October 23, 2020
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood – but only about 10 percent of those who are eligible to give actually make a blood donation each year. Donated blood is a necessary part of helping patients cope with a wide variety of conditions, including burns, trauma, heart surgery, cancer, organ transplants and more. A one-time blood donation can save the lives of up to three people.
October 12, 2020
Our daily schedules can be tough to juggle. Especially when there is that “one more thing” to try and fit in. Especially now, when we have a new set of COVID-19-related challenges to navigate, like video work calls, shifting school schedules and more. But if you’re a woman age 40 or older, there’s one extra thing you should make time for – an annual mammogram. It’s one hour, once a year, that could save your life.
September 11, 2020
It is hard to believe that in the coming weeks, the temperature will begin its downward trend, and the fall season will already be upon us. This also means that flu season is just around the corner – a period which usually peaks between December and February but can last as late as May. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and can even lead to death in certain situations. Anyone can come down with the flu, but individuals with a greater risk of developing flu-related complications include children younger than five years old, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and those with certain medical conditions like asthma, heart disease and blood disorders.
September 9, 2020
Since the onset of COVID-19, many of us have probably focused more intently on our health than ever before – paying close attention to how we are feeling, staying alert to any signs that we might not be well and doing what we can to stay healthy. While a pandemic is certainly a bad thing, being more in tune with and focused on our health is definitely a good thing.
August 24, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center has received Chest Pain Center reaccreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Accreditation Services. Hospitals that have received ACC accreditation have achieved a higher level of expertise in dealing with patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack. They emphasize the importance of standardized diagnostic and treatment programs that provide more efficient and effective evaluation as well as more appropriate and rapid treatment of patients with chest pain and other heart attack symptoms. They also serve as a point of entry into the healthcare system to evaluate and treat other medical problems, and they help to promote a healthier lifestyle in an attempt to reduce the risk factors for heart attack. Starr Regional first achieved designation as a Chest Pain Center in 2014 and must complete the reaccreditation process every three years.
August 24, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center recently announced that Pat Rogers has been recognized as the hospital’s 2020 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.
August 21, 2020
Slack returns home to expand surgical podiatry services available in McMinn County Starr Regional Medical Center today announced that Derek Slack, DPM, has joined its staff and will be offering surgical podiatry services, with focus on reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, to patients in Athens and the surrounding communities. Dr. Slack, an Athens native, will see patients at Starr Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
August 14, 2020
Today Starr Regional Medical Center - Etowah announces its 55th anniversary of providing high quality, compassionate care, close to home for the residents of Etowah and its surrounding communities.
July 28, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center is committed to providing a clean and safe care environment, and we are taking all precautionary measures to safeguard our staff, providers and those we serve against the spread of illness. Our hospital is clean and safe – just like it always has been!
July 17, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center is urging community members to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in public areas where social distancing is not easily achieved in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as being an effective way to prevent the spread of the illness. The hospital has already instituted a universal masking protocol within its facilities and requires anyone entering to wear a face mask at all times.
July 2, 2020
With summer officially here, chances are you’re hoping to take advantage of the season’s many opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. And while it’s important to remember that COVID-19 is still here and we should be doing everything we can to stop the spread of this virus, taking a break to get outside, soak up some vitamin D and enjoy a little fun in the sun can do a world of good for your physical and mental health.
July 2, 2020
In recent weeks, I have been reflecting on the unprecedented challenges that our community and our team at Starr Regional Medical Center have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, I’ve been intentionally looking for every possible silver lining in a time when we all need some positive news.
June 22, 2020
Like many aspects of daily life, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we think about and access healthcare these days. For families, that includes pediatric care for children. We asked Kim Breeden, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician with Starr Regional Medical Center, to talk about the importance of continuing to seek proper care for your child and answer some frequently asked questions regarding children’s health during this time.
June 9, 2020
When it comes to our protection during the current COVID-19 pandemic, we can preserve our physical health via: – Adhering to CDC guidelines – Practicing social distancing – Hand washing – Wearing masks in public spaces While these practices are vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities, there is another important facet of health that should not be ignored during this time – our mental health. It is imperative to be vigilant in assuring the physical health of ourselves and those around us, while also paying due diligence to the preservation of our mental health as well.
June 3, 2020
Pregnancy always comes with its share of anxiety and fear, but the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of concerns for expecting families. If you will be delivering a baby during the pandemic, you likely have many questions about how delivery in the hospital may be different right now and how you can keep yourself and your baby healthy.
May 28, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center announced today that it is transitioning from a zero-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions at its Athens facility as the hospital gradually resumes elective and non-urgent cases and services. The decision was made after careful review of state and federal guidance. The updated restrictions, which will now allow most inpatients to have one visitor or support person per day, have been implemented effective immediately.
May 27, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center recently announced that four outstanding nurses – Bailey Burns, Dana Davis, Regenea Gibson and Joshua Poole – have been recognized as DAISY Award recipients. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a recognition program honoring “the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day.” The announcement is shared in celebration of National Nurses Month this May.
May 18, 2020
Treating infectious diseases, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), is not new to hospitals, and the guidelines for protecting patients, staff and visitors are comprehensive and evidence-based. You hear often that COVID-19 patients are treated in isolation, and while specific elements of COVID-19 isolation may differ from other infectious diseases, the fundamental practices for isolation treatment do not. Isolation is meant to prevent spread of infectious diseases between patients and the staff members treating them, between patients and their visitors, and between patients and other patients, staff members and visitors throughout the hospital.
May 12, 2020
As healthcare providers, patient wellbeing is our chief concern every day of the year. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, part of how we kept our community safe was limiting elective and non-urgent procedures at Starr Regional Medical Center.
May 11, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center is proud to join the American Hospital Association and healthcare organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-15. Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need, and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and healthcare organizations make in the communities they serve.
May 11, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center announced today that it is taking the appropriate steps to safely resume some elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures that were previously rescheduled out of an abundance of caution amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The decision to reschedule procedures when clinically appropriate was made in accordance with federal and state guidance, and aimed to help preserve critical resources in the event of a surge of COVID-19 patients in the community.
May 7, 2020
Knowing where to go to get the care you need can be confusing – especially now. Efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in many new practices for hospitals, outpatient centers and medical offices. As we move forward, life – and healthcare – will look different, but Starr Regional Medical Center’s commitment to providing a broad range of healthcare services won’t change. As always, it is important to seek out the right level of care.
May 5, 2020
Starr Regional Medical Center is proud to join the American Nurses Association (ANA) in celebrating National Nurses Month this May, in an expanded recognition of the positive impact our nurses have on the health and well-being of our community. National Nurses Week – observed annually May 6-12 – honors the men and women around the country who have dedicated their lives to caring for those who are at their most vulnerable and in need. This year, as the invaluable contributions of nurses have gained increased awareness amid the fight against COVID-19, that celebration is being extended into a National Nurses Month.
May 4, 2020
When a heart attack strikes, every minute matters. In fact, the first few minutes are critical in determining the short-term and long-term outcome for the patient. While the world continues to focus on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is still the leading cause of death in the United States – and as such – it’s important to seek care in an emergency.
March 30, 2020
In response to questions about how members of the community can assist in the region’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response, Starr Regional Medical Center today announced that it is accepting donations of unused and handmade medical and protective supplies and equipment. This move is part of Starr Regional Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for increased needs of personal protective equipment (PPE), which healthcare providers across the nation are experiencing.
March 16, 2020
It probably feels as if coronavirus – or as it is officially known, COVID-19 – is all anyone is talking about these days. As COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like the seasonal flu continue to spread across the U.S., you also may feel a certain level of concern over how this disease could affect you or your loved ones, or if your local healthcare provider is prepared to respond to any local cases that may arise. That’s certainly understandable and natural. We want to provide you with essential information outlining what we are doing to stay prepared and offer you guidance on what you can do to help protect yourself, your family and our community.
February 29, 2020
Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation (SRHR) today announced that it has been awarded five stars in the Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System published on the Nursing Home Compare website by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Nursing homes with five stars are considered to have much above average quality. SRHR’s five-star rating places the facility in the top 17 percent of all nursing homes in the state with respect to health inspections, staffing and quality measures. Only 54 of the 316 nursing homes in Tennessee rated received five stars. SRHR is the only five-star rated facility within a 25-mile radius of its location
February 29, 2020
Thank you for joining us on this 29-day journey of heart health. We hope you’ve found it helpful and that you’ve learned something about your heart that you may not have known before.
February 28, 2020
How well do you take care of your teeth and gums? Some research has shown a link between poor oral health and poor heart health. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and increased heart disease risk and that poor oral health can increase the risk of bacterial infection in your bloodstream. One study published by the American Heart Association showed gum disease appearing to worsen blood pressure and interferes with hypertension medications.
February 27, 2020
You’ve got your father’s eyes, your grandmother’s laugh, but what about your uncle’s heart disease? While many inherited traits are good, others – like heart disease – aren’t. It’s important to know how your family’s history with heart disease can affect your own heart health.
February 26, 2020
You probably know that healthy eating and regular physical activity are critically important to maintaining good heart health. But there are a number of other things you can do to give your heart an extra boost that might surprise you.
February 25, 2020
When a heart attack strikes, minutes matter. Those first few minutes following a heart attack are critical in determining the short-term and long-term outcome for the patient. According to the National Institutes of Health, about half of those who die from heart attacks will die within an hour of their first symptom. Being able to quickly recognize what’s happening and act can help ensure that the victim gets proper medical treatment as soon as possible.
February 24, 2020
Things change as we get older. How you took care of yourself in your 20s might be very different from how you take care of yourself today. That said, it’s important to understand what you should keep in mind as you age. Check out these pointers on what to remember as each decade comes and goes, as well as some things to keep in mind at every age.
February 23, 2020
As a parent, there are a number of great reasons to get your kids to think of their health as a priority. And there are a number of great ways to help them do that, including regular physical activity.
February 22, 2020
How many of us want to beat a hasty path to the freezer for a few scoops of ice cream after dinner? While it’s nice to treat yourself from time to time, it’s important to keep the decadent desserts as a special treat, rather than an every-night occurrence.
February 21, 2020
Consistently getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the health of your mind and body. And it’s particularly important for your heart. Even though it keeps beating after you close your eyes, it benefits from the lowered blood pressure that happens when you drift off to dreamland. Check out these pointers to ward off tossing and turning and help ensure a deep and relaxing sleep that leaves you rejuvenated and ready to tackle your day.
February 20, 2020
Playing an active role in your preventive health is a key factor in preventing heart disease and managing your risk factors for heart problems. And one of the best preventive health measures is your annual check-up with your primary care provider. Even if you don’t have a heart condition, it’s essential to schedule and keep annual exams. Make the most of your time with your provider and ask them about taking these screening tests:
February 19, 2020
Your heart is one hard-working muscle – a fascinating, giant pump that’s working every second of every minute of every day. It’s working hard for you, so let these fun facts about your heart inspire you to work a little harder to keep it healthy.
February 18, 2020
Understanding the risk factors, signs and symptoms of heart disease can have a big impact on the likelihood of a positive outcome and a strong recovery when issues arise. Besides recognizing these in yourself, it’s also important to be able to recognize them in your loved ones and be able to comfortably discuss them. By detecting potential heart problems early, we’re more likely to be able to help keep them from progressing into serious conditions. But having the conversation can be challenging. Here are a few tips to consider, if someone close to you is at risk:
February 17, 2020
Many of us have made New Years resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier and exercise. When we don’t always follow through, it’s not because we don’t want to be healthier. More often, life just gets in the way.
February 16, 2020
After a long day, it’s easy to go home, put your feet up and grab the remote. This may help you unwind, but it won’t do your heart any favors. In fact, if you’re like most Americans, it’s enhancing an already sedentary lifestyle, which can increase your risk for several health problems, including heart disease.
February 15, 2020
You’re at work. It’s lunchtime. Your brown bag lunch is waiting for you in the office fridge. Maybe it’s two-day-old meatloaf. Maybe it’s a turkey sandwich. Either way, you’re not too thrilled about it. We’ve all been there. We’ve also been there when the co-workers stop by and invite you out to the new burger joint down the street. This sounds much better, but at what cost – to your wallet and your heart?
February 14, 2020
You wake up early, start making breakfast and lunches so you can get the kids fed, dressed and out the door in time for school. Follow that with eight or more hours at the office, sandwiched between traffic-laden commutes back and forth from the kids’ ball practice and dance lessons. Once you finally make it home, there’s still dinner to be made, dishes to be cleaned and baths to be taken. Whew.
February 13, 2020
An important step in taking charge of your health is speaking with your healthcare provider about medications you are taking, including its favorable results and any potential side effects.
February 10, 2020
When it comes to heart health, you might hear your provider talk about your “numbers” – specifics about your health that play an important role in your heart health and determining your risk for heart disease. We’ve already talked about blood pressure, cholesterol and waist size, but there are other numbers that play a part, too.
February 8, 2020
If you’re an egg lover, you may scoff at eating just the whites. Not so fast. If you’re open to a change, utilizing just the whites of the egg every now and then can benefit your heart, particularly if cholesterol is a concern. Egg whites are low in calories, high in protein and have no cholesterol. This egg white omelet is a great way to give them a try.
February 7, 2020
Manage blood pressure. Control cholesterol. Reduce blood sugar. Get active. Eat better. Lose weight. Stop smoking. There’s a reason the most talked about ways to improve your heart health also make up the American Heart Association’s (AHA) “Simple 7,” a list of seven lifestyle strategies that can help you lower your risk for heart disease: they work!
February 6, 2020
One step in taking an active role in your health to help ensure a healthy life is by knowing specific numbers that play an important role for your heart:
February 5, 2020
Eating smart for your heart starts at home. But how do you know what to stock up on to keep your meals heart-healthy? We’ve compiled a guide to help you plan your next grocery trip to stock up on nutritious foods that can help you and your family stay healthy – and satisfied at the dinner table.
February 4, 2020
As the number one killer of men and women in the U.S., you might think that gender doesn’t matter when it comes to heart disease. But it does. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 16 women age 20 and older have coronary heart disease, while only approximately half of women recognize that heart disease is women’s number one killer. Additionally, women can sometimes experience heart attack symptoms differently from men.
February 3, 2020
We’ve all seen when heart attacks happen in the movies. A character is walking along when, suddenly, they grab their chest – wincing with pain – and immediately tell someone, “Call 911! I’m having a heart attack!”
February 2, 2020
Did you know that exercising as little as 30 minutes each day can improve your heart health and quality of life? It can even be simple activities that are easier to incorporate into your schedule, like taking your dog for a jog, tossing a ball with your kids, dancing with friends or walking. According to the American Heart Association, walking is the simplest positive change you can make to improve your heart health. Here’s why:
February 1, 2020
This February marks not only American Heart Month, but another leap year. That means an extra day to enjoy quality time with family and friends. An extra day to chase after your 2020 goals. And an extra day to focus on your heart health. Because, while leap year adds an extra day to the calendar, staying focused on maintaining good heart health can help add years to your life. So, welcome to the 29 Days of Heart Health.
January 21, 2020
Happy New Year! Have you made any resolutions yet? As the calendar turns to a fresh page, many of us make a fresh resolve to eat better, do better and be better. But have you ever made a resolution to sleep better? It’s one you may want to consider.
January 6, 2020
Starr Regional is ringing in 2020 with the year’s first bundle of joy. Weighing 5 pounds and 4 ounces and measuring 19 inches, Mary Radner was born to Ashton and Erick, Thursday, January 2, at 5:08 p.m.
December 13, 2019
As 2019 draws to a close, it’s as important as ever to ensure that you’re keeping your health at the top of your priority list and finishing out the year strong. Preventive care is a key factor in maintaining your overall health – and often surprisingly friendly to your bank account.
November 27, 2019
Starr Regional Medical Center (SRMC) will host a community Christmas Tree Lighting event Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. The event will take place on the Athens campus, located at 1114 West Madison Avenue.
November 6, 2019
If you aren’t living with diabetes, there’s a good chance that at least one of the friends or loved ones who you’ll see this upcoming holiday season is affected by the disease. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million people in the U.S. – or one in 10 – have diabetes. And one in four of those are unaware that they have it. With November recognized as American Diabetes Month, it’s a great time to learn more about this condition and how you can help prevent and fight it.
November 4, 2019
November 1 marked the beginning of open enrollment for 2020 health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Since debuting in 2013, the Health Insurance Marketplace has provided access to low-cost healthcare coverage for millions who would otherwise be without health insurance or who are interested in taking advantage of more cost-effective alternatives to their current coverage.
June 27, 2019
In May, Starr Regional Medical Center celebrated the 20th anniversary of LifePoint Health, the health system of which it is a part, with a donation to the United Way of McMinn & Meigs Counties. This donation is part of a national anniversary celebration in which LifePoint has contributed $2,000 to causes in each of the 89 communities it serves nationwide.
June 24, 2019
For the second consecutive year, the Advanced Wound Center at Starr Regional has been recognized for excellence in wound treatment.
June 5, 2019
How to prevent heat-related illness this summer
April 8, 2019
April showers might bring May flowers, but many of us are well aware that they can also bring tree and grass pollen and other allergens that can cause us to wheeze, sneeze and sniffle our way through spring. At Starr Regional Medical Center, our mission is Making Communities Healthier®, and that includes helping you manage seasonal allergies.
April 1, 2019
Right now, 6.7 million Americans are living with a chronic wound, and more than two million of those are suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer. April is Foot Health Awareness Month and is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of foot health.
March 4, 2019
Why they’re important, why it might be time to get one and why they’re easier than you might think
February 1, 2019
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, hearts seem to be everywhere you look this time of year. That’s why it is especially fitting that February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness of heart disease and how we can help prevent it. It’s also the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves to take good care of our hearts year-round.
January 7, 2019
Starr Regional Medical Center is ringing in 2019 with the year’s first bundle of joy.
November 13, 2018
Diabetes is one of the biggest health issues facing Americans today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. That’s one in 10 Americans. And one in four of those who have it don’t know they have it. These are troubling statistics, particularly because diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
November 1, 2018
November 1 marked the beginning of open enrollment for 2019 health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Since debuting in 2013, the Health Insurance Marketplace has provided access to low-cost healthcare coverage for millions who would otherwise be without health insurance or who are interested in taking advantage of more cost-effective alternatives to their current coverage.
July 23, 2018
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has recently released updated guidelines that lower the recommended age for colon cancer screening. According to the new ACS recommendations, those at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45 instead of 50. The new guidelines were put in place following a major data review that showed a rising rate of colon cancer in adults younger than 50.
June 20, 2018
Two new faces will be on the sidelines at athletic events in the county this school year, ready to administer treatment to any McMinn County and McMinn Central high school athletes who are unfortunate enough to sustain injury.
May 25, 2018
More active than her peers, 90 year-old Alma "Faye" Sitzler is making a difference by volunteering weekly.
May 18, 2018
It's never too late to find love - Crystal and Ted White are living proof. The duo met at Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation Center in Etowah, where they are both residents, and after dating for a year, they decided to get married.
May 2, 2018
The Center has achieved patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days to heal, for a minimum of two consecutive years.
March 20, 2018
Starr Regional Medical Center was recognized by March of Dimes for significantly reducing the number of elective inductions and cesarean deliveries - performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy - to less than one percent.
January 10, 2018
Some people fix things with hammers and nails. Mitzi Newberry, RN, has a few different tools in her belt.
January 3, 2018
Starr Regional Medical Center has welcomed the first bundle of joy of 2018. Weighing 7 pounds and 5 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches, Enzo, was born to Stacey and Nicholas, on Monday, January 1st, at 12:21 p.m.
November 15, 2017
Few things are more fun than buying toys for the children we love during the holidays, and often, shopping for our little ones brings us as much joy as it does them. But before you plunge into toy-buying this holiday season, Starr Regional Medical Center urges you to keep safety top-of-mind and consider the following facts and shopping tips before you spend.
November 2, 2017
Starr Regional Medical Center's first DAISY was a late bloomer - but once she bloomed, she bloomed brightly. Melissa Benson, RN - the first recipient of Starr Regional's DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses - always knew she wanted to be a nurse.
June 19, 2017
The Advanced Wound Center and Hyperbarics at Starr Regional Medical Center has been recognized with a national award for clinical excellence.
May 30, 2017
Starr Regional Medical Center is blitzing the community to provide opportunities to learn Hands-Only CPR. You may wonder why this is such an important cause. Your Life is why! In just a few minutes, you can learn the two simple steps to Hands-Only CPR.
May 26, 2017
Brian Amburgey, Starr Regional's Imaging Supervisor and PACS Administrator, was recently awarded the prestigious Mercy Award. Established in 2002, the award is named for LifePoint's founding chairman and CEO, Scott Mercy, and is the highest honor an SRMC employee can receive.
May 20, 2017
Starr Regional Medical Center campuses in Athens and Etowah are seeking the community's help to recognize the work of outstanding local nurses through participation in the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses program.
February 27, 2017
5K Run / Walk event promises to help fight Colon Cancer with proceeds benefiting American Cancer Society
February 21, 2017
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the U.S.
January 4, 2017
Megan Vann and Ryan Thomason welcomed more than just another New Year on Sunday. The Decatur couple also introduced the world to their new son, Jayden Dale Bryant Thomason, the first child born at Starr Regional Medical Center in 2016.
January 6, 2016
Join Other Pathway Participants in Learning How to Make Healthy Changes in McMinn and Meigs Counties
July 8, 2015
December 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
