Advancing Your Health

Summer fun and sun means increased risk for sunburns and other burns to the skin which may be caused by heat sources like the backyard grill, July 4th fireworks and outdoor fire places. And did you know that chemicals, such as pool chlorine and household products, can also inflict burns to the skin? As part of our Emory Johns Creek Hospital "Know When to Go to the ER" series, the below you’ll find an overview of some common types of summertime burns, tips on treating minor burns at home, and warning signs that mean a burn may warrant emergency treatment.

Why Is Sunburn Protection Important?

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a key role in protecting our bodies from infection, regulating our internal temperature, and allowing us to feel sensations. Because of the skin’s important role in our general health and wellness, it's understandable why it's

For heart attack victims, every minute counts- hence the saying “time is muscle.” Experts say victims of heart attacks have better outcomes with rapid intervention to open and unclog their blocked arteries, and clinical guidelines recommend that acute heart attack patients undergo treatment within 90 minutes of arrival in the emergency room. Recently, Emory University Hospital (EUH), Emory University Hospital Midtown (EUHM), Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) and Saint Joseph’s Hospital–all four participating Emory hospitals–received the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline Bronze Recognition award for excellence in STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) heart attack care for 2012. A STEMI heart attack, the most severe form of heart attack, is caused when a blood clot suddenly forms, completely blocking an artery in the heart. This can result in damage [...]

As a defensive tackle on the University of Georgia’s football team, David Jacobs was at the top of his game, physically and mentally. But in November 2001, everything changed. Jacobs had been feeling strange all week, even missing two football practices – a rarity for a player with his level of devotion. He’d had headaches and felt dizzy and lethargic. He chalked it up to his demanding schedule and dehydration. Hoping to play in the upcoming Ole Miss game, Jacobs headed back to practice, only to take a particularly hard hit that left the right side of his body numb and tingling – hallmark symptoms of stroke. Just minutes later, Jacobs became unconscious and unresponsive in the training room. Jacobs was rushed to a local Athens hospital, where diagnostic tests revealed that David would need advanced care for a stroke. He was transported by helicopter to Emory [...]

Although the risks and effects can be similar, heart attacks and stroke are two different medical problems with different symptoms. While both are vascular events, meaning they involve the blood vessels, mainly the arteries, they affect different organs in the body. However, for both heart attack and stoke victims, every minute counts! Heart attacks occur when a coronary artery is blocked, usually as a result of progressive coronary artery disease (CAD). With CAD, plaque builds up in the arteries preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart. Every minute that the cardiac tissue goes without oxygen results in more damage to the heart muscle – hence the saying “time is muscle.” The key is to get the blocked artery opened as fast as possible, to prevent further damage to the heart muscle and improve chances for survival. Stroke is the third leading cause of death [...]

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, according to the National Stroke Association. In recognition of May as National Stroke Awareness Month, Emory Healthcare encourages you to learn the signs, symptoms and risk factors for stroke. Mark your calendar for the following events: Community Stroke Fair When: Wednesday, May 15, 2013; 11:00 am to 2 pm Where: Emory University Hospital Midtown Medical Office Tower Lobby Why: • Learn the signs and symptoms of stroke • Ask a neurologist about stroke care • Hear about stroke rehabilitation programs • Speak to a pharmacist • Get your BMI checked • Hear about stroke rehabilitation programs Stroke Awareness Fair When:Friday, May 30 31, 2013; 10 am to 2 pm Where: Emory University Hospital Auditorium, Classrooms B and C Join us to: • Learn the signs and symptoms of stroke • Understand [...]

While some health conditions do not require emergency care, many do. Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) wants the residents of our community to understand when it is best to seek care from the emergency department and when they can wait to see their primary care physicians. “In many cases, patients are confused about what constitutes an emergency,” explains Arthur Griffiths, MD, FACEP, senior staff physician and community liaison in the Emergency Department at EJCH. “While many minor medical issues such as earaches and sore throats can generally be handled by a primary care physician’s office or walk-in clinic, a variety of conditions absolutely require emergency care.” The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has identified 10 medical conditions that warrant a 911 call or a trip to the emergency room: • Difficulty breathing or shortness of [...]

Dr. Fadi Nahab, stroke director at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown, recently conducted a chat to address the signs and symptoms of stroke, as well as what you can do to decrease your risk. Dr. Nahab’s timing couldn’t be better. May is National Stroke Awareness Month – the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge of stroke and commit to reducing your own risk factors for stroke. Stroke remains the country's leading cause of disability. Fortunately, Emory Healthcare is committed to providing excellent stroke care throughout North Georgia. In fact, Emory University Hospital recently was named Atlanta’s first certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, while Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Hospital all are certified Primary Stroke Centers. [...]

The birth of a child is a memorable and emotional time for the members of any family. When the big day finally arrives, it is important for your family to have privacy to celebrate together. The weeks and months leading up to the birth of a child are full of excitement and anticipation. When your bundle of joy arrives, the experience should be an unforgettable one. That is why The Birth Place at Emory Johns Creek Hospital focuses on providing the perfect space and amenities to help expectant mothers and their families welcome a new life into the world. The Birth Place offers a host of benefits, including: • All-private rooms • Labor, delivery and recovery suites • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit • In-house, 24/7 neonatology services • Sleeping/lounging areas for spouse or coach • Certified lactation consultant • Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi • [...]

On Saturday, May 4, Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) will host its 4th Annual Community Health Festival and 5K Scrub Run/Walk. This year, we are also excited to offer electronics recycling and document shredding as well. All are invited to attend. We look forward to seeing you there! LOCATION Emory Johns Creek Hospital 6325 Hospital Parkway Johns Creek, GA Parking is FREE. Designated lots surrounding the hospital will be open for parking. ABOUT THE 5K RACE The run starts and finishes on the EJCH campus and is open to participants of all abilities. All proceeds will benefit the Chattahoochee High School Cross Country Teams as well as the Emory Johns Creek Hospital Foundation, which will provide an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device for a local school, yet to be revealed. ABOUT THE HEALTH FESTIVAL Admission to the Health Festival is FREE! Activities [...]

Our cardiovascular care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so patients can feel comfortable putting their precious hearts in our skilled hands. Dr. Rowe, medical director of the ICCU, stands in the middle, with Marilyn Margolis, MN, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer (left), Heather Redrick, nursing director of the ICCU, and other members of the cardiovascular care team at EJCH.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 935,000 Americans suffer a heart attack. In response to this statistic, and coupled with the fact that heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women, on February 4, 2013, Emory Johns Creek Hospital opened an Intermediate Cardiac Care Unit known around the hospital as the ICCU.

The nine-bed unit is for patients who have recently suffered heart attacks or are recovering from