Local News
Anderson Hospital offers new technology
There's new relief for sinus sufferers.
Each year, 37 million Americans are afflicted with sinusitis, making it one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S. A clinically proven, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation is now available at Anderson Regional Medical Center.
The Balloon Sinuplasty system by Acclarent uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.
"A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway," explained Dr. Robert Cater of the Meridian Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at Anderson.
"The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function."
Cater and Dr. Thomas Balzli, who is also with the clinic, are among the first physicians in this region to offer this technology. According to Cater, the balloon devices are an advance in sinus care.
"In many cases, it can be done without removing any tissue or bone," he said. "That means faster recovery time and less post-procedure discomfort."
Patients with sinusitis often suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms that significantly impacts an individual's physical, functional and emotional quality of life.
Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).
"Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms for 75 to 80 percent of patients, but is inadequate for the rest of them," said Cater. "For them, sinus surgery is often the best option."
Conventional FESS provides only limited access to the frontal sinuses – located above the eyes. However, Balloon Sinuplasty offers an effective and minimally invasive way to open the frontal sinuses.
In the seven months Cater and Balzli have performed the novel balloon technology, local results have been positive.
"There have been no serious complications reported," Cater said. "Patients usually go home the same day the procedure is performed, and are back up on their feet the next day."
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Honing Skills
The men and women who make up Lauderdale County's volunteer fire departments all have one thing in common – the desire to protect and serve their community.
Of course these volunteers don't get paid for their service, and although some are retired, there are many, like Bo Land from the Martin community, who work full-time and have a family.
That means volunteer fire department members must train nights and weekends. -
MPD probing weekend incidents
Detectives with the Meridian Police Department are investigating two incidents that reportedly occurred Sunday, one of which was an alleged armed robbery and the other a shooting.
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Deadly accident claims two lives
Meridian police are investigating a single-vehicle traffic accident that killed two people and sent two others to a local hospital on Monday.
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Partnership formed to promote fire safety
Last year, Key Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 116 single family fires in its seven-county service area – 48 of which were in Lauderdale County.
"That's fires with total or major destruction," said Susan Wehr, executive director of the Key Chapter. -
Happy Birthday Meridian
Sesquicentennial is a big word, but what it means is simple — A sesquicentennial is a 150th anniversary.
2010 is Meridian's sesquicentennial, and the celebrations here will begin this week and go on for the rest of the year. -
Navy League accepting scholarship applications
Each year, the Meridian Area Navy League awards two $500 scholarships to deserving students to help with costs of higher education. This year, however, the organization upped the ante and will bestow two $750 scholarships. -
Arbor Day program set for Tuesday
The Lauderdale County Welcome Center celebrates Mississippi's Arbor Day this week.
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Fans show team spirit at Temple viewing of Super Bowl XLIV
The smell of hot nachos and cold beer is all around you. You can see beads of sweat falling from Peyton Manning's brow as he hurls the ball. The voice of the announcer booms on the loudspeakers.
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Star of The Week: Megan Mowdy
Meridian Community College Sophomore Megan Mowdy lives to sing, and she loves to share her passion for music.
20-year-old Megan is a Kemper County resident, and her love of music helped her to become the first member of her family to attend college. -
4-H leader is driving force behind community service
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Newton’s business and civic leaders have always expected a visit from Johnnie Mae Walker on behalf of the annual 4-H bike-a-thon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, but they grew worried when other people appeared in her place.
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