South Central Dermatology Offers Services in Laurel and Collins with Ashlynn M. Bennett, FNP-C.

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601-425-4860 | Collins Office is Located inside Covington County Specialty Clinic

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As a person ages, their health decreases and requires more personalized care that cannot always be provided by loved ones. It is often assumed that when someone needs more help than friends and family can provide, that treatment is limited. However, home health services can provide a continuum of care to a person in their own environment.

ComfortCare Home Health, a division of South Central Regional Medical Center, offers a home care program that can provide personalized care to return the patient to their maximum level of functioning. To learn more about Home Health services, visit scrmc.com.

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I chose South Central because they put the patient first.

Melissa Davis, RN, has been a member of the South Central Regional Medical Center family for five years. Melissa, who is a Wayne County native, works as Director of Nursing at ComfortCare Nursing Center. She began her career in long-term care 23 years ago. Melissa worked for many years as a LPN and went back to complete her RN degree.

“Nursing has been a lifelong dream for me,” said Melissa. “As a child, I dreamed of becoming a nurse. I love caring for people. As a nurse, especially working with the geriatric population, you have to have a compassionate heart. I encourage anyone that enjoys taking care of people to become a nurse.”

In long-term care, employees meet the needs of residents. Melissa states, “The most important thing in long-term care is to put the resident first. I chose to work for South Central because they put patient care first. They care about their staff and they care about the residents in their facilities. Whatever needs an employee or resident may have, the organization works to make sure that need is met. You do not find that everywhere.”

Our focus at South Central is to offer compassionate care. Melissa states, “I find joy in seeing our residents smile and our staff supporting them so they can thrive. When I came to South Central I could tell how patient driven the organization was. It was very impactful. I enjoy working for a health system that provides excellent care.”

At SCRMC, our goal is for employees to choose us. Our health system offers extensive benefits and competitive pay rates. By choosing South Central, you become a part of our healthcare family. To view our open positions at South Central, click here.

Excessive Heat Warnings throughout Mississippi

Tips to for Adults and Children Stay Cool and Safe

Temperatures throughout South Mississippi continue to rise. With the rise in temperature, it is important to protect yourself and loved ones from the excessive heat. South Central Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Medicine physician, Edmund Chinchar, MD, explains the effects the extreme heat can have on a person’s body and what to do if an emergency occurs.

“Staying outside too long during times of excessive heat can cause wear and tear on the body,” said Dr. Chinchar. “It will cause muscles to break down and when it does that, it can cause problems with your kidneys because your kidneys are trying to clear all that out.”

Heat illness is characterized by loss of sweating, confusion leading to coma, fast pulse, low blood pressure, heart failure and kidney failure. People with heat illness will not be able to notice the change so it's important that family members be alert for changes during the summer months, especially in the very young and the very old who are most susceptible to heat illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infants and the very young have a high surface area to mass ratio and will absorb heat from the environment more readily. The young also have no way to remove themselves from warm environments. If they are left unattended in a car or enclosed area without cooling, their body temperatures can rise very quickly. Teenage athletes are very prone to heat illness in the summer months when beginning training schedules for such activities as soccer and football.

The CDC also noted that the elderly frequently have heart disease, take medications that can lead to dehydration, and may live in enclosed environments that are not cooled.

Dr. Chinchar stated, “It is important to monitor the elderly during the summer months. If they are in a home alone and the air conditioning is off, and there is no one frequently checking on them, they can suffer from heat illnesses. Usually adults, ages 65 and over, are the most likely to experience difficulty with the extreme temperatures.”

If you suspect you are suffering from heat exhaustion, Dr. Chinchar recommends to remove yourself from the environment. “If you can, get inside or find a shaded area. It is important to start drinking fluids – water or Gatorade-type products; if you are wearing a lot of layers, start removing those, and find a place to rest for an extended period of time.”

There are ways to be proactive from heat illnesses. Dr. Chinchar states, “Before you start your activities outside, make sure you are hydrated in the morning. Do not leave the house with one cup of coffee or breakfast and then go into the heat. When you wake up, drink plenty of fluids, eat a light breakfast and continue water or Gatorade type fluids throughout the day. Also, take frequent, short breaks and wear breathable clothing.”

If you have someone who is warm and confused or delirious, not making any urine and breathing rapidly, it is important to move this person to a cooler environment and contact emergency personnel. External cooling such as misting fan, ice packs to the head and neck, removing clothing and applying cool compresses can all be effective. An ice bath may occasionally be used in the most extreme circumstance, but getting the patient to emergency services is the most important. It is best to call emergency services to assist with someone having difficulty with breathing.

SCRMC encourages the community to take proactive steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer. If you experience a heat related illness, we have facilities available to help.

Ellisville Medical Clinic – 1203 Avenue B, Ellisville – 601-477-8553
Ellisville Pediatric Clinic – 1203 Avenue B, Ellisville – 601-477-3550
South Central Emergency Department – 1220 Jefferson St, Laurel
South Central Family Medicine & Urgent Care – 1430 Jefferson St, Laurel – 601-425-2273
South Central Pediatrics – 1002 Jefferson St, Suite 200, Laurel – 601-649-3520

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Tensage Growth Factor and its exclusive SCA Biorepair Technology use natural growth factors to promote glowing, younger-looking skin. Tensage Growth Factor is clinically proven to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase elasticity and enhance texture, tone and luminosity.

All Tensage products at South Central Dermatology are 15% off during August. Contact us today at 601-425-4860 for more information.

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Major Specials Available at the Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center in August!

15% Off All Jane Iredale Cosmetics
Back to School Super Sale on Select Obagi & Jane Iredale Cosmetics Every Monday
$50 Discount on Juvederm Injectables from August 16-31

To schedule an appointment or for more details, call 601-425-7522.

Seth Powell, RN, has been a member of the South Central Regional Medical Center family for four years. Seth, who is a Smith County native, works on the Telemetry floor at SCRMC.

Nursing is a field that allows a person to invest not only in themselves, but in the lives of others. “A person can never go wrong by becoming a nurse. You will have rewarding experiences, always have someone looking out for you, and have availability for career growth. I chose South Central because it’s a team effort. The best part of working at South Central is that I have experienced all of this. There will always be challenges, but if we continue to work together as a family we will push through any obstacle together.” Our focus at South Central is to emphasize team work. By working together, employees feel supported and thrive. To view employment opportunities at SCRMC, click here.

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South Central Health Care Foundation at Laurel-Jones County Library

SCRMC has partnered with the Laurel-Jones County Library to bring the community health resources for 2023. Each month will feature a new health topic with resources, education, screenings and local support options. We invite you to stop by the Laurel Jones County Library and learn more!

How to Maintain Quality of Life for Senior Adults

Chronic health issues can seriously impact an individual’s entire life. For senior adults, it is important to ensure these individuals maintain their quality of life while still receiving the care they need. Below are some simple ways to ensure that your loved one’s quality of life remains outstanding.

Establish Care with a Chronic Care Specialist:

Internal Medicine Physicians, sometimes known as Internists or Doctors of Internal Medicine, are experts in complexity. They specialize in adult medicine, and are specially trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illnesses, and help patients with multiple, complex chronic conditions. They provide comprehensive, longitudinal patient care. They have life-long relationships with adult patients, and their recommendations are based on each patient’s unique situation.

Internal medicine physicians see the big picture. Their deep training and knowledge of the entire human body and its organ systems gives them a unique perspective of how everything works in unison. They analyze, consider and make connections from multiple data sets, and identify solutions for optimal health outcomes. Their expertise makes them vital to both patients and medical professionals.

Follow and Learn the Healthcare Plan Established by Medical Providers:

For individuals diagnosed with a chronic illness, their healthcare provider will have a specific care plan established. It is important to follow the plan as closely as possible because the goal is to give the individual the most quality of life as possible. Depending on conditions, the senior adult may find the health plan complicated. Family members or caregivers should attend as many clinic appointments as possible. This will allow open communication between all involved parties.

Emotional Support is Vital:

When someone is living with on-going health issues, emotional support from family, friends or loved ones can make life easier. Talk with your senior adult’s medical provider to find local resources, such as support groups or therapy services. Also, involvement in community groups, visiting with family and friends, or attending social events add to improving or maintaining their emotional health.

Consider Skilled Nursing Care:

Skilled Nursing Care is a form of care or treatment performed by licensed nurses for individuals in the process of regaining activities of daily living after a surgery, stroke, or extensive medical treatment. This type of care can help your loved one have the hands-on support they need to regain their health. Therapy services such as, physical, occupational, or speech, may be available to skilled nursing patients. The facility works with the patient’s medical provider to provide continuity of care for chronic conditions. ComfortCare Nursing Center and Jones County Rest Home offer Skilled Nursing Care services.

Evaluate the Lifestyle:

Lifestyle changes can have a big impact for seniors who are trying to manage their wellness. Creating better sleep patterns, reviewing the diet plan, light exercise and increasing activity levels can make a positive effect on a person’s overall health. Encourage your loved one to listen to their body and support their goals.

Set Reasonable Goals:

Senior adults can achieve much more than they expect even when living with chronic health issues. Set reasonable goals that focus on health and wellness, and discuss why or why not these may be beneficial. Working together creates a bond and shows your support for the goals that are important in their lives.

Following these few tips can make an impression on the life of a senior adult. South Central is committed to improving the overall health of our community. If your loved one needs medical support, our team at South Central Internal Medicine is available.

The healthcare team at South Central Internal Medicine provides comprehensive medical treatment for adults. The staff provides wellness prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic care patients including: allergies, arthritis, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, digestive disorders, geriatrics, infections, kidney diseases, respiratory disorders and more.

Dr. Alison Redding and Dr. Monika Thoppil are accepting new patients at South Central Internal Medicine. Medicare, Medicaid, and Most Commercial Insurance Plans are accepted. For an appointment, call 601-649-2863.

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