November 29, 2018
Augusta Health's most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) identified the top health needs of the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro (SAW) and provides what some may consider surprising results about the mental health of local residents. Findings show that 21.8% of SAW adults have experienced symptoms of chronic depression. However, only 14.9% are currently taking medication or receiving treatment from a doctor or other healthcare professional for some type of mental health condition. Between 2012-2014 there was an annual average age-adjusted suicide rate of 18.9 deaths per... Continue Reading
November 28, 2018
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way a body regulates glucose, or blood sugar. Everyone needs glucose to feed the cells in their bodies, and glucose needs insulin to enter the cells. There are two different types of diabetes, though. Type 1 Diabetes is when the body doesn't produce insulin at all. Most with Type 1 Diabetes are diagnosed as children. Type 2 Diabetes is when the body doesn't use the insulin it produces properly. It's been thought of as a condition that comes as we age. Sadly, in recent years, Type 2 Diabetes has become a disease of all ages. According to the... Continue Reading
November 27, 2018
The AMI Farm at Augusta Health is a partnership between Allegheny Mountain Institute and Augusta Health to improve the well-being of Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro residents through increased knowledge about and access to healthy foods. Through a sustainable production farm, a broad curriculum of nutrition education programming, and future plans for a demonstration garden the AMI Farm at Augusta Health is actively working to change health through healthy eating. Two specific uses of the produce harvested from the Farm are the Food Farmacy Program, a unique nutrition education program... Continue Reading
November 26, 2018
Hospitals the world over are places to heal the sick and care for the injured. Most hospitals also work to help manage chronic diseases and keep people healthy. Community hospitals often take it one step further by working to care for and prevent illness for all in the community, including the most vulnerable populations—those without insurance, those without homes, young children, older adults and perhaps just those who feel they are alone. Projects and programs that insure Augusta Health is keeping the Community in Community Hospital. Health Needs Areas of Opportunity Augusta County,... Continue Reading
November 13, 2018
We think of celebrities in their iconic roles as film stars, business leaders, government officials, and musicians. When faced with a medical diagnosis, they also help bring needed awareness to misunderstood diseases. Celebrities like Steve Jobs, Patrick Swayze, and Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsberg have helped shine a spotlight on pancreatic cancer. They are also among the ranks of the nearly 54,000 people that receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis each year. While progress is being made to educate the public about pancreatic cancer, it remains one of the most feared forms of cancer... Continue Reading
November 1, 2018
The American Cancer Society's estimates 234,030 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. In fact, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. Sadly, lung cancer claims the lives of more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. These statistics are staggering. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of lung cancer. What the Numbers Tell Us To better understand your risk factors, here are the numbers you should be aware of: Lung cancer mainly occurs in people over 65 years old The average age of lung cancer diagnosis is 70... Continue Reading
October 4, 2018
Took a hard hit on the football field? Not feeling well after a car accident? Experienced a fall, pulled a muscle, or have chronic knee pain? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might find yourself being treated by a physical therapist. These dynamic, highly trained, and licensed healthcare professionals help patients with pain relief, management of chronic conditions, increased mobility, improved function, and much more. Being treated by a physical therapist may even eliminate the need for surgery or long-term prescription medications. To understand physical therapists more... Continue Reading
October 2, 2018
October is Liver Awareness Month! It's well-deserved recognition for this often underappreciated organ. In fact, your liver is the superstar of your digestive system. Everything you consume passes through your liver and is sorted for nutrients. It decides what stays in your body for nourishment and what toxins to expel. Healthy habits keep your liver running like a well-oiled machine. Unhealthy habits can damage this vital organ. So, how can you keep your liver, the gatekeeper to good health, in prime shape? Understanding the Hardworking Liver Your liver is not only the gatekeeper to good... Continue Reading
September 18, 2018
The stomach is a fascinating organ that helps keeps our bodies nourished and healthy. This powerhouse organ breaks down food by secreting acid and enzymes. It contracts to digest food so the small intestines can absorb the nutrients. Your stomach also stands guard against harmful things like bacteria, parasites, or spoiled food. Problems with the stomach can arise for a variety of reasons and range from mild irritations to life-threatening conditions. One of the more serious gastrointestinal diseases is Crohn’s disease. Because Crohn’s disease symptoms can be confused with a regular upset... Continue Reading
September 13, 2018
A staggering 47 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. In 2017, nearly 10 million new cases will be diagnosed. Dementia is broadly defined as a mental decline that interferes with daily life. The most well-known symptom of dementia is memory loss. People often think dementia only affects elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, dementia shows up in many different forms and can affect younger populations as well. Top Four Types of Dementia Dementia is a broad term that refers to the overall mental decline dementia patients experience. However, there are various kinds of... Continue Reading
