News & Events

Why Seniors Should Lift Weights

If it makes you chuckle thinking of your grandmother “pumping iron,” hold that laugh. Lifting weights can be beneficial to anyone over the age of 65. There are benefits for both the body and the mind. Keep reading and no matter your age, you might become an advocate for why seniors should lift weights.

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Why Getting A Flu Shot This Year Is So Important

In the year of COVID getting a flu shot is especially important. Millions of Americans suffer with flu symptoms every year, and thousands have died each year from the flu. Yes, that’s right, thousands. Only half the population normally gets a flu shot, but there are serious reasons why getting a flu shot this year is so important.

Category: COVID, Family Health
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The Connection Between Sleep Deprivation And Heart Disease

W.C. Fields once said, “The best cure for insomnia is getting a lot of sleep.” As humans, we spend one third of our lives sleeping, and a really good night’s sleep can have a positive impact on our entire day. What if the opposite is true? Can inadequate sleep cause negative effects especially on our heart? Let’s investigate the connection between sleep deprivation and heart disease.

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Hyperthyroidism And Its Common Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland, and its common symptoms can appear like several other conditions, so it’s easily overlooked or sometimes misdiagnosed. Keep reading so you can recognize hyperthyroidism and seek treatment.

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Choking Hazards In Infants And Toddlers

Choking is the leading cause of injuries among young children and infants.  One child in the US dies from choking every five days, and 75% of deaths occur in children under three. Let’s look at common choking hazards in infants and toddlers and what parents can do to prevent it from happening.

Category: Family Health
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The Top 10 Reasons To Quit Smoking Right Now

Those who are non-smokers can recognize a smoker almost immediately. The smell of tobacco, the persistent cough, plus a certain lack of patience which shows up the minute they finish one cigarette. These are all “tells.” If this is you, friends and relatives have probably coaxed you to stop.  It’s not to shame or embarrass you, but just to provide the facts like the top 10 reasons to quit smoking right now. It’s not too late, and could save your life.

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Just A Cold, Seasonal Allergies, Or COVID-19?

During this time of year it can be difficult to distinguish between having just a cold or seasonal allergies. With the fears of COVID-19, this dilemma becomes even more important, and can be quite frightening with the wrong information. Let’s unpack the symptoms of just a cold, seasonal allergies or COVID-19, and when to be concerned.

Category: Health
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Tips For Dealing With Social Distancing

Social distancing may be the term we have become familiar with, but to many it has come to mean isolation and loneliness.  Loneliness can breed fear, anxiety, and sadness. We hope the need for social distancing will end soon, but while we are living through it, many need some tips for dealing with social distancing.

Category: Health, News
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WMC Restricts Visitor Access

Patient Restrictions

With an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19, WMC is temporarily restricting visitors and vendors entering our facilities. We stress, there have been no cases of confirmed coronavirus in West Virginia, but based on CDC recommendations, our current restrictions include the following:

INPATIENT PATIENT VISITORS (Floors 4, 5, 7 and 8)

Patients will be limited to one visitor at a time with the exception of Obstetrics which will allow for 2 visitors at a time during normal visiting hours (10 am-8pm).

SKILLED CARE VISITORS (Floors 6)

Due to the potential impact to elderly patients, skilled care visitors will be prohibited in most cases unless medically necessary as directed by the physician or nursing staff.

VENDORS/SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Vendors and sales representatives are not permitted to visit hospital departments except for delivery of supplies for required immediate patient care.
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WMC Issues Patient Guidance For Coronavirus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelli McCoy Contact
March 11, 2020

 

WMC ISSUES PATIENT GUIDANCE FOR CORONAVIRUS 

(Weirton, WV) – Officials from Weirton Medical Center (WMC) released guidance for local patients regarding the coronavirus.  

“WMC has not had any confirmed cases of coronavirus and as of Wednesday March 11, there were no confirmed cases in West Virginia,” stated Kelli McCoy, WMC Director of Communications.  

“Our physicians are obviously getting a lot of calls from concerned patients but unless you are experiencing a fever or respiratory issues and have traveled internationally or been in direct contact with an identified coronavirus patient, you are not considered to be a suspected COVID-19 patient.”

“For patients who do meet the criteria of fever and/or respiratory problems and international travel, you can call your physician office for direction.  The physician office will schedule you for a time to come in for evaluation when you are not in direct contact with other patients.”

McCoy added, “Given the limitations on test availability, physician offices and WMC cannot randomly test patients for coronavirus unless the meet the criteria listed above.  In reality, there have been very few patients who actually meet the criteria of symptoms and international travel in our area.”

“Medically stable patients who are not showing active signs of illness should not come to any emergency room just to request coronavirus testing.  We are still in an active flu season and there is a risk for all hospitals that patients who are not actively ill could overwhelm emergency room resources and delay care for patients who are truly emergent, such as cardiac arrests or stroke patients.”

McCoy ended, “Talk to your doctor’s office and in most cases, you will be advised to stay home, rest and drink fluids unless your condition changes.” 

Category: News
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