!) and stay well-hydrated to avoid kidney stones.”

Talk to your provider about a referral to Dr. Knight. Please call 229-391-3535 for more information.

Physician Spotlight

SOUTHWELL CENTER FOR HEALING AND WELLNESS The new Southwell Center for Healing

and Wellness, with family nurse practitioners Deidre Dorman, FNP-C, and Tess Goodwin, FNP-C, can be found in Tifton at 39 Kent Road, Suite 2. Both of these providers offer primary care for family members of all ages. New patients are being accepted. To make an appointment,

call 229-388-9393.

AFFINITY PEDIATRICS WELCOMES NEW PROVIDERS Pediatric providers Priscilla Amoah, MD,

Cole Webster, MD, Christina Deason, NP-C, and Kelly Drumheller, NP-C, have recently joined the Affinity Pediatrics Tifton office, located at 39 Kent Road, Suite 5. Pediatrician Randi Tatum, DO has joined the Moultrie office located at 3007 2nd Street SE. To make an appointment

at the Tifton office, call 229-353-7337.

For the Moultrie office, call 229-985-1293.

NEW SCHOOL CLINICS Tift Regional has teamed with Tift

County Schools to offer school-based clinics. Students in grades K through 5 can be seen by nurse practitioner Jessica Boyd, NP-C, at Annie Belle Clark Elementary in Tifton. Students in grades 6 through 12 can be seen by nurse practitioner Monica Davis, FNP-C, at Eighth Street Middle School in Tifton. Visit tiftregional.com/schoolclinics for

more information.

Find a provider at tiftregional.com

ProviderPractice ANNOUNCEMENTS

“IF MY DREAMS DON’T SCARE ME, THEN THEY AREN’T BIG ENOUGH.”

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FOR QUESTIONS about Southwell and On Health magazine, call 229-382-7120.

This magazine is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Consult your physician with any questions about your health.

Find a physician/mysouthwell.com

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ANNUAL LIGHTING

JOIN YOUR COMMUNITY in a symbolic tribute to friends, family, and lost loved ones during this holiday season at the annual lighting of the Tree of Life. This event, which supports the Anita Stewart Oncology Center and Hospice of Tift Area, is open to anyone in the community who wishes to gather together with family and friends for a candle-lighting ceremony, live holiday music, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus! If you wish to purchase a light for the Tree of Life, your gift will assist patients who may need financial assistance during a challenging time. To contribute, visit www.tiftregional.com/TOL.

Join us for the annual lighting

of the Tree of Life on Thursday,

December 12 at 6 p.m. at the Anita

Stewart Oncology Center at 1623

Madison Avenue in Tifton.