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Beat the Heat: Signs of Dehydration and When to Use Virtual Primary Care

July 9, 2025 3:07 pm

Macon, Ga., July 7, 2025 –  Avoid dehydration this summer and know when to seek care with these tips from an Atrium Health virtual primary care provider. As the temperature rises, so does the risk of dehydration. <a href="https://atriumhealth.org/provider-profile/lindsey-russell-1992349138">Lindsey Russell</a>, a family nurse practitioner with <a href="https://navicenthealth.org/telehealth">Atrium Health Primary Care Family Medicine Virtual</a>, shares tips on staying hydrated this summer, warning signs of dehydration and how virtual primary care can help you access the care you need from the comfort of your own home. “As summer ramps up, it’s important to be prepared so you can stay hydrated,” says Russell. “And it’s super important for our vulnerable populations, such as older adults, children and those with chronic medical conditions to stay hydrated.” Causes of dehydration Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. The most common causes of dehydration are: <ul> <li >Sweating a lot on a hot day or during intense exercise.</li> <li >Not drinking enough water.</li> <li >Taking a medication that causes frequent urination.</li> <li >Vomiting, fever or diarrhea.</li> </ul> How to prevent dehydration this summer “I’m a huge proponent of staying hydrated,” says Russell. “It’s good for your heart, kidneys, skin, brain and other organs.” She recommends: <ul> <li >Aim for about 100 fluid ounces of water per day but check with your healthcare provider if you have a chronic condition such as kidney disease or heart failure.</li> <li >Opt for sugar-free drinks, or flavor your water with cucumber, lemon or lime.</li> <li >Before exercising in the heat, drink 16-20 ounces of water. Then, sip 6-12 ounces every 10-15 minutes, and rehydrate with 16-24 ounces afterward.</li> <li >Use a sugar-free electrolyte drink if you're sweating heavily, vomiting or have diarrhea.</li> <li >Avoid alcohol and caffeine — they can increase your risk of dehydration.</li> <li >Eat hydrating foods like fruit, vegetables and soup.</li> </ul> Signs of dehydration and when to seek care Mild to moderate dehydration symptoms can include: <ul> <li >Dizziness</li> <li >Irritability</li> <li >Headaches</li> <li >Confusion</li> <li >Muscle cramps</li> <li >Dry mouth</li> <li >Fatigue</li> <li >Red skin</li> <li >High heart rate with low blood pressure</li> <li >Dry cough</li> <li >Swollen feet</li> <li >Low appetite</li> <li >Constipation</li> <li >Dark-colored urine (your urine should be pale yellow or clear)</li> </ul> Russell also suggests gently pinching the skin on the back of your hand to determine if you’re dehydrated. “If the skin falls back down quickly, that means you’re likely hydrated,” she says. “If it stays in place and takes a while to return to normal, that’s a clinical sign you’re dehydrated.” For infants and children, dehydration symptoms can include: <ul> <li >Crying without tears</li> <li >Less than six wet diapers per day (for babies)</li> <li >No urination or wet diabetes for eight hours (for toddlers)</li> <li >Fussiness</li> <li >Sunken eyes</li> <li >Rapid, deep breathing</li> <li >Sunken soft spot on your baby’s head</li> <li >Wrinkled, dry skin</li> </ul> You should call 911 if you or a loved one has signs of heatstroke or severe dehydration, including: <ul> <li >A fever of 103 degrees or more</li> <li >Seizures</li> <li >Rapid pulse</li> <li >Hot, dry, red skin</li> <li >Muscle twitching</li> <li >Hallucinations</li> <li >Slurred speech</li> <li >Altered mental state</li> <li >Fainting</li> <li >Lack of sweating</li> </ul> Severe dehydration can be dangerous and even deadly if left untreated. Dehydration is especially risky if you have diabetes, a mental health condition, obesity or heart disease. If you have mild to moderate symptoms and suspect dehydration, it can be helpful to contact a virtual primary care virtual provider who can meet with you through a video or phone call, review your symptoms and make recommendations for next steps. “It helps us catch these early warning signs of dehydration before things escalate and you have to go to the emergency department for IV fluids,” says Russell. “We have providers who are licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and several Midwestern states, so we can give timely advice or medication adjustments even while you’re traveling. We’re here and we’re ready to help.” Learn more about <a href="https://navicenthealth.org/telehealth">Atrium Health Primary Care Family Medicine Virtual</a>.   About Atrium Health Navicent The <a href="https://navicenthealth.org/about-us">Atrium Health Navicent</a> is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 130-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org. About Advocate Health  <a href="https://www.advocatehealth.org/">Advocate Health</a> is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.advocatehealth.com/__;!!Kv7QgGdTlhIaqSqT!NXXByyRZDNDuhFlSHRrOnlbILm_128Z5PYWZQXaCq8c0xtYBc_XDSoQMvQQTBa5qAdLwXw5zPWQ-XthfTqajDR3Wj3w18uHA$">Advocate Health Care</a> in Illinois; <a href="https://atriumhealth.org/">Atrium Health</a> in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.aurorahealthcare.org/__;!!Kv7QgGdTlhIaqSqT!NXXByyRZDNDuhFlSHRrOnlbILm_128Z5PYWZQXaCq8c0xtYBc_XDSoQMvQQTBa5qAdLwXw5zPWQ-XthfTqajDR3Wj6VOXPtK$">Aurora Health Care</a> in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with <a href="https://school.wakehealth.edu/">Wake Forest University School of Medicine</a> serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

Mike Colombo

706-728-2266

Michael.Colombo@AdvocateHealth.org

Summer is the Perfect Time to Get Serious About Men’s Health

July 9, 2025 3:00 pm

MACON, Ga., June 27, 2025 – Life can get busy and it’s easy to put off taking care of your health. Atrium Health Navicent doctors encourage men to use the lazy days of summer to double-check that they’re current on recommended health screenings and wellness visits, and to take steps to improve their health.   “Men often procrastinate when it comes to getting annual checkups or even seeing a doctor if they think they might have a health issue,” said <a href="https://navicent.orcarestra.com/directory/#/profile/9ced145a-7a21-479b-96de-71ad5cb8f608">Dr. Timothy Griffin</a> who sees patients at <a href="https://navicenthealth.org/service-center/primary-care-associates-bass-road">Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care Internal & Family Medicine North Macon.</a> “Seeing a health provider at least once a year helps us to keep a check on your health and diagnose conditions like heart disease or cancer earlier, when they’re easier to treat. Developing a trusted relationship with a primary care doctor can make a huge difference in your lifelong health.”   Common health issues for men Understanding the most prevalent health issues for men is the first step toward proactive and effective health management. <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Cardiovascular health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is essential for preventing heart disease.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Unfortunately, stigma often prevents men from seeking help for issues like depression and anxiety. It's vital to encourage open conversations and professional support. How you feel absolutely affects how you are.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Prostate and testicular health: Regular screenings for prostate and testicular cancer can save lives. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so make sure to schedule those check-ups. </li> </ul>   Tips for a healthier lifestyle <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Regular check-ups: Don't ignore symptoms or skip annual health check-ups. Regular visits to your health care provider can catch potential issues early.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Healthy eating: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly improve your health. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle strengthening activities. Staying active is crucial for overall health.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Mental well-being: Mental health practices like mindfulness, meditation and seeking professional help when needed can greatly improve your quality of life.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Sleep hygiene: Quality sleep is essential for overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine. Avoid screens before bedtime and create a restful environment.</li> </ul>   Upcoming health fairs Health fairs can be a quick, inexpensive and convenient way to get a screening.  Atrium Health Navicent Healthy Communities will be holding free health screening events in the coming months including:  <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday, July 19: 9 a.m. to noon, at South Bibb Recreation Center, 7035 Houston Road, Macon </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday, Sept. 13: 9 a.m. to noon, at Festival Park, 310 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Fort Valley</li> </ul> Screenings are offered at no charge. No appointment is necessary. Virtual care options Some men may also find <a href="https://navicenthealth.org/telehealth">virtual primary care</a> to be a more comfortable, flexible option to meet with a primary care provider. You can talk with a provider from your home, office or anywhere else. The service offers routine health visits, chronic disease management and more. Take charge of your health today. Schedule your check-ups, start a new fitness routine and make healthier food choices. If you don’t have a doctor, visit <a href="http://www.navicenthealth.org">www.NavicentHealth.org</a> and click “Find A Doctor” or visit <a href="https://navicenthealth.org/telehealth">https://navicenthealth.org/telehealth</a> for a virtual visit.    About Atrium Health Navicent  Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of <a href="https://www.advocatehealth.org/">Advocate Health</a>, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 130-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.navicenthealth.org">www.NavicentHealth.org</a>.   About Advocate Health <a href="https://www.advocatehealth.org/">Advocate Health</a> is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and <a href="http://atriumhealth.org/">Atrium Health</a>. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

Amy Leigh Womack

amy.mccord@advocatehealth.org

Heart Patient Urges Women to Pay Attention to Heart Health

July 9, 2025 2:59 pm

MACON, Ga., JULY 7, 2025 – What started out as a typical September morning for Kathy Avriett turned out to be life changing. She and her husband had just returned from working out at the gym. Before making brunch, Avriett trimmed a small tree in her backyard.  <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/CRSwfiRhmmk?si=feL-x3AR2Sn4wMZb" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio:560/315;"></iframe>   “My upper back was killing me before I finished the tree, but I was determined to complete my little task, and I assumed the pain was from holding my arms up,” Avriett said. “I couldn’t have been more wrong. I started to go inside and everything turned black.”  She said her husband found her on the patio, and helped her inside. She was sweating, experiencing some chest pressure and was short of breath. Avriett called her primary care physician’s office and was instructed to immediately go to the emergency room at Atrium Navicent Peach, near her home. Initial testing came back with normal results, and she was told to follow-up with a cardiologist. A heart catheterization revealed that she had two arteries that were 80% blocked.  <a href="https://navicent.orcarestra.com/directory/#/profile/724bbdc7-5bdb-4ac5-b0a5-58c1f972e993">Dr. Jim Foster</a>, an Atrium Health Navicent cardiothoracic surgeon, performed a coronary artery bypass graft at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center. Foster says heart attack symptoms can be very different for men and women, and different for each person.  “Some people have the classic presentation of having chest pain,” Foster said. “Some people have pain in the wrist or the jaw. In some cases, more commonly in women, there might not be any symptoms at all.”  Avriett said she was well cared for by the Atrium Health Navicent staff and was able to go home after several days. “I started walking in our neighborhood as much as possible and one of the neighbors remarked that I should be the ‘poster child for heart surgery,’” she said. Avriett also received treatment at Atrium Health Navicent Cardiac Rehabilitation where therapists helped her regain strength and stamina.  Looking back on her experience, Avriett said, “I don’t think I would be here without Atrium Health Navicent. “I had wonderful care. Everyone was kind, compassionate and caring. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

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Beat the Heat: Signs of Dehydration and When to Use Virtual Primary Care

Summer is the Perfect Time to Get Serious About Men’s Health

Heart Patient Urges Women to Pay Attention to Heart Health

Timothy Griffin, M.D.