True North - Your Destination for Better Health

Hypertension Explained: Causes, Treatments & Breakthroughs | Dr. Bertolet & Dr. Boler | We're All Heart Podcast

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of We're All Heart, Dr. Barry Bertolet sits down with Dr. Baker Boler to unpack the silent threat of hypertension. From understanding what those blood pressure numbers really mean to exploring lifestyle changes, medications, and even groundbreaking procedures like renal denervation, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their heart health. Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing long-term hypertension, you'll walk away with actionable insights and hope for better outcomes.

Chapters

(00:00:03) - Heart Health: Hypertension
(00:00:48) - What is Hypertension?
(00:03:11) - Heart disease and hypertension in Mississippians
(00:07:41) - Heart disease and high blood pressure
(00:12:12) - High blood pressure, medicines
(00:13:24) - Heart Hypertension, Spironolactone and Other Ways
(00:19:43) - North Mississippi Health Services CEO and President, Tupelo Community Foundation

Heart Arrhythmias Explained: Dr. Jim Stone on AFib, Ablation & Smartwatch Detection | We're All Heart Ep. 7

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In Episode 7 of We're All Heart, host Dr. Barry Bertolet sits down with cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Jim Stone to demystify arrhythmias—from the everyday nuisance to life-threatening emergencies.

Learn how smartwatches are revolutionizing early detection
Discover the difference between AFib and atrial flutter
️ Explore cutting-edge treatments like pulse field ablation (PFA)
⚡ Hear how electrophysiologists fix the “electrical wiring” of the heart
Find out how arrhythmia care is evolving in North Mississippi

Whether you're curious about your own heart rhythm or supporting a loved one, this episode offers expert insights and hope for healing.

Subscribe for more episodes featuring local experts in heart & vascular care.
Brought to you by North Mississippi Health Services in partnership with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
New episodes drop every other week.

#HeartHealth #AFib #Arrhythmia #Electrophysiology #CardiologyPodcast #NorthMississippi #TrueNorthCare #SmartwatchHealth #PFA #Ablation

Chapters

(00:00:05) - Heart health
(00:00:52) - Cardiac Electrophysiologist
(00:01:52) - Heart arrhythmia, what is it?
(00:05:36) - So if somebody has an arrhythmia, what are the
(00:07:45) - What is an AFIB Ablation? (Pulse Field Ab
(00:11:17) - Alternatives to AFIB medication in heart failure patients
(00:12:56) - Heart Flutter and AFIB: Are They the Same?
(00:17:57) - North Mississippi doctor's true north

We're All Heart: The Power of PCI with Dr. Michael Boler

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Join Dr. Barry Bertolet and Dr. Michael Boler in this compelling episode of We're All Heart as they dive deep into Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)—a minimally invasive procedure that saves lives by restoring blood flow to the heart. Learn how stents are deployed, the use of the Impella device for patients with heart failure, and how advanced cardiac care is transforming outcomes at North Mississippi Health Services. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode offers valuable insights into modern cardiology practices.

Topics Covered:

What is PCI and how it works
Radial artery access and recovery
Treating blocked bypass grafts
Stent technology and deployment
Managing complex cases with Impella
Outpatient vs. inpatient procedures
Availability of interventional cardiologists

Presented by North Mississippi Health Services in partnership with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi.

Chapters

(00:00:04) - All Heart
(00:00:38) - We're All Heart
(00:02:14) - What is Percutaneous Cardiac Intervention? (Cardiac Surgery
(00:05:00) - What a Stent is?
(00:12:08) - Heart Stents and Percutaneous Intervention
(00:15:32) - Heart disease: Branch Point Fixation
(00:18:21) - North Mississippi Interventional Cardiologist on Call 24/7
(00:19:57) - One of North Mississippi's Cardiology Doctors on We're ALL HE

A GREAT Strategy for Success: Leadership Roundtable

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:10:23 +0000

A message from NMHS CEO Shane Spees:

Reflecting on this past year, I am reminded of a recent interaction I had with a friend and member of our community. Her family member was receiving care at our facilities, and she recognized our team’s “exceptional innovation, dedication and compassion”. She detailed how our team’s care and support made a significant difference in her loved one’s recovery journey. She also lifted an idea about how we could even further enhance their experiences by making simple changes to our processes. The whole interaction was a powerful reminder of the impact we have on the lives of those we serve. It was also an affirmation of the mission I know we work toward every day – to continuously improve the health of the people of our region.

I’m excited we will continue to leverage A. G.R.E.A.T. Strategy to guide our efforts. Your feedback and leadership bring our strategy to life. Continuing our journey of improving communication flow and helping you better understand our strategy, I am pleased to introduce the final episode of our podcast series. This episode addresses the questions and feedback we received from you throughout the series. We have an opportunity to share more feedback coming up this week as our Employee Engagement Survey launches Sept. 11!

As you can see from the positive difference we’re making every day and our future plans to continue that work, your feedback shapes our shared success. Your commitment to our shared True North – our patients – drives us forward.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - A Great Strategy: The End of A Great Strategy
(00:01:02) - North Mississippi Medical Clinics System Board Meeting
(00:01:44) - Access and Growth
(00:06:26) - MSD Healthcare System's recruitment and retention of nursing staff
(00:11:51) - Marion County Hospital and access to care
(00:16:03) - Exploring the New Medical Office Building
(00:18:26) - Achieving Patient Experience
(00:20:50) - Epilepsy Care: The Through the Bridge Technology
(00:26:14) - NRC Home Health Group Conference
(00:28:47) - Home Health System's Connect to the Home Care Journey
(00:31:19) - Ways to Improve Communication Flow

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery: A Game Changer with Dr. David Talton

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this powerful episode of We're All Heart, host Dr. Barry Bertolet welcomes Dr. David Talton, cardiothoracic surgeon at North Mississippi Medical Center, to discuss the cutting-edge world of minimally invasive heart surgery. Learn how procedures like TAVR and MitraClip are helping patients avoid traditional open-heart surgery, recover faster and enjoy a better quality of life. Dr. Talton shares his journey, the evolution of cardiac care in Tupelo, and the importance of selecting the right procedure for each patient. With over 900 TAVRs and nearly 200 MitraClips performed, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of heart health.

Presented by North Mississippi Health Services in partnership with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi.

Chapters

(00:00:05) - All Heart
(00:00:39) - Heart Disease
(00:07:06) - What is a TAVR Valve Stent?
(00:11:52) - Do TAVRs work? (Open Aortic Valve Surgery
(00:15:26) - Mitral Valve Clip
(00:19:31) - Mitra Clips for Aortic Valve Disease
(00:21:40) - Heart Surgeon Dean Shaxel on Leaving Tupelo

A. G.R.E.A.T. Finish: Reflecting on Strategy, Innovation & What’s Next

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Our newest episode of A. G.R.E.A.T. Strategy Podcast Series has officially dropped!

This episode is particularly special to me because we look back on our past year and the entire podcast series. We started this podcast series to help our teammates better understand our strategy and to improve our communication flow. This episode wraps up the series by looking back on how we have driven and shared innovations in A. G.R.E.A.T. Strategy to improve patient care, access and operational efficiency.

Throughout the series, we heard from several leaders across our system about our team’s achievements.

Some highlights include:

Going live with Epic and optimizing the now one-year-old system
Adding NMHS-South Marion to our health care family
Launching a new consumer-focused website
Expanding and scaling our Virtual Nursing Program
And so much more . . .

In this episode, we reflect on several big milestones and lessons we've learned. Additionally, we talk about ongoing efforts to make our strategic goals clear to improve communication at all levels. It also sets the stage for more excellent work our teams are doing to continue aspiring to new heights!

Feedback from our teammates and community helped us shape this podcast series, and we're committed to keeping the improvements in communication and connection to strategy coming based on your insights. I am incredibly proud of your willingness to give us feedback and lead the way for change that positively impacts our shared True North – our patients.

Stay tuned for one final episode – a roundtable session with senior leaders where we answer questions you submitted throughout the podcast series!

Chapters

(00:00:12) - North Mississippi Health Services: The Strategy Podcast
(00:01:35) - Epic Project: The System's Transformation
(00:02:44) - What is EPIC and its impact on patient access?
(00:07:08) - How has EPIC Implementation helped our clinicians?
(00:10:56) - Virtual Nursing
(00:15:10) - North Mississippi Health Services Acquires Northwest Regional Health in Alabama
(00:16:59) - North Mississippi Health Services' New Website
(00:19:55) - Top 10 Things to Expect in the Next Year
(00:26:47) - Q & A with Leadership: Accountability

Pacemakers Explained: How They Work, Who Needs One & What’s New in 2025

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:23:00 +0000

Join Dr. Barry Bertolet and electrophysiologist Dr. Karthik Prasad from North Mississippi Medical Center as they break down everything you need to know about pacemakers in this episode of We’re All Heart. Learn how pacemakers treat slow heart rates, heart failure, and bundle branch block, and discover the latest innovations like leadless and conduction system pacing. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or curious viewer, this episode offers expert insights into symptoms, treatment options, and what to expect with a pacemaker in 2025.

Topics Covered:

What is a pacemaker?
Symptoms of slow heart rate
Conditions that may require a pacemaker
Traditional vs. leadless pacemakers
Pacemakers and heart failure
MRI safety, airport security, and lifestyle tips
The future of cardiac pacing

Presented by North Mississippi Health Services in partnership with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi.

Chapters

(00:00:04) - All Heart
(00:01:01) - Heart Cardiology Specialist Prashad Patel on Pacemaker
(00:02:44) - What is a Pacemaker?
(00:05:46) - Heart disease and pacemakers--
(00:13:05) - Leadless Pacemakers
(00:19:05) - Does a Pacemaker Treat AFIB?
(00:22:06) - How to Have an MRI on Your Pacemaker?
(00:27:16) - Is a pacemaker prolonging my mother's life?
(00:29:20) - True North: Cardiology Practice in Tupelo

Seeing the Heart in 3D: Transforming Cardiac Care

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:55:00 +0000

In this episode of We’re All Heart, Dr. Barry Bertolet sits down with Dr. Murray Estess, a non-invasive cardiologist and echocardiography expert at North Mississippi Health Services. Together, they explore the power of 3D echocardiography—how it works, what it reveals, and why it’s transforming patient care.

From diagnosing heart valve disease and congenital defects to planning surgeries and detecting rare tumors, Dr. Estess explains how this advanced imaging technology brings the heart into sharper focus—without a single incision. You’ll also hear about his journey from pharmacy to cardiology, what brought him back to Mississippi, and what “True North” means to him and the team.

Tune in to discover how a “deep bench” of specialists is making a difference in heart health across the region.

Chapters

(00:00:03) - All Heart
(00:00:55) - Dr. Murray Estes During an Echocardiogram
(00:05:18) - Heart Echocardiography in 3-D
(00:08:09) - Mitral valve surgery
(00:12:11) - Three-D Echo
(00:14:27) - True North

The Life-Saving Power of Vascular Care

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:55:00 +0000

In this episode of We’re All Heart, Dr. Barry Bertolet talks with vascular surgeon Dr. Joey Stinson about carotid artery disease and the life-saving procedures available in north Mississippi. From early detection with ultrasound to advanced treatments like TCAR, they explore how modern vascular care is transforming stroke prevention close to home.

Chapters

(00:00:01) - All Heart
(00:00:35) - We're All Heart with Dr. Joey Stinson
(00:02:18) - Carotid artery disease, causes, symptoms, treatment
(00:05:04) - How do people find out if they have a blockage in their
(00:05:48) - Stroke risk factors, chest and neck
(00:07:56) - Stroke of the neck, carotid endorect
(00:10:19) - Do TCAR Procedures Cause Stroke?
(00:13:52) - Dr. Richard Stinson during his retirement celebration

Taking Control of Your Heart Health with Dr. Barry Bertolet

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:30:00 +0000

In the premiere episode of We’re All Heart, interventional cardiologist Dr. Barry Bertolet introduces the podcast series and sets the tone for what’s to come. With over 27 years of experience serving the Tupelo community, Dr. Bertolet shares why heart health is such a critical topic in Mississippi—and why now is the time to talk about it.

This episode explores the “why” behind the series: to spotlight the groundbreaking procedures and innovations happening right here in North Mississippi. From advanced cardiac interventions to the compassionate care teams behind them, We’re All Heart is a celebration of the people and progress keeping our communities strong. Brought to you by North Mississippi Health Services in partnership with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi, this series puts heart health front and center—because life is about the moments that make your heart tick, and we’re here to help keep it ticking strong

Migraines with Dr. Waqas Gilani

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Now available for providers in Epic:

Migraine Documentation Templates

Initial Migraine appointment: MIGRAINEINITIALHPI

Follow Up Migraine appointment: MIGARINEFUHPI

Neurologist Dr. Waqas Gilani talks to us about migraines - how they are diagnosed, treated, and how to live with them. He shares his personal experience as a migraine sufferer and health care provider.

Information for Providers

Migraine Documentation Templates

Initial Migraine appointment: MIGRAINEINITIALHPI

Follow Up Migraine appointment: MIGARINEFUHPI

These templates have been developed for the following reasons:

Accurate Documentation: The template ensures systematic and precise recording of migraine characteristics, aiding in the identification of specific migraine types and triggers, which supports more effective diagnosis and management.
Streamlined Medication Options: The template includes a curated list of first-line medication options, guiding primary care doctors through appropriate treatments to try before considering a referral to a neurologist. This information is readily available to both inpatient and outpatient service lines, ensuring continuity of care across different settings.
Facilitates Prior Authorization: Comprehensive documentation within the template helps streamline the prior authorization process for insurance purposes, providing clear evidence of medical necessity and treatment attempts.

Catch heart trouble before it causes symptoms with Dr. Barry Bertolet

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Small Steps for Better Health, Dr. Barry Bertolet tells us some simple ways to improve our heart health, and shares more about a simple heart screening that can catch early signs of heart disease when it's easier to treat.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Virtual Nursing at NMHS

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Virtual nursing has been a vital tool in our efforts to redesign the way we provide care. So far, the benefits have included:

Improved patient safety
More time for nurses to spend with their patients
Better career longevity for tenured nurses
Shorter discharge time for patients

In this episode on our A. G.R.E.A.T. Redesign Strategy, Chief Nursing Officer Kristen Long and CEO Shane Spees discuss the impact virtual nursing has had on our patient care and where we are heading for the future.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Social Connection to Live a Longer, Happier Life

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Research has shown that the single most important predictor of happiness and a long life is having strong relationships. Health measures like heart rate and blood pressure can even improve with positive social interactions. If you’ve been following along with Small Steps for Better Health, you’ve already spent some time focusing on spending time with people who lift your spirits and making meaningful connections. Now, let’s focus on other ways we can strengthen our social connections for a happier and healthier life.

Just like our other Small Steps for Better Health, let’s break it down and make it simple and sustainable. In this episode therapist Clark Hunt gives us ways to get started.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Practice Mindfulness While Eating

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Mindful eating is the deliberate action of paying attention to your food without judgment.

This approach to eating is to focus on your sensual awareness and your food experience. This includes accepting your feelings, thoughts and your body’s sensations around meals and snacks, and acting calmly and thoughtfully without judgment of your relationship with food.

In this episode, registered dietitian Emily Littlejohn discusses how mindful eating can improve our health.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Improve Your Flexibility and Mobility with Physical Therapist Jill Bauer

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

When we think about why health is important, often what it really comes down to is being able to be active and do the things in life that we enjoy, especially as we age. Performing activities like gardening, carrying groceries into the house, playing catch with your children or grandchildren, getting up by ourselves if we fall down, and others, are key to enjoying our lives.

In this episode, physical therapist Jill Bauer talks about ways we can improve our mobility for a longer and healthier life.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Creating a Pipeline of New Physicians to Address the Shortage - A. G.R.E.A.T. Redesign

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

North Mississippi Health Services recently graduated our first class of internal medicine residents. This program was created to help us grow our own talent to continue serving our patients in the future.

Our internal medicine residency program addresses many components of our A. G.R.E.A.T. Redesign strategy, including:

Access to care
Growth needs
Alternative revenue source
Evolving how the work gets done (growing our own talent)

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Reducing Harmful Substances with Dr. Drew Blackstock

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

It is well known that drinking too much alcohol, tobacco use and non-prescription medications increases the risk of many chronic diseases.

Avoiding risky substances is important for long-term health. Setting goals for quitting or reducing substances like tobacco and alcohol is a great way to make positive changes to your lifestyle.

In this episode, addiction medicine physician Dr. Drew Blackstock shares more about how to reduce harmful substances and how to know when you or a loved one needs professional help.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Making Work Easier, Better & More Joyful at NMHS

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of our A GREAT Redesign, Angie Everett, Vice President of Post-Acute & Rehabilitation Services, talks with CEO Shane Spees about how our employees contribute to the work of redesigning health care. She gives front-lines examples and explains our "SASSS" framework - Simplify, Automate, Scale, Support & Sustain.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Avoid Screentime Before Bed - Sleep Better

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Healthy sleep is just as important to health and healing as physical, mental and emotional health. It is also the foundation for other lifestyle changes. Being tired or sleepy makes it very difficult to eat well and exercise. According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, sleep delays or interruptions can cause sluggishness, low attention span, decreased sociability, depressed mood, decreased deep sleep, decreased caloric burn during the day, increased hunger, decreased performance and much more. It’s easy to see why healthy sleep is important!

In this week's episode, pulmonologist Dr. Will Edmonson talks about how screentime before bed can affect our sleep and what to do about it.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Healthy Eating on a Budget

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Small Steps for Better Health, registered dietitian Emily Littlejohn shares more about ways to eat healthy foods but not break the bank.

Healthy eating is within reach, even on a tight budget.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Increase Your Daily Activity - Small Steps for Better Health Episode 10

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:58:00 +0000

If you’ve been following along with Small Steps for Better Health, you’ve already started building in a little more activity to your day, which is improving your health and fitness!

Let’s take the next step by continuing to work our way up to recommended levels.

Whatever amount of exercise you are doing now, slowly start adding a few minutes on here and there until you reach the following guidelines:

At least 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity

At least 75-150 minutes of high intensity activity

PLUS

Two or more days weekly of strength or resistance training

Examples of moderate activity:

Brisk walking
Heavy cleaning (washing windows, vacuuming, mopping)
Mowing lawn (power mower)
Light bicycling
Recreational pickleball or badminton
Tennis doubles

Examples of high-intensity activity:

Hiking
Jogging
Shoveling
Bicycling
Basketball, soccer or volleyball games
Tennis singles

Examples of strength or resistance activity:

Weightlifting
Pushing a stroller or wheelchair
Kettlebells
Body weight exercises like lunges, pushups, squats and sit-ups

This week, start working toward these recommendations. First, take stock of your current activity levels and then set a specific goal. For example, if you’re currently walking three times a week for 15 minutes, maybe aim to add five minutes to those walks. You could also choose to add in one higher-intensity or resistance activity.

Remember, consistency is key, so the most important thing is just to keep showing up and trying.

All NMMC Wellness Centers offer group exercise classes and personal training to help you if you need the extra accountability.

Every two weeks we will introduce another Small Step for Better Health. Follow us on social media for more tips, and sign up for our email newsletter, True North.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Are you Up to Date on your Cancer Screenings? Small Steps for Better Health with Dr. Bonnie Basler

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:57:00 +0000

Cancer screenings are tests that check for signs of cancer before you have symptoms. Thinking about cancer isn’t fun, and if you don’t have any symptoms, it can be easy to put off scheduling these screenings. But studies show that some screening tests can help find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and even cure.

Cancer screening guidelines vary based on the type of cancer and your personal risk factors. If you are older than 20, you should ask your primary care provider if you should have any screenings. Most people don’t need screening tests until they are over 40, but there are exceptions depending on family history of cancer or if you’ve been diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition.

In this week's episode, Dr. Bonnie Basler shares more about cancer screening and making the most of what is available to you, based on your personal and family history.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Create a Relaxing Nighttime Routine - Small Steps for Better Health Episode 8

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:59:00 +0000

Sleep is important to help our bodies rest. High-quality sleep improves mental function, physical health and emotional well-being. It also helps our heart, our metabolism, our hormone balance and our immune system.

As important as sleep is, it isn’t always easy to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

This week, work on creating a relaxing nighttime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to rest and helps you wind down.

In this week's episode of Small Steps for Better Health, Dr. Lakeisha Chism talks about simple ways to help your body wind down and get a good night's sleep.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Fill Half of Your Plate with Plants - Small Steps for Better Health with Dr. Richmond McCarty

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Changing your eating habits is one of the best things you can do for your health, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or boring.

If you’ve been following along with Small Steps for Better Health, you’re cooking more meals at home, which is already improving your health and nutrition!

Let’s take the next step by focusing more on what we are putting on our plates. We still aren’t worried about removing anything from our diets yet, because often we find that as we begin to fill up on nutrient-dense, fiber-filled foods, we naturally eat less of the foods that aren’t as good for us.

This week, try splitting your plate in half and filling at least half your plate with “plant-based” foods.

In this week's episode of Small Steps for Better Health, family medicine physician Dr. Richmond McCarty gives us tons of tips for how to make eating a more plant-based diet sustainable and delicious.

Evolving How the Work Gets Done - Episode 6 of our A. G.R.E.A.T. Redesign Series

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:55:00 +0000

Working in health care is a rewarding job but can be physically and emotionally taxing. Yet so many of our teammates remain committed to what they do because of their strong connection to our purpose. Over the years there has been a labor shortage in health care, including many clinical roles, nursing and support services. That shortage was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat this, NMHS has redesigned our recruitment process and worked to build a pipeline of future workers across our organization.

North Mississippi Health Services has been evolving our workforce through innovation and a teammate-centered view. At its core, this evolution is about engaging our teammates, supporting their wellbeing and putting them in a position to provide the best patient care.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Small Steps for Better Health - #6

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Regular activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and everyone can experience the benefits.

However, many of us do not prioritize physical activity because we think we don’t have time or we don’t know where to start. If you’ve been following along with Small Steps for Better Health, you’ve already been working on adding in a little more activity into your daily routine. If you haven’t, that’s OK, you can start now!

You will be surprised at how simple it can be to add the right amount of physical activity for you, and it doesn’t have to be a fancy or expensive program if you don’t want it to be.

If you’re newer to exercise, starting with a 5-10 minute walk every day is a great place to start. After you’ve accomplished that almost daily for a couple of weeks, you can slowly start to work your way up.

In this episode, exercise specialist Regina Beyer gives us simple ways to work movement into our day and find an activity we enjoy.

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on these podcasts, or if there are any topics you would like for us to cover in the future, please visit this link to share your input.

Changing How We are Reimbursed - Part 2

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode on our A. G.R.E.A.T. Redesign, CEO Shane Spees and CFO Sharon Nobles go over:

The difference in a nonprofit vs. a not-for-profit - and why the distinction matters.
How we are working with insurance companies to change our payment models to be more patient-centered.
How these changes affect our staff and our patients.

We want to hear from you! Send us your feedback on our podcast or any questions you'd like us to answer here: Podcast Survey | North Mississippi Health Services (nmhs.net).

Small Steps for Better Health Episode 5 - Schedule Your Yearly Checkup

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Seeing your primary care provider every year, even if you are feeling well, is important to keep you healthy.

Most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover annual wellness visits at no cost to you.

Checking in annually with a primary care provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) can help you build a strong patient-provider relationship, which can have a profound impact on your health. A primary care provider serves as your health care compass, guiding you through medical decisions and tailoring a personalized plan for your health.

In this episode of Small Steps for Better Health, Dr. Lakeisha Chism, family medicine physician at Verona Medical Clinic, shares more about the importance of yearly checkups.

Small Steps for Better Health Episode 4 - Spend Time with Someone who Lifts Your Spirits

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:57:00 +0000

When life gets busy, we may neglect our friendships and relationships. But research has shown that the single most important predictor of happiness and a long life is having strong relationships. Health measures like heart rate and blood pressure can even improve with positive social interactions.

Building a strong network of friends and supporters takes time and dedication, but it is achievable. Just like our other Small Steps for Better Health, let’s break it down and make it simple and sustainable. In this episode, licensed counselor Clark Hunt gives us several options that we can choose from to improve our social connections. Pick one and act today.

Changing How We are Reimbursed

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 20 May 2024 05:16:00 +0000

Reimbursement in health care is a complicated subject, but it’s important to understand how reimbursement impacts North Mississippi Health Services and why we needed to make a change.

In this episode about our health care redesign, VP of Payor Strategy and Partnerships Wally Davis sits down with CEO Shane Spees to talk about our shift from "fee for service" to "value-based" care, and why that matters for our patients.

Small Steps for Better Health Step 3 - Cook one more meal at home

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 13 May 2024 05:51:00 +0000

Eating at home is one of the easiest ways to improve your nutrition.

What you eat plays a key role in your health and quality of life. However, making major changes to your diet all at once is not sustainable. Starting with small changes is less overwhelming and can make a huge difference in your future. Reaching smaller goals more consistently will help you believe in yourself and build momentum.

In this episode, registered dietitian Emily Littlejohn helps us make cooking at home realistic and simple.

Small Steps for Better Health - Episode 2

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Exercise has a positive effect on most areas of our life, including our physical health and mental health.

Knowing where to start can be overwhelming. There is an endless amount of information on the internet about what type of exercise is best, how often you should exercise, the right ways to exercise and so much more. However, none of that really matters if it overwhelms you to the point of giving up and going back to the couch!

Instead of trying to find the perfect workout plan, let’s start this week by building a little more activity into our daily lives.

Join Emily Bell, Exercise Physiologist, to learn some easy and attainable ways to add more movement to your day.

Physician Alignment & Continuum of Care

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Shane Spees, CEO & Dr. Barry Bertolet, M.D. have a conversation about physician alignment in a healthcare system and the positive impacts it has on patient care.

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

Small Steps for Better Health - Know Your Numbers

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:40:00 +0000

Creating a healthy lifestyle can seem overwhelming. Influencers and wellness experts would have us believe that it takes hours in the gym and a very complicated diet plan to improve our health. But that’s just not true!

In today's episode, we introduce Small Steps for Better Health, which is an expert-backed plan to make healthy choices easy and sustainable.

Dr. Lakeisha Chism at Verona Medical Clinic tells us all about how to build on healthy habits over time.

We want to hear from you! Send us your feedback at (Podcast Feedback)

Something EPIC! Special Episode

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:55:25 +0000

For those who might not be familiar with Epic, simply put. . . it’s the grand supreme of all electronic medical record systems! Epic brings state-of-the-art technology and patient care together to create a holistic, integrated experience for both our teammates and our patients. As of a couple days ago, Epic has officiallly launched throughout North Mississippi Health Services.

In this special episode of Behind the Blue Sign, our Chief Information Officer Dr. Chris Davis and our CEO Shane Spees talk through the Epic launch and what it means for our teammates and patients.

We want to hear from you! Send us your feedback here!

All Great Health Outcomes Start with Great Access

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:53:00 +0000

Shane Spees, NMHS CEO, sits down with Marketing Specialist Morgan Roe to talk about what NMHS is doing to make accessing health care easier and more convenient for our patients.

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

Anti-H... Virus. Anti-Virus

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 21:00:00 +0000

At NMHS in addition to your personal health, we also care about your digital health! Lindsey Robbins, Cyber Security Analyst, and Chase Tubbs, Media Specialist, are back to talk about using an antivirus for your digital devices. To use, or not to use one? That is the question. We hope this discussion helps you make a more informed decision on how best to keep yourself safe online. Thanks for listening, and if you like this talk, click here to see more resources we offer on keeping your digital health up to speed.

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

Future of Health Care at NMHS

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Shane Spees, CEO, and David Wilson, COO, talk about the current state of healthcare and what it means for our organization and our patients.

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

Goal setting in the new year!

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:30:00 +0000

Heather Thorn, personal trainer, joins Genie Bruce in talking over how to set and stick to any goals you've made for yourself this year! If your goals are for health/fitness, click here to check out one of our NMMC wellness centers.

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

Cyber Tips For Work

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:24:00 +0000

Lindsey Robbbins, SOC analyst, & Chase Tubbs, Media Specialist, explore tips to help make all employees more cybersecuirty aware for thier organzations! It's not just about your IT dept, YOU make a difference every day!

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

Virtual Care pt. 2

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Welcome back! Dr. Alfredo Morales & Lindsey Robbins discuss virtual care and what it means in today's healthcare overall. It's crazy to hear how a worldwide pandemic changed patient care for us and other organization! Take a listen to part 2. Enjoy!

Check out more about our Virtual Care here!

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

Virtual Care pt. 1

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:45:00 +0000

Dr. Alfredo Morales & Lindsey Robbins discuss virtual care and what it means in today's healthcare overall. It's crazy to hear how a worldwide pandemic changed patient care for us and other organization! Take a listen to part 1, and we will have the follow up next week. Enjoy!

Check out more about our Virtual Care here!

If you'd like to leave us comments on the podcast in general, let us know here!

AI: Good vs Bad pt. 2

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Lindsey Robbins, NMHS SOC analyst, & Chase Tubbs, media specialist, talk over some of the advantages of AI and how it relates to our lives.

AI: Good vs Bad pt. 1

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Lindsey Robbins, NMHS SOC analyst, & Chase Tubbs, media specialist, talk over some of the concerns with AI and how it relates to our lives.

A Brief History of AI

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Cybersecurity expert, Lindsey Robbins, & our helpdesk manager, Nicholas Lewis, discuss a brief history of artificial intelligence. They also explore some concepts surrounding what AI can do, a couple of tips on how to spot it, and what the future of it could be.

Personal Tips To Stay Safe Online

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:47:00 +0000

Phil Alexander, CISO, gives brief personal tips for protecting yourself online that you can start using today!

Resources: Stay Safe Onlne & NMHS Tips to stay safe online

Phishing - Revisited

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Our CISO, Phil Alexander, talks about what to be aware of online when it comes to phishing emails! How do you spot a phishing email? How to avoid falling for the scams that come after you click a malicious link? Let's get you better equipped to protect yourself at work and at home!

Click here to visit our cybersecurity page for more tips on keeping yourself safe online!

Summer Foods with Emily Littlejohn

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:25:00 +0000

Emily Littlejohn, our resident Nutritionist, gives some tips on storing vegetables longer, how to make a great summer salad, and blend up a smoothie to keep you refreshed with something healthy!

See video instructions here!

Summer Salad

Summer Smoothie

Call 1-800-The-Desk to set up an appointment for nutrition counseling!

Heart Month

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Lisa Foley, DNP & Dorothy Wilson, DNP, FNP-C discuss Women & Heart Disease as well as heart defibrillation for this year's February Heart Month campaign. They explore a few heart related issues as well as warning signs and testing to determine any future problems. Enjoy!

Diabetes with Tandalaya Traylor, NP

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:06:00 +0000

Tandalaya Traylor, NP discusses the do's and don'ts of managing diabetes.

Click Here to find out more about our diabetes treatment options!

Nutrition: The Mind Diet

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Nutritionist Emily Littlejohn talks about how to be "mind"ful when you're deciding your diet! Eating healthy to boost brain power is always a plus in our book!

To find out more please visit North Mississippi Health Services

Diet for Immunity Boost

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Nutritionist Emily Littlejohn discusses the power your diet can have on your immune system. She goes over the do's and don't on how to eat an immune-boosting diet.

Visit us at North Mississippi Health Services to see more!

Population Health

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:24:00 +0000

Tina Gray dives into what NMHS' Population Health Department does every day and how they interact with our surrounding communities.

Visit North Mississippi Health Services today!

Exercise 101 - Get Moving

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:36:00 +0000

Tyson Taylor from NMMC - Tupelo Wellness Center joins us today to go over some exercise basics & some advice on how to start being a healthier you!

Securely Connected: Securing Mobile Devices

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 20:00:00 +0000

Our CISO, Phil Alexander, goes through multiple avenues of securing your devices in today's world. You can't keep those devices too safe, and we don't want you to fall prey to online bad guys! Check it out today!

Securely Connected: Keep Kids Safe Online

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:20:00 +0000

Today's episode talks about how to keep your young ones safe in the virtual world. NMHS' CISO goes over methods of keeping your kids, students, god children, ect safe online. Teaching them how to be secure early in life will help them as our online world grows!

Hospital On The Hill

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:39:00 +0000

Gerald Wages gives us the history for the start of our system, North Mississippi Health Services. He begins with the incorporation of Tupelo, and works his way towards today! Recorded as a live presentation, and converted to audio format for this podcast. We hope you enjoy!

Securely Connected: Why Russia wants to hack NMHS and YOU!

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 20:45:00 +0000

CISO Phil Alexander and cyber risk analyst, Dianna Duffy, talk through a little bit of our current predicament with the Russia, Putin, and how it all relates back to you. They talk a little history of the USSR, how to protect yourself against a possible national cyber attack, as well as why we would be looked at as targets. Let's get #SecurelyConnected!

Securely Connected: Personal Finance Protection Online

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:22:00 +0000

NMHS Cybersecurity team Ann Murphy, Russell Johnson, and Phil Alexander go over protecting your personal financial information online. "Identity Theft is not a joke, Jim!" - Dwight Schrute.

Securely Connected: Protecting Your Tax Information Online

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 21:21:00 +0000

Our own CISO, Phil Alexander goes over how to spot tax information scams as well as how to avoid having your information stolen while doing your taxes online.

Securely Connected: Real vs Fake News

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 21:16:00 +0000

North Mississippi Health Services' CISO, Phil Alexander, discusses how to identify legitiment news sources from fake sources, "click bait", and all the other downfalls of trying to sort through information online. Let's get Securely Connected!

Securely Connected: Phishing

North Mississippi Health Services Marketing — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 21:15:00 +0000

WELCOME TO EPISODE 1 OF OUR PODCAST!!! Today's episode comes from our CISO, Phil Alexander & Cyber Risk Analyst, Dianna Duffy, with some advice on how to protect yourself, and your family/friends online by not falling prey to this extremely common online scam. Let's go behind the blue sign!