We know that beautiful music or a great song can tug at the proverbial heart strings, but can music actually have a positive physiological affect on the heart and body? Research suggests that it can. Countless studies point to the numerous effects music may have on mental health, stress levels, anxiety, pain – and even […]
One of nature’s heartiest veggies is the humble sweet potato, and fortunately for us, it’s one of North Carolina’s signature crops. In fact, NC is the top sweet potato producer in the country and has been since 1971 — thanks to our hot, moist climate and rich, fertile soil. If you’re seeking a dish that […]
Back to work from Thanksgiving break and eager to get her students focused and on track before winter break — Tanya Blue was in her second-grade classroom at a private school in Knightdale administering a spelling test. Then, the unexpected happened. “It was December 1, 2023. I remember standing in front of the classroom, and […]
Jimmy Locklear, MD, FACC, launched his medical career in 1985 and has since been a beacon for compassionate patient care. Board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases, Dr. Locklear has been a part of the Medical Staff at WakeMed his entire career. He joined WakeMed Heart & Vascular full-time after more than two decades […]
Taking good care of ourselves is a critical component of longevity, but caring for others is also a rewarding and gratifying way of boosting your physical and mental health, especially as you age. Research shows that giving back to your community by volunteering two hours or more per week is a great way to stay […]
The heart is a complex organ made of muscle that is powered by electrical impulses. Every heart comes equipped with what cardiac electrophysiologists (cardiologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems with the heart’s electrical system) like to call a ‘biological pacemaker,’ which is the heart’s natural electrical system (also known as the sinus node). […]
“I would have periodic episodes of a very rapid heart rate, and I discounted them for about six months,” shares Courtney Ammons, a Wake County high school chemistry teacher. Because she had hyperthyroidism, she experienced rapid heart beats occasionally, so she assumed this was an unwanted side effect of her condition. After an eventful day […]
On December 5, 2022, after a long day at work, Rex Austin went home, grabbed a bite to eat and settled in for the evening, but his relaxation was short lived. Around 5:00 pm, he noticed his heart began beating incredibly fast. “My shirt seemed to bounce with the fast rhythm of my heart, and […]
September is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a disease that affects more than eight million Americans ages 40 and older. Common risk factors include the following: A history of smoking Kidney problems Diabetes Overweight/obesity High blood pressure High cholesterol. Your risk increases with age, and incidence of PAD is higher among African Americans. While […]
It’s the call that sends chills down the spine of every parent of a new teen driver. In April 2023, Franklin Landers received “the call” from his daughter. Her car had stalled, and she was stranded in highway traffic. Franklin, a dad and WakeMed pharmacist, immediately went to the scene. “She’s a brand new driver, […]
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