For most adults, spring and summer thunderstorms bring the annoyance of driving in a downpour.

But others dread this time of year for migraines triggered by the environment.

What are migraines?

Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, describes migraines as episodic disorders that cause severe, throbbing headaches, usually on one side of the brain.

The list of triggers is, unfortunately, long.

“Emotional stress can trigger migraines. Moving, changing jobs, other stressful life situations,” Dr. Ogun says. “A change in sleeping habits can trigger a migraine. Skipping a meal. Your diet: wine, aged cheese, coffee withdrawal and foods high in nitrates.”

Other common triggers include hormones, bright lights, loud sounds and changes in altitude. A propensity for frequent headaches can also run in the family, Dr. Ogun says.

You can prepare

Dr. Ogun says not much is known about weather-induced migraines. But most medical professionals agree there is some evidence for migraines caused by changes in barometric pressure.

How can you prepare?

“Up and move,” Dr. Ogun says, tongue firmly planted in cheek.

More realistically, watch the weather forecast. If there’s a chance for a lot of dust or smoke in the air (think areas like California or Arizona), plan to limit time outside.

Stock up on medication after talking with your health care provider. Dr. Ogun says over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen will help with pain and can even be taken ahead of when you know a migraine is coming.

“They could have a headache diary where they write down what causes their headaches, where the pain is located, how long does it last, symptoms and what treatment helps,” Dr. Ogun adds.

If your migraines are more frequent, feel different, or come with other symptoms like confusion, neck rigidity, weakness in the arms or legs, fever or chills, see a doctor right away. Some of those symptoms may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.

Any head trauma, like a sports injury or a car crash, should also be checked on by a doctor.

Interview clips

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• Changed demeanor, like mood swings
   
• Frequently stepping away, like asking to go to the restroom a lot at school

“They want to go smoke because they’re addicted already. They need that time. They have to go hide,” says Thompson, a breast health navigator. “Same thing at home. They constantly go to their room or bathroom.”

• New odors coming from your child or their belongings. Williams, a radiation therapist, notes that the smell could be good, like minty.
   
• Listen for kids using new phrases. Vapes are also called hookahs, pens, tank systems and mods.

Adults should also know the changing look of vapes. Boyd says they could be in plain sight in your child’s room, and you could miss them. Vapes can look like computer flash drives, ink pens, key fobs, candy canisters and even handheld video games.

Talking to kids

First and foremost, Boyd suggests taking a loving tone when talking to kids about the dangers of vaping. Don’t start by accusing them of wrongdoing.

“Gather information. Encourage them to open up. Make it a safe place,” Boyd says. “If they don’t feel comfortable talking to mom or dad, maybe try somebody at church, an older sibling, a school counselor or a teacher. Find those accountability people.”

If your child has a hard time opening up, talk to their pediatrician so they can broach the subject at the next appointment. During the appointment, offer to step out of the room so the child isn’t nervous to talk about their habits.

Thompson adds to keep kids active. If you’re playing backyard baseball with them, you know they’re not vaping.

“We want you to be healthy and live a long life,” she adds, suggesting words to use with your child. Not to mention the money you’ll save.

What about smoking?

How does smoking a traditional cigarette or cigar play into all this?

Boyd says some people see vaping as a way to quit smoking. She says that’s a bad idea. Talk to your health care provider instead about medication and other options.

At OSF Moeller Cancer Center, Boyd, Thompson and Williams offer a smoking cessation program. Providers can refer patients to the program, or they can self-refer by calling (618) 474-6791. OSF then connects the person with resources to quit and provides regular check-ins. Schools, businesses and community groups can also call to see how they can benefit from the program.

“Working on oncology, we see the back end. We see patients who have been 30-year smokers. They have a CT scan, and they find an abnormal mass,” Thompson recalls. “So we try to catch them early. We have younger patients who are seeing their primary care provider. Their provider says they’ve been smoking for five years, and they put the referral in. Well, we just saved them 25 years of smoking if we can get them to stop now.”

“Don’t see it as a failure,” if you can’t quit right away or if you relapse and smoke a few, Boyd adds. “Try again. We’re not all made the same. Quitting looks different for everyone”

Interview clips - Karen Boyd

Interview clips - Heather Thompson

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As a pediatrics expert and mother of an eight-year-old, Emily Isom has seen the screen time debate firsthand.

“Kids are being introduced to technology early,” says Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare. “COVID was one of the reasons. Kids did schoolwork on their devices. That turns into using technology throughout the day. They get attached and addicted to scrolling and swiping. It’s glued to their hands.”

One way to break the cycle? Good old-fashioned ink and paper. Isom is reminding people, young and old, about the pitfalls of excessive screen time and the benefits of reading for fun, not just when you have to.

The concerns

Isom says constant screen time can weaken kids’ memory and concentration.

“It’s hard for a kid to focus on a reading assignment in school because they are so used to quick swipes on their device,” Isom says. Long term, Isom says this can lead to poor grades, missed academic opportunities and even a diagnosis of a learning disorder.

“Anxiety is also a big concern. I see this in older kids,” Isom adds. “Bullying online causes a lot of anxiety. There’s social pressure. They want to be not left out. Who’s texting me? What’s going on online? Am I going to miss this party? Is there something going on I should be involved in? They focus on this instead of schoolwork.” Isom also says kids are exposed online to traumatic news stories and adult content, leading to confusion about the world, stress and other mental health concerns.

The benefits

“If kids read on a regular basis, it’s going to sharpen their mind. It’s going to help them excel in academics. It’s going to give them a more open mind to the world. It’s going to help with memory,” Isom says. They’ll be more curious, she adds, not just about the book but about the world. This can pay off when they’re exposed to other cultures in college and the workplace. Books can also be an escape from everyday stress.

“Reading for fun [not just when it’s required for school] helps you find things you’re interested in,” Isom adds. “You might find a book you had no idea about. You open the book and realize ‘I like reading. I like this genre. This is different and cool.’ Then you keep reading. You want to learn more. It’s like being on the edge of your seat with a movie you can’t stop watching. It brings happiness. It’s almost magical.”

Tips for adults

How can parents and teachers get young ones to rediscover their love for reading?

• Let your child pick the book, but give them options that are fun and light. Save the books on heavier topics for when they get older.
   
• Make books available throughout your home. Place books on shelves or nightstands in bedrooms, living rooms and playrooms.
   
• Let kids see you read.
  
  “If they see you read, they’re going to read,” Isom says.
   
• Read with your child.
  
  “I can’t stress that enough. Reading with your child is going to get them to read more,” Isom says. “When you’re with them, showing them words and interacting with them, you’re challenging their brain. Kids love that. They say, ‘Hey mom, can we read this book tonight?’ Next thing you know, it becomes a habit. It’s a nightly thing.”
   
• Create a reward system for reading. For example, put a sticker on a posterboard for every book read. At 10 stickers, the child gets a reward like a toy or special meal. Isom says after a while, the child might forget about the rewards because they’ve developed a love for reading.

Traditional or tech?

We live in a digital world where some people read on electronic devices like a Kindle. Is that OK, or should you stick to paper books?

Isom says e-readers are fine since it’s not a constant scroll like social media.

Learn more

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

OSF also offers resources if your child’s screen time requires a visit to a mental health provider. Some resources are available even if you are not an OSF patient.

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“I’ll clean the house later.”

“I’ll fill up the car with gas tomorrow morning.”

“Thinking about putting together a will stresses me out. I’ll deal with it later.”

At one time or another, we’ve all put something off. It may be large or small. It may be put off for five minutes or a year. Whatever the case, procrastination is a part of life. But what’s important is understanding why we procrastinate and how not to let it get out of hand to the point it affects our mental health.

The basics

Ari Lakritz, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at OSF HealthCare, defines procrastination as wanting to do an important task but pushing it off or finding something else to do.

“Despite my best efforts, I just can’t help myself,” Dr. Lakritz says, putting himself in the mind of a procrastinator.

Just like stress activates parts of the brain that control fear and anger, procrastination comes with a sense of relief in the brain, Dr. Lakritz explains.

“All those aversive stimuli in the brain settle and go back to their baseline. Then it’s smooth sailing until at least the next time the issue comes up,” Dr. Lakritz says.

Procrastination is often equated with being able to prioritize and work well under pressure. Don’t confuse the two, Dr. Lakritz warns.

“Procrastination is accompanied by a sense of shame,” he says. “A sense of ‘I know deep down what I’m doing is not the most productive way of working. It’s not the most responsible way of working’.”

For example, take a college student who can type an A+ essay right before the midnight deadline. A provider like Dr. Lakritz may not call them a procrastinator because working at the deadline is part of their plan. They know they are going to finish the task. There’s no opposing force.

The why and the consequences

So why do we put things off?

Dr. Lakritz says for many, it’s about how our brain interprets scenarios. If you pass a coworker in the hallway and they don’t greet you, you may think the person is mad at you. In reality though, the coworker was just lost in their own thought. But your brain doesn’t interpret that.

The same concept applies for procrastinators. And for people with attention deficit disorder, anxiety and depression, it may be worse.

“They’re not so good at understanding or feeling the consequences of what’s going to happen when they come to that big meeting or big test unprepared,” Dr. Lakritz says.

Ironically, those people may be on the other end of the pendulum – too optimistic or confident about what they can accomplish. They lack an understanding of time. They think they can bake a cake in five minutes, for example, when we know it takes longer, no matter your recipe or skill level.

The consequences of procrastination vary by person, but it comes down to missed opportunities and not living up to your potential. For a teenager, putting off homework might lead to missing the work altogether. That means poor grades and fewer chances at the higher education they want. For adults, procrastination may mean missed opportunities to advance up the corporate ladder. And it keeps spiraling from there.

Treatment

Dr. Lakritz says a mental health provider shouldn’t judge how a person organizes tasks or, in general, lives their life. But he says there are some evidence-backed ways to tackle severe procrastination.

•  Find the amount of time you can work without distraction. If it’s 15 minutes, break your project up into small, manageable chunks of around 15 minutes.

“Take a nice little break to revitalize yourself between those small chunks, then get right back at it,” Dr. Lakritz suggests. “You might spend more time overall on this task, but you’ll be working much more consistently.

           “With procrastination, slow and steady wins the race.”

• Rewards like food or music can work, but Dr. Lakritz suggests pairing them with productive work, not after. A work buddy can help here.

“Come up with a contract or rule. You’re only allowed to eat that ice cream or candy bar when you’re working actively,” Dr. Lakritz says. “You’ll begin to associate working with something physically pleasurable. We would expect that to have pretty good effects on your level of motivation going forward.”

Learn more

Learn more about behavioral and mental health resources on the OSF HealthCare website. Just do it today and not tomorrow.

Interview clips

With age comes physical limitations. But it’s important to stay active, says John Rinker, MD, an internal medicine physician who specializes in geriatrics at OSF HealthCare. When you keep moving, it helps reduce the risk of things like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, cancer and neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.

In other words, Dr. Rinker says, it’s not fun to live long if you’re not well. Your lifespan versus your health span, as he puts it.

“It really, really pays to maintain exercise and be in good physical shape as you age. It reaps huge dividends on how long you live,” Dr. Rinker stresses.

Guidelines

Each person should have a tailored plan as advised by a health care provider. But regardless of your age, the American Heart Association (AHA) generally recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 70 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week, spread out over several days. A brisk walk would qualify as moderate intensity (also called zone two training), while running, swimming or riding a bike would be vigorous. Vigorous exercise is associated with a term called VO2 max, referring to maximum use of oxygen. In layman’s terms, you’re breathing hard and conditioning the heart.

“Most of that type of [vigorous] training is at a higher interval. You’re going to get breathing really hard for three to five minutes while you sustain a pace that’s rather difficult. Then you’re going to rest and let that heart rate come back down. Then go back to the hard exercise,” Dr. Rinker explains. “That back and forth with the heart rate really helps to train how well your heart can pump blood to muscles. That’s a really good marker of how well conditioned you are.”

The AHA also recommends two days of strength training per week. That could be lifting weights, using resistance bands or calisthenics, where you use your body weight for resistance rather than equipment.

“I really like the strength training piece,” Dr. Rinker says.

“It doesn’t take a lot as you age to tension a muscle enough to maintain muscle mass. We really find that people who are able to maintain muscle more muscle mass as they age are going to do much better with those health span and lifespan issues,” he adds. “So, the goal isn’t to make everyone a huge bodybuilder. The goal is to decrease the rate of decline as we age.”

On the days you do strength training, aim for 30 minutes per day. Dr. Rinker says if you really want to lean into this area of fitness, consider getting a personal trainer.

Limitations

It’s important to work around your ability and not push through pain, Dr. Rinker says. If aging has brought back or leg pain, skip the treadmill and try swimming or a weightlifting session while seated.

“You want to make sure you’re not going to injure something further. That will create a bigger setback or other deficit that are not going to help you in the long run,” Dr. Rinker says.

The bottom line

From VO2 max to zone two to calisthenics, there are a lot of terms to keep straight. If you don’t want to overthink it, just remember to keep moving. Push yourself with some vigorous workouts if you can, but commit to some form of exercise regularly.

“Most of your day-to-day exercise [as an older adult] should be just basic activity,” Dr. Rinker says. “Think of a brisk walk. Walking at a pace for about 30 minutes where you could still hold a conversation with somebody, but it would be difficult to sing a song.

“If I can just get someone to walk every day, I think they’re going to be in good shape,” he adds.

Learn more

Read more about moving your body safely and aging well on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Anger. Sadness. Anxiety. Fear.

The Inside Out movies may be onto something.

They’re examples of “big emotions,” says Rachel Yuhas, LCPC, a psychotherapist at OSF HealthCare. Yuhas says it’s OK to feel these emotions, but you should know how to react to them. When you’re angry, for example, swinging your fists at others is a bad idea.

“A big thing is taking accountability first,” Yuhas says of managing these emotions. “Often when you have a big emotion, it can impact people around you.”

Yuhas also preaches techniques to ground yourself like deep breathing, taking time out from stressful situations, meditation, journaling and practicing mindfulness.

“With children, having them interact in a group might be really effective because they can learn from their peers. They can learn how to have those relationships. They even learn how other kids might be having these emotions,” Yuhas says. “I might also incorporate play therapy with kids because it’s more their style. They might receive that better.”

For adults, Yuhas often uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). She says it’s a type of therapy where the person learns skills to use in the outside world.

“We talk about mindfulness skills; meditation and interpersonal effectiveness, which is how to communicate with people in an effective way when you’re experiencing big emotions,” Yuhas explains. “We talk about stress. Say you’re at a nine on the stress scale and you need to come down to a seven. There are also emotional regulation skills we talk about.”

Details to know about some of these tactics:

• Mindfulness: As the name suggests, try to keep your mind full. Use your senses to notice things that you wouldn’t otherwise, such as a painting on the wall or the scent of a food truck.
  
  “We want to come back to the here and now instead of ruminating on the emotional turmoil we’re experiencing,” Yuhas says.
   
• Communication: Yuhas will coach people through tough conversations. For example: You’re mad at your partner. Instead of throwing an object against the wall, think about how you’re really feeling and what triggered the anger. Find a way to communicate that without a “catastrophic reaction,” Yuhas says.
   
• Distress tolerance: Yuhas says it starts when knowing that you’re highly stressed – in the “red zone” or toward the top of the one to 10 stress scale. Step away from the situation and find an outlet that helps you calm down, like going for a run.
  
  “Run off some of the steam,” she says.

Read more about mental health resources on the OSF HealthCare website.

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A new study is challenging long-held assumptions about coffee’s effects on digestive health, suggesting the popular beverage could offer benefits for both the gut and the brain.

The research, published in Nature Communications, examined 62 participants, half of whom were regular coffee drinkers, to explore how coffee consumption influences the gut microbiome and mental well-being. Using psychological assessments alongside dietary tracking and biological samples, researchers found that individuals who drank coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, reported lower levels of stress, depression and impulsivity.

The findings point to a growing scientific consensus: coffee is more than just a caffeine delivery system. According to the study’s authors, it acts as a complex dietary component that interacts with gut bacteria, metabolism and even emotional health.

Researchers also observed higher levels of beneficial bacteria among coffee drinkers, including strains linked to protection against harmful microbes and inflammation. Caffeinated coffee, in particular, was associated with reduced anxiety, improved attention and lower markers of inflammation.

Still, OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist Omar Khokhar, MD, cautions against drawing sweeping conclusions.

Kinds of coffee could make a difference

Dr. Khokhar points out it’s a small study that supports a hypothesis, but it’s not definitive proof that coffee will improve gut health or mood.

“There are so many different kinds of coffee. There’s Turkish coffee, there’s South American coffee, there’s Dunkin Donuts coffee, there’s Folger’s and Sanka for some of the people watching this on Facebook.” He points out, “It just comes down to each person and their own individual microbiome and how it responds to whatever particular type of coffee they’re ingesting.” 

Instead, Dr. Khokhar believes the study contributes to a broader shift in how scientists understand nutrition. Rather than labeling foods as strictly “good” or “bad,” researchers are increasingly focusing on individual responses, particularly how a person’s unique gut microbiome influences their reaction to what they consume.

Coffee itself is chemically complex, containing compounds such as polyphenols, which Dr. Khokhar says might act to feed beneficial gut bacteria.

“Now let’s suppose you’re at baseline and you have overall good gut hygiene and function; coffee could potentially be a good thing. It could be a prebiotic of sorts, that could potentially support your microbiome in that case.” 

This could help explain the observed microbiome changes in coffee drinkers.

However, those same compounds can have downsides. Coffee is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially triggering heartburn, and Dr. Khokhar stresses coffee exacerbates symptoms in people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

The study did not differentiate between types of coffee, such as espresso versus brewed coffee, highlighting another limitation and an area for future research.

More research is needed

Dr. Khokhar says the study shows a link but not a direct cause and he thinks more controlled studies are needed to determine how specific varieties and preparation methods influence health outcomes.

“What I would like to see personally is if you controlled for what specific coffee a group of volunteers ingested and then either through blood or stool, looking at their exact gut microbiome diversification or pattern to see if that improved or how that changed from a robustness and a diversity point of view,” he says. “That would be more objective.” 

The research also raises intriguing questions about the gut-brain connection. Scientists now understand that the gut microbiome plays a role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can influence mood, sleep and behavior.

Whether coffee can enhance mood indirectly by improving gut health remains a hypothesis but an appealing one for millions of daily coffee drinkers.

For now, the takeaway is about embracing moderation and self-awareness. As Dr. Khokhar puts it bluntly, “If it makes you feel bad, don’t do it.” But he says if people can tolerate coffee well, in moderation, it might not be as harmful as once thought and could even be helpful, but more research is needed to prove that.

If you have questions about what's best for their health, talk to your primary care provider. 

Video clips with Dr. Omar Khokhar

B-roll-Coffee and gut microbiome

When Gordon Ramsay raises his voice, it’s usually about an undercooked dish.

But in 2024, the celebrity chef was calling for help after a scary bicycle accident.

“It really shook me,” says the avid cyclist in a June 15, 2024, Instagram post. “Honestly, I’m lucky to be here.”

Ramsay says he didn’t suffer any major injuries, but he’s bruised and on the mend. And he’s again joining health care professionals in stressing the importance of wearing a helmet and biking within your means.

“I don’t care how short the journey is,” Ramsay says.

Biking accidents in the emergency department

Kurt Bloomstrand, MD, an emergency medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare, has treated people who have fallen off a moving object. It could be a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle. Sometimes it’s a child who’s learning their way. Or it could be an adult who didn’t hit the brakes in time.

“A lot of times what happens is they fall off the bike, put their arm out to protect themselves and injure their arm,” Dr. Bloomstrand says.

“But most importantly, we also see head injuries. We know that people who get in a bike accident have better outcomes if they’re wearing a helmet. People that are not have a higher risk of head injuries and traumatic brain injuries,” he adds.

Those head injuries are not something to take lightly, Dr. Bloomstrand says. Traumatic brain injuries can result in lifelong complications or death.

“When we see people in the emergency department who have suffered from a bicycle accident, we’re going to do a rapid trauma assessment,” Dr. Bloomstrand explains. “We’re going to pay special attention to the head. We’re going to make sure there are no signs of skull fracture or neurological abnormality. Depending on the severity of the injury, we may do a CAT scan [also called a CT scan] to make sure there’s no internal injury like bleeding on the brain. Those internal injuries are life-threatening emergencies that need to be addressed quickly.”

Advice

Check these off your list the next time you get on a bicycle or something similar:

• People of all ages should wear a helmet while biking. Young kids who are learning to ride should also wear knee elbow pads.
   
• Long shirts and pants and closed toe shoes (not sandals) are better than bare skin if you fall and skid on pavement (commonly called “road rash”).
   
• Be alert when riding. Don’t ride while tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re listening to music, consider having one ear free so you can hear your surroundings.
   
• Don’t ride above your means. Choose a speed and terrain that fits your skills.
   
• Keep your bike in good condition and configured to match your height. Your feet should touch the ground when seated. This should be true for all ages. A child should not “grow into” a bike. 
  
  At night, a headlight, reflectors, flag and a horn help you to be seen and heard. Bright-colored clothing also helps your visibility at night.
   
• Look closely before crossing an intersection, and obey all traffic laws. This typically includes riding on the right side of the road. Use universal hand signals: left arm straight for a left turn, left arm bent up for a right turn and left arm bent down for a stop. Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle before passing in front of them.
   
• One person should ride a bike at a time, and keep both hands on the handlebars. Put items like books in a backpack or basket. Don’t try to carry items and ride.
   
• If you or someone you’re with suffers a bike injury, call 9-1-1 immediately.

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Warm weather means more outdoor activities involving alcohol.

The dangers

How quickly can binge drinking turn problematic?

“Very easily,” says Andrew Zasada, MD, an internal medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare.

Dr. Zasada says for women, binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks on one occasion, like a night out on the town that lasts three to four hours. For men, it’s 15 drinks. That takes into account the differences in how men’s and women’s bodies metabolize alcohol.

Dr. Zasada says the internal issues linked with excessive alcohol use can be devastating.

“It can cause brain dysfunction. It can cause liver disease and stomach ulcers,” Dr. Zasada says. “It’s just not a good thing. It can cause a wide variety of problems.”

Not to mention the outward symptoms like: acne, redness on your nose and palms and dry, wrinkled skin that makes you look older. And drinking during pregnancy can lead to a host of problems for the child, like facial abnormalities and developmental deficits.

“A lifetime of misery” for the little one, as Dr. Zasada puts it.

Safety, recovery

Just like there’s no magic way to prevent or cure a hangover, there’s no magic number of drinks to have on a night out that will make you immune to alcohol problems. But for spring and summer revelers, Dr. Zasada has this advice: take it slow.

“If you’re an average size gentleman, probably a beer an hour is just about the max you can drink,” he says.

Dr. Zasada says are there many ways to help people who are drinking in excess. In the short term, such as during a party, call 911 if the person needs immediate medical attention. If they just need a break, take the person away from the clatter to rest. Take their car keys, and give them some water. A painkiller like Tylenol in appropriate doses can help with that hangover headache the next day.

Long term, a patient’s primary care provider can link them with resources to curb drinking, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or treatment centers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also has resources. And within OSF HealthCare’s footprint, Illinois and Michigan have phone numbers to call for behavioral health issues.

“If the person is trying to deny that they drink at all; if they are drinking alone when there is nobody else around; if they're trying to hide or cover up their drinking, those are all fairly serious warning signs that this person needs help,” Dr. Zasada says.

Dr. Zasada says it’s never too late to kick the habit of excessive drinking, but sooner is better.

“It's easier to mitigate any problems that have already occurred earlier, rather than wait for the problem to get very, very serious, very bad, and then quit,” he says. “Yeah, you'll get better. But you won't go back to what you were.”

That “getting better” looks like a lot of things.

“You might lose weight. You might lower your blood pressure. It may increase heart health,” Dr. Zasada says. “You'll think clearer. You'll sleep better.”

Interview Clips

When talking about the good and bad of pregnancy, you might have heard terms like postpartum depression or, more casually, baby blues.

It’s critical new mothers get help in this area, says Tiffany Waters, a birthing center charge nurse at OSF HealthCare. She says up to 80% of moms experience the so-called baby blues. But when talking about maternal mental health, experts prefer the umbrella term: perinatal mood, anxiety and depression (PMAD). Perinatal refers to the time between conception and one year after delivery.

PMAD basics

Waters says for two to three weeks after delivery, most women experience hormone changes, a lack of sleep and general stress related to the “new normal.” Having a traumatic birth, like an emergency caesarean section, can compound mental health impacts. Waters says around one-third of women fall into this category.

All these factors can lead to a variety of longer-lasting PMAD symptoms, including brain fog, weeping, sleep changes, anxiety, depression, obsessive or compulsive behavior and even suicidal thoughts.

“There’s no one single cause that leads to a person experiencing these issues. It’s a combination of psychological, societal and biological factors,” Waters says. “There’s nothing a mom has done to get or deserve this experience. The best we can do is help her work through it.”

Screening and treatment

Waters says health care providers should screen a woman for depression and other mental health issues during and after pregnancy.

“There are commonly used tools,” Waters says. “The woman answers 10 questions. It gives us a rating on how their emotional and mental well-being is.”

She’s referring to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Each question is scored 0 to 3, with 3 being the response that most signals a possible mental health issue. That’s 30 total points, and a final tally of 10 or higher would warrant further evaluation.

Waters also says research is ongoing into whether certain biological markers in a woman are a sign of mental health issues to come.

“It can be difficult to admit or even recognize that a person is having depression or anxiety symptoms,” Waters says. “There are lots of reasons for that. There’s societal pressure to be a great mom. Moms might feel like if they admit how they’re feeling, their children might be taken away.”

Waters says journaling or talking to a trusted adult can help a mom document the issues she’s facing, opening the door for her to get help.

If a mom is diagnosed with PMAD, a provider will talk with her about resources like support groups, counseling, spiritual care and medication. Daily things like improved diet and exercise and exploring new hobbies can also help. And Waters says mothers should not be afraid to prioritize themselves. It’s OK to ask for a break from daily housework, for example.

Why it’s important

Waters says untreated PMAD can have consequences for the whole family and the people around the family. Substance abuse and domestic violence can increase. But if treated, it means a better life for everyone.

“It will improve the whole family dynamic,” Waters says. “It will lessen stress for everybody and lead to a happier unit.”

Learn more

Read more about pregnancy and birth and behavioral and mental health on the OSF HealthCare website. If you are in crisis, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 9-8-8.

Interview clips

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Kren Harmon loves a good success story.

The licensed clinical social worker runs a neurological therapy group for older adults at OSF HealthCare in Alton, Illinois. Attendees might have short term memory loss due to a stroke, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Those challenges can also bring mental health concerns. But there is hope. Small group sessions like the ones Harmon runs have been proven to help not only with the seniors’ day-to-day life but also their sense of feeling alone.

“I had a new woman in group who said she had memory loss and was embarrassed. Another woman who’s a veteran of the group didn’t miss a beat. She reached over, touched the woman’s hand and said, ‘Honey we all have that’.” Harmon recalls. “The woman burst into tears and realized she’s not the only one dealing with this.

“That’s why I come to work every day,” Harmon says, beaming.

The fears, and how providers can help

Harmon has heard plenty of health concerns from older adults, and they’re all valid. The senior has moved out of their home and is worried about losing independence. They’re worried their health needs will be a burden on family. They might even be scared of dying.

Enter small group therapy. First, Harmon says, it’s a consistent thing on the senior’s schedule where they can look forward to getting out of the house and seeing people. Harmon says studies have shown more socialization for older adults means less confusion. But more importantly, the group connects attendees with others in their situation so they know they’re not alone. Harmon describes the concept in two terms: commonality of experience and installation of hope.

“We all have these same issues, but there’s hope,” Harmon says, restating what is said in a group session. “We can learn coping skills and accept what’s going on. We can support each other.

“Individual psychotherapy is great, but in group they get the benefit of having each other to lean on,” Harmon adds. “They say ‘This worked for me. You might want to try this at home.’”

A typical session might be a mix of camaraderie, memory tasks (medical term: cognitive stimulation therapy) and specialized topics like handling grief.

“We cover current events. What’s the date? What’s the weather?” Harmon outlines. “We do check-ins. Tell me something new in your life. People like that. They talk about their new great grandbaby.”

Harmon encourages her patients to expand on what they learn in group. The medical term for this is acceptance and commitment therapy. Find a way to exercise that works with your limitations. Explore a new hobby, such as puzzles or reading. Watching television all day won’t cut it, Harmon says.

“You’re never too old to learn a new skill,” she reminds.

Getting involved

If an older adult in your life could benefit from group therapy, Harmon says going through a physician might be the way to go. She’s found that seniors sometimes don’t listen to friends and family. But if their neurologist – someone they know and trust – recommends something, it might carry more weight.

“Having the doctor refer, I’ve found, makes a difference with that generation. When someone in a white coat says it, it’s the best idea ever,” Harmon chuckles.

You can also read more about healthy thoughts and behaviors on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

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November, December and January bring bountiful holiday meals.

While it’s tempting to chow down, experts are cautioning about how overindulgence can make you feel mentally and physically crummy in the moment, plus open the door to long-term unhealthy eating habits.

Have the right mindset

Andrew Zasada, MD, provides emergency department care at OSF HealthCare. He says avoiding stuffing yourself starts before you sit down for the meal.

“If you come to the meal hungry, you tend to try to make up for not having breakfast. You load your plate up, which is going to cause you to overeat,” Dr. Zasada says. “Instead, have a light snack an hour or two before you sit down to the meal.

“Put the food in one room and sit down in another room to eat. That necessitates you going there rather than having food available for another fill.”

The meal itself

Enjoy holiday meals, Dr. Zasada says. It’s not a race.

Grab a smaller plate, and take smaller portions of each item. Pretend you’re filling the plate up for a child. You wouldn’t take five rolls and two big slabs of meat for a youngster, so don’t do it for your adult self.

Other tips: Chew slowly. Between bites, put your utensil down, take a drink of water and talk to someone. This allows your stomach to fill up and tell your brain that you’re full.

When you finish eating, leave the table, and go to another room. Staying next to the food increases the temptation to keep nibbling.

If you can’t help it

Dr. Zasada says despite our best efforts, sometimes you overeat during holiday meals. Maybe you don’t want to offend your aunt by not having a slice of her famous pie.

If that happens, Dr. Zasada says there are two pitfalls to avoid: Drinking alcohol and lying down right after the meal.

“That opens up the sphincters of your stomach, slows down digestion and increases the chance for heartburn,” Dr. Zasada says.

Try tea or coffee after a meal instead of alcohol. But if you must indulge in a spirit, Dr. Zasada says to wait at least 90 minutes so your stomach can partially empty.

Instead of lying down for that post-meal nap, sit upright, talk to people or play a game. If the weather is nice, go for a walk.

A word on more serious eating issues

Holiday meals may be difficult for people who suffer from eating disorders, such as binge eating (eating a lot in one sitting and feeling you can’t stop), anorexia nervosa (an unwarranted fear of being overweight which leads to things like starvation) or bulimia nervosa (taking unhealthy steps to avoid weight gain like purging your food).

Dr. Zasada says, in the moment, you should have someone you trust who can help you through the holiday meal and check in with you later. Long term, he says these are serious issues that should be talked about with a health care provider.

“Repeated bulimia will damage your teeth. It’s corrosive. You lose electrolytes when you vomit,” Dr. Zasada says. “You become sick. If you do this repeatedly, you will lose weight in an unhealthy way. You will possibly dehydrate. You will start losing muscle mass.

“It’s just not a good thing.”

Bottom line: Don’t get discouraged

Dr. Zasada says one day of extra eating may make you feel bad, but it isn’t going to derail your overall health.

“One day won’t make you fat,” he says.

Get back into your healthy eating habits the next day while enjoying those leftovers in moderation. If you feel you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight or body image, talk to your primary care provider. They may refer you to a specialist like a dietitian or mental health provider. From there, plans could include a diet and exercise regimen, medication or, in rare cases, weight loss surgery.

Interview clips

An OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist says recent research strongly supports the case that the brain and the digestive system are closely connected through one key communication pathway: the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve, the longest in the nervous system, acts as a biological “superhighway,” carrying messages between the brain, stomach, intestines and other vital organs. Researchers say this pathway is crucial for regulating digestion, inflammation and even mood.

Omar Khokhar, MD, a gastroenterologist at OSF HealthCare, says at first, researchers thought the brain impacted gut health. But now, they know a person’s gut bacteria – known as the gut microbiome – can influence mental health as well. So, it’s a two-way connection, and when the vagus nerve is functioning well, it helps keep digestion steady, reduces inflammation and supports a stable stress response.

How do you know when the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced? Dr. Khokhar says it can show with bloating, pain or irregular bowel habits.

“The best way to sort of self-assess if you have a good, healthy gut microbiome is how many bowel movements you’re having. Are they robust, big bowel movements? This is what we’re looking for,” Dr. Khokhar explains. (He holds up an example of at least a six-inch-long plush toy as an example) “That’s what we want from everybody. Also, the gas you pass. Everyone knows the difference between the gas that actually feels good – like decompressive – versus the gas that is not satisfying.”

Reduce stress before eating

Chronic stress, poor sleep or traumatic experiences can reduce vagal tone – the nerve’s ability to send calming signals – which might worsen gut conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Khokhar says the vagus nerve can be distracted to respond to the brain too often in states of chronic stress or anxiety, ignoring the role it needs to play in digestion.

“There’s no question there’s a correlation between mental health and optimal efficiency or efficacy of your GI tract. Whether that’s motility, hormone secretion or digestion, it all ties in together,” he stresses. “That’s why it’s really important to address that.”

Holidays can be exciting but also a stressful time. So, Dr. Khokhar believes some deep breathing, especially before and after a big holiday meal, can help to reset the vagus nerve and improve how it works.

“Kind of like you restart your phone or computer. It’s a very similar concept. Let’s clean it out. Let’s do some deep breathing for five or 10 minutes. It’s all it takes. Then the vagus nerve says, ‘OK, I’m more relaxed here. I can then do my job, which is to secrete hormones, to squeeze and to help with the GI tract.’”

Early evidence suggests deep breathing, meditation, regular exercise and even humming or singing might stimulate the nerve and help restore balance. What kind of breathing exercises does he recommend? Dr. Khokhar says the diaphragm should be engaged by using a 4-4-4 technique.

“Four seconds in, four seconds hold and four seconds out. Navy SEALs have mastered this when it comes to sleep and other regulation. I think they have a 4-6-7 where you inhale four seconds, hold for six seconds and then exhale for seven seconds. Personally, I have a hard time exhaling because you have to time your exhale. You can’t just blow out that.” (needs to occur slowly).

Scientists caution that much of the research is still emerging, but they agree the vagus nerve is a promising target for future treatments. For now, Dr. Khokhar says deep breathing, staying hydrated and getting into the habit of walking or moving after a meal are all good approaches to help improve digestion.

Dr. Omar Khokhar

B-roll-Deep breathing for healthy digestion

Holiday meals bring candy, cookies and other sweets in bountiful amounts. Most of us will chow down with a promise to return to healthy eating tomorrow. But people with diabetes must closely monitor their intake of sugar and carbohydrates at every meal.

What is diabetes? 

Aminat Ogun, MD, is a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare. She says diabetes is a disorder that affects how your body uses blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is when an autoimmune reaction stops your body from making insulin. Type 2 is when the body can’t recognize insulin and use it well. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women.

Dr. Ogun says a sedentary lifestyle can be a big risk factor for developing diabetes, so regular exercise is important. Treatment typically involves medication and lifestyle changes.

Moderation is key 

Dr. Ogun says there’s no magic number of cookies you can eat on Christmas and walk away with no diabetes complications. Your nutrition depends on your age, sex, height, weight and more. Plus, she says the brain needs some sugar to function.

Dr. Ogun recommends small portions. Put just a couple of cookies or chocolates on your plate after the holiday meal. Don’t keep going back for more.

Mix in healthier snacks, like fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Look for “whole grain” or “whole wheat” on the label. If you’re craving sugar, try yogurt with berries or an apple with peanut butter. Artificial sweeteners are another option to satisfy the sweet tooth, as Dr. Ogun says they do not raise your blood sugar level. For example, mix a sweetener powder into your water.

Dr. Ogun says if you rely on insulin, check your blood sugar level as often as your doctor advises.

“You would have discussed with your doctor the amount of carbohydrates you can take,” Dr. Ogun says. “Try to keep to that level.”

Dr. Ogun admits it may be more difficult for children not to gorge on holiday sweets. So, parents need to keep a close eye and provide motivation to eat healthy.

“If they eat a certain amount of vegetables of fruits in a day, maybe reward with a cookie or snack,” Dr. Ogun suggests.

Learn more 

Symptoms of diabetes include increased urination, increased thirst and blurred vision. More serious cases could bring nausea, vomiting and eye, heart and kidney issues. Nerve damage leading to numbness and tingling in your hands and feet known as diabetic neuropathy is also possible.

“We lose sensation in those areas. People may step on a nail and might not feel it,” Dr. Ogun says. “The issue grows and grows and leads to an ulcer, which makes wound healing harder for diabetic patients.

“That’s when we have to consider amputation,” of a foot, for example, she adds.

Diabetes can also be fatal, Dr. Ogun says.

Read about diabetes care on the OSF HealthCare website. If you have questions about this disorder or have symptoms, talk to your primary care provider.

Interview clips

Previous coverage

OSF HealthCare blog entries on diabetes

OSF HealthCare Newsroom stories on diabetes

Time is brain, in other words. So, remember the acronym BEFAST. If you notice irregularities with your balance, eyes, face, arms or speech, it’s time to call 9-1-1. And, talk to younger people in your life about those signs. Ingold says strokes aren’t just an old person thing. She’s seeing more people in their 30s, 40s and 50s come to the hospital with stroke symptoms.

“The brain has something called neuroplasticity,” Ingold adds. “So the quicker you can start physical, occupational or speech therapy [after a stroke], it impacts those brain neurons. We don’t always get them back, but the brain can sometimes remember how to get your strength back.”

Prevention

Some risk factors for stroke, like your family history of health issues, are unchangeable. But you can spin that into things you can control.

“You can check in with your primary care provider and see how best to fix things,” Ingold says. “Do you need to lose weight? Do you need to eat a better diet? Medication? Exercise? You can watch your blood pressure and diabetes. Small amounts of walking. Walk in your home in the winter months. Do some arm exercises with water bottles or cans of food. All that makes a difference.

“And the most obvious modifiable risk factor is smoking or vaping. We see a lot of patients with a history of vaping. Smoking and vaping are equally bad for you. We encourage you to stop. If you need help, talk to your primary care provider about products to help you stop,” Ingold adds.

Williams today

After a three-day hospital stay, Williams went home with no long-term deficits. She’s now preaching stroke prevention through a healthy diet, active lifestyle, knowing your body and more. For one, Williams now wears a medical alert bracelet. It contains her health information if she’s stricken and can’t talk. She’s also put that information on her refrigerator so her grandchildren will know what to do in an emergency.

Plus, Williams wants others to be empowered, not embarrassed, to go to the hospital with a possible stroke. The mindset of “I felt bad earlier, but I feel fine now. I’ll just waste their time.” is not the way to go, she says.

“I never knew that one of my radio shows might end up saving my life. Or end up saving me from something like paralysis,” Williams says. “I really feel like that conversation with Leslie saved my life and made a difference in my outcome.”

Says Ingold: “I’m very thankful Laura had us on her show. I’m so thankful she listened. I’m so thankful that when we have an audience, they listen. It might not affect them today, tomorrow or even next year. But the fact that they’ve heard it and remember it makes all the difference in the world.

“If I can be a part of that, that makes my heart warm,” she says.

Learn more

Read more about how health care providers prevent and treat strokes on the OSF HealthCare website.

Photos

Interview clips - Laura Williams

Related stories

Read more stories on stroke awareness with Leslie Ingold here.

Tiffani Franada, DO, is a neurologist with OSF HealthCare who specializes in Multiple Sclerosis. Part of her passion is working with patients choosing brain-healthy diets and lifestyle, which prevents neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

The MIND diet

"The MIND diet is a combination of the Mediterranean diet, which is healthy fats, olive oils, fish, fruits and vegetables. And the DASH diet, which is a low-sodium diet,” Dr. Franada says. “It's particularly helpful for patients who live with hypertension (high blood pressure). The two of those combined seem to be very effective at preventing the development of Alzheimer's."

Patients on the Mediterranean diet often have lower levels of inflammatory markers in their spinal fluid. Higher levels are suggestive of Alzheimer's. Patients also perform better on cognitive testing, Dr. Franada adds.

Fiber-rich foods

"In regard to carbs, whole grains are probably best, and they have really good fiber in them. As well as things like legumes and beans which have good fiber levels, which make you feel full for longer," Dr. Franada says. 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) lists many high-fiber foods here. Lentils, vegetable soups, whole-wheat bread and pasta make the list. As well as fruits and vegetables like apples, apricots, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

Berries and antioxidant production

"Blueberries are great, really berries of all kinds. They really help that antioxidant production," Dr. Franada says. "For vegetables, leafy greens are really helpful. They have a good amount of folic acid, which helps to reduce homocysteine (amino acid) in the brain. Homocysteine promotes inflammation and shrinkage in the brain, and we want to reduce that."

“Fats are not the enemy”

The word “fat” oftentimes has a negative connotation to it. Dr. Franada says there are healthy fats out there that offer benefits to brain health.

"Fats are not the enemy. Healthy fats are good for the brain. Your brain requires them, like fatty fish (salmon), which have good Omega-3s in them. If you don't eat fish, flax seed is a great alternative," Dr. Franada says. "Walnuts also have great, healthy fat in them. As well as olive oil, which has monounsaturated fatty acids which protects against inflammation in the brain." 

Lean meats, like chicken and turkey, can be good for brain health because there’s healthy amounts of protein and fiber in them, Dr. Franada says.

Don’t dismiss dark chocolate!

"Dark chocolate is great. Dark chocolate has good amounts of antioxidants. Of course, all things in moderation. But a dark chocolate square once a night, not a bad thing," Dr. Franada says. "Also, caffeine! Believe it or not, a cup of caffeine, like coffee or tea, can help with focus, attention and is helpful for the brain."

Dr. Franada recommends having your caffeinated drink of choice early in the morning, right when you wake up, instead of later in the day. Having it later in the day can give you a lot of energy, which leads to you not sleeping well at night. Sleep is also extremely important for brain health.

Foods to avoid

Ultra-processed foods have been trending lately, with health experts giving them more attention than usual because of their negative effects on people’s health. High sodium, added sugars and excessive amounts of bad fat headline are the reasons why we should avoid them, with these elements being linked to diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Obesity is typically part of a metabolic syndrome, where a person has elevated blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol. This puts patients at risk for stroke, sleep apnea, Alzheimer's and many other health issues. Those risk factors can put someone at risk for neurological disease. 

"Heavily processed foods are not great for the brain or the heart. Excess sugars, like added sugars, should be avoided as well. If you're going to have sugar, have something with natural sugar in it," Dr. Franada says. "Berries are much preferred to things with added sugars. Also, white bread and processed carbs should be avoided, too."

Effect on white brain matter

"There's some real-world data showing that the Mediterranean diet can prevent white matter changes on the brain, which are little white spots that develop on patients’ brains as they get older. It's also seen in patients with vascular risk factors," Dr. Franada says. "If you follow the Mediterranean diet pretty strictly, you can prevent getting those white spots. They also found people who adhere to that diet have better structural integrity. The left and right sides of the brain talk better to one another."

What about cheat days?

If you exercise five or six days a week and give yourself a “cheat day” where you splurge a bit, evaluate how the food feels in your body. Instead of packing on the calories and going bananas, Dr. Franada recommends reeling it in a bit and focusing on moderation.

"You'll probably start to recognize it doesn't feel so great," Dr. Franada says. "Maybe it's a chocolate dessert at night, or something smaller that you can do to still stay with your healthy diet, just in smaller quantities." 

Dr. Franada cautions against super rigid diets that make you "fall off the wagon" after a few weeks. "You have to find something that's sustainable for you," Dr. Franada adds. 

Video Interview Clips

It’s not Star Wars; it’s brain surgery.

Now, select brain tumor patients in the Peoria area have a minimally invasive, efficient way to receive a diagnosis and get their tumor removed.

NeuroBlate LITT (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy)

"NeuroBlate is a means to treat tumors with thermal energy,” says Andrew Tsung, MD, the vice president of OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute. “It's a laser, which is how the energy is administered, through very small probes the size of a wire. It's done through a very small incision, about the size of the width of a dime. Through that incision we're able to insert the small wire directly to the target. Then we're able to ablate, or get rid of, that tumor and at the same time obtain a biopsy specimen to confirm what we're treating."

How does NeuroBlate work?

"It is thermal energy delivered through a laser beam. We can either fire at the end of a laser, as one would think of laser gun, or we can side fire it and rotate the wire," Dr. Tsung says. "So, it's shooting out from the side, kind of like a lighthouse. You spin the lighthouse around as you pull the probe back. You're able to create shapes as you withdraw from the target." 

Even very sick patients can undergo this treatment because of the technology’s minimally invasive nature.

"We insert it to a target. By taking temperature measurements through the MRI machine and calculations, we're able to control the radius, or the spread of that current through the tumor and stop it at the three-dimensional boundary between where the tumor ends and the brain starts,” Dr. Tsung says.

Eligible patients for NeuroBlate

NeuroBlate, offered at OSF HealthCare in Peoria, Illinois, through Monteris, a neurosurgical technology company, has been recognized as a viable treatment for brain tumors. Roughly a handful of patients have received the treatment at OSF, with more coming down the pipeline soon, Dr. Tsung says.

Potential patients for NeuroBlate could have brain tumors, Glioblastoma (cancerous brain tumor), high-grade glioma, low-grade glioma (growing tumors), or metastatic brain cancer, also known as secondary brain tumors. The size of the tumor matters. NeuroBlate is effective on tumors three centimeters or less. Epilepsy patients can also benefit from this treatment. 

NeuroBlate decreases recovery time drastically

"The patients oftentimes will not require any pain medication following brain surgery, which is quite astonishing,” Dr. Tsung says. “When you make such a small incision, there's minimal disruption to the tissues. The brain itself does not have any pain sensors. That prevents us from using any pain medication. The recovery is quite fast. In patient cases we've done so far, the first patient used no pain medications and was ready to go home by 8 a.m. the next morning." 

OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center is the only medical center in the Peoria region that offers NeuroBlate.

From the patient arriving to undergoing the surgery and then leaving, the whole process only took 16 hours. Most brain surgery patients are in the hospital for at least two nights and then recover with weight restrictions (in terms of lifting). All of this is avoided when using NeuroBlate. Setup takes three to five hours, but treatment time for he patient is three or less minutes. 

For more information on NeuroBlate and other neurological services, learn more about OSF INI on the OSF website.

Video Interview Clips

NeuroBlate in use (GRAPHIC WARNING)

NeuroBlate B-Roll

"It can present in a variety of ways like vision loss, double vision, weakness, or numbness on one side or both sides of the body,” says Tiffani Franada, DO, a neurologist with the OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute (INI) who specializes in the autoimmune disease.

"Typically (multiple sclerosis) presents in young patients between 20 and 50 years of age. It's more common in women than men," Dr. Franada says. These events are called attacks or relapses, and they last a few weeks and then they get better. Patients can go awhile without anything, and then they can get other attacks down the line."

The OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute has launched a clinical trial for patients with nonrelapsing secondary progressive MS (nrSPMS). Dr. Franada and her team are looking for further preventive treatments. The trial, sponsored by Sanofi, uses an antibody called frexalimab, to see if it delays the progression in those enrolled.

"It's a disease state with no current treatment options available,” Dr. Franada adds. "We are actively enrolling right now. The age range is between 18-60 years of age for patients with secondary progressive MS that's not active. This is different than the relapsing remitting phase, which is the most common. This comes after that phase.”

While some patients currently in the OSF INI clinic are candidates for the clinical trial, Dr. Franada and her team are looking to include patients outside the clinic as well.

People interested in the clinical trial can call OSF INI at (309) 624-4000 to learn more information.

Multiple Sclerosis treatment options

There are 20 disease-modifying therapies to prevent disease activity in MS, Dr. Franada says. “Some treatments are given by IV, some are given by mouth, and some are given as at-home injections. It just depends on what is right for that individual."

Dr. Franada says if someone has an MS attack, the team wants to know about it right away. Adding that treatment of MS is more effective when it’s started early.

"There are some acute treatments that can be given, typically in the hospital. But prevention is a mainstay of our treatment course for patients.”  

Prevention tips

"Getting good sleep at night (is important), about eight hours. Getting regular exercise, about 30 minutes 5 days per week. In fact, exercise helps increase levels of BDNF, which is one of the hormones in our body that helps with neurological repair, called remyelination," Dr. Franada says. "The problem in MS is stripping away the covering of the nerve, demyelination, so exercise helps the reparative process. We don't know what the best diet for MS is, but I usually encourage my patients to focus on a Mediterranean diet, which is heart healthy." 

Knowing family history is also important to assess your risk factor of getting the disease.

"The risk for developing MS is a combination of genetics and environment, it's not just one. If you have a family member who lives with an autoimmune disease, or MS, it does slightly increase your risk for developing the disease,” Dr. Franada says.

Hydration is paramount, as is stress reduction. “Exercise is a great way to manage stress.”

"Your brain sits in a pool of fluid, so we want to hydrate as much as possible," Dr. Franada says. 

If you know a family member has MS, there are things you can do to lessen your risk.

"That includes Vitamin D supplementation. If you're low in Vitamin D, it’s critical to supplement that to a normal level. Also, smoking cessation. If you're a smoker, we advise you to quit. But this is incredibly important for patients with MS, because smokers are more likely to develop the disease,” Dr. Franada says.

National recognition of the disease has gone up, Dr. Franada says, which drives more patients to the OSF Illinois Neurological Institute. 

While there is no cure for MS, there are treatment options available to help with day-to-day symptoms (fatigue, pain and cognitive issues).

For more information on OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

Video Interview Clips

• Dysarthria (pronounced diss-ARR-three-ah): Brim says this common voice disorder could be brought on by a neurological issue, such as the effects of a stroke, Parkinson’s disease or a traumatic brain injury. Muscle issues and medication side effects can also play a role. It all leads to the most common symptom: slurred speech. Brim says to picture trying to talk with a mouth full of marbles. The person’s speech could also be a different volume (too quiet or too loud) and speed (too slow or too fast).
  
  “There’s a restorative approach where we do different types of [vocal] exercises. Try to get that voice to where it sounds better and clearer,” Brim explains. “Then there’s a compensatory approach. For a person with Parkinson’s or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS] where their voice probably isn’t going to improve in the long run, we might look at an alternative communication device. Or, do we need environmental assistance to help them communicate?”
  
  A communication device could include a voice box to amplify speech or, if someone has lost their voice entirely, a speech generating tablet.
  
  “The [speech generating device] has a bunch of communication presets on it,” such as common phrases conveying hunger or pain, Brim says. “They can have it pre-programmed with their actual voice before they lose it.”

• Dysphonia (pronounced diss-PHONE-ee-ah): This is a general term to describe a voice abnormality, Brim says. Neurological issues and brain injuries are common causes.
  
  “The most common dysphonia people know is spasmodic dysphonia. We really don’t know a specific cause. We assume it’s neurological,” Brim says. “This brings voice tremors. The vocal cords are not abducting or adducting correctly.

“When they’re adducting, the vocal cords are coming together. If you have an adductor-type spasmodic dysphonia, the vocal cords aren’t wanting to go away from each other. They’re wanting to stay together. So there’s a really strained voice. It sounds very harsh, almost like people are trying to force the voice out,” Brim outlines.

“Or you have abductor dysphonia, where the vocal cords are pulling away. The person has a breathy voice because the vocal cords are open all the time. Speech comes out very quiet and whispery. They’re losing all their air in one go,” Brim adds.

Treatment could include voice exercises or Botox injections. Or, if the person has a nodule or polyp on the vocal cords, those can be removed surgically.

“We go over healthy voice habits, such as increasing water intake,” Brim says, describing how she might work with someone after surgery. “Have a humidifier in the house to help increase moisture in the air. Use more of a quiet voice. Try not to yell or project too loudly because that can strain the vocal cords. Try to make your voice sound different but not in a way that causes harm.”

Something else Brim will preach to patients that you might not connect with voice issues: reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine can increase muscle tension in your vocal cords, she says.

• Vocal cord paralysis: Brim says this is commonly caused by trauma to the throat, such as a car accident or having a breathing tube.
  
  “It’s similar to a bruise or fracture or torn ligament. When there’s trauma to the vocal cord area, there’s damage. And that causes paralysis sometimes,” Brim says. “You can have, most commonly, unilateral vocal cord paralysis, where one doesn’t move. Or you can have bilateral [paralysis] where both aren’t moving.”
  
  Brim says this is often treated with Botox or surgery to get the vocal cords vibrating again. The person would follow up with speech therapy.

There is hope

Brim is up front with her patients: You might not get your voice back to where it was, but you can make improvements. So don’t give up.

“I’d love to wave a magic wand and make your voice great,” Brim suggests with a smile. “But there are other steps we can take so you don’t feel locked in. You don’t feel like no one can understand you and no one can communicate with you.”

Learn more

Read about all the ways medical professionals help restore voices on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

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Migraines are a part of life for many. From stress to dehydration to a woman’s menstrual cycle and even more serious issues such as a stroke, the headaches can pop up often. And they’re something you should know how to manage.

Amber Oberheim, APRN, a primary care provider at OSF HealthCare, says migraines can often be treated with ibuprofen (Advil is a common brand name) or naproxen (Aleve), plus lifestyle changes including better sleep. But, an online search will also yield plenty of non-medicinal, at-home remedies. Experts will remind you that these aren’t cure-alls. But it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t.

Myth vs. fact

• A cold or warm cloth on the head and neck: Stick to cold, Oberheim says.
  
  “One of the theories for why migraines happen is vasodilation, or increased blood flow to your brain,” Oberheim explains. “So we talk about using a cold compress over your eyes, on the back of your neck or at the top of your head. That cold sensation constricts blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood flow.”
  
  Oberheim adds that there are even migraine caps that stay in the freezer until use. Those are available over the counter at retail outlets.
   
• Rest and deep breathing: Oberheim says there’s no guarantee that your migraine will be gone when you wake up from a nap. But, she says rest and deep breathing can’t hurt. Take a break in a cool, dark room, and avoid screens and loud noises.
   
• Caffeine: It’s good general advice to ingest caffeine in moderation for heart and mental health. But, Oberheim says a soda might help with that headache.
  
  “We look at medications in Excedrin Migraine [pills]. Caffeine is one of them,” Oberheim says. “Caffeine has been proven to be effective sometimes in early management of migraine headaches.”
   
• Supplements: There’s a lot to choose from in this aisle of the pharmacy. And experts warn that you should choose with provider guidance since supplements aren’t regulated like others under the eye of the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, Oberheim says some research has shown that taking vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin) and magnesium daily can help with the number of migraines.
   
• Massaging your head: It’s a tactic some of us learned when we were kids. Massaging your temples (the area between your eyes and the top of your ears) could help with head pain.
  
  “I don’t think there’s any data that would support that. I think it’s more of a comfort,” Oberheim says. “When you’re experiencing pain and you can have a sensation that’s not pain somewhere on your body, it might help lessen the pain.”
  
  For example, Oberheim says when her patients are getting a blood draw through an IV in their elbow, a provider might scratch their upper arm (between the point of pain and the brain) to “confuse” the pain signal and lessen the discomfort. The same logic applies to rubbing your head during a migraine.
   
• Taking a shower: It depends, Oberheim says.
  
  “I could see if stress or muscle tension is creating a headache. Taking a warm shower or bath to relax might help,” Oberheim says. “However, if we’re thinking about a classic migraine with the theory of increased blood flow to the brain, taking a hot bath or shower might actually make it worse.
  
  “It never hurts to try, but I think it’s going to be patient-specific,” she adds.

When in doubt

Oberheim says some people have a history of migraines and know how to manage them. But if the headaches suddenly increase in frequency or intensity, you should see a health care provider. Also, talk to a provider if you have questions about starting or changing at-home treatment. The provider can determine what works for you. You don’t want new medications to negatively interact with drugs you’re already on, for example.

“Often, a migraine can last for longer than a typical headache. It can be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity and noise sensitivity,” Oberheim says, warning of the dangers if migraines are not treated quickly. “There are certain types of migraines that can also affect your vision.”

Temporary decreased function of your limbs is another rare, but possible side effect, Oberheim says.

Learn more

Read more about how to spot and treat a migraine on the OSF HealthCare website.

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We’re talking about sniffing products like paint, markers or nail polish for a temporary high. You might hear it called huffing, chroming or, in the medical community, inhalant abuse.

Health care providers like Justin Rapoff, DO, an emergency medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare, are again reminding parents about the serious health impacts of this activity and what to do if your child shows symptoms. It’s especially important for kids to steer clear, he says, because their organs are still developing. An interruption to that development could mean trouble. Young people can also be more susceptible to peer pressure, giving in when other kids tell them to try something.

“Inhalant abuse is common because these are things that are easily found in your house," Dr. Rapoff adds. “They’re underneath your kitchen sink and in your garage and bathroom. These are cheap and easy to find for kids.”

The consequences

There are short and long-term effects of inhalant abuse, Dr. Rapoff says. Among the short-term issues is the general haze the activity will put you in. If you have to, for example, drive a vehicle while under the influence, you could crash or face legal consequences. If you’re intoxicated at work or school, your performance will decline.

“You can have cognitive difficulties and even dementia [later in life],” Dr. Rapoff adds of the long-term impacts. “You can have bone marrow suppression and anemia. You can have abnormal coordination.”

Cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating suddenly, is also possible.

What parents can do

If your child shows signs of intoxication – slurred speech, nausea, confusion and a lack of balance are big ones – call 
9-1-1 and get them to the emergency department.

“Inhalants hit similar receptors to those hit by alcohol. It causes a similar intoxication, which lasts around two to 30 minutes,” Dr. Rapoff says.

That means you should get the child checked out even if they say they feel better. Dr. Rapoff says providers will likely test the person’s blood, urine and heart. There’s no bonafide treatment for inhalant abuse, Dr. Rapoff says. Rather, providers will treat the symptoms. For example, if the child feels nauseous or is vomiting, providers may give an anti-nausea medication.

What about avoiding an unpleasant trip to the hospital in the first place? Dr. Rapoff encourages parents to talk with their kids about the risks of huffing and, generally, any emotional issues they are dealing with. The young ones may be turning to inhalants to cope. In fact, Dr. Rapoff says studies have shown that when young people abuse inhalants, they are more likely to use heroin or even commit suicide later in life.

Parents should also pay attention to kids’ behavior, especially if they make unexplained purchases of things like hairspray or whipped cream canisters. Keep items that could be misused out of reach. Put things like markers and cosmetics out only when it’s time to use them. Keep things like spray paint and gasoline canisters locked up in the garage.

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Fall and winter could be renamed “coughing season” with seasonal illnesses in the air. But there’s more to coughing than the brief but annoying impact on your day.

Some coughing is normal. But you should see a health care provider quickly when you cough up things you shouldn’t.

The basics: Why do you cough?

Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says coughing is one way your body protects your lungs and airways from irritants. You expel the bad stuff out of our system, she says.

Some everyday things that can make you cough: breathing in smoke, allergies and mucus dripping down to your throat and irritating it. Or, you may just wake up in the morning and cough a few times to lighten your chest. These shouldn’t alarm you, Dr. Ogun says.

“We have cough receptors in our airways and lungs,” Dr. Ogun explains. “If we have mucus or an irritant, there’s a signal sent to our brain. The brain activates those receptors to have the cough action happen. So that’s why you clear your throat or cough in the morning. You’re trying to clear out your airways.”

If your cough is associated with an illness (like a cold, flu, RSV, COVID, bronchitis or pertussis, also called whooping cough) or a chronic condition (like asthma or COPD), you should be seeing a provider as often as needed to learn how to manage things.

Coughing up things you shouldn’t

Watch for signs that your cough may be linked to a more serious problem, Dr. Ogun says.

• Mucus: Our airways produce mucus to trap irritants, Dr. Ogun says. So it’s not out of the ordinary to cough up mucus from time to time. But if the mucus is thick or a different color (green or yellow), it could be a sign of pneumonia or bronchitis.
  
  “When it’s persistent [cough with mucus] and it’s affecting your breathing, you definitely want to be seen [by a provider,]” Dr. Ogun says.
   
• Vomit: Dr. Ogun says sometimes, you just cough hard enough to bring up some vomit. If it’s a “one-off,” as she calls it, you should still see a provider, but it may not be cause for great concern. But persistent vomiting while coughing could be a sign of whooping cough, acid reflux or aspiration (when food or drink gets into the lungs).
   
• Blood: Coughing blood brings a high level of concern, Dr. Ogun says.
  
  “Sometimes you have the common cold, you’re coughing for a long period and you irritated your airways. Maybe you nick the capillary artery [leading to coughing blood.] That’s fine,” Dr. Ogun says. “But more serious conditions would be a blood clot in the lung or tuberculosis.”
  
  Heart failure, lung cancer or infections are also associated with coughing up blood.
   

Diagnosis and treatment

When you see a provider for an abnormal cough, they’ll ask about your health history, specifically about your cough. How long have you been coughing? Did something trigger it? What are you coughing up? Do you have other symptoms, like a fever?

“Then the provider could do a physical examination. They look at the back of your throat. They listen to your lungs to see if they hear anything concerning. Depending on what they find, they could order a chest X-ray or a CT scan to see what’s going on inside your chest,” Dr. Ogun says.

Treatment will depend on what the provider finds. For example, acid reflux can be tamped down by an antacid or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). For an infection like pneumonia, you’ll get an antibiotic. If it is just an irritating tickle in your throat, you may get a steroid like Flonase.

What you can do

Some advice from Dr. Ogun to ensure coughs don’t derail your health:

• Parents should keep a close eye on kids and their coughing.
   
• No matter the age, don’t shake off one instance of a bad cough and assume things will go back to normal. See a provider right away.
   
• While vaccines don’t prevent coughing, Dr. Ogun says they are critically important to stomp out the illnesses associated with coughing. Talk to your health care provider about when you’re due for flu, COVID, RSV, pneumonia and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccines.
  
  “Pertussis is dangerous in immunocompromised people and kids,” Dr. Ogun warns. “RSV is highly contagious, as well. It’s life-threating in infants and older adults.
  
  “What vaccines do is help prevent getting to the very severe stage [of an illness,]” she adds. “You’re trying to prevent ending up in the hospital. You’re also reducing the risk of infection. And you’re protecting people around you who may be sicker than you.”
   
• Daily hygiene habits also go a long way. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue. Wash your hands often. Stay home and away from others when sick. Again, these don’t prevent coughs. But they can help prevent the spread of illness that brings those rough coughing fits.

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National STEAM Day is November 8 but OSF HealthCare is kicking off an entire month of STEAM-related activities, starting with an opportunity for kids from kindergarten and up to experience new STEAM activities at Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum.

The goal of the OSF STEAM program is to inspire and encourage children to envision themselves having a career in medicine by engaging in activities involving science, technology, engineering, art and math. Shannon Egli (pronounced EGG-lee), STEAM educator and director of the Anatomy Lab at Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, says the new activities are to stimulate excitement about learning more.

“I think by them coming and playing with these things, it might introduce them to the health care field and maybe it’ll interest them in doing more STEAM things like what we offer at Jump or at OSF where they can come in and dissect a shark, they can dissect a squid or build a heart pump that’s just like a functioning heart pump that’s inside a person and they can just keep going with it.” Egli explains, “This is really just an introduction to the health care field through a sense of play, but they get that extra knowledge at the same time.” 

There are a handful of interactive STEAM activities added to the usual line-up at the children’s museum in Peoria. Egli says anything that’s slimy or offers a unique tactile experience goes over well.

“We have squishy organs where they can lay on the ground, trace their body and then put the squishy organs where they think they’re supposed to go on their own body, so they get a chance to understand where parts of their body are on this piece of paper. It’s really cool because they like to squish a heart or liver or lungs and really get to play with it and get involved.” 

Egli took his own children Maxwell, age 7, Eleanor, age 5, and two-and-a-half-year-old Winston to test out a few of the activities before they debuted. Eleanor showed off her knowledge as she made her way through some of the organs.

“The brain is squishy, and this is where you put it,” she explained while putting the pink brain on top of her head. “It has some grit on it, and you pop it like this,” Eleanor demonstrates while squeezing and twisting the brain, "And its white stuff. And these are the lungs,” as she holds them to her chest and then pushes them out and in towards her to represent breathing. “And this is the heart,” Eleanor declares while placing it near the center of her chest. 

Her younger brother Winston also liked the brain and was able to show it belongs in his head.

OSF Innovation Labs coordinator Katie Smith says kids can dive into hands-on learning by exploring bone structures. They also look at a paper skeleton as they put together a vertical magnetic skeleton puzzle with parts created by engineers at Jump using molds and 3D printing. Smith says it’s designed to show how bones connect to support the body.

“It will show the skeleton so kids can see what the skeleton is supposed to look like, because it can be a little bit complicated. It also talks about how buildings and skeletons are similar so the scaffolding in a building is similar to the skeleton in a human.” 

This week, in addition to the activities at the Peoria Playhouse, OSF STEAM brought hands-on engineering and anatomy activities to some patient learners at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, sparking curiosity and wonder in health careers. Several other activities are planned throughout the month in collaboration with community organizations to expand the reach of STEAM activities that leverage the power of play.

Shannon Egli

Eleanor Egli and Katie Smith

OSF STEAM B-roll

He was at a Champaign, Illinois, hospital where his five-year-old daughter Gabby was fighting for her life with what was later confirmed to be Rocky Mountain spotted fever as the result of a tick bite.

Gabby died of sepsis, a condition where your body responds improperly to an infection, three days later. The heartbreak led Tony and his family to become intimately familiar with sepsis. They’re now advocates for sepsis awareness, both ensuring health care providers are following best practices and patients are speaking up.

“I remember slamming every object around me,” in the days following Gabby’s death, Tony Galbo recalls. “I said ‘there’s gotta be a law to protect patients, especially children.’,”

Sepsis and septic shock

Many of the things the Galbo family advocates for to this day are already in place at OSF HealthCare.

Kurt Bloomstrand, MD, is chair of emergency services at OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois. He says aside from following established, rigid protocol, OSF Heart of Mary is going the extra mile for sepsis prevention in a couple of ways. One, the hospital is leading the OSF Ministry in continuing sepsis screening and alerts for people after they are admitted (not just in the emergency department). And two, the facility is among the top 10% of hospitals in the country in following sepsis protocol as measured by the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Those CMS core measures include giving antibiotics and fluids and rechecking a person’s vital signs in a timely manner.

“We’re trying to identify a set of signs called the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or SIRS,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. “Those include a fever, a fast heart rate, fast breathing and elevated or low white blood cell count. If someone has any two of those with a source of infection, we consider them possibly septic. We want to establish treatment for them very quickly.”

Treatment includes antibiotic medication or intravenous fluids along with continued testing to pinpoint the problem.

“We take this extremely seriously because we know time is tissue. The sooner we get the treatment, the better the outcome.” Dr. Bloomstrand adds. “Any person who comes into one of our emergency departments, no matter the cause, will be screened for sepsis right from the start. When we get your vital signs, that’s screening for sepsis. If you flag positive, there are alerts that go out to our staff. Then it walks us through a very specific sepsis algorithm for treatment.”

What you can do

Dr. Bloomstrand says young kids, older adults and people with serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes are at a higher risk for sepsis. Your best bet to prevent sepsis is to practice healthy habits and prevent infection in the first place.

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching high-germ areas in public like a doorknob.
   
• Avoid touching your face.
   
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow or a tissue.
   
• Stay home when you’re sick.
   
• Treat wounds and bug bites properly, quickly and under guidance from a health care provider. Dr. Bloomstrand notes that pets can also harbor ticks that can cause serious illness.

Dr. Bloomstrand adds that hospital staff are empowered to speak up if they spot a possible sepsis case. But you can also speak up on behalf of yourself or a loved one about what sepsis surveillance is being done.

“It’s appropriate to make sure you are asking these questions just to make sure you’re keeping it at the front of the care provider’s mind,” Dr. Bloomstrand says.

“If we don’t catch sepsis soon enough, it can result in organ dysfunction,” he adds. “There may be long-term complications with their kidneys, such as needing dialysis. If their lungs fail, there may be long-term respiratory issues. There may be brain issues, so they have mental status changes long-term.”

Gabby’s Law

On August 18, 2016, then-Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner came to Presence Covenant Medical Center (now OSF Heart of Mary) to sign Gabby’s Law.

“Senate Bill 2403 requires hospitals to adopt evidence-based protocols for the early recognition and treatment of patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock that are based on generally accepted standards of care,” the Governor’s office said at the time. “It requires the protocols contain certain components, including those specific to identifying and treating adults and children.”

Tony Galbo recalls many meetings with lawmakers, health care groups and other stakeholders to get the plan the support it needed. And that wasn’t the end. He’s testified before lawmakers in other states and in Washington, D.C., and done countless interviews.

“Sepsis does not discriminate. It does not care about age,” Galbo says.

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Interview clips - Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand

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OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park now has CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) perfusion capabilities, which are advanced imaging techniques that look at a patient’s blood flow to the brain.

Rapid AI helps neurovascular and vascular medical teams reduce time to treatment and improve patient outcomes. The artificial intelligence processes the images and gives clinical information to the clinician immediately, so the provider can more quickly decide the best course of treatment for the patient.

Tracy Jendruczek, the vice president of surgical and procedural services with OSF Little Company of Mary, says the addition of CT and MRI perfusions at the hospital is beneficial for the community.

“It’s available 24/7 for any patient that comes in through the emergency department,” Jendruczek says.

Who is eligible for CT Perfusion?

“Patients that might be at risk for stroke or are showing signs or symptoms of having a stroke, would be eligible for a CT perfusion of the brain. This looks at the blood flow to different areas of the brain,” Jendruczek says.

Who is eligible for MRI Perfusion?

“Patients that are eligible may be showing signs or symptoms of a tumor or have had a previously diagnosed tumor of the brain,” Jendruczek adds. “MRI perfusion, like CT, allows us to look at blood flow of the brain, but it’s specific for tumors. It’s looking at the severity and type of tumor.”

What’s the ultimate goal?

The ultimate goal of CT and MRI Perfusions is to expedite treatment for stroke patients.

“The perfusion capabilities will allow us to see the different areas of blood flow so we can quickly determine if a patient is eligible for further treatment. If we’re able to provide that treatment here at OSF Little Company of Mary, we will immediately start treating the patient,” Jendruczek says. “If not, we can more quickly transfer the patient to a place they can receive appropriate treatment.”

Video Interview Clips

“We used to do baby pictures for mothers. We’d ask if they want pictures of their new babies,” Bott says, recalling another favorite pastime.

Bott started helping at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Danville. When that hospital merged with the facility that is now OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center, Bott, aside from some breaks to deal with family matters, didn’t miss a beat. Today, she stops by OSF Sacred Heart on Fridays to give communion to patients who ask for it.

“I’ve been so blessed. I get more out of it than I give,” Bott says.

The benefits

Count Mia Harrier among those who marvel at Bott’s longevity and dedication. The program manager for community health at OSF Sacred Heart works with the hospital’s volunteers. She sees every day the health benefits to the helpers and the patients they serve daily.

“Our volunteers are a vital part of our team. They certainly do brighten our patients’ days,” Harrier says.

“Volunteers have a lot of [physical] steps they take in the hospital. Some have shared that they use step trackers, and they will get in a couple thousand steps per day,” Harrier adds, highlighting the physical benefits of volunteering. “They push patients in wheelchairs. They push the comfort cart. There are cleaning activities. It is a good way to keep moving.

“When it comes to mental health for our volunteers, they get to exercise something that feels really good,” Harrier says. “It feels good to your heart and your mind. It gives you things to be grateful for on a regular basis. As you interact with patients and learn their stories, you find yourself in a place where you’re displaying a lot of empathy and feeling like you’re able to do something good.”

Harrier also points out that older adults may not leave the house and get to talk to others often. Volunteering allows them to check both boxes.

Get involved

Whether young or old, Harrier and Bott encourage you to look into volunteer opportunities in your community. You can call the OSF hospital near you to ask about helping there.

“It’s such a fulfilling thing to do. There are so many areas to help. I wish I would have done other things,” Bott says. “What you put into it is what you get out of it.”

Interview clips - Cathy Bott

B-roll

Four of the new emotions in the upcoming Disney/Pixar movie Inside Out 2 – the latest peek inside the mind of now-teenage girl Riley – are sure to ring a bell.

But what’s ennui?

A quick Google search will tell you it’s just another word for boredom. But there’s more to it than that, says Kyle Boerke, PsyD, a clinical child psychologist and the director of behavioral health outpatient services for OSF HealthCare. And you can also count Dr. Boerke as a fan of the Inside Out franchise. He says the first movie and the trailer for the second get a lot right when it comes to kids’ emotions and how parents can help.

Ennui demystified

Dr. Boerke says ennui (pronounced awn-WEE) describes an angst or listlessness-type boredom that develops in the pre-teenage or teenage years. It can show itself in adulthood, too, but the younger years are the prime time.

“As we learn to regulate our emotions better, you’re going to see less of that emotion overtly,” Dr. Boerke says. “It will still be there, but we’re learning to express it better.”

Children experiencing ennui may mope around the house or not be interested in things they used to, like playing with Legos.

How parents can help

Should we learn about emotions from Hollywood? Common sense says to take everything on our screens with a grain of salt and to talk to a health care provider for trusted advice. But Dr. Boerke says parents can use the Inside Out movies to teach kids about healthy behaviors.

“The biggest thing we can do with children from a young age is understanding and naming emotions,” Dr. Boerke says. “If I can get a two, three or four-year-old naming emotions, I have succeeded. And the first Inside Out movie did a fantastic job with that.”

Some things to consider when chatting before, during or after these movies:

• There are no “bad” emotions, Dr. Boerke says.

“If something sad happens, it’s okay to be sad. If something frustrating happens, it’s okay to feel anger,” he says.

“While there are no bad emotions, I can express an emotion in a bad way,” he adds. “I can express happiness in a bad way by overindulging in something. Or sometimes happiness comes out as anger. I’m so excited and happy that I go and tackle my friend to the ground.”

• Dr. Boerke says ennui, like other emotions, has a good middle ground. Children shouldn’t be overstimulated or completely bored. But somewhere in the middle lies a silver lining: a spark of creativity. A child may, out of boredom, go outside and kick a soccer ball around, sparking curiosity in a new hobby. Or they may call a classmate, leading to a new friendship. Dr. Boerke says sometimes it takes a mental health professional to light the spark.

“Often, I don’t even say things that are different than what parents say. But I’m not mom or dad. I’m not the caregiver,” Dr. Boerke remarks. “It’s what we call behavioral activation. Let’s come up with things to do to help you become less bored.”

• Don’t bottle up emotions. The Inside Out 2 trailer even addresses this in a tongue-in-cheek way, showing Riley’s emotions from the first movie – joy, sadness, anger, fear and disgust – in a literal bottle.
  
  “If they do it as well as I think they will, this will be a great conversation starter,” Dr. Boerke says.

“An emotion, if left to its own devices, is going to come up. You’re going to express it, hopefully appropriately. And it’s going to go back down again,” he adds. “However, if we bottle that emotion up, it’s going to fester and rise until it can’t be controlled. Then it comes out in an inappropriate way.”

For example, a child may continually bottle up frustration over being asked to clean their room until they trash the room. Long term, behaviors like this can impact a litany of things: the child’s mental health, physical health, performance in school and relationship with peers. Plus, it strains the rest of the family.

Learn more

Read more about mental health resources on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

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Inside Out 2 trailer

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When talking about the opioid crisis in America, you don’t have to explain much to Howard Marsh.

A first responder for nearly a half century, Marsh has gone on numerous ambulance calls for a suspected overdose.

“It breaks my heart,” says the Advanced Medical Transport paramedic. “I just can’t believe people do this to their bodies.”

New federal data show nearly 108,000 people died of an overdose in 2022. That's up slightly from 2021. It’s a time to know the facts and misconceptions about overdoses, their causes and ways to reverse the deadly effects. One such way is naloxone, known under the brand name Narcan, a medication that has become more available in recent years to both first responders and everyday citizens.

“It’s really a good drug to have around,” Marsh says.

Narcan basics

Les Mennenga is lead educator for East Central Illinois Emergency Medical Services (EMS), an OSF HealthCare organization that trains ambulance workers. He describes Narcan as an opioid antagonist that helps reverse the effects of dangerous drugs like fentanyl, morphine, heroin and Tramadol.

“If we get too much of those medications in our system, they’ll bind with receptor sites in our brain. They’ll slow our breathing and pulse rate down,” Mennenga says. “They can actually stop the signal to our diaphragm and make us stop breathing.”

Conversely, he says, “Narcan gets to those receptor sites, competes with the opioid and will knock it off. It will help the person restore their breathing.”

Mennenga says Narcan does not work with methamphetamine, cocaine and other non-opioids.

At the scene of a suspected overdose, typically the first bits of information come from friends or family of the ailing person. Those people likely know if the person has a history with a certain drug, for example. First responders will also look for drug paraphernalia like needles. Mennenga says if the person is still alert and breathing, they would not qualify for Narcan.

“The only time we should be administering Narcan is if they’re having difficulty breathing,” Mennenga says. “They’ll be unresponsive, snoring-like respirations or not breathing at all.”

Blue lips are another sign, Marsh says.

There are three ways to give Narcan: through a shot into the muscle; intravenous therapy, commonly known as an IV; and the most common and simple way, Mennenga says, is a nasal spray. Mennenga adds that Narcan may be combined with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or a bag valve mask to help restore breathing.

Mennenga says once the person comes to, they might experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or, in rare cases, a seizure or heart issues. First responders will provide more care as needed.

“Go to the hospital and get checked out,” Marsh advises. “We prefer we take you in case something happens in route.”

What you should know

East Central Illinois EMS has rolled out a Narcan leave behind program. The agency provides kits for first responders to leave with friends, family and others after responding to an overdose. The program serves as a reminder that this is an important issue. Experts say survivors are at high risk for repeated overdoses, and Narcan may be the only chance to save their life.

“Overdoses are quite common, unfortunately,” Mennenga says. “Nobody’s immune to the opioid crisis.”

He says if you want a supply of Narcan at home, contact your local health department for options.

Mennenga also says Narcan, shockingly, has some detractors. He says some people think opioid users need to learn the consequences the hard way. But Mennenga, a veteran of the EMS world, says many people who suffer overdoses aren’t your stereotypical drug user. Their use might have started with an injury, leading to pain medication. Or older adults often mix up pills and take too many.

“If they really want to get some help, we can give them resources like their public health department or the state public health department,” Mennenga says.

Learn more

Websites for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services all have information on opioid addiction, treatment and recovery. If you are in crisis, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 9-8-8.

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A survivor of a 2019 heart attack, Randy Isham was already on notice.

But Randy and his wife Dawn, retirees in Mansfield, Illinois, couldn’t predict the chaotic events of May 24, 2023. An ambulance took Randy to OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in nearby Urbana, and the man was soon fighting for his life due to a second heart attack.

“I’m glad to be alive,” Randy puts it plainly.

The Ishams and their OSF care team have now joined the chorus of heart health advocates, urging others to know when everyday exhaustion or dehydration is something more serious, especially if you have a history of heart issues.

From garage to gurney

On May 24, Randy was assembling a table in the garage when he began to feel weak but had no pain.

“When I touched his arm, it was a cold sweat,” Dawn recalls. “That’s when I got concerned that this didn’t seem right. Let’s call 9-1-1.”

It was in the ambulance that first responders determined Randy was having a heart attack. That’s when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is narrowed or blocked. Heart cells begin to suffer damage and die, and the heart no longer works how it should. Serious, life-long health issues or even death can result.

Randy coded at the hospital, adding to the urgency.

“It means there is no pulse. The heart stops. There is no blood reaching the brain and the whole body,” explains Tariq Enezate, MD, one of Randy’s OSF cardiologists. “When that happens, you need to know why and act fast.”

As the hospital pastoral care team and other Mission Partners (employees) kept Dawn informed, Randy was fighting for his life. He was without a pulse for 20 minutes, Dawn says, before Dr. Enezate’s team was able to revive him. Along the way, they removed a blood clot stemming from plaque buildup that they believe was the source of the heart attack. They then put in a stent. Randy is up to three stents, he points out, after his 2019 heart attack. It’s something he can speak about with relative ease now, but the nine-day hospital stay was no laughing matter.

“It could have gone either way,” Dawn says. “They wanted me to call the family in.”

Dr. Enezate describes the scene: “I had to go inside his heart while they were doing chest compressions. I was able to open [the blocked area in] his heart. At that moment, blood flow started back to the heart, and his pulse came back.

“Minutes mean muscle,” during heart attacks, Dr. Enezate adds. “The faster you restore flow in the artery and put a stent in, it’s better for the patient. It relieves their pain. It decreases the risk of complications.”

Lessons learned

Dr. Enezate calls Randy his miracle patient, and the Ishams agree.

“It was lucky he made it,” Dr. Enezate says. “I think the fact he came in early helped him.

“When we saw him coming back, that moment I can’t describe. It’s worth the world for all of us,” he adds.

Dr. Enezate’s affirmations “just gave me a nice warm feeling,” Randy says.

“Everybody there treated me like I was the only patient they had,” he adds, noting daily visits from Pastor Dave Jassman gave the couple strength.

Randy is back at home, doing well and receiving care typical for people who have suffered a major heart event, like therapy through OSF Home Care and cardiac rehabilitation. And he and Dawn are back at the healthy lifestyles that became the norm after Randy’s 2019 heart attack. Exercise is good, but no long work periods in the summer heat, for example. You’ll find Dawn cooking fish instead of steak. A tough, but necessary adjustment, Randy chuckles. Recipes from the American Heart Association also help.

“I used to think I was invincible, but I realize I’m not anymore,” Randy says.

The Ishams are also urging others to research trusted sources and learn not just the signs of a heart attack, but how to tell the difference between those signs and everyday pain like Randy thought he had on May 24. And don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 when something is wrong.

“It could save your life,” Dawn says.

Dr. Enezate says the classic symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. Some people describe it as an elephant weighing on their chest. You may also be short of breath, sweat, feel anxious or feel like you’re going to pass out. Or you may have no warning signs, and suddenly you’ve collapsed.

“If you have symptoms and you’re not sure why, call [a health care provider] for advice,” Dr. Enezate advises.

What about prevention for people who’ve had a heart attack?

Practice healthy habits, Dr. Enezate says. Don’t smoke. Take medication as directed by your provider. Control risk factors like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Exercise and eat right.

Learn more

Read more about how to care for your heart on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Telemedicine – seeing a provider by video from home – is a common and useful part of today’s health care landscape. But as Amer Alshekhlee, MD, points out, it’s sometimes not fast. A person will commonly book a virtual appointment days or weeks out.

So how can telemedicine play a critical role when millions of brain cells are at stake in a matter of minutes?

Enter telestroke. It’s a concept in use throughout OSF HealthCare. At OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois, the strategic affiliation between OSF and SSM Health allows telestroke to be seamless. Dr. Alshekhlee, the stroke program director at DePaul Hospital in nearby Bridgeton, Missouri, is one of the doctors who sees people virtually when they come to the OSF Saint Anthony’s Emergency Department with a suspected stroke.

“We see patients quickly. We triage them from hospital to hospital. That provides very quick treatment,” Dr. Alshekhlee says.

“We’ll have a video encounter,” he adds. “We examine the patient. Talk to them and their family. Make a decision on what kind of treatment and where.”

Providers will ask about when symptoms started and their severity. They will likely have the patient demonstrate the BEFAST acronym, a standard way to spot stroke symptoms. Providers will look for problems or abnormalities in balance, eyes, face, arms and speech. The “T” in BEFAST stands for time. In other words, if there is evidence of issues in B through S, it’s “time” to take quick action.

“We have a scale. We score the person, and for example, say ‘these stroke symptoms look very bad’. Then we have to really act on that patient.”

That could mean a transfer to a hospital better equipped to treat stroke. Again, providers will tell you time is of the essence. For example, if you start treatment at the Emergency Department within 4½ hours of the onset of symptoms, you may be able to take Tenecteplase, a blood clot-busting agent that experts say could become the gold standard for stroke care.

On the flip side, for each minute a stroke goes untreated, the brain loses around 2 million cells it cannot recover. Strokes can also have life-altering consequences like vision, walking and swallowing difficulties. They can take years off your life and put you at risk of another stroke.

Learn more about stroke care on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Taylor Swift fans have another reason to celebrate: one of her songs could help save the life of someone in cardiac arrest.

The American Heart Association says Swift's song “The Man” has 110 beats per minute, in the 100-120 beats per minute range for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

CPR is a life-saving skill. And for Jordan Meeks, a pediatric wellness specialist at OSF HealthCare, it’s a critical skill for young people to learn.

“Most cardiac arrests happen in people 40 years and older, a lot of teachers, parents, grandparents, coaches and those that young people are spending a lot of time with,” Meeks says. “And young people are getting to a point where their body is maturing, so they’re able to do those compressions with enough strength to be helpful.”

Meeks visits schools across Illinois teaching students hands-only CPR. Recently, she was in Fisher, a small, rural town where it might take first responders a little longer to get to an emergency - all the more reason to equip junior high and high school students with CPR skills.

CPR basics

Meeks says CPR is used when someone is unconscious and in cardiac arrest (in other words, having a serious heart problem).

The first thing to do is call 9-1-1. If you’re by yourself, put the phone on speaker while you help the ailing person. Get over the person, interlink your fingers and press hard in the middle of the chest over and over.

“It’s compressing the chest in half at a rate of about 100 beats per minute. Think of the song Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees,” Meeks explains. “The compressions help restore blood flow to the body and brain, which is really important to help preserve that person’s life.”

CPR may also be done alongside an automated external defibrillator (AED), a small device that’s common in schools and workplaces these days. Meeks explains that two pads are applied to the patient’s skin - one near the heart and the other on the person’s side - with wires leading to the AED box.

“It gives you step-by-step instructions. It’s going to tell you when you need to stay clear of the patient. It will analyze the heart’s rhythm to see if it’s regular, irregular or not beating at all,” Meeks says. “Then it will provide instructions on whether to deliver a shock. You press a button to deliver a shock. Then it will tell you to start CPR.”

The AED will then continue the cycle of shocks and CPR until first responders arrive.

Teaching hands-only CPR does not require certification, Meeks says. Someone can easily learn the tools and pass them on to others.

Adding the skillset of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation - when you exhale into a patient’s mouth to help revive them - is a little more involved. Meeks recommends calling your local first responders (police, fire and ambulance), your local hospital or the American Red Cross to learn about those CPR training opportunities.

 Training young people

During her stop in Fisher, Meeks watched as students performed CPR and applied AEDs to manikins. A red light on the manikin meant the compressions were too fast or too slow. A green light signaled a good pace. To Meeks’ delight, there were more green lights than red.

“The manikins are very much like the human body, so the students get a really good, hands-on experience with how CPR works,” Meeks says. “They also learn how to use the AED. Most students know where it is in their school, but they’ve never seen it before. They have no idea how it works.”

You can count Paige Ferguson and Kira Becker, both juniors at Fisher High School, among the adolescents who think the training is valuable.

“You just had to stay at a consistent pace, which was difficult [to start]. But once you got that pace going, it was pretty easy to stay with it,” Ferguson says, describing the training.

“It’s important to know this so you can help friends and teachers in your daily life. You can help save a person’s life,” Becker says.

One of those teachers is Doug Ingold, the health and physical education instructor who asked OSF to train the whole student body.

“It’s great to have hands-on experience. It’s different than just watching a video,” Ingold says. “Having OSF come in and give the students actual practical experience really gives them a good idea of what it takes to do CPR.”

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Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year.

Strokes can have life-altering consequences like vision, walking and swallowing difficulties. They also rank in the top five killers of Americans. For each minute a stroke goes untreated, the brain loses around 2 million cells it cannot recover.

“Getting to the hospital quickly – within four and a half hours of your onset of symptoms – is important,” says Leslie Ingold, a registered nurse and stroke coordinator with OSF HealthCare.

A cutting-edge stroke drug rolled out at OSF HealthCare is already turning the tide for people.

Tenecteplase (TNKase ®) can be used in people experiencing a stroke and who meet certain criteria, such as a specific blood pressure, history of brain bleeds, medications taken at home and how quickly they arrived at the emergency department. TNKase is a clot-busting agent that stands to become the gold standard of this type of care, Ingold says.

“It has a lower cost. It’s something providers can mix much, much quicker,” Ingold says. “And it’s given quickly in an IV push over five to 10 seconds, and we’re done.”

TNKase also does a better job than its predecessor at finding and breaking up clots, and there’s a lower risk of bleeding.

“The quicker we can get oxygen flowing back into that brain tissue, the better recovery the person is going to have,” Ingold says.

Why it’s important

The most common type of stroke, an ischemic stroke (also sometimes called an embolic stroke), is when a clot forms and travels to the brain. When watching for one, remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.

• B is for balance: Watch for sudden loss of balance.
• E is for eyes: Check for vision loss or eyes looking askew.
• F is for face: Look for droopiness or an uneven smile.
• A is for arm: Is one arm weak or numb?
• S is for speech: Watch for slurred, slow speech or no speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• T is for time. It’s the conclusion to the checklist. Time to call 9-1-1 if someone has these symptoms, even if they go away.

Another type of stroke, a hemorrhagic stroke, is when a blood vessel breaks and blood seeps into brain tissue. Ingold says hemorrhagic strokes are typically caused by a traumatic injury, like falling and hitting your head. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is also a cause.

For either type, when you arrive at the hospital, a provider will take some pictures of your brain and decide the best treatment option.

Prevention

Up to 80% of strokes are preventable, Ingold says. Prevention goes back to what any doctor will tell you is key for a healthy life: control your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes through diet and exercise. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs. If you have an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, see your cardiologist regularly and follow their instructions. And get established with a primary care provider, too.

Ingold says a stroke takes 3.75 years off a person’s life, on average. And if you have a stroke, you have a 25% chance of having another one.

“We always tell people they really need to be on top of their treatment,” Ingold says. “The signs and symptoms of a possible second stroke may not be the same as the first. In fact, they could be completely different. It just depends on what part of the brain the stroke affects.”

Learn more

Read about stroke care on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Television host Carson Daly is the latest celebrity to try what some call sleep divorce. Couples who sleep in the same bed but are not getting that coveted seven to eight hours of shut eye will slumber with some degree of separation: in the same bed but with separate blankets, in separate beds in the same room or in separate rooms.

Daly called the move the “best thing” for his marriage during a summer episode of the Today Show.

“We both, admittedly, slept better apart,” he said.

The concept is one worth exploring for couples who are kept up by snoring, restlessness, differences in sleep schedule or other nighttime issues, says Nadeem Ahmed, MD, a pulmonologist at OSF HealthCare in Alton, Illinois.

But let’s get one thing straight.

“I don’t like the term ‘sleep divorce’ because it tends to blame other people. It’s not a good word. It brings anxiety,” Dr. Ahmed says.

“I like to use ‘sleep alliance.’ They’re working together. They’re working things out. They want to make sure it’s healthy for both bed partners and the sleep disturbances don’t affect the other partner’s life,” he says.

Have the discussion

Dr. Ahmed says he encounters sleep issues, like snoring, in his practice “almost every day,” and many people are shy about it.

Every case is different. Dr. Ahmed says couples should first talk out their sleep issues and try to find a solution. The partners could try sleeping in separate beds during the week and in the same bed on the weekend so intimacy is not completely lost. Some mattresses have different firmness, temperature and slant on each side, which can help.

If needed, the partners should talk to a pulmonologist or psychologist.

“A lot of psychologists will do similar things that a physician will do. It’s just the comfort level of the person,” Dr. Ahmed explains. “Sometimes they don’t want to go to a medical doctor for the sleep problem. They would rather talk to a psychologist.”

“The idea is to discuss it with some type of professional,” he says.

Dr. Ahmed adds that sleeping separately should be a short-term solution.

“Tell your bed partner this is an issue, and we need to address it. As opposed to just getting mad or feeling crummy or sleepy the next day,” Dr. Ahmed says, “Because it can affect your job, like if you’re a machine operator or have to drive a truck.”

A major cause

Dr. Ahmed says a big cause of the restlessness that leads to sleep alliance discussions is sleep apnea, when people stop breathing during sleep. This can lead to loud snoring or body movement in bed and crabbiness or grogginess the next day.

Dr. Ahmed says there are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is a product of obesity. Central sleep apnea is associated with neurological deficits like a stroke.

“[Sleep apnea] is not fatal because our brains are hard-wired to let you go to a certain time, and then it triggers you to take a breath,” Dr. Ahmed explains.

But, if the condition is left untreated, there is a litany of possible issues: hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, dementia, headaches and frequent urination.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea would involve a sleep study, either in your home or at a hospital.

Treatment options include a mask and machine combination known as a CPAP or BiPAP, a mouth guard or a small device that’s implanted in your body in outpatient surgery. All those options aim to help you breathe normally and sleep peacefully.

“Along with that, we have to stress lifestyle changes,” to rid oneself of sleep apnea, Dr. Ahmed adds. “Eating healthy. Losing weight. Getting exercise.”

Over-the-counter options for better sleep include melatonin, an eye mask, earplugs, thick window curtains, a plush mattress and sheets and a white noise device like a smart speaker. Don’t eat or drink, aside from water, a couple hours before bedtime, Dr. Ahmed also advises.

Learn more

Learn more about healthy sleep on the OSF HealthCare website. If you’re having sleep problems, especially if it’s impacting your daytime life, talk to your primary care provider, a pulmonologist or a behavioral health provider.

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The pros and cons of social media are well documented. It allows you to connect with friends and pursue passions, but bullying and misinformation can be rampant.

But can frequent social media use lead to changes in brain development during the formative adolescent years? A recent study suggests so, but much more investigation is needed, says Karna Sherwood, MD, a neurologist at OSF HealthCare in Alton, Illinois.

The study tracked 169 sixth and seventh graders and found those who habitually checked social media were more sensitive to rewards and punishments. To view it a different way, kids who constantly refresh Facebook hoping the likes on their post will go up may be more impulsive to seek out real-life recognition.

“At a certain point, 10 likes or 20 likes are no longer gratifying enough,” Dr. Sherwood says. “And then you have to find another way to get even more likes or more appreciation.”

That “another way” could lead to risky behaviors such as substance abuse. But Dr. Sherwood says more study is needed to conclusively make the link. Just how much does our life in the digital realm affect our life away from the device?

“A follow up study would certainly investigate if [frequent social media use] has an effect on rates of anxiety and depression,” says Dr. Sherwood. “Could this affect addiction? And what interventions could be taken to nullify those behaviors?

“As a society, if we want to raise happy and healthy people in an age where we are getting better technologically, what steps do we need to take?”

Until then, Dr. Sherwood has some good advice no matter your age or number of Twitter followers.

“Until you get the rest of the information, it’s better to have some degree of regulation,” and restraint with social media, Dr. Sherwood says.

Learn more about how the brain works on the OSF HealthCare website.

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You see the phrase as you browse the grocery aisle: helps lower cholesterol.

But have you looked into what that means for you? And more importantly, is this something my children need to worry about?

The answer to the second question is yes, says Tricia Herman, a cardiac rehabilitation registered nurse at OSF HealthCare in Danville, Illinois. And it’s a perfect time to change lifestyles to avoid cholesterol problems as we enter a holiday eating season where you may be chowing down on unhealthy food.

What is cholesterol?

Herman says cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance that’s responsible for building cells in our body. It also helps produce hormones and vitamin D.

“When we have our cholesterol checked, it’s not just total cholesterol that we’re really looking at. We’re looking at three different levels,” Herman says.

“The bad cholesterol is LDL [low-density lipoprotein]. You can consider it lousy. The good cholesterol is HDL [high-density lipoprotein]. And triglycerides is another level that we take a look at.”

LDL values should be less than 100 milligrams per deciliter. HDL should be greater than 60 milligrams per deciliter. And triglycerides should be less than 150 milligrams per deciliter.

Be proactive at all ages

The average person doesn’t need to memorize those numbers. Herman recommends that when you get your yearly physical, get a blood test to measure cholesterol as well. You’ll need to fast for 12 hours before the test, so Herman says to do it first thing in the morning if possible.

After the results come in, your health care provider will come up with a course of action, if necessary. That may involve follow up lab work or medicine.

What you should think about daily: a healthy lifestyle.

For kids, try for 60 minutes of exercise per day. That could be as simple as walking, Herman says.

And cut down on less healthy food choices like fried or fatty foods, sweets and red meat.

Or as Herman puts it: don’t brake and hit the drive thru because it’s the quick and easy option. Keep your foot on the gas.

“Eating habits are the hardest thing for a lot of people,” Herman says. “It’s the way we were brought up. What was served at our table when we were younger become habits we grow up with.”

Instead, try lean meats like fish or poultry. Bake, grill or broil your meat instead of frying it. Use whole grain bread instead of white bread.

“Create a meal plan for your child that has lots of fruits and vegetables,” Herman says. “Don’t have them eat on the go. Have them sit down and eat so it’s more meaningful and thoughtful.”

The consequences

High cholesterol leads to plaque building in arteries of the heart, brain or legs.

“You’re at risk for stroke if it’s happening in your brain or even in your carotid arteries [in your neck],” Herman says. “You’re at risk for heart disease if it’s happening in your heart. And peripheral artery disease if it happens in your legs.”

Herman notes that high cholesterol often doesn’t come with symptoms until it’s too late. So talk to your primary care provider if you have concerns.

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