Emmy Award-winning actress Christina Applegate, known for her roles in Married... with Children, Anchorman and Netflix's Dead to Me, recently revealed a surprising development in her health journey.

After publicly announcing her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in 2021 and becoming a prominent advocate for people living with the disease, Applegate revealed on her MeSsy podcast that her doctor recently told her she does not have MS, reversing a diagnosis she received more than five years ago.

The 54-year-old actress continues to experience debilitating symptoms, leaving her medical team searching for answers.

Her experience highlights the challenges of diagnosing MS, a disease that can resemble several other neurological conditions.

Douglas Juvinall, MD, is a fellowship-trained neurologist who specializes in multiple sclerosis at OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, a National Multiple Sclerosis Society-designated center recognized for providing comprehensive MS care.

"There is not a single blood test or MRI finding that definitively tells you this is MS," Dr. Juvinall says. "The criteria requires a constellation of MRI findings. Some other diseases can sometimes show you similar findings, and it takes someone with expertise in those other conditions to help exclude other conditions that aren't MS."

Why is MS difficult to diagnose?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to nerves throughout the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms can include vision loss, double vision, numbness, weakness, severe fatigue and bladder dysfunction. However, these symptoms can also occur with other conditions, making an accurate diagnosis more challenging.

"The symptoms of MS are not unique to MS, they can occur in many other conditions," Dr. Juvinall says. "The MRI findings in MS can be unique to MS if interpreted correctly by a neurologist who specializes in MS, or a neuroradiologist. But sometimes those findings can be very subtle and can lead to a misdiagnosis."

According to the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, early symptoms can be vague and occur sporadically over time. Reaching a diagnosis can take months or longer, even when symptoms appear consistent with MS.

In some cases, rarer diseases can mimic MS and produce similar findings on an MRI scan. Dr. Juvinall emphasizes the importance of working with a neurologist who specializes in MS, along with a multidisciplinary team experienced in identifying other conditions.

Part of that process involves reviewing medical history, imaging and other diagnostic tests to rule out diseases that could be responsible for the symptoms.

Why an accurate diagnosis matters

Someone incorrectly diagnosed with MS may undergo treatments that aren't addressing the actual cause of their symptoms. Learning that a diagnosis was incorrect can also bring frustration and uncertainty, particularly when symptoms remain unexplained.

Applegate expressed similar feelings on her podcast, saying she is back at square one in trying to understand her health.

Dr. Juvinall says there are more than 20 treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MS. While these medications can be highly effective, some can increase the risk of infections and other complications.

That makes confirming the diagnosis essential to developing an appropriate treatment plan.

"I believe it's very important (to see an MS specialist) because neurologists who have training or expertise in dealing with multiple sclerosis, will have had more cases of seeing the disease," Dr. Juvinall says. "As well as more expertise in finding those diseases that can mimic MS."

For people experiencing symptoms that could be related to MS, seeking an evaluation from a neurologist with expertise in the disease can be an important step toward finding answers and receiving appropriate care.

Video Interview Clips

A new pilot program at OSF HealthCare aims to help people overcome barriers to taking their medications as prescribed. It uses automated text messages to identify care gaps and connect patients with pharmacists for personalized support.

The initiative focuses on patients who may be at risk of medication nonadherence, particularly those taking medications for common chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. By using insurance data to identify patients who may be falling behind on refills, the program aims to reach people who might otherwise go without needed support. The tool serves as an orchestration engine that automatically identifies non-adherent people based on established criteria and schedules targeted outreach and reminders for them.

Nicole Swenson, PharmD, director pharmacy digital care, OSF HealthCare, says for anyone newly prescribed a medication, side effects can become an unexpected obstacle.

“Probably more likely they stop taking it altogether, especially for conditions like high blood pressure, because the patient may not feel that high blood pressure. So, it may not seem really important to take that medication, especially if they're having a side effect,” says Swenson.

Better than phone calls

Rather than relying on traditional cold-calling methods, people can respond directly to text messages, indicate interest in assistance and be connected to a pharmacist through a streamlined scheduling process. Jason Scheid, PharmD, director of pharmacy services, OSF HealthCare, says this can be a more effective approach because many people don’t like answering calls from an unknown phone number.

“Using some of these agentic type tools for advanced outreach efforts through automation, text response, scheduling we’re able to capture a much larger audience and then make sure we’re getting to those patients that need help the most,” Scheid explains.

Automated text messages also allow people to respond at their convenience and schedule a conversation when it works for them.

The pilot helps to bridge the longstanding communication gap between patients and providers, enabling pharmacists to spend less time on manual coordination efforts and more time delivering personalized care. The initiative was developed through a collaboration with Digital Innovation Development within OSF Innovation, Pharmacy Services and Humana which has a significant number of members at risk of falling out of medication compliance.

Learning about barriers

Scheid points out that through the pilot, they’re learning about a variety of barriers to medication adherence.

“Access to a pharmacy, transportation to get to a pharmacy, just the complicated regimens people are on with multiple medications and multiple frequencies and times of day they’re taking the medications so there’s a combination of things going on that make it a challenging situation for patients.”

The technology is intended to offer a one-touch support, making it easier to connect people to the right resources according to Nicole Swenson.

“We’re looking at how we can reach out via text, which we haven’t done in the past, to provide those refill reminders and then also offer visits and see if the visits really do have a positive influence on the medication refills so that we can improve adherence for the patient and know what barriers they’re experiencing.”

What’s next

The program is currently focused on patients covered by Humana insurance, with the potential to expand if the approach proves successful. Its broader goal is to identify care gaps earlier and make support easier for people to access. It is also an opportunity to test language that best works to get people targeted to respond.

Medication refill adherence improved from zero compliant patients at program launch in August to 92 compliant patients through targeted reminders and coaching, demonstrating the measurable impact of proactive patient engagement.

The next phase of the pilot will leverage predictive analytics and AI-driven models to identify patients who may be at risk of medication nonadherence before gaps occur.

Video clips with Nicole Swenson

Video clips with Jason Scheid

B-roll-Medication compliance pilot

You’re watching what you eat, the numbers are starting to move in the right direction, and you’re feeling pretty good about your new diet. Then comes a headache – an annoying side dish you never ordered.

It could be tied to the diet you just started, according to medical experts.

It’s not common, but weight loss methods can leave your head aching especially if you’re not eating or drinking enough, according to BreAnne Gendron, APRN, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare.

“When you start a diet, you are generally eating less, regardless of what type of diet you decide to do,” she says. “If it's a whole food or keto or anything where you're taking in less food, you're going to probably be running the risk of having low blood sugar. And occasionally, it can cause a headache.” A hunger headache may also cause dizziness or weakness.

Ways to avoid headaches

To combat these problems, Gendron recommends eating several small meals a day to keep your blood sugar from dropping. And make sure to drink at least 40 to 60 ounces of water each day. Carrying around a 20-ounce water bottle will serve as a handy reminder you need to sip your water throughout the day. Eating food rich in water like celery or cucumber can also help keep you hydrated.

“And with some diets, especially keto, you can have electrolyte issues because you're not eating the fruits and vegetables you normally would,” Gendron says. “In that case, if you get headaches because your electrolytes are wonky, it is a good idea to take a multivitamin when you're on a keto diet.”

But Gendron recommends talking with your provider who might suggest a certain electrolyte replacement plan.

Drastically cutting carbs can send you into ketosis, which means your body transitions to burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. And that can cause brain fog or a headache.

“Some people say there're a couple days where you feel pretty crummy. They call it the keto flu,” says Gendron, who adds it will improve as your body adjusts to using fat for fuel.

Food triggers

Then there are certain foods that trigger migraine headaches. That list includes aged cheeses, caffeine, chocolate and cured meats. Your best bet is to eliminate those foods from your diet. Gendron says it’s all about trial and error when it comes to food choices.

The bottom line, though, is to make sure you’re eating enough calories, drinking enough water and not missing meals. If the headaches persist, Gendron says it’s probably time to reevaluate your diet and speak to your medical provider or dietitian.

“You have to find what works for you, and not everybody's the same,” she says. “I know when my blood sugar gets low, I can feel it. I'll get a headache and I get a little weak. And if you feel like you need to eat, it's OK to eat. Choose something healthy, have a small meal and find out what works for you. You don't want to be miserable.”

If you don’t have a primary care provider, check out options in your area.

Interview clips

It’s like “Mean Girls,” but everyone is 80.

So reads a 2018 Associated Press headline about a problem you may be surprised exists: bullying among older people living in assisted living facilities.

Shunning people from cafeteria tables, gossip, vandalism, physical scuffles and residents checking their mail at night to avoid running into an unkind cohabitant are just some examples.

While the issue may not be widespread, experts are telling the 65+ population, their loved ones and their caregivers why the problem exists and how to confront it.

Causes

Ari Lakritz, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist at OSF HealthCare who has taken a keen interest in mental health care for older folks. He points to a few reasons why senior home bullying might happen.

One, the seniors arrive with untreated (or sometimes even unknown to their caregivers) mental health issues.

Dr. Lakritz sums up the second reason: old habits are hard to break.

“The same types of personality dynamics, the same types of biases these individuals hold maybe as a product of the particular generation they grew up in. Any types of biases or beliefs about individuals different than them. Why would those go away just magically as they grow older?” Dr. Lakritz says.

Another simpler explanation: older people are cranky due to issues that come with age like chronic pain or feelings of helplessness.

Solutions

There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of senior bullying. But Dr. Lakritz says it must start with the caregivers.

“A clinician not just reacting to different problems in the facility but proactively speaking with residents at least for a few minutes each day,” Lakritz suggests. “As well as having a really good referral system set up to psychiatrists, psychologists or another type of clinician if mental health concerns really do become a problem with individuals in that facility.”

And the facilities can take short-term steps, such as holding anti-bullying or anger management classes for staff and residents. Don’t allow residents to “claim” things in common areas like chairs or televisions to prevent others from being excluded. Include language on bullying in admission agreements that could allow staff to remove someone if they are a menace.

Families of the residents should check in with them frequently, too. Watch for changes in how they talk and act. A sudden desire to move out of a facility may be a sign of a bigger problem. Drop in for lunch and see if you witness any bullying yourself. If so, report it to staff.

The National Center for Assisted Living also has a document with tips to spot and stop bullying.

Visit the OSF HealthCare website for behavioral and mental health resources. If you or a loved one – of any age – are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8, the digits for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Interview clips

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As temperatures drop and families begin spending more time indoors, respiratory viruses become an increasing concern. This fall, flu (influenza) activity is already appearing earlier in parts of the country, raising questions about what the months ahead could look like.

Jon C. Michel, MD, is a pulmonary critical care physician and vice president of the Medical Specialties Service Line with OSF HealthCare.

"I think the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is predicting that the 2027 respiratory virus season should be similar to the 2026 season," Dr. Michel says. "We are seeing a slightly earlier shift in the flu uptake, especially on the West Coast, and it's spreading here to the Midwest."

The CDC's FluView report for the week ending October 10 notes that while flu activity remains low nationally, the highest activity is occurring in the western United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regions 9 and 10).

But an earlier arrival doesn't necessarily mean a more severe respiratory illness season. Dr. Michel says it's important to prepare now rather than wait for respiratory illnesses to become more widespread.

Three respiratory viruses to watch

While numerous respiratory viruses circulate throughout the year, three remain a primary focus for medical professionals.

"The three that we focus on the most are the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. We do that because we have vaccinations for those viruses, we have therapies for those viruses and they tend to be the ones that make you quite sick,” Dr. Michel says. "There's a wide variety of other cold viruses that we could diagnose now, but it's mostly academic and interesting. There's a rhinovirus, or the common cold, there's the parainfluenza virus. We don't have treatments for those, but it's important to understand what the patient has so we can tell prognosis and tell the duration of illness."

Dr. Michel says advancements in medical testing have made it easier to identify which virus is causing an illness. A decade ago, testing often focused primarily on influenza. In 2020, the global pandemic turned attention to COVID-19 testing. Today, respiratory testing panels allow medical teams to check for multiple viruses, including RSV, helping providers make more informed decisions about care.

RSV prevention has also come a long way. Newer preventive options, including vaccines for eligible pregnant women and older adults, as well as protective antibody injections for infants and certain young children, offer additional protection against severe illness.

Don't delay your flu vaccine

With flu activity appearing earlier this fall, Dr. Michel encourages people not to put off getting vaccinated. Getting your flu shot before activity increases in your community can help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.

People should also speak with their health care provider about which flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations are recommended for them based on their age, health history and other eligibility factors.

Simple steps to prevent illness

Vaccines are an important tool, but everyday habits also play a major role in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses.

"There's some commonsense stuff that we don't always lean into. Make sure that you avoid ill people. If you're going to be out in public and you're immunocompromised or prone to getting ill, wear a tight-fitting mask," Dr. Michel says. "Make sure if you're sick, you don't go out and expose other people, either."

Other steps include washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. These simple habits can help protect those most vulnerable to serious respiratory complications.

What to do if you get sick

Not every respiratory illness requires an emergency department visit or hospitalization. The OSF HealthCare Ministry has virtual options, including OSF OnCall Virtual Urgent Care, as well as walk-in clinics known as OSF OnCall Urgent Care or OSF PromptCare.

In 2020, OSF OnCall launched a free, at-home monitoring service for babies and toddlers up to five years old. The digital service continues today and includes an at-home care kit and easy access to a real-time chat. If necessary, a video visit is an option for parents or guardians of an infant or young child with any respiratory illness, including RSV.

For many mild viral infections, supportive care is the main approach to treatment. That means focusing on relieving symptoms and helping your body recover while the illness runs its course.

"Rest, [drink] fluids, avoiding further infections and good nutrition," Dr. Michel says. "Sometimes breathing treatments [are needed]. But there aren't any medications, FDA-approved or otherwise, that have been shown to shorten the length [of illness] or stop that from getting worse in some of those other viruses."

If symptoms worsen or you're at greater risk of complications, contacting your primary care provider early is important. Some treatments for flu and COVID-19 work best when started soon after symptoms begin.

Can vitamins help prevent respiratory illnesses?

It's common to reach for vitamin C, zinc or other supplements when respiratory illness season arrives. But Dr. Michel cautions against treating supplements as a cure-all.

He says vitamins like these have been studied extensively, but they're not a "magic bullet" against respiratory viruses.

For people with nutritional deficiencies, addressing those deficiencies through a balanced diet or recommended supplementation can support normal immune function.

However, taking additional vitamins does not guarantee you won't become sick, and supplements should not replace vaccinations, healthy habits or medical treatment when needed.

When should you seek medical care?

Contact a health care provider if you experience:

• Symptoms that continue to worsen rather than improve
• A persistent or worsening fever
• Difficulty staying hydrated or keeping fluids down
• Symptoms that improve and then return or become more severe
• Respiratory symptoms that are especially concerning because of an underlying medical condition

Severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, new confusion or other signs of a medical emergency require immediate emergency care.

For those who become seriously ill, OSF HealthCare hospitals have intensive care units (ICUs) and specialized teams equipped to care for people experiencing severe respiratory complications.

"OSF is leading the charge because we have a broad-based primary care network, including urgent cares and virtual urgent cares, along with your primary care doctor," Dr. Michel says. "We shouldn't be ashamed of calling those places right away if we feel like we're ill, because there are therapies that are effective for this."

Act before respiratory illness strikes

Respiratory illness season is here, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Stay current on recommended vaccinations, recognize when symptoms require medical attention and don't hesitate to contact your OSF HealthCare team when you need help.

Video Interview Clips

Prevention

The top way to keep your skin healthy, Walz says, is to moisturize. Talk with your primary care provider or a dermatologist about what product is best for you. But generally, Walz says a thicker cream is better in the winter. For really dry skin, petroleum jelly can help. Chapstick is good for the lips. Walz says to moisturize from head to toe at least once a day. It can be after your morning or evening shower. If your skin is particularly dry, moisturize multiple times per day.

It’s also tempting to escape cold conditions with a hot shower. Don’t turn the lever all the way up, Walz cautions. Hot water pulls moisture out of the skin. Instead, take a warm shower for no more than 15 minutes.

“When you get out of the shower, you want to pat your skin dry. Don’t rub it dry,” Walz says. This lessens skin irritation. “Then while your skin is still a little bit damp, that’s the best time to put on the moisturizer. It will help lock in that moisture to your skin. If you let your skin completely dry, it lets all the moisture evaporate.”

A humidifier can also bring some moisture back into the air in your home. Just make sure to clean it regularly. And drinking water keeps your skin healthy, too.

“Prevention is so much easier than treating a serious wound,” Walz says. When in doubt, see a provider, she says.

A word about diabetes

For people with diabetes, winter skin and wound care is especially important.

“The elevation in blood sugar causes damage to the blood vessels, and that causes decreased circulation. There are less oxygen and nutrients being delivered to a wound. Those are things the wound needs to heal and fight off infections,” Walz says. “People with diabetes can develop neuropathy [which brings decreased sensation], especially in the feet. If they were to step on something and injure their foot or develop a wound, they might not always feel it. Sometimes by the time they notice, it’s already progressing and getting a lot worse.”

Serious wounds can lead to amputations. So people with diabetes should check their skin, especially their feet, at least once a day. Check the top and bottom of the feet and between the toes. And resist the urge to walk around with no or minimal footwear. If you just need to take Fido out for a quick bathroom break, put socks and sneakers on anyway. In fact, Walz says people should bundle up as much as possible when outside in the cold. Make use of those hats and gloves.

“If you’re outside for a long period and your feet feel cold, it’s really important that when you come inside, you’re careful about how you warm your feet,” Walz adds. “We don’t want to use a heating pad, a space heater or really hot water because of the possible reduced sensation. So it’s possible they could be burning their feet, and they wouldn’t know.”

Instead, put on socks and move your feet around (toe curls or a light walk, for example).

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your skin healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. OSF OnCall also offers virtual dermatology for quick access to skin care at home.

Interview clips

Frequently asked questions

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Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Some areas of medicine fall into the category of “Experts know a lot about it and how to treat it.”

Others are more like “We’re still studying this, but be aware.”

Ink on items like receipts, food labels and kids’ toys falls into the latter category.

It all centers around a chemical called bisphenol S (BPS for short) that lurks on some of these items, says Jennifer Whitfill, APRN, a family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare. She says if BPS seeps into your body through the skin on a regular basis, you could be at increased risk for diabetes, issues with your reproductive and endocrine systems and other ailments.

So, what’s the level of concern?

Whitfill says more research is probably needed to get a full grasp of the risk. But it’s something to just be aware of and something to take simple steps to avoid.

“Don’t get a receipt if you don’t need it. Or have the store text or email it to you,” Whitfill says. “If you have to get a paper receipt, handle it for the least amount of time as possible. Experts say BPS can be absorbed into your skin within 10 seconds.”

Frequent handwashing can also help. But Whitfill cautions that hand sanitizer won’t do the trick.

“Do not use hand sanitizer before you get the receipt. The alcohol in hand sanitizer can actually make the BPS absorb into your skin quicker,” Whitfill says.

If you handle receipts regularly (such as a cashier), consider wearing gloves, and wash your hands during breaks.

“We do these things multiple times a week – get receipts, handle packaging – and don’t even think about it,” Whitfill says. “Just be aware that this risk exists.”

If you’re feeling unwell – whether you think it’s from BPS or not – and things aren’t getting better quickly, see a health care provider.

Interview clips

Pope Leo XIV’s recent lung cancer diagnosis and surgery are drawing attention to the importance of early detection and the need for people at increased risk to talk with their doctors about screening.

Although the diagnosis has raised concerns about the pontiff’s health, medical experts say there is an important takeaway for the public: Lung cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages but finding it before it spreads can significantly improve a person’s chances of successful treatment.

Priya Andanamala, MD, a medical oncologist at the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in lung cancer. She says the pontiff’s case underscores why people at increased risk should not put off screening.

“As sad as the news is, I think it encourages all of our patients that are under a high-risk category to get that screening because if we are able to identify these lesions at an early stage, we are able to cure most patients. We’re able to cure them with surgery and chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy,” Dr. Andanamala stresses.

Pope Leo underwent a lobectomy, a procedure that removes one lobe of the lung. The lungs contain multiple lobes, with three in the right lung and two in the left. The surgery can help doctors determine the type of cancer, assess whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes and identify characteristics that can guide further treatment.

Dr. Andanamala says the information gathered during surgery and subsequent pathology testing helps doctors determine whether additional treatment may be beneficial.

While the pontiff’s complete pathology findings and cancer stage were not available at publication time, Dr. Andanamala emphasizes earlier-stage lung cancers can often be treated with the goal of curing the disease. The appropriate treatment and prognosis depend on factors including tumor size, lymph node involvement and the cancer’s molecular characteristics.

A personalized approach to care

That molecular profiling allows for what she calls a more personalized approach to cancer care.

“Trying to determine what biomarkers the cancer has and understanding the molecular landscape, there are many different mutations that, thankfully, we have approved targeted therapy for that are highly effective. So, all of these can be found with comprehensive molecular profiling that we run on the surgical specimen.”

That profile can also help determine if a patient is eligible for certain clinical trials.

Rachael Davis, MD, a physician at OSF HealthCare who specializes in lung conditions, says people should also understand that finding a lung nodule does not automatically mean they have cancer.

“In the Midwest, many people have lung nodules that are not cancer.” Dr. Davis explains, “There’s a fungus in our soil called histoplasmosis that predisposes people to lung nodules, so the rates of benign, meaning non-cancerous or not malignant, lung nodules is much higher in the Midwest than in other parts of the country.”

Doctors evaluate nodules based on factors such as size, growth over time, appearance and location. Comparing current scans with older imaging can help determine whether a nodule is concerning and whether it requires monitoring, a biopsy or additional evaluation.

Know if you have risk factors

Smoking remains a major risk factor for lung cancer, but it is not the only one. Radon exposure, workplace exposure to certain chemicals and dusts, secondhand smoke, asbestos and family history can also contribute to risk.

Dr. Davis says people with a strong family history of lung cancer, particularly among relatives who never smoked, should discuss their circumstances with their primary care provider.

“Most cases of lung cancer are completely asymptomatic,” Dr. Davis stresses. “There are no symptoms early, and so if we wait until there's symptoms in a patient, we've waited too long.”

For people who meet established eligibility criteria, annual low-dose CT scans are the standard screening approach. At OSF, Dr. Andanamala says providers are also offering the First Look lung blood test at 49 locations as another way to help reach certain people at risk.

“It is currently not an alternative for a low-dose scan, but if this is something that is easier for patients to come in for, and if we’re identifying something that is concerning, then typically we’re following up with further testing.”

Illinois has considerable room to improve screening participation. According to the American Lung Association, only about 17% of eligible people in Illinois receive lung cancer screening compared with a national rate of approximately 20%.

Screening for early detection can improve treatment outcomes

Screening rates within OSF are higher.

“If the Pope’s case teaches us anything, it’s that we need to get screened for lung cancer. OSF is a national leader in lung cancer screening at 50% systemwide, but there’s still 50% of our qualified patients who are not being screened,” says Ryan Luginbuhl, vice president of the oncology service line at OSF HealthCare.

To date, 275 people have undergone the First Look blood test at OSF, and 133 were referred for further evaluation through a CT scan. To date, 76 people referred, completed scans. Of those, six were referred for more testing, and of them, two are seeing oncologists. One has received a lung cancer diagnosis.

OSF is also one of the largest medical provider in the Midwest offering robotic bronchoscopy. Dr. Davis says the minimally invasive procedure allows for less painful and more accurate lung biopsies.

“We’re able to biopsy multiple lung nodules at the same time during the same procedure and reduce the need for the patient to come back for multiple procedures.”

This next-level approach is also allowing for use of fluorescent dye during surgery to locate and highlight nodules and spare valuable, non-cancerous lung tissue, improving outcomes and patients’ lung capacity.

Pope Leo’s diagnosis serves as a reminder that even people who appear healthy can develop lung cancer. The most important next step is to understand your risk, talk with a primary care provider and determine whether screening is appropriate.

Find out if you are a candidate for lung cancer screening with this short assessment.

Learn more about the full range of services available at OSF Cancer Institute.

Video clips with Dr. Priya Andanamala

Video clips with Dr. Rachael Davis

B-roll-Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis

The difficult conversation is over. The big presentation is behind you. But hours later, you’re still replaying what you said, wondering what others thought and worrying about what might happen next.

Stress is a normal part of life, but when the mind and body struggle to switch off, it can be harder to move forward. Understanding the difference between stress and anxiety — and learning how to manage both — can make a difference to your overall wellbeing according to behavioral health experts.

“Stress is commonly more like a temporary reaction to an event, a change, a new experience or a difficult conversation,” says Jennifer Worden, LMSW-C, a psychotherapist with OSF HealthCare. “It’s something new, and we’re not quite sure how it’s going to work out. But once we get through it, we often feel that sense of relief.”

Anxiety, on the other hand, can last long after the stressful event has passed.

Worden compares the body’s stress response to a smoke alarm. When something stressful happens, the alarm goes off. Once the threat passes, it eventually quiets down.

“But someone with chronic anxiety may feel that smoke alarm going off all the time,” she says. “They continue thinking about what happened, asking themselves, ‘Did I look stupid? Did I embarrass myself? What if they’re mad at me?’”

Worden adds that stress and anxiety can both activate the body’s fight-or-flight response and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. When that response doesn’t settle down, the body can remain on high alert, making it harder to relax and move forward.

What pushes our buttons?

Stress depends on the person. But major changes in life are usually the common causes for the stress.

“Getting married, going through a divorce, having a child, losing someone, moving or starting a new job, anything that’s new and unknown can cause stress,” Worden says. Even positive changes can mess up our routines.

Singer Donny Osmond has talked publicly about his struggles with anxiety. Throughout his successful career, Osmond has felt perfectly at ease performing in front of 20,000 people but becomes anxious doing simple tasks.

“We all have that one activity or thing that helps us calm down,” Worden says. “For some people, it might be making jewelry or coloring. For others, it might be calling a friend who helps them feel grounded.” Finding that safe space can be an important part of managing stress.

Calming the alarm

People experiencing stress are often told to calm down or take a deep breath. That advice may sound simple, but Worden says there is science behind techniques that help settle the body’s stress response.

“These are what we call somatic techniques, which are things that actually calm the body,” she says. “That can involve engaging our muscles, focusing on our breathing and being more in touch with our bodies.”

Deep breathing is one option. Grounding techniques that engage the five senses can also help redirect attention to the present moment. For example, identify five things you can see, four things you can feel and three things you can hear. These exercises can help the body settle down.

Self-care is another important coping mechanism. After getting through a tough conversation, a stressful event or something you’ve been dreading, Worden says give yourself time to recover rather than immediately moving on to the next worry.

Sometimes self-care means taking a break, adjusting your schedule or canceling a commitment. It isn’t always about treating yourself to a bubble bath or a favorite piece of candy.

Some stress is a normal response to challenges in your life. But when stress or anxiety lasts for a long period of time or disrupts your daily activities, it might be time to ask for help. The National Institutes of Health says chronic stress and unmanaged anxiety lead to depression through a combination of biological brain changes, hormonal exhaustion and behavioral cycles.

Everybody has stress, and that’s normal, Worden adds. But if it’s affecting the simple things, like getting ready for the day or going to work, that’s when we need to seek professional help.

For more information on behavioral health issues, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview Clips

It’s advice you’ve heard plenty: if you’re sick, stay home and rest. But, health care providers also want you to be active. A sedentary lifestyle puts you at a higher risk for things like diabetes and heart disease.

So how can we reconcile the two? Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall, says it’s sometimes OK to exercise when you’re sick – if you know the dos and don’ts.

The basics

“For common cold symptoms – runny nose, sore throat, congestion and sneezing – it’s perfectly OK to continue working out. We use the ‘neck up rule.’ So with symptoms from the neck up, it’s typically OK to continue. Honestly, you might even feel a little bit better,” Draper says. “Anything lower than your neck – a deep cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness – is a sign you want to hold off on working out, especially strenuous workouts. Take it easy instead.”

If you’re dizzy, fatigued or have a severe headache, you should also pause exercising until you feel better.

Getting going

“Listen to your body,” Draper says when asked how to approach exercising when sick. “If you’re feeling OK and have a mild cold, you can continue your exercise routine as tolerated. If you’re down with flu-like symptoms – fever, chills, body aches and fatigue – you’re going to want to just do some stretching or walking.

“Don’t overdo it and do something your body isn’t used to,” she adds.

Biking, swimming or lifting light weights (at a pace you can tolerate) are other options. Exercise away from others to prevent the spread of illness. And as with any workout, if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, coughing fits or chest pain, stop and rest. If symptoms don’t improve quickly, see a provider.

“For severe chest pain or shortness of breath, you need to go to the emergency room immediately,” Draper cautions.

What’s in the bag?

Your “exercising when sick” bag might be a little fuller than the average day. Draper says hydration is extra important. Water or reduced sugar sports drinks are good choices.

“A lot of time when we’re sick, we’re sweating. So we want to replace those electrolytes and fluids,” Draper explains.

Bring other things to keep your symptoms in check. If you have a runny nose, you’ll want a supply of tissues. If you’re coughing or sneezing, bring a handkerchief to avoid spewing germs into the open air. Healthy snacks that are rich in fiber and protein are fine, too. Just avoid spicy, acidic and greasy food.

Aftercare

A warm, steamy shower or a sauna visit can provide multiple benefits after a “sick workout.” Aside from just making you feel good, Draper says they can help relieve sinus congestion.

The bottom line

“If you’re fighting a chest cold, for example, we want you to rest but also stay active,” Draper says. “If you’re laying around in bed for days on end, you’re not getting those deep breaths. The infection can settle in your lungs, and that’s typically what will turn into pneumonia.”

Learn more

Read more about orthopedic and respiratory illness care on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Defend yourself against pneumonia

“It’s important for parents and caregivers to know the signs of labored breathing, also known as respiratory distress,” says Kelsey Grimes, DO, outpatient pediatrician at OSF HealthCare. “This understanding can help them know when it's time for their children to receive immediate medical attention.”

When to seek help

OSF HealthCare has multiple options to use if your child is in respiratory distress.

“During work-time hours, you can call your outpatient pediatrician's office, or primary care provider's office, and try to get a same-day appointment,” Dr. Grimes says. “In that, OSF also has a pediatric nurse triage line where a nurse can provide guidance or recommendations based on the symptoms you tell them. In the evenings, we have the pediatric after hours clinic (2806 Knoxville Ave. Peoria, Illinois), which is a good option.”

Additionally, OSF has multiple OSF OnCall Urgent Care and OSF PromptCare locations. But oftentimes if you're concerned about breathing for your child, the OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois pediatric emergency department or calling 9-1-1 is the right first step.”

Why labored breathing happens

“If your child has labored breathing, oftentimes in the pediatric population, the most common cause is a viral infection. With viral infections you get a lot of inflammation, mucus, snot, phlegm – all of that,” Dr. Grimes says. “Kids' airways are smaller. So, inflammation, even on the mild side, makes those airways even smaller. Then when they're plugged up with mucus, or phlegm, they are going to really struggle to breathe.”

Children with significant breathing difficulty may need oxygen support to help them recover. This can be done using high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT), which delivers air and oxygen down into their respiratory tract. In these cases, hospitalization is required.

At home, nasal saline and suction may be recommended, as well as controlling fevers with Tylenol or Motrin.

Rhinovirus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza, among other virus strains, are common culprits that can cause labored breathing. When treated properly, symptoms should begin to improve after three to four days. However, if symptoms worsen, it could indicate an underlying bacterial infection. This may require antibiotics or even hospitalization, depending on the child’s age and severity of illness.

Protecting kids from germs

“Regular hand hygiene and making sure when we touch surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, etc.) that we're not rubbing our eyes or mouth after,” Dr. Grimes says. “Don't share drinks or bites of food. Do anything you can do to try and prevent germ exposure. It’s hard, because a lot of these kids are in day care, preschool and kindergarten. So, there are no boundaries, and the kids are up close and personal there. You try your best for good hygiene, but in the end, they are probably going to be exposed.”

Signs of respiratory distress

Dr. Grimes says the most important thing to watch out for is how fast your child is breathing. Respiratory distress can cause a child to breathe much faster, or sometimes slower, than normal.

Retraction breathing, or the visible “sucking in” of the skin between or below the ribs, is another red flag.

“This happens because the muscle underlying the skin is really contracting, working hard to get that air in and back out,” Dr. Grimes explains.

Retraction breathing can happen under the rib cage (subcostal), between the ribs (intercostal), above the collarbones (supraclavicular) or at the base of the neck (tracheal tugging). Flaring nostrils are also a warning sign.

Other concerning symptoms include:

• Drooling in children who are past the teething stage
• Blue discoloration around the mouth
• Head bobbing with each breath (an emergency sign)
• Sitting forward and extending the neck in a “sniffing position” to ease breathing
• Wheezing when breathing out
• Grunting when exhaling
• Lethargic behavior (confused, drowsy)

Care and comfort at home

For viral infections, medical teams focus on supportive care, especially fever control.

For babies 2 months old or younger, any high or low temperature warrants an emergency department visit. Do not give Tylenol at this age.

Once babies are over 2 months old, Tylenol may be given in the appropriate dose based on weight, always under guidance from your pediatrician. Once over 6 months of age, babies can receive Motrin, as their kidneys are more developed. Both medications can be given every six hours as needed.

“When kids are having fevers, signs of labored breathing increase as well,” Dr. Grimes notes.

Hydration is also extremely important. “Really make sure to push fluids when your kids are sick. Hydration is key in recovery.”

Parents can help clear their child’s airway by using nasal saline followed by gentle suction. Humidifiers can help loosen mucus, and standing in a steamy bathroom with the shower running hot can offer short-term relief.

The bottom line

Labored breathing can be a sign of serious illness, and early action is the best protection. Parents and caregivers who recognize the warning signs and know when to call their pediatrician or seek emergency care, can help ensure their child receives timely, life-saving support.

Making sure your child receives the recommended childhood vaccines is another way to ensure your child is protected against respiratory illness.

Video Interview Clips

A vaccine offers protection for people at greatest risk. And for older people, it can be a one-time shot rather than an annual vaccination.

Talha Khan, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says RSV is a common respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages. Young infants and older adults are among those most likely to develop severe illness.

“It can cause pretty severe respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalization and even death, so it is something we don’t take lightly. And we do have a vaccine for it now. So we do recommend getting that vaccine, if they’re eligible, so they have that extra layer of protection.”

For adults, the RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone age 75 and older.

“It can be given to individuals who are younger than that – age 50 to 74 – if they have some chronic conditions: respiratory disease, things like COPD, asthma, heart disease and if they’re a current smoker. All those things put them at increased risk for a more severe infection.”

For infants, RSV can be particularly dangerous during the virus’s typical fall and winter season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out it is the number one cause of hospitalization among infants in the U.S.

The RSV vaccine can offer preventive protection when given to the baby after birth.

“And then it’s also recommended for pregnant women if they’re pregnant during that respiratory virus season [September-January], as well. They recommend either pregnant women get it or the infant gets it once their born, typically not both.”

During a particularly bad respiratory virus season in 2022, OSF OnCall launched a free, at-home monitoring service for babies and toddlers up to five years old. The digital service continues today and includes an at-home care kit and easy access to a real-time chat. If necessary, a video visit is an option for parents or guardians of an infant or young child with any respiratory illness, including RSV.

While RSV is common, many older adults may not be as familiar with the vaccine as they are with annual flu or COVID-19 shots.

“A few of my patients have kind of brought up that, ‘Oh, that’s one of the vaccines I’ve never heard of,’” says Dr. Khan. “But, again, it is important because it can cause those severe respiratory infections, [including] pneumonia, and potentially even lead to death. So, if we can stop that or stop you from getting a serious infection with a one-time vaccine, then why not just get that done.”

For people who may qualify for the vaccine, health providers recommend talking with a health care professional about their individual risk factors and the best way to protect against severe RSV.

With a single dose offering long-term protection, the decision may be one that is easier to make than most people realize.

Dr. Talha Khan is a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare in Bloomington, Illinois.

Video clips with Dr. Talha Khan

B-Roll-RSV Vaccine

There are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Across the country, stories will be shared, fundraising walks will be held, and just like every month, more women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. For survivors, it’s also a time of reflection and continuing to live ‘a new normal,’ post-cancer.

When it comes to cancer, most people think about physical pain that is often associated with a diagnosis. But the emotional toll that comes with this serious disease can many times be just as devastating.

Those feelings can include fear, denial, anger, sadness and more. And the wave of emotions tends to change hourly, daily and even minute to minute. A cancer diagnosis now becomes all-consuming for both the person and perhaps loved ones as well.

And that can remain true even after the cancer has come and gone.

“Life after a diagnosis completely turns your life upside down,” says Nicole Wagner, an oncology nurse navigator for OSF HealthCare. “It's really hard to find your footing; hard to find your bearings. It's hard to find something solid to hold on to after something like [a cancer diagnosis].” 

Wagner encourages people to find ways to cope with their emotions. For example, build a support group of people you feel comfortable talking to. Find ways to relax, such as meditation, guided imagery and exercise. Choose when and how to talk about your cancer.

If you find that you’re still struggling emotionally, it might be time to seek help. Start by speaking to your doctor or someone you can confide in.

Support groups are helpful for survivors currently going through treatment. But they are also invaluable for people post-cancer. Wagner says newly diagnosed patients can learn significant lessons sitting alongside other survivors who are years removed from their own diagnosis.

“Maybe there are things we hold back from our family because we don't want them to worry,” says Wagner. “[A support group] is a safe place to share and be able to talk to someone who knows exactly how you’re feeling.”

Wagner says it’s natural to have a fear of recurrence of cancer. But it’s also crucial to give yourself time to heal after treatment. Try not to dwell on your cancer experience, she says. But if you do feel like something’s not right, remember to check in with your medical team.

“It’s important to focus on the things you can control. Cancer takes control of things that you wish it hadn't,” says Wagner. “And I think focusing on the things you can control, like getting your rest, being with loved ones, friends, family, singing, whatever brings you joy, being in nature, those are things we can control.”

Some people will adapt slowly to life without any more appointments or treatments. Many survivors have been involved in active care for weeks, months or longer. So, what now? Wagner encourages survivors to stay busy, whether that’s returning to work or finding new activities such as hobbies, exercise or re-entering social circles you were a part of before your cancer diagnosis.

And continue to accept any support that comes your way.

“I think there is a tendency to want to rush right back to your old life – or what looks like normal,” Wagner says. “I think it's important for families to remember that too. Once we get through treatment, it isn't over. There's still a lot of healing to do, and a lot of support is needed.” 

For more information on cancer care, including treatments, patient education and support services, visit OSF HealthCare.

Interview Clips 

A diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might bring fear and uncertainty. But Leah Knabe, APRN, a family nurse practitioner in pulmonology at OSF HealthCare, is reminding you that treatment has progressed in recent years, and a diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean a reduced quality of life.

A recap

First, a recap. Knabe says COPD is an obstruction in the airways, typically caused by inflammation from an outside irritant.

“Symptoms typically are cough, shortness of breath and excess mucus production. There’s wheezing from inflammation in the airways. The little bronchioles in our lungs get tight. Good airflow and gas exchanges aren’t happening. It leads to that shortness of breath. The disease typically progresses [gets worse] over time,” Knabe explains.

Knabe says COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and around 81% of cases are undiagnosed. That makes it all the more important for people with COPD to see their primary care provider or pulmonologist regularly. A person could be treated with steroids, antibiotics or go on oxygen. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD, so you should avoid cigarettes and vapes to preserve lung function. People who work around chemicals, like farmers, custodians and factory workers, are also at a higher risk.

More on treatment

Knabe says that just in the last year, COPD treatment has gotten better, leading to more options for the patient.

“We’ve had biologics become approved for use in COPD patients. They’re an injection that helps manage the inflammation that flares up the symptoms,” Knabe outlines. “There are new inhalers. There are nebulized medications that have come onto the scene in the past year. Those help with shortness of breath. There are other recommendations through the Global Initiative For Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Those include the antibiotic medication azithromycin three times per week for really severe cases.

“Inhaler technique is something that is overlooked a lot for COPD patients. We need to make sure they have the right technique to get the medication where it needs to go,” Knabe adds. “If that’s an issue for our severe COPD patients, they do make medication for the nebulizer that can help. If you can’t pull that medicine from the inhaler down into your lungs, there’s the nebulizer machine that fumes the medication. They sit and breathe that in versus trying to physically pull it down with the inhaler.”

In other words, there is hope, Knabe says. The goal is to help the person breathe easier for a long time. But early detection is key.

Learn more

Read more about keeping your lungs healthy on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

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Can't stop coughing?
Living rent-free: Tips for mold in your home

• Personal items: You might think you don’t need to clean things like your phone, wallet, purse, keys, headphones and keyboards. But those items can, for example, hang out in pant pockets where dust can accumulate or on your ears where wax can get transferred to the device. Television remotes and video game controllers fall into this category too. Think about a dog or child sneezing on a device then going on like nothing happened.
  
  So, Walker recommends wiping down these items with a wet wipe weekly. A can of compressed air can also help get dust out of crevices in devices.
  
• Pets: “If they’re going outside and inside, they can bring dirt and bugs in. That can get on your carpet and furniture. It can bring bacteria to humans,” Walker warns. “So, wipe the pet’s paws when they walk in. Clean their toys routinely. When they put the toys in their mouth, bacteria can develop on the toys and on their saliva.”
  
  Walker specifically points out that pets can harbor fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, which can then bite humans. So check your pet’s fur regularly, and keep them up to date with vaccines, grooming and medical care.
  
• Miscellaneous surfaces: Knobs, handles and switches should get a “once over” with a wet wipe on a weekly basis.
  
• Plants: Dead leaves can harbor fungi, so remove them regularly.
  
• Air conditioning units: Change the filter at least once a year, and in between do checks to see if moisture has built up inside. Dark, moist areas like the inside of an AC unit can also be mold hotspots.
  
• Towels: Change out and wash your kitchen and bathroom towels every few days.
  
• Water bottles: Walker says this is a big one that many people forget about. Germs can especially linger on the top of the bottle and transfer to your mouth. So clean your bottle regularly, checking the label to see if it’s OK to put in the dishwasher or if you need to hand wash.
  
• Appliances: Browse the home cleaning aisle of the grocery store to see what products are available to clean sink and tub drains, washing machines and dishwashers. This usually involves running a cycle with just the cleaning solution. Consider cleaning these appliances every couple months.

Take action

Walker says if you develop symptoms of an illness brought on by a dirty house, see a health care provider right away. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, coughing, headache, fatigue and skin issues like bumps or discoloration.

Photos

Interview clips

After months of dealing with red, itchy and scaly skin around her eyelids, Susan Scott of Groveland, Illinois decided it was time to stop trying to diagnose and treat the problem herself.

She turned to a new virtual dermatology service from OSF OnCall and within hours, she had a diagnosis and a prescription.

Since the beginning of the summer, Scott had itching and redness around her eyelids and tried to treat it with over-the-counter ointments and it did not clear up. A busy mom who was tied up with medical appointments for her children, Scott didn’t want to take time away from work for what she viewed as a minor issue.

“I didn’t want another appointment in my life and so I just figured I would treat myself … It wasn’t worth the time and effort to go see a doctor and so the virtual solution was a great solution for me,” Scott shares.

Rather than scheduling an in-person appointment with a dermatologist, she went to her OSF MyChart account, found the virtual dermatology link and submitted information and photos about her condition.

The process took about five minutes, Scott says. She completed basic medical information, photographed the affected area and submitted the request for review.

Her experience came on Labor Day, when she happened to be home and had time to address the problem.

Received a diagnosis on Labor Day

“Much to my surprise, that same day, on Labor Day, I got an email back from a doctor telling me that the condition was eczema and that they had called in prescription to Walmart in Morton (her pharmacy) to pick up my ointment.”

By the following weekend, the condition had cleared.

OSF OnCall Virtual Dermatology allows people to submit information about a skin concern and upload photos for review by a board-certified dermatologist. The patient receives a personalized treatment plan within three business days or less, and prescriptions may be provided when appropriate.

The digital option is available for common conditions including acne, eczema, rosacea, rashes, psoriasis, warts, hives, ringworm and pediatric skin concerns.

Susan Wolf, DNP, MBA, APRN, clinical director of digital care for OSF OnCall says skin issues can be uncomfortable, frustrating and sometimes embarrassing and yet the wait time for an in-person dermatology appointment was an average of five weeks.

“When we looked into dermatology access across the state, we were noticing at least a month to two months for a wait time for non-urgent concerns. We thought that wait time was too long, especially with frontline providers wanting answers, along with patients, sooner than later to determine is this more benign or is this more serious and concerning that we need to address sooner than later?”

Popular with all ages

Wolf says the virtual dermatology option has been helpful to people with transportation issues or limited access to providers in rural areas. And so far, it has a wide range of users.

“We’re seeing anybody from one year or less up to 90 plus that are using the service. We’re also noticing that family members are using the service for their loved ones as well, rather than just the patient themselves using the service.”

That has included older adults who have complex medical conditions that otherwise would require emergency medical transport to get them to an appointment.

For Susan Scott, it was a revelation that OSF OnCall Virtual Dermatology lived up to its promise of being quick and easy.

“Filling out the form, providing my medical history, describing my condition and issues I was dealing with was quick and really didn’t take much time at all. So, it really was as quick and easy as they say it is.”

The care costs a flat $60 self-pay fee and is not billed to insurance. Scott says she used an easy option.

“I was able to use my HSA (health savings account) card so that way it was somewhat discounted because I was using tax-free dollars to pay for the appointment so that was good.”

The experience changed Susan Scott’s view of how quickly a persistent skin problem could be addressed. She regrets letting her condition persist through the summer when she had an easy solution.

If a person’s condition requires an in-person evaluation, the care team can help coordinate follow-up with an OSF primary care provider or specialist.

The virtual option is not appropriate for a changing mole, irregular borders or colors, full body skin exams or bleeding or non-healing lesions which often require a dermoscopy or biopsy.

Here is more information about OSF OnCall virtual dermatology services.

Video clips with Susan Scott

Video clips with Susan Wolf

B-roll-Virtual dermatology

A beloved actress from one of America’s most popular TV shows has shared the story of her breast cancer journey with the world. 

Jenna Fischer, widely known as Pam from “The Office,” announced on social media she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive breast cancer in December 2023.

The 50-year-old’s cancer journey unknowingly began after her routine mammogram in October 2023. She tells The Today Show’s Hoda Kotb that her doctor called with the results, saying they were fine, but that there were a few spots that were difficult to see. The doctor added that Fischer has very dense breast tissue.

Fischer went in for a follow-up breast ultrasound and received the news on her patient portal while on a hike by herself.

“I checked the portal on the hike, and that’s when I saw words like ‘invasive,’ ‘ductal,’ ‘carcinoma,’ ‘malignant,’” Fisher told Kotb. “And I was like, ‘Those words sound like cancer words.’”

Nearly one year later, Fischer announced that she completed surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and is now cancer free. She hopes by sharing her story, she can provide comfort and hope to other women receiving similar diagnoses.

Jamin Addae, MD, is a breast surgeon with OSF HealthCare. He says having dense breast tissue does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but it does indicate that you have a higher chance of developing the disease.

Different types of breast tissue

"Dense breast tissue is absolutely normal. Like everything else in life, there are variations of things. You don't have one thing being the same in everybody. Breasts are made of different tissues and some of them we call fatty tissues, which are plain fat. Then we have glandular tissue which is the tissue that forms all the glands that produce milk," Dr. Addae says. “Then you also have the fibrous tissue that supports the breast itself.”

Dr. Addae says seeing the combination of the three types of tissue helps determine how dense the breasts are. He recommends getting routine breast screenings once you reach the age of 40, which is recommended by the American Cancer Society.

That way if you end up having dense breast tissue, your physician may recommend additional imaging to better assess the breast if the needs should arise. Fischer’s story is a perfect example of this.

“Knowing that you have dense breast tissue makes you aware that you have a slightly increased risk than someone who doesn't have dense breast tissue," Dr. Addae says. “It also makes you aware that it's more challenging to read your mammograms, compared to somebody who just has fatty tissue or fatty breasts.”

Technology advances helping survival rates, quality of life

Dr. Addae says the number one technology helping breast surgeons do what they do are what are called localization devices.

“If it's a small, five-millimeter area of calcification, you should be able to get that area out without taking the whole breast off. But that's a big challenge and I think the localization devices have made it possible for us to have a little clip placed in that area. So, in the operating room, we're able to go exactly where the five-millimeter tumor is, only take out that area and conserve the rest of the breast,” Dr. Addae says. “There's also a lot of improvements we're having in treatments. We have better chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which we consider systemic therapy. Radiation is also improving. These have all translated into much better survival rates and quality of life for our patients, compared to 20 or 30 years ago.”

Dr. Addae adds that oncoplastic surgery, which includes combining plastic surgery techniques that improve cosmetic appearance in breast cancer surgery have also led to an improvement in aesthetic outcomes and quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Ways to decrease the risk of breast cancer

-          Stop smoking

-          Decrease the amount of alcohol you drink

-          Maintain a healthy weight

-          Eat healthy

-          Be physically active

-          Breastfeed

-          Know your family history

-          Avoid hormone replacement therapy

Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer

-          Female at birth

-          Older age

-          Immediate family member has or has had breast cancer

-          Genetic mutations

-          Hormone replacement therapy

-          Early onset of menstrual cycle (before 12 years old)

-          Late menopause (menopause after 55 years)

-          Dense breast tissue

-          Smoking

-          Alcohol

-          Post menopausal obesity

-          Physical inactivity

-          Never breast-fed

-          No full-term pregnancies

-          Radiation treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Video Interview Clips

Whether it’s a sore knee after a long day of walking, a back injury from lifting something heavy or recovery from a knee or hip replacement, injuries can throw off our normal routines.

The good news? Getting moving again may be an important part of the recovery process.

“Most people would be surprised,” says Crystal Whitmarsh, a physical therapist with OSF HealthCare. “We used to tell them to rest, ice, compress and elevate. But now we're finding that it's important to get moving sooner.”

That doesn’t mean jumping right back into your normal workout. Instead, Whitmarsh recommends a gradual return to activity. “Obviously, you don't want to jump into it too quickly, so you want to slowly transition back,” she says. “But early motion is really proving to be helpful in recovering faster.”

Start slow

When returning to exercise after an injury or surgery, start with low-impact activities such as walking, biking or swimming.

Whitmarsh recommends beginning with early motion, or mobilization, and then gradually increasing activity. “You don't want to go in and progress intensity, resistance and repetitions all at once,” she says. “Pick one thing and see how you respond. And then if that goes well the next day, then you might progress a little further.”

For example, you might start at about 50% of your usual workout. If that goes well, increase the next workout to 60% and continue working your way up.

How you move is just as important as how much you move. Proper form can help ensure you’re using the right muscles and protecting your joints. But poor form can increase the risk of another injury.

“We want accurate muscle use and accurate timing of muscle use, and that helps to watch your form,” Whitmarsh says. “We're not asking for perfection. That's impossible, but just making sure that you're protecting your joints as you move through the motion.”

The difference between discomfort and pain

Some discomfort can be expected when you’re getting back to exercise. But Whitmarsh says it’s important to pay attention to what your body is telling you.

“On that pain scale of zero to 10, I tell people if you're in the two to three range, I'm okay with that,” she says. “If you start getting up to six, seven or eight, now that's our red stoplight.”

Many people can gradually return to activity on their own. But there are times when working with a physical therapist can help, particularly after a serious injury or surgery.

Whitmarsh says physical therapy can be beneficial if you’re trying to return to a higher level of activity but aren’t sure how to get there. It can also help if you’ve tried to rehab on your own but need additional guidance. A physical therapist can help develop a plan that is suited for your injury, goals and activity level.

Recovery means more than recovery

Exercise is only one part of the recovery process. Getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet and staying hydrated are also important.

Protein can help support tissue healing. Ice may help with pain and swelling, while heat may be helpful in certain situations.

And if you overdo it during a workout, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “Just listen to your body,” Whitmarsh says. “If you overdid it one day, now you're a little more swollen, maybe a little more pain. Back off, do an active rest day, and then move back into it the next day once things improve.”

Whether the injury is big or small, setbacks can happen. The key, Whitmarsh says, is to recognize them, adjust and keep moving forward.

For more information on rehabilitation services, visit OSF HealthCare.

Interview Clips

B-roll

Nipple-sparing mastectomy removes breast tissue while preserving the nipple, areola and most of the breast skin. For those selected, the approach can provide effective cancer treatment while supporting a more natural appearance following breast reconstruction.

People may be candidates for the procedure when breast cancer does not involve the nipple or surrounding skin, as well as those considering preventive surgery because of an increased genetic or family risk of breast cancer. Each person’s eligibility is determined based on factors including imaging, pathology and overall health.

This procedure is an innovative approach that can be performed through a single, small incision typically along the side of the chest where the scar may be less visible.

“We are proud to offer this innovative surgical option at our institution and are committed to expanding access to advanced surgical techniques that may provide appropriate patients with additional treatment options. This technique may offer benefits such as less postoperative discomfort and improved scar appearance, while maintaining the principles of oncologic breast surgery,” Dr. Addae says. “Similar minimally invasive approaches have become increasingly established in other surgical specialties, including abdominal and thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive techniques in breast surgery are likely to become increasingly popular and widely adopted in the nearest future.”

Nipple-sparing mastectomy is performed as part of a coordinated breast cancer care plan, with patients having access to breast surgery, reconstruction consultation and other cancer specialists through OSF Cancer Institute.

For more information about breast cancer care at OSF HealthCare, visit the OSF website.

• Illnesses in the classroom: You’ve heard the saying that daycares and elementary school classrooms are a petri dish of yucky stuff. Kids are coughing, sneezing and touching things without knowing they’re spreading germs. Dr. Nauman says upper respiratory infections (colds) are common.
  
  “Use a humidifier. Honey is a great natural cough suppressant. You can do steamy baths,” Dr. Nauman says, outlining what parents can try. “Teach your kids the proper way to cough and blow their nose. Teach them how and when to wash their hands. They should be washing as much as possible throughout the day.

“I also think eating healthy and maintaining good nutrition is key,” she adds. “Make sure the kids get vitamins with their daily intake of food and drink.”

Pink eye is also common in schools. It’s inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eye.

“Most pink eye is caused by a virus. But sometimes if we think there’s a bacterial cause, we’ll treat with an antibiotic eyedrop,” Dr. Nauman says. “Pink eye is very contagious. If one person in the house gets it, it can be a domino effect because kids are all over each other. Prevention involves really good handwashing. And if you have a young infant or a child that has complex medical issues, keep them distant from others.”

And, teach kids to cough and sneeze into their sleeve, and they should not touch grimy surfaces then touch their face.

• Sleep disruptions and anxiety about school: Kids tend to stay up late during the summer. Maybe they’re snacking on sugar-filled foods with their heads buried in devices. Start the back-to-school sleep routine if you haven’t already, Dr. Nauman says. As part of this routine, have the kids go to bed and wake up at the same time. Dr. Nauman says elementary school-aged kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Older kids should get 9 to 11 hours. Teenagers can sleep for 8 to 9 hours.
  
  “Everyone lacks sleep to some degree. But with kids, we don’t realize how much good sleep can affect their ability to learn, emotionally regulate themselves and carry themselves,” Dr. Nauman points out. “Sleep also makes sure that immune system gets some rest and is able to help the kid’s body stay healthy.
  
  “If you have, for example, a nervous Kindergartener, drive by the school the week before classes start,” Dr. Nauman adds. “Say ‘OK, this is the time we’ll be dropping you off here. It’s going to be part of your routine.’ Give them a fun treat that day. Make it a memory that’s positive for them so that when the time comes to go to school, they’re ready.”
  
  Some schools hold “meet the teacher” nights prior to the school year to introduce everyone to each other. Take advantage of those, Dr. Nauman stresses. Be excited for and proud of your kids.
  
• Allergies: Ragweed is a big one seen in the fall, Dr. Nauman says. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, cough and itchy eyes.
  
  “If you know your kids get allergies in August or September, start the allergy medication two weeks before. Before the symptoms are super bad, help your body get ready for them,” Dr. Nauman suggests. Also, know the child’s allergy triggers, and avoid them.
  
• Asthma: School means kids are back in sports and activities. They’re running around and exerting themselves, leading to shortness of breath or even an asthma attack. Dr. Nauman says parents should work with their kid’s pediatrician to craft a written asthma action plan. Teachers and coaches should get a copy of the plan.
  
  “Fifteen minutes before recess, gym class or practice, they need to use their inhaler,” Dr. Nauman says, giving an example of what could be in the action plan. “That’s one of the main ways we can try to prevent these asthma attacks from happening and interfering with kids’ lives.”

Learn more

Read more about keeping kids healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. Pediatric care at OSF includes local clinics like the one Dr. Nauman works at and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

Interview clips

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Learn more

Read more about cancer care on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF includes local cancer centers, like the one in Alton, Illinois, where Dr. Sandhu practices, and the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois, for people who need a higher level of care.

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Frequently asked questions

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• Bathroom: This is the most obvious one, but it’s worth the reminder. Showers, sinks and toilets should be cleaned daily. Keep the space ventilated. At the first site of mold (look for brown, black or fuzzy white spots or a stale, musky odor), take action quickly. A bleach and water mix (one part bleach and 10 parts water) might do the trick, or you might need to call a professional.
  
  “Once a week, do a deep bathroom clean. Clean the bathtub, the toilet bowl and countertops,” Walker adds. “Even the toothbrush holder is missed a lot of times. So make sure that’s clean.”
  
  Clean your shower/tub from top to bottom. Flush the toilet with the lid down to prevent tiny germs from traveling through the air and onto items. Keep those items, like toothbrushes, away from the toilet. The American Dental Association also recommends not sharing toothbrushes and swapping out your toothbrush every three to four months.
   
• Kitchen: Sponges, cutting boards, sinks and refrigerator handles can all harbor germs, Walker says. Change or sanitize your sponges a couple times a week, she suggests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says to clean your cutting board with soap and warm water often, especially when working with raw meat. Use a wet wipe on your fridge handles.
   
• Laundry room: Walker says if you leave clothes in the washer too long, they can develop bacteria. So move them to dry promptly.
   
• Garage: “That’s a dark place that can harbor moisture, dust, mold and mildew,” Walker explains. “So a couple times a month, I would sweep it out. Make sure you’re getting cobwebs and bugs out. Just get rid of anything that’s collecting moisture.”

Take action

Walker says if you develop symptoms of an illness brought on by a dirty house, see a health care provider right away. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, coughing, headache, fatigue and skin issues like bumps or discoloration.

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Interview clips

On Thursday, September 24, Archbishop Fulton Sheen was officially beatified, and is now recognized as Blessed Fulton Sheen, marking an important next step towards canonization as a saint.

The celebration also has a direct connection to OSF HealthCare. The miracle recognized by the Catholic Church for Sheen’s beatification involves a newborn boy who was stillborn, whose heart began beating after 61 minutes. He revived and received care at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

James Fulton Engstrom was born in 2010. After his birth, his family and others prayed, asking for Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s intercession.

Now a teenager, Engstrom was in St. Louis for Sheen’s beatification. In a full-circle moment, he walked toward the altar with his family during the Beatification Mass, carrying a vessel containing relics of Sheen.

In 2019, then-Pope Francis approved the miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession, clearing a major requirement for his beatification. Seven years later, Sheen has officially been declared Blessed.

Thousands of Catholic clergy, seminarians and religious attended and participated in the Beatification Mass. Thousands of individuals witnessed the beatification as well.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, presided as Pope Leo XIV’s representative at the Mass, held at The Dome at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis.

During the ceremony, the Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria formally requested the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. After a brief biography of Sheen was read, Cardinal Tagle read an apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV in Latin, with Bishop Tylka reading it in English. The letter formally declared Sheen “Blessed.”

Pope Leo, a Chicago native, grew up watching Archbishop Sheen on television. While Sheen was born in El Paso, Illinois, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria in 1919. He later became one of the most recognizable Catholic figures in American media. His television program, “Life Is Worth Living,” reached up to 30 million viewers per week during the 1950s.

Bishop Tylka oversaw the official cause for canonization and beatification. He reflects on Sheen’s mission.

"His desire was to save souls. He was the convert-maker, whether it was the person of notoriety or fame, as well as the person on the street," Bishop Tylka says.

Millions of people around the world have been impacted by Fulton Sheen, including Michele Konecki of Metamora, Illinois, just outside of Peoria. Konecki volunteers at Fulton Sheen’s tomb at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria, as well as with the pastoral care staff at OSF HealthCare, visiting people receiving care at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

"Because I've been active in the cause for the beatification, this is kind of putting the cherry on top," Konecki says. "Because I have been praying for the beatification and spending time with him at the tomb, it's very important to me."

Konecki attributes an important moment in her life to Fulton Sheen.

"He says in his book Treasures of Clay, ‘what do you do for your church? And what do you do with the talents that God gave you?’ Right after that I met someone that was related to Fulton Sheen, like 30 minutes after that conversation I had in my car,” Konecki says. “It was almost a sign that he heard me, and that pushed me forward to what I'm doing."

Monsignor Jason Gray, also with the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, is the executive director for the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation. He says while Sheen’s messages were broadcast nearly 80 years ago, they remain relevant today.

“Young people who were not alive when he was on television are discovering him now," Monsignor Gray says. “He really left a legacy we can be proud of. He came from this local territory and went to serve the Church throughout the United States and throughout the world.”

Bishop Tylka agrees, stressing that Sheen asked an important question that should still be considered today.

"He asked a question, 'Quo Vadis America?' Which means 'where are we going, America?' His reach was to all homes that were willing to turn on the TV and tune in to him," says Bishop Tylka. "He had a significant following, but not just among Catholics. Protestants and those of the Jewish faith (followed him), and he just spoke to the world."

Monsignor Gray notes Sheen’s missionary work as an inspiration to all.

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen had some personal stories that were really fantastic. For example, he would look after leper colonies, that was part of his missionary work," Monsignor Gray says. "He talked about a time that he was distributing little crosses, and he would actually go and touch their hands. Because it's important to practice the virtues like charity, but to do so in practice, it's not just something you talk about, you actually have to do that."

While the Beatification Mass began before 2 p.m. at The Dome, the celebration started hours earlier, with thousands of people lining up to get inside. Visitors could participate in Eucharistic adoration and confession and walk through the Sheen Expo, which featured Catholic ministries and organizations, including OSF HealthCare.

The celebration now returns to Peoria with more events are scheduled Friday and Saturday, including Masses of Thanksgiving, a festival, the Sheen Awards Gala and other celebrations honoring Blessed Fulton Sheen.

Beatification leaves Sheen one step from sainthood. Canonization ordinarily requires the Catholic Church to recognize another miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession following his beatification.

Bishop Tylka says multiple potential miracles are being considered and hopes to have more information to share in the near future.

The Most Reverend Bishop Lou Tylka Video Interview Clips

Monsignor Jason Gray Video Interview Clips

Video Interview Clips | Michele Konecki

Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen B-Roll

Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis walking to Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen B-Roll

If you went to the movie theater this summer and caught the block-buster “Toy Story 5,” you learned that real-life parents aren’t the only ones worried about kids and too much screen time.

In the movie, eight-year-old Bonnie struggles to make friends because most of the kids she meets would rather spend time on their digital devices rather than go out and play.

But when her parents buy her a Lilypad, a frog-shaped tablet that comes alive, it’s Bonnie that becomes hooked on screen time, leaving Jessie and the rest of the toys begging for Bonnie’s attention.

“Toy Story 5” addresses real-world parenting struggles, such as isolation caused by devices and pressure to give children devices that will help them fit in with their friends.

Chasity Caperton, MD, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare, says the movie’s central conflict is sure to resonate with most parents.

“I love it. I love that they're bringing this topic forward,” she says. “It's given the parents an avenue to be able to discuss this with their children in a non-confrontational way. I think it's needed. It shows that screens are pervasive in society, and this film just drives that point home.”

Let’s face it. Screens are available everywhere. That includes phones, tablets, TVs, computers, games, even AI tools that have shaped how kids play, learn and connect with others.

“I'm very concerned, and it's not simply a question of the hours of screen time,” says Dr. Caperton. “It's what is that screen time replacing. Is it replacing interaction with their parents? Is it replacing interaction with their friends, imaginative play, or any physical activity or sleep that they may need? All these things are essential for the development of a child.”

New guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their guidelines in early 2026, coming up with a new way of viewing screen time for kids. Rather than using strict time limits, AAP recommends a more balanced approach that considers the entire digital environment, which includes the many tech tools and platforms that kids use daily.

Dr. Caperton says the new shift is looking at how the technology is designed and figuring out if it affects learning, sleep, amount of physical activity – basically how it affects a child’s life. It’s a conversation she has often with parents.

“The things that I ask are, ‘are they using it?’ The answer is always yes, typically. The next thing is: ‘Do they use social media? Do they game? Are there parental controls?’ And then the last thing that I ask is: ‘Is this starting to interfere with the child's sleep? Are they having behavior issues that the parents think can be related to this screen time? And how is it impacting their education?’”

Dr. Caperton says screen time in moderation is fine. In fact, it’s necessary for children to become comfortable with technology overall.

Know your limits

But there are limits. Dr. Caperton says all tech devices should be turned off one hour before bedtime, or don’t keep them in the bedroom at all. Excessive screen time has been linked to increased irritability, anxiety and attention deficiencies in children. She adds one caveat – it depends on the content and the individual child.

Spoiler alert here in case you haven’t seen “Toy Story 5.” Bonnie doesn’t stop using her Lilypad in the movie. Instead, she learns there is enough room in her life for both friends and devices.

While there is plenty of debate about whether the movie nailed the messaging, Dr. Caperton says there are enough teaching moments that parents can share with their kids once the houselights come up.

“They can start off by asking their child, ‘"What did you notice about Bonnie's behavior? How did it change throughout the movie?’ They can also discuss the peer pressure that's involved with using [devices] because that's also demonstrated in the movie.”

Dr. Caperton encourages every family to come up with one change in screen time they can incorporate within their household. One example – put away phones during dinner.

It might seem like a small change, but it’s a good start. 
 

Interview Clips

Vaccines are something many people associate with childhood: a series of shots following a schedule that gradually becomes less demanding. But adulthood comes with its own list of recommended immunizations, and keeping track of them can be surprisingly difficult.

That is why doctors often use annual physicals and preventive visits to review a person’s vaccination history and determine what vaccines are due.

Vaccine schedules can be pretty confusing. Talha Khan, MD, a family medicine physician for OSF HealthCare, says one way to simplify them is to think about vaccines in two groups.

“The first part is vaccines that are due for all age groups. So, things like the flu shot, the tetanus vaccine or the COVID-19 booster. The second part involves vaccines that are triggered by certain age requirements. So, things like the shingles vaccine, which is after age 50, or the pneumonia or pneumococcal vaccine, which is typically after age 65."

Dr. Khan says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC’s) adult schedule also recommends considering a patient's age, health conditions, pregnancy status, occupation and vaccination history when determining which vaccines are appropriate.

“Depending on if you have a weakened immune system or if you have a bunch of chronic conditions, such as asthma, COPD or diabetes, you may be eligible to get certain vaccines earlier.”

Can’t remember which vaccines you have received? Don't assume you are out of options.

Doctors can search existing medical records or request records from previous providers. For some diseases, blood tests known as antibody titers can help determine whether a person has immunity. When documentation is unavailable and no reliable test can establish immunity, clinicians may recommend catch-up vaccination rather than leaving someone unprotected.

"Most vaccines don't have an age cutoff," Dr. Khan points out. "If you ever didn't finish a vaccine series or missed a dose here and there, then we can always do some catch-up vaccines to make sure that person is immune.”

Here is a look at several vaccines adults may need to think about.

Flu: More than just a bad cold

Influenza vaccination is recommended every year because the viruses circulating from one flu season to another change, and protection decreases over time. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for adults, with certain formulations preferred for people 65 and older.

Dr. Khan emphasizes that a flu shot does not guarantee that someone will never become infected.

“And some people will also mention ‘I got the flu vaccine but then I got the flu later on.’” Dr. Khan says, “It’s still possible to catch the flu because there are different strains of the flu. But typically, the extra layer of protection the vaccine offers will ensure you have a milder case of the flu.”

Another common misconception is that experiencing aches, fatigue or a low-grade fever after vaccination means someone has caught the flu from the shot. Those reactions can occur as a side-effect after vaccination and generally resolve within a few days.

COVID-19: Still part of vaccine conversation

COVID-19 may no longer dominate daily life the way it did years ago in the pandemic, but the virus continues to circulate, and vaccination remains part of the adult immunization schedule.

Current CDC guidance calls for COVID-19 vaccination according to age and health status, with recommendations subject to change as the vaccine formulation and public-health guidance are updated.

For people receiving both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, getting them during the same visit is an option. CDC guidance permits multiple vaccines to be administered during the same visit, and Dr. Khan suggests combining the appointments can be a practical way to avoid putting off one of the vaccines.

The goal is to enter respiratory illness season with protection against both viruses rather than treating vaccination as something to get around only after illness begins circulating.

Shingles: Two doses to help prevent a painful infection

For most adults, the shingles vaccine becomes an important consideration at age 50. The recombinant zoster vaccine, commonly known by the brand name Shingrix, is administered as a two-dose series. It is also recommended for certain adults with weakened immune systems at younger ages. It is also a vaccination that once you’ve received the shots, you have immunity for life.

Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox, which remains dormant in the body after the initial infection, becomes reactivated. It can cause a painful rash and nerve pain that may persist after the rash disappears.

The illness can also affect areas such as the eye, where complications can be particularly affected. Dr. Khan describes the choice as a tradeoff between a temporary inconvenience and the possibility of a painful infection.

HPV: A vaccine that helps prevent cancer

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is commonly associated with sexual transmission, but the reason doctors recommend vaccination well before most people become sexually active is cancer prevention.

HPV infection can cause several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, penile and certain cancers of the mouth and throat. The CDC routinely recommends HPV vaccination through age 26 for people who were not adequately vaccinated earlier; adults ages 27 through 45 might also consider vaccination based on a discussion with a health care professional.

The vaccine can be started as early as age nine. When vaccination begins before the 15th birthday, the routine series generally requires two doses; people who begin later generally need three.

MMR: Don't assume childhood records are complete

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Because the vaccine is routinely administered in childhood, adults may not remember whether they received the recommended doses.

For people without documentation of vaccination or evidence of immunity, clinicians can review medical records or, in appropriate circumstances, order antibody testing to look for evidence of immunity. Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions.

Illinois has 22 documented cases, and Michigan has 16 cases for 2026 at publication time. Dr. Khan highly encourages adults who are unsure of their vaccination status to check and get vaccinated.

“It’s definitely something that is preventable. It’s definitely something that can have long-term complications and even lead to death. If we can prevent it, then why not?” Dr. Khan stresses, “It’s only a two-dose series. If you missed it when you were younger, there’s no age cutoff. You can get it as an adult with the catch-up vaccines.”

Tetanus: The vaccine adults commonly forget

The tetanus vaccine is one of the easiest adult vaccines to overlook because it is not administered every year.

Adults generally receive a Tdap dose if they have not previously received one as an adult, followed by Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years. Tetanus vaccination can also become relevant when someone has certain wounds, and Tdap is recommended during each pregnancy.

RSV: Important for infants and older adults

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, can cause mild illness in many people but can become serious in infants and older adults. CDC guidance identifies RSV as a major cause of hospitalization among infants and recommends immunization strategies for infants, pregnant women and for adults 75 and older and for adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. People who have already received an RSV vaccine generally should not receive another dose at this time.

For babies, the terminology can be confusing because the protection may come either from a maternal vaccine or from an antibody administered directly to the infant. CDC recommends that most babies receive one of those two forms of protection, rather than both.

Pregnant women can receive Pfizer's RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy during the recommended seasonal window in most of the continental United States. Alternatively, an eligible infant can receive a long-acting RSV antibody after birth.

For infants born during the RSV season, the CDC says the antibody can be administered during the baby's first week of life, ideally during the birth hospitalization, when indicated.

Hepatitis A and B: Two different vaccines

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver, but vaccination recommendations for the two are different.

Hepatitis A vaccination is generally targeted toward people with particular risk factors, including certain travelers and others at increased risk of infection. Hepatitis B vaccination is much more broadly recommended. It is routinely given during childhood, but adults who were not vaccinated or did not complete the series can receive catch-up vaccination.

Hepatitis B can sometimes be cleared by the body's immune system, but chronic infection can cause serious liver disease.

For adults unsure whether they received hepatitis B vaccination, reviewing records is a good starting point. Depending on the circumstances, blood testing can also help determine whether you are protected or not.

A preventive visit or annual exam can be an opportunity to plan, identify which vaccines are most appropriate and schedule additional doses when necessary. For adults, staying protected is an ongoing part of preventive health care.

Dr. Talha Khan is a family medicine physician for OSF HealthCare in Bloomington, Illinois.

Video clips of Dr. Talha Kahn

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