Newsroom OSF HealthCare

To say it was a long winter could almost be an understatement. Between frequent snow and ice storms and continual freezing temperatures, plus a few record-breaking cold days - many of us have been in physical hibernation. In other words, not very act...

It’s been nearly ten years since actor Patrick Swayze died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57, 20 months after his diagnosis. And now comes word that Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer at 78. He’s vow...

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2019 is observed Monday February 25 through Sunday March 3, with a goal of educating and helping those living with an eating disorder, as well as friends and family members who want to help. “There is a lot...

Most people probably don’t need an excuse to book a long-weekend getaway with close friends – especially women. But now there may be science to back your excuse for a girls’ trip! Studies have shown friendship can extend life expectancy, lower cha...

February is American Heart Month. As the month winds down, cardiologists hope that by raising awareness of heart disease, risk factors and prevention methods, the public can head into the year ahead armed with new heart health knowledge. “I’m real...

It's a lesson they hope they never have to use. However, its the reality of being a teacher today. Incidents that could result in serious injury can happen anywhere at any time. School districts have become acutely aware that their commitment to s...

The health risks are numerous for people who are overweight. Primary concerns have always been heart disease and diabetes.In some cases, cancer too can be directly correlated to obesity. Now, a new study by the American Cancer Society suggests can...

On television shows or in movies, heart attacks are often portrayed as painful, chest-clutching events. While this is sometimes the case, there are often less dramatic and lesser-known symptoms that signal a major heart event is occurring. A study...

Plenty of revelers rang in the New Year with wellness resolutions – vowing to lose weight, move more, or just eat healthier. But in the gloom of a frozen February, sometimes those resolutions are left in the rearview mirror. According to Maggie St...

While the largest outbreak is in the northwest US, enough cases of measles have popped up in other states - including Illinois - for physicians to caution parents to get their children and themselves vaccinated. That's because measles is highly co...

For people living with diabetes, foot care is paramount. Minor issues can turn into serious infections and lead to major complications or even amputation. Diligent foot care is even more important in the winter months, when cold temperatures and s...

Record breaking cold temperatures have settled upon much of the Midwest. These frigid conditions are not only dangerous to our appendages, but also our heart.  Recent research from Lund University in Sweden shows that the risk of a heart attack gr...

Don’t let the ice have you slipping and sliding away. According to the National Safety Council, 25,000 slip, trip and fall accidents occur daily in the United States. Nearly all injuries from slips and falls on snow and ice fall under the class...

The Midwest is still digging out of a major winter storm that hit in early January, with another storm – and the snow that comes with it – on track for this weekend. That’ll make for a lot of snow shoveling, and the potential for serious injury. M...

2019 brought with it widespread incidence of influenza across the United States, with the majority of states reporting regional or widespread flu activity. There have been reports of people diagnosed with H1N1 influenza, the strain identified in t...

While surveys show fewer people are doing it than previously, losing weight is still at the top of the list for New Year's resolutions in 2019. But, as most of us know, it's easier said than done. There are plenty of considerations when committing...

The confetti is cleaned up and the New Year is underway. As we get our footing in 2019, millions of people are now working on their resolutions, with some of the most popular goals centering on starting or improving healthy habits. Each year some ...

Mammography remains the gold-standard imaging tool for early detection of breast cancer but some women might need additional screening. That includes women who have dense breasts. A new Illinois law which went into effect January 1 requires any fa...

As we switch our thought process from Santa and his reindeer to resolutions, people everywhere are starting to think about what they want to accomplish over the next year. An important resolution for many is to quit smoking, and according to healt...

Self-care is a new buzzword these days and it can be a great prescription for better overall health. It is a way of recharging yourself so you can be ready to be of service to others. If you're looking for ideas, just type #self care into the search ...

According to the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, more that 40 percent of American adults have not received a flu shot this year and don't plan to do so.  That's despite pleas from federal, state and local heal...

Tis' the season to be jolly, but it doesn't mean your belly needs to be as big as Santa's. Sure, the temptations are as plentiful as the array of food that will greet you at every holiday party and family dinner. However, a little will power and s...

It’s estimated that Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD for short, affects 5-million to 8-million people a year in the United States particularly in the colder, winter months when days are shorter and nights are longer. It is thought to be related ...

The holiday season is upon us, along with everything that comes with it – decorations, celebrations, shopping, special meals, and for many, a big side of stress. According to a poll by the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of Ameri...

As we gather with family and friends during the holidays, health care providers want you to think about discussing more than just what flavor of pie to serve or who is bringing what to the gathering. It’s a perfect time to discuss what your wishes...

An OSF HealthCare leader with more than two dozen years of experience in governmental relations says a divided Congress will not likely move on significant health care reforms or reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid. Those two government pro...

This week the American Heart Association wrapped up its annual Scientific Sessions meeting – a conference that gathers leading cardiovascular clinicians, scientists, and researchers to learn, present and discuss all things heart. Two of the largest s...

As an Indiana family prepares to bury their three children, the conversation about school bus safety and distracted driving is at the forefront. A 9-year-old girl and her 6-year-old twin brothers were killed in late October after being struck as t...

The Great American Smokeout rolls around every year during the third week of November and it has helped millions of people quit since it started in the early 1970s. The idea is not necessarily to make people stop cold turkey on that day, but rather t...

We're not talking about the kind of time change Cher refers to in her hit song. No, we're talking about the change back to Daylight Saving Time (DST) and it'll officially happen at 2 a.m. this coming Sunday.  Potentially, setting clocks back should g...