WakeMed Blogs

February 20, 2025
Living with Purpose in the Third Phase of Life: Dave Cottengim, WakeMed Volunteer
Dave Cottengim has been a faithful WakeMed volunteer for more than a decade."I desired to give back after...

February 18, 2025
Born with a Broken Heart: Kevin Hornaday's Open Heart Surgery Story
Kevin Hornaday knows a lot about matters of the heart — since he's dealt with them all his life. His he...

February 17, 2025
Honey & Your Heart — What’s the Buzz?
Sweet and syrupy, honey is a natural alternative to sugar that offers surprising health benefits, even fo...

February 17, 2025
Cardiac recovery: Going beyond cardiac rehab with WakeMed’s Safeway to Fitness
Embarking on a fitness journey doesn't have to be a grueling, punishing experience. Instead, think of it ...

February 11, 2025
Take 5 with Tracey Weeks
Tracey is a Raleigh native, avid N.C. State University athletics fan and a lifelong nurse and educator. H...
February 11, 2025
Prevent Falls: Know the Risk with Heart Disease
The risk of falling increases with age – and represents a leading cause of injury, disability and even ...

February 10, 2025
Get Strong for Your Heart — Exercise That Muscle!
When it comes to exercise, cardiovascular or aerobic exercise are often the first to come to mind. But, t...

February 3, 2025
Being Mindful of Your Family’s Mental Health
When it comes to the health and well-being of your family, mental health is equally as important as physi...

February 3, 2025
Dead 3 Times: Tracy Peebles' Cardiac Story
On December 23, 2024, just two days prior to Christmas, Tracy Peebles was home with her ten-year-old daug...

February 2, 2025
Ouch! The Lowdown on Growing Pains
If your child has called out in the night with lower leg pain in the calves, knees or shins, you have pro...

January 31, 2025
Marcus Bowser on Recovering from a Motorcycle Collision
Riding motorcycles has been a lifelong passion for Marcus Bowser. The community of people he's met with s...

January 31, 2025
Game Day Recipe Swaps
From the Super Bowl to March Madness, it’s game day season. WakeMed registered dietitians Heather Cupp and Monika Kraus want to help you make choices that are good for your heart. You can enjoy foods that are a tantalizing touchdown for your tastebuds — without being artery clogging, heartburn-inducing takedowns for your […]

January 29, 2025
When to See an OB-GYN
In the preteen years, parents are likely to start wondering when their daughter should have their first a...

January 16, 2025
What's the Matter with My Gallbladder? Dr. Bock Weighs In
Medically reviewed by Jiselle Bock, MD, MPHOver 1.2 million gallbladder removals are performed annually i...

January 14, 2025
A Freak Accident, a 2-Month Hospitalization and a Grateful Patient: Kelly Flis' Story
Forget about freaky Friday. How about freaky Thursday? On January 26, 2023, near the end of her workday, ...

January 8, 2025
5 Tips to Help You Prep for Winter Weather
When winter weather strikes, will you be ready? The following are some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. #1 – Have an emergency plan in place. Pay close attention to winter weather advisories, warning and watches – and take it seriously. Often, winter weather brings accidental falls and power outages, so […]

January 2, 2025
Breaking the Stigma: Why Mental Health Conversations Matter
Mental health is important not only to discuss but also to de-stigmatize, so we sat down with Jennifer Ru...

December 31, 2024
De'Von Thomas: Back in the Line of Scrimmage with Dr. Jonathan Chappell
De'Von Thomas started playing football in fifth grade. At 11 years old, his robust build and competitive ...

December 28, 2024
All About Breasts: Cysts, Lumps, Infections, Enhancement and More
We talk a lot about breast cancer, but when it comes to female breasts, there is a lot more to learn from...

December 26, 2024
"Meeting Dr. Vining Changed My Life" — Edwin Gillen's Story
Some people come into our lives for a season. Others are there for a lifetime and still others appear bri...

December 20, 2024
Calming the What’s-Ahead Worries
Worrying about the future. We all do it from time to time. Recent significant events in our nation and wo...

December 19, 2024
Inner Peace – Pass It On
What started as a personal pursuit for finding peace and comfort during a difficult time inspired a WakeM...

December 17, 2024
"Don't Ignore the Urge" and Other Tips for Saying Goodbye to UTIs
Medically reviewed by Justin Nguyen, MDOver eight million people per year pay a visit to their medical pr...
December 17, 2024
Thriving After Emergency Open Heart Surgery with Dr. Trevor Upham — Travis Mayo's Story
Travis Mayo began his career in the fire department, where he frequently provided assistance during medic...