OSF HealthCare Newsroom

Dirtier than you think: Keeping your home disease-free (part two)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Author's note: this is part two of a two part story on keeping your home clean. Click here for part one.

You’ve heard it plenty: staying illness-free involves daily healthy habits with your own body, such as coughing into your arm and frequent handwashing.

But the environment around you – specifically your home – needs daily attention, too, to avoid ailments lurking on surfaces and in crevices. Young kids and pets might get into these areas unintentionally and get sick with things like pink eye, salmonella, E. coli and a staph infection.

Kelsey Walker, APRN, a family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare, has a checklist of spots in your home that can be dirtier than you think and what you can do about them.

Personal items: You might think you don’t need to clean things like your phone, wallet, purse, keys, headphones and keyboards. But those items can, for example, hang out in pant pockets where dust can accumulate or on your ears where wax can get transferred to the device. Television remotes and video game controllers fall into this category too. Think about a dog or child sneezing on a device then going on like nothing happened.

So, Walker recommends wiping down these items with a wet wipe weekly. A can of compressed air can also help get dust out of crevices in devices.
Pets: “If they’re going outside and inside, they can bring dirt and bugs in. That can get on your carpet and furniture. It can bring bacteria to humans,” Walker warns. “So, wipe the pet’s paws when they walk in. Clean their toys routinely. When they put the toys in their mouth, bacteria can develop on the toys and on their saliva.”

Walker specifically points out that pets can harbor fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, which can then bite humans. So check your pet’s fur regularly, and keep them up to date with vaccines, grooming and medical care.
Miscellaneous surfaces: Knobs, handles and switches should get a “once over” with a wet wipe on a weekly basis.
Plants: Dead leaves can harbor fungi, so remove them regularly.
Air conditioning units: Change the filter at least once a year, and in between do checks to see if moisture has built up inside. Dark, moist areas like the inside of an AC unit can also be mold hotspots.
Towels: Change out and wash your kitchen and bathroom towels every few days.
Water bottles: Walker says this is a big one that many people forget about. Germs can especially linger on the top of the bottle and transfer to your mouth. So clean your bottle regularly, checking the label to see if it’s OK to put in the dishwasher or if you need to hand wash.
Appliances: Browse the home cleaning aisle of the grocery store to see what products are available to clean sink and tub drains, washing machines and dishwashers. This usually involves running a cycle with just the cleaning solution. Consider cleaning these appliances every couple months.

Take action

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

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Dirtier than you think: Keeping your home disease-free (part one)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:18:49 -0500

Author's note: this is part one of a two part story on keeping your home clean. Click here for part two.

You’ve heard it plenty: staying illness-free involves daily healthy habits with your own body, such as coughing into your arm and frequent handwashing.

But the environment around you – specifically your home – needs daily attention, too, to avoid ailments lurking on surfaces and in crevices. Young kids and pets might get into these areas unintentionally and get sick with things like pink eye, salmonella, E. coli and a staph infection.

Kelsey Walker, APRN, a family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare, has a checklist of spots in your home that can be dirtier than you think and what you can do about them.

Bathroom: This is the most obvious one, but it’s worth the reminder. Showers, sinks and toilets should be cleaned daily. Keep the space ventilated. At the first site of mold (look for brown, black or fuzzy white spots or a stale, musky odor), take action quickly. A bleach and water mix (one part bleach and 10 parts water) might do the trick, or you might need to call a professional.

“Once a week, do a deep bathroom clean. Clean the bathtub, the toilet bowl and countertops,” Walker adds. “Even the toothbrush holder is missed a lot of times. So make sure that’s clean.”

Clean your shower/tub from top to bottom. Flush the toilet with the lid down to prevent tiny germs from traveling through the air and onto items. Keep those items, like toothbrushes, away from the toilet. The American Dental Association also recommends not sharing toothbrushes and swapping out your toothbrush every three to four months.
Kitchen: Sponges, cutting boards, sinks and refrigerator handles can all harbor germs, Walker says. Change or sanitize your sponges a couple times a week, she suggests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says to clean your cutting board with soap and warm water often, especially when working with raw meat. Use a wet wipe on your fridge handles.
Laundry room: Walker says if you leave clothes in the washer too long, they can develop bacteria. So move them to dry promptly.
Garage: “That’s a dark place that can harbor moisture, dust, mold and mildew,” Walker explains. “So a couple times a month, I would sweep it out. Make sure you’re getting cobwebs and bugs out. Just get rid of anything that’s collecting moisture.”

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Don’t fear prostate exam screenings

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:00:45 -0500

John Rinker, MD, an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has a message for men: prostate cancer screenings are important, and you shouldn’t put them off over “fear of the finger.” In other words, fear that the exam will be uncomfortable. Dr. Rinker says technology and guidelines have evolved so that doctors can get a clear picture of what’s going on in a noninvasive way.

The prostate: A recap

Dr. Rinker says the prostate is an organ that helps produce and protect sperm.

“It continues to grow over time in most men. Different parts of the prostate can start to have abnormal growths. The big concern is that prostate cancer can form. About one in eight men have a lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer,” Dr. Rinker explains. He adds that prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men.

Genetics, family history, old age, ethnicity, smoking and obesity put you at a higher risk. And Dr. Rinker adds that prostate cancer largely comes with no symptoms, making screenings all the more important. If you do have symptoms, those can mimic traits of an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating, blood in semen or pain around the groin.

Screenings

Dr. Rinker says men should start talking to their primary care provider about prostate cancer screening at age 40. He says the method that most men know – a digital rectal exam – has actually fallen out of favor with medical professionals.

“We really didn’t find that the digital rectal exam was very effective,” Dr. Rinker opines. “There’s a lot of user bias with how well [a provider] is at examining. Maybe they won’t be able to detect a larger, late state lesion as well.”

Instead, the standard is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate in your blood.

“It can be added to your routine bloodwork. Nothing more than that. It could save your life,” Dr. Rinker says.

If the test finds elevated PSA levels, a provider might recommend a prostate MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). As the name suggests, this is noninvasive imaging that gives providers a clear picture of the organ.

“This can lead to a reduction in biopsies that are unnecessary,” Dr. Rinker says.

The bottom line

Dr. Rinker repeats advice that men have heard plenty: know your body, know your family history, choose healthy behaviors and see your provider regularly.

“The whole goal of [educating people on screenings] is catching cancer earlier. If you do that, you have more treatment options. You have a better chance to cure the cancer,” Dr. Rinker says. “In some cases if it’s a low-grade cancer, you may choose to not to treat it at all. We can monitor it. We can re-image it or utilize a PSA test to see if it changes.”

Learn more

Read more about cancer treatment and prevention on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF includes services at local cancer centers and clinics like the one Dr. Rinker works at, plus the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois.

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Frequently asked questions

Seeing a therapist: Tales vs. truths

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Mental health care starts with a first step, but that first step can be intimidating. Maybe you don’t want to let others know what you’re dealing with, or you’ve heard about friends having poor experiences while seeing a mental health provider.

Susan Hanson, DSW, LCPC, a psychotherapist at OSF HealthCare, is debunking misconceptions about therapy so you can feel comfortable and get the most out of your care.

Myth: Seeing a therapist is scary.

Fact: “People quickly learn it’s a safe place to talk about trials, tribulations and conflicts. It’s a very warm and inviting place,” Hanson says. She adds that even group therapy shouldn’t be intimidating. Group work can help build empathy and a sense of belonging. When you see others going through the same issues, you can often feel less alone.
Myth: My private health information is at risk of becoming public.

Fact: Hanson says this comes up often with her patients. They don’t want to talk about certain things with friends and family, but they’re also wary of talking with a provider. Hanson reassures that all health care providers abide by confidentiality and use software that keeps your information secure and private. She says the only reasons a provider must breach that confidentiality is if the person is a danger to harm themself or others or if there is evidence of child endangerment.
Myth: I’ll be back to normal after just a few sessions.

Fact: It’s usually not a quick fix, Hanson says. Therapy is something you need to buy into and stick with. Success is often seen after awareness, acceptance and internal structural changes in terms of emotional regulation and setting healthy boundaries.

“Some people can come in and have a quick fix. Maybe they’re nervous about moving. Or they have test-taking anxiety, and we can work through skills for that,” Hanson says. “But many other people have more complex trauma that might take longer to work through.”
Myth: Medication will fix me, and therapy is an easy way to get it.

Fact: Hanson stresses that mental health care providers are not medication dispensaries, nor will medication alone likely heal you.

“Sometimes medication is appropriate if there’s a biological basis [an issue innate within someone’s body, in other words], complex trauma or a diagnosis like ADHD or major depression. The medication can help enhance the talk therapy,” Hanson explains. She adds that a therapist can put a timeline on things. If, for example, anxiety symptoms aren’t improving after a few sessions, the provider could look into medications that could help.
Myth: I’ll see my therapist then go back to normal life.
Fact: Hanson says you have to put what you learn at therapy into practice. Common activities outside of a session include journaling, meditation, grounding exercises and finding a trusted person who you can go to if, for example, you’re having an anxiety attack. Some of Hanson’s patients have also benefitted from emotional support animals, she says.

“Reframing thoughts around a certain situation can be a good goal. Learn positive word choices. Rewrite the story around a situation,” Hanson says. Reducing anxiety is another big goal she’s seen with patients.

“Therapy is not a straight road. I like to see it like a dance. Two steps forward, one step back,” Hanson adds. “I also tell my clients that this bridge will take you halfway there. The rest, you walk alone. There’s only so much any one person can do for another person. We need to learn how to develop some of the skills outside of a therapy session.”

Learn more

Read more about mental and behavioral health care on the OSF HealthCare website. Mental health care at OSF includes providers like Hanson on the local level and the to-be-built Meadowview Behavioral Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, for people who need a higher level of care.

Interview clips

The Mediterranean diet and liver health

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We’ve all heard the joke. Someone consumes something like alcohol and says, “My liver isn’t going to like this.”

But liver health – and more importantly what can go wrong with the organ – are no laughing matter. That’s why providers like Marcie Lindstrom, APRN, a family nurse practitioner in gastroenterology at OSF HealthCare, are getting the word out about how the Mediterranean diet can help keep our liver healthy.

How the Mediterranean diet helps

A good diet is a mainstay of liver health, both proactive and reactive when you develop a problem, Lindstrom stresses. The Mediterranean diet is one to discuss with your health care provider to see how it can work for you. This diet is mostly plant-based, incorporating things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, brown rice and seafood. It gets its named because it’s based on the eating habits of people who live near the Mediterranean Sea.

“A diet like this that’s rich in whole foods, fiber, unsaturated fat and antioxidants can help reduce liver fat. It improves metabolic markers and decreases inflammation in our liver,” Lindstrom says.

Lindstrom also states the obvious: the Mediterranean diet alone won’t keep your liver pristine. It must be part of a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and avoiding risky behaviors like heavy drinking, smoking, high stress levels, mental health concerns, unsafe needle use and unsafe sexual relations. She encourages her patients to make small changes to achieve this healthy lifestyle. Swap chips for carrots for that mid-afternoon snack, and build your diet from there. Or, start your exercise routine by walking to the end of the block. Then when you’re up for it, walk a few blocks paired with some light weightlifting.

“Strength training [like weightlifting] helps build muscle mass and prevent muscle mass loss. That can help with your metabolism, which can improve liver health,” Lindstrom says.

Why this is important

Lindstrom says the liver plays a critical role in our metabolism.

“It helps process nutrients, break down fats and medications and detox alcohol. It’s also important in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol,” she explains.

Fatty liver, where healthy cells turn into fatty cells that can’t do their job as well, is a common problem with the organ. It impacts around one in three people and is the top reason for women having liver transplants in the United States, Lindstrom says. Excessive alcohol use, hepatitis C, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and insulin resistance can all contribute to fatty liver.

“The troubling thing with fatty liver is that most of the time, people don’t have symptoms,” Lindstrom warns. Unchecked fatty liver could lead to liver scarring, liver failure and even death.

Learn more

Read more about gastrointestinal health on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Youch! Did I just pull a hammy?

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Here are a couple more “cheat sheets” to add to your injury prevention checklist, whether you’re a casual runner or a star athlete. The good news: there’s a lot of overlap when it comes to calf and hamstring injuries, meaning young athletes, their parents and their coaches don’t have to cram for the test.

Hamstrings

The hamstring muscles sit in the back of your upper leg and help with all kinds of activities, like walking, running, climbing and squatting.

“Hamstring injuries can happen when you change direction or speed [in athletics.] You get a sharp, sudden pain in the back of your leg,” says Brittany Delaney, an athletic trainer at OSF HealthCare. “We grade any muscle strain as grade one, two or three. Grade one is a minor pull of the muscle fibers. It could take three to four weeks to heal. With grade two, you’re going to find tearing of the muscle fibers. Those could go four to six weeks [recovery]. And grade three would be a complete rupture of a hamstring. That can lead to three to four months of rehab before returning to your sport.”

Delaney says she often sees track and field, baseball, softball and soccer athletes complain of the cramp-like pain of hamstring injuries due to the “stop and start” nature of the sports. Initial treatment is stretching and icing.

“We want to constrict the blood vessels so you don’t get a lot of swelling or bruising,” Delaney says.

Long term, the person would perform physical therapy exercises to regain full range of motion.

“To start, this should be light stretching. You don’t want to overstretch because we want the muscle fibers to heal,” Delaney explains. “Then, we move into strengthening the muscle. On top of strengthening the hamstring, you want to strengthen the quads, calves and your core. We strengthen around the injury as well as the actual injury.”

The last phase of rehabilitation would involve exercises specific to that person’s sport. Surgery isn’t common for hamstring injuries, Delaney says.

Calves

It’s a “same song, different verse” situation for injuries to your calf muscles that sit in the back of your lower leg. Delaney says sports that involve sprinting or a sudden direction change are breeding grounds for calf injuries.

“We see it in baseball and softball outfielders. The ground might be uneven. You might hit the ground just right that you’re going to feel that calf tighten up,” leading to a sharp pain or cramp-type pain, Delaney says.

Health care providers also grade these injuries one, two or three, with three being a severe rupture. Like hamstrings, Delaney says the calf muscles can heal themselves with time and rehab.

“With calves, you can immobilize [the patient]. At times, I may treat an athlete with a controlled ankle motion boot [CAM boot] to immobilize and give that calf muscle more of a rest,” Delaney says. “With hamstrings, you can just put them on crutches and be non-weight bearing for a short time.”

Delaney says a grade one calf injury is typically two to four weeks of rehab. Grade two is four to six weeks. And a grade three complete rupture can take up to 12 weeks to heal.

Prevention

For prevention of these injuries, “dynamic” is the word of the day. As in, dynamic warmups before competition. Gone are the days of just touching your toes. Delaney has her athletes combine dynamic and static stretches before a practice or game. This might mean a light jog around the baseball field to warm up the muscles.

“A lot of athletes can feel these injuries coming on,” Delaney points out. “So back off and modify your activity. Cross training also helps. My long distance runners may go to the pool and work out. Weight training can help.”

Coaches and parents should also keep an eye on young athletes for signs they need a break. Talk to a professional to know the right way to treat injuries at home. You don’t want to apply heat when you should be applying ice, for example. And, empower the youngsters to speak up when they’re hurt.

Learn more

Read more about keeping your body in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Take a look, it’s in a book

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:24:15 -0500

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.

Interview clips

Walk which way?

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Walking is one of the simplest ways to keep your body in good shape. A simple stroll around the block each morning might be the ticket. But sometimes, different styles of walking trend online as a “hack” to get better results. John Rinker, MD, an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare who focuses on longevity, breaks down what you need to know.

The styles

Backward walking: “It works different muscle groups than forward walking. You’re going to work different parts of your shin. It’s going to help a lot with ankle mobility,” Dr. Rinker says.

Try walking backward for a couple minutes on your walk. Keep safety in mind by avoiding trip hazards. Look for an even, non-crowded surface, like a sidewalk or track. Dr. Rinker doesn’t recommend it on a treadmill.
The number six: There are a few workout variations that incorporate the number six. One encourages you to walk for 60 minutes at either 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. Another suggests a six-minute warmup and six-minute cool down, while others say six refers to getting active six days a week.

“The 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. – what I love about that is it schedules the walking,” Dr. Rinker points out. “For some, the barrier to exercise becomes their life schedule. Things get in the way. You meant to exercise, but you look back on your day and realize you never did. Then a week goes by [with no exercise].”
Farmer’s walking: This is where you walk with a heavy object in each hand for a defined distance. Think of a farmer carrying seed bags back to the barn. Dr. Rinker says this can help with balance, muscle growth and grip strength – all things proven to increase longevity.
Rucking: This is walking with a weighted vest or backpack. Dr. Rinker says this came into the mainstream after people saw military members walking with all their gear. Like farmer’s walking, rucking burns fat and builds strength, including in your heart, without increasing speed.

Dr. Rinker says it can be as simple as loading up a backpack with books or other household objects. Just start with a small amount, and work your way up.

“It doesn’t take a lot of weight for you to really feel it within the first 10 to 20 minutes. You don’t want to be stuck far out with a heavy backpack,” Dr. Rinker warns.
Japanese walking: This involves alternating between slow and fast walking. Dr. Rinker says to think of it as high intensity training but in a walking format. If you set out for a 30-minute walk, try switching from a brisk pace to a slow pace every three minutes. Dr. Rinker says this can be especially beneficial for people who are not well-conditioned. He says it can strengthen your heart.

“For people who have a fear of exercise, this is a nice way to ease in,” Dr. Rinker says.

The bottom line

Dr. Rinker says any of these exercise variations is OK to try. Just know your limits, and find a routine that works with your body and schedule.

“It can be boring to do the same thing every day,” Dr. Rinker says. “Finding different variations often leads you to feel challenged, wanting to do more and wanting to try new things.”

Why it matters

Are you doubting that walking is for you?

“Walking is a wonderful way to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance and balance,” Dr. Rinker says. “In general, humans are meant to move. The more we’re moving our bodies, the healthier we’re going to be long term.

“Bed rest is good for no one. We need to be moving,” he adds with a smile. Walking is free and requires no equipment, Dr. Rinker adds.

The American Heart Association recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. But Dr. Rinker says if your body can tolerate it, try for more.

Limitations

The ability to walk beyond daily tasks might be limited for some. A young person might have a chronic injury, or an older adult might simply have wear and tear on their body.

Dr. Rinker stresses that if an exercise makes you hurt badly, stop it and seek guidance from a health care provider. But, there are ways you can still make walking a part of your routine.

“Change the timeframe or pace. Go for shorter distances,” Dr. Rinker suggests. “There are some people who, let’s say, have COPD and have trouble breathing. They feel short of breath, so they stop walking. We actually want them to walk and spend some time with some shortness of breath. They actually improve their exercise tolerance. Their breathing improves over time.”

Another approach: if you’re used to taking a 30 minute walk, break it up into five minute walks throughout the day.

Learn more

Read more about keeping your body in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Supporting new moms, part two

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:08:12 -0500

Author's note: this is part two of a two part story on supporting new moms. Click here for part one.

Bringing a baby home from the hospital is one of the most stressful, but exciting things a couple can experience. Rightfully so, much of the focus in the first few weeks and months is on the child. Are they eating properly? Is their onesie comfortable? How much crying is too much?

But Xandra Anderson, BS, IBCLC, an international board-certified lactation consultant at OSF HealthCare, says: Don’t forget about mom’s needs, as this is a delicate time for her too. Anderson has some tips that partners, friends and family members can take note of.

Have everyone educate themselves together. Anderson has counseled plenty of new moms in classes about baby feeding and just general infant care. She says dad and anyone else who will be that primary support system at home should be in the classes too.

“It’s important to learn together because you’re going to be a team. This is something you’re doing together. You’re having a baby together. You’re adding a new family member. Family means you are a unit,” Anderson says. “When it’s only mom doing education, she has to turn around and educate dad, family and friends. It ends up being this spiral of more things mom has to do.”

For example, Anderson says if dad takes a baby feeding class, he’ll know the child’s hunger cues and can swoop in right away to help mom when it’s time to breastfeed or formula feed.

“You don’t have to be an expert. But it’s still important to accept the responsibility of needing to educate yourself. It's not mom’s responsibility to also take care of those around her,” Anderson says. “Working together takes some weight off mom’s shoulders. Then you really do feel like you’re doing this together instead of things being delegated or having things explained to you. Not everyone loves being talked to like that.”

Recognize postpartum loneliness. Anderson says new moms are very focused on child care, leading to loneliness or feeling lost. That underscores the importance of support from friends and family. But Anderson says there will be times when mom wants to be left alone.

“Some people are really good at saying ‘I’m touched out. I need space. I need to put my headphones in and be in my bedroom with the lights off. I just need time.’ But not of us are really good at that because you tend to feel guilty. You have people trying to help, but at that moment you don’t want help,” Anderson explains. “So be observant of mom’s cues. We’re constantly watching baby’s cues, but watch mom too. So maybe she’s being super fun and jovial. Then all of the sudden she starts to get quiet, or there are signs of overstimulation. Maybe she’s jumpy or irritable.”

That’s the time to broach the subject: are you OK? Do you need a few minutes?

Don’t be afraid to be selfish with your baby’s time.

“Even though everyone will want to love and get to know your new baby, it’s very important to remember that you are also getting to know your new baby and learning how to love them. This is a new, tiny person with their own personalities and tells,” Anderson points out. “It’s important to be able to have that time to learn that baby.”

In other words, don’t be afraid to tell grandma that now is not the time for a photo session with the youngster.

The bottom line: Give yourself grace

Above all else, Anderson wants new parents to remember: Parenting is tough. Try hard, but cut yourself some slack when things aren’t perfect.

Learn more

Read more about having a successful pregnancy and birth on the OSF HealthCare website. Pregnancy care at OSF includes new parent classes taught by people like Anderson on the local level.

Interview clips

Feeling hot, hot, hot?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:33:19 -0500

Scientists are constantly learning more about cancer – what causes it, how it impacts our body and how to treat or cure it. One study has looked at a possible link between frequent drinking of hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

So should coffee drinkers worry? Not drastically, but you should always be mindful of what you put in your body, says Edie Krueger, MD, [pronounced EE-dee // KREE-ger] a radiation oncologist at OSF HealthCare.

“The science behind it is that there’s thermal injury to the lining of the esophagus, or the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The thermal injury causes the cells to become aberrant [not normal, in other words] and grow on their own without any checkpoints. That’s basically what cancer is,” Dr. Krueger says.

So what should people do? Dr. Krueger says if you’re a morning coffee or tea person, that’s fine. But if you drink scalding hot beverages multiple times a day, consider changing habits. Let the drink cool off before taking a swig. The study mentions 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit) as a danger zone. That’s about the temperature when you get coffee right out of the pot, Dr. Krueger says. Also, swap the afternoon hot coffee or tea with another drink.

“Things in moderation are fine,” Dr. Krueger says.

Why it’s important

Esophageal cancer is not the most common in America (around 20,000 cases per year, Dr. Krueger says). But she says it’s a “tough cancer to treat,” underscoring the need to know about it and get treatment sooner rather than later.

She says there are two types of esophageal cancer. The most prevalent in America is adenocarcinoma. The other type, squamous cell carcinoma, is the one with a possible link to hot drinks.

“The symptoms, in general, are things like reflux or trouble swallowing - especially trouble swallowing things like bread or tough foods like steak or chicken. Just really hard to get food down,” Dr. Krueger explains.

“Usually, esophageal cancer is treated with what we call trimodality therapy. That’s surgery, chemotherapy and radiation,” she adds.

Avoiding alcohol, smoking and obesity are ways to help prevent esophageal cancer.

Learn more

Read more about cancer care on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF includes the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois.

Interview clips

Perimenopause: ‘You’re not alone’

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:18:38 -0600

As women age, new adventures come. Some, like travel and new hobbies, can bring joy. Others can bring stress.

One of those stressors is perimenopause, the time you’re transitioning to menopause, when you permanently stop having menstrual periods and can no longer get pregnant.

“There’s a stigma around this time of life,” says Lindsay Orr, an advanced practice nurse at OSF HealthCare. “It’s not an illness. It’s just a natural part of aging.”

Perimenopause basics

Orr says during perimenopause, the ovaries stop producing testosterone, estrogen and progesterone regularly.

“Think of it as a short fuse or a fuse that’s not quite connected,” Orr describes. “Every month, the hormones secrete. But ovaries have a shelf life. So some months they work, and some months they don’t. It ebbs and flows during the perimenopause transition period before they go into menopause.”

Orr says women typically notice changes that signal perimenopause at around age 40. The perimenopause period can be over quickly, especially if you have surgery that impacts your ovaries. On the other hand, Orr has seen some women be in perimenopause for 10 years. Regardless, health professionals define the perimenopause to menopause transition as over when you have not had a period for one year.

Orr says some women can have little to no perimenopause symptoms. For others, the time can bring disruptions to many parts of your life – work, sleep, relationships and more. Sudden hot flashes, mood changes, joint aches, brain fog, trouble with urination, anxiety, disrupted sleep and fatigue are all possible.

“A lack of estrogen can affect bone density,” Orr adds. “So women with smaller frames are more predisposed to bone issues if they fall. Or, a decline in estrogen can have cardio-protective effects. It can increase your risk for cardiovascular issues like heart disease.”

Anorexia, bulimia, high stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and being a high intensity athlete can also make perimenopause come sooner and be more intense, Orr says.

Treatment – proactive and reactive

Orr says if perimenopause symptoms are impacting your quality of life, it’s time to see a provider. Providers can’t make perimenopause go away, but they can help with symptoms. First, Orr asks if her patients are prioritizing what she calls the “four pillars of health”: exercise with resistance training, hydration, a healthy diet with plenty of protein and healthy sleep.

A provider might also recommend a supplement, such as diindolylmethane (or DIM, for short). Orr calls DIM broccoli in a pill. It helps keep hormones at a healthy level. Other supplements that could help include calcium D-glucarate, evening primrose oil, black cohosh and ashwagandha.

Orr also urges women to start the conversation with their primary care provider or OB/GYN before perimenopause hits. Ask what you can do now to lessen symptoms or duration. Be honest about how your body is feeling and what medications you’re on, as new medications could negatively interact with current ones. Orr also recommends women use a smartphone app to track their periods.

“The apps help you be in tune with your body. You go through your day-to-day life and kind of recognize things, but you don’t really put it all together. Then when you put the information in the app, you might say ‘Oh yeah, I am symptomatic. This is happening.’” Orr says. “You can track temperature changes, bleeding issues, hormone fluctuations and sleep. It all plays a role.”

What about pregnancy?

Yes, women can still get pregnant during perimenopause, though it’s not as common as pregnancies in your 30s and younger, Orr says. However, in general, Orr says the higher in age, the higher risk for pregnancy complications.

“Balanced hormones help maintain a good uterine lining for housing a fetus,” Orr explains, noting perimenopause disrupts that hormone balance. “So, a later-life pregnancy would require closer monitoring.” In other words, you’d likely have more trips to the doctor to make sure your pregnancy is healthy.

The bottom line

Orr reiterates: perimenopause is a part of life. Give yourself grace, take advantage of the help that providers can give and recognize that it’s about progress, not perfection.

“Some of the women I see are frazzled, disheveled and anxious. Sometimes they’re upset during the visit. It’s sad to see,” Orr recounts. “Then we start treatment, and I see them three months later. They look like a different person. They’re glowing. They have a zest for life again. It’s rewarding to see.”

Learn more

Read more about perimenopause and menopause and women’s health overall on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

How to pick a gym

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600

You’ve made the resolution: you’re finally going to get fit.

For some, motivation or mobility aren’t the problem. It’s logistics. How can I find a workout location that fits my needs? Clare Carley, an exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare, has a “gym-picking” checklist.

Distance from home: If long drives are tough (perhaps you have a disability, childcare concerns or live in an area with rough weather year-round), consider sacrificing quality for proximity.

“I’m a checklist person. So write it down and make it one thing you can check off for your day,” Carley says about finding the spark to make the drive to the gym. “Set an alarm on your phone. Have someone to go with you and motivate you. Give yourself a prize at the end of the week [for meeting workout goals].”
Equipment: Some people might just need a treadmill. Some might just want weights. Others might want everything. More amenities typically mean a bigger gym and a higher cost, Carley says.
Hours: Do you work odd hours and need a gym open at night? Checking the facility’s hours before you sign up is a must, Carley says. But, she says, there’s a flip side to a gym open 24/7. If you can go anytime, there might be less motivation as opposed to the urgency of “I need to get there before 5 p.m.”
Privacy and crowds: Are you comfortable with communal locker rooms and showers, or do you want privacy? Ask to look at these areas on a tour. Ask about options to store your belongings. Are there lockers? If so, are they free?

Or, do you get anxious in large crowds? Ask gym staff about peak hours and typically how many people are present then.

Cleanliness: The last thing you want is an illness or infection to derail your fitness journey.

“Are the locker rooms and bathrooms clean? Do you see staff going around and cleaning equipment? Are they dusting?” Carley says.
Price: Do your research, Carley says. Some gyms offer the first week or month free, and you can see if it’s a good fit without breaking the bank. Or, ask if the gym offers discounts, such as for seniors, military, students or low-income residents.

But, be wary of day passes, Carley says. It might be the way to go if, for example, you’re on vacation. But for your home gym, it might be better savings-wise to just get the long-term membership.
Signing up and canceling: We’ve all seen the headlines about how meticulous it is to fill out gym contracts. In fact, several states have passed laws to make the process easier.

“Talk about that up front with gym staff. Read the fine print,” Carley suggests. “If you go to a smaller, locally-owned gym or a recreation center [as opposed to big chain gyms], those are going to be easier to pay month-to-month.”
Word of mouth: Take everything you see online with a grain of salt, but it can’t hurt to read gym reviews and even bring those up when touring with staff. Friends and family might also have advice.

Interview clips

Spine disorders 101

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:30:00 -0600

If you’re at a doctor’s appointment and the provider says “spine disorder,” you might stop in your tracks. But you don’t have to, says Sohail Syed, MD, an OSF HealthCare neurosurgeon. He says to think of spine problems as a spectrum.

“You can be a little outside normal, and it’s not going to be a major problem. You’re probably never going to know. Or you can be in the in-between. You have some symptoms, but it’s not that bad. Maybe we don’t need to do anything. Maybe surgery is more harmful than just living with it. Then there are the clear and obvious cases where the quality of life is so impacted,” Dr. Syed outlines.

Still, it’s worth knowing the terms of spine health and what you can do to manage the problems. First, Dr. Syed highlights two terms that aren’t bonafide disorders but can be problems to correct.

Lordosis: This refers to the normal, c-shaped curvature of the lower back.
Kyphosis: This is the normal curvature of the upper back.

In each case, the term itself doesn’t indicate a deformity. But the curvature can become abnormal, prompting a spine physician to take a look and possibly recommend lifestyle changes.

Bonafide spine disorders include:

Scoliosis: This curvature of the spine brings back pain “from muscles having to compensate to hold the spine and body in the right position,” Dr. Syed says. Sometimes, nerves get pinched, leading to chest, abdomen or leg pain. Severe cases could bring paralysis. Or, a lung could get pinched, leading to impaired breathing. This is called thoracic insufficiency syndrome.

Genetics, nutrition, muscle imbalance and lifestyle can all contribute to getting scoliosis. Your spine can also naturally worsen with age.

“The discs start to thin. The spine starts to tilt. That puts more strain on the joints. They tend to overgrow, twist and change in size. That creates a domino effect. You get this spine that’s really twisted,” Dr. Syed explains.

Dr. Syed adds that most scoliosis cases can be addressed without surgery. The person can change their lifestyle, notably getting on an exercise plan that strengthens the muscles that support the spine. In severe cases, a surgeon would put screws, rods or plates into your spine or make cuts in the bones.

“It pulls the spine into the correct space, frees up the nerves from the pressure on them and gets the spine to heal in that position,” Dr. Syed says.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): Dr. Syed says this is an inflammatory condition in various joints due to the body’s immune system not working properly.

“Normally, your spine is made up of a bunch of repeating segments. They move relative to each other. That’s how you bend and twist,” Dr. Syed says. “In AS, the joints start to become solid bone because of inflammation. That leads to very stiff, brittle painful bones. People are predisposed to fractures with minor falls. Those people we typically see, unfortunately, in trauma settings. They have brittle, stiff spine that doesn’t have any bend or give. They have a fall, and the spine breaks.”

Dr. Syed says a rheumatologist could put an AS patient on an immune-modifying medicine to prevent inflammation.

Prevention

Keeping a healthy spine comes down to “fundamental good behavior,” Dr. Syed says.

Avoid activities that could injure the spine. That could be everyday things like heavy lifting or career choices like a contact sport.
Maintain a healthy weight through a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

“You don’t want to be too skinny or too big,” Dr. Syed suggests. “That puts either too much strain [when you’re overweight] or not enough muscle to support the spine [when you’re underweight].

“It’s like Goldilocks,” Dr. Syed adds, referring to the “not too hot, not too cold” fairytale. “You want to work out but not too intensely that you’re crossing over into injury.”

Walks or light jogs could be the things for you, he says.
Avoid smoking.

Learn more

The OSF HealthCare website has information on orthopedic health. The OSF Illinois Neurological Institute also provides comprehensive care.

Interview clips

OSF offering low-dose radiotherapy at Danville cancer center

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:57:04 -0600

OSF HealthCare Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Center in Danville, Illinois, is expanding its reach beyond cancer care.

The cancer center is now offering low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) to treat osteoarthritis and other inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the tendons, joints and soft tissues.

“People who have tried other treatments but are not ready for surgery are great candidates for LDRT,” says Edie Krueger, MD, radiation oncologist at Hegeler Cancer Center. “This is a safe, effective and noninvasive treatment that can significantly reduce pain and stiffness, possibly avoiding the need for surgery.”

Each treatment lasts 15 minutes, and people typically undergo six treatments over two weeks. The person returns in three months for a check-in, and a doctor could recommend another round of treatment. LDRT treatment at Hegeler Cancer Center uses the TrueBeam® linear accelerator. Installed at the cancer center in 2022, the device delivers precise radiation to create a safer, quicker and more comfortable experience for the patient.

People seeking care at Hegeler Cancer Center require a referral from a health care provider, so people interested in LDRT should talk to their care team. If you have general questions about LDRT, call the cancer center at (217) 431-4290. The cancer center is located at 806 N. Logan Ave. in Danville on the campus of OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center.

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Living rent-free: Tips for mold in your home

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:40:33 -0600

You’re cleaning your house, and you spot it: black spots that could be mold.

Uh oh.

Do you need to make an appointment with your primary care provider? Do you need to call a professional to remove the substance? They’re questions worth asking to make sure you, your loved ones and your home stay in top shape.

What is mold, anyway?

Andrew Zasada, MD, an emergency medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says mold is a fungal growth. Fungi are everywhere, he says, and most don’t pose problems to humans. But if you’re around mold too much, you can inhale spores and put yourself at risk for health problems, minor and major.

Health risks and what to do about them

Signs you might be having a reaction to mold: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, tiredness, brain fog and itching or burning around your mouth. These symptoms could be worse if you have a condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If the symptoms don’t get better in a few days or you notice them in a certain location (for example, you only feel bad when at a certain house), it’s time to act.

“There are steroids taken through the nose or mouth. There are antihistamines,” Dr. Zasada says, outlining what a provider might prescribe. “There are anti-mold antibiotics, but cases are usually not that severe.”

Dr. Zasada says if mold exposure isn’t treated quickly, in rare cases it can progress to more serious health issues. One is pulmonary fibrosis, where scarring of the lungs makes it hard to breathe.

Getting rid of mold hotspots

“A fungus likes to grow in areas that are damp, dark and have a stable room temperature,” Dr. Zasada says. Two hotspots he points out are showers and air conditioning units. He adds that mold can be more prevalent in the south and southeast United States where it’s warmer and more humid.

If you see brown, black or fuzzy white spots, you might be looking at mold. A stale, musky odor is also a sign.

“Bleach and water in a one to 10 ratio is actually very effective in removing mold,” Dr. Zasada says. One to 10 refers to one part bleach and 10 parts water. “If you can spot one area that’s less than 10 square feet or so, you can clean that yourself. But if you don’t see one area and you’re still having symptoms, it might be time to call a professional mold remediator.”

Clean and ventilate your home regularly, too. Get rid of dead leaves from household plants. Consider buying a dehumidifier. It’s all to prevent dirty, dusty environments where fungi can thrive, Dr. Zasada says.

For air conditioning units, Dr. Zasada says to change the filter at least once per year. In between, do a few checks to see if moisture has built up inside the unit. Depending on the unit, that could be as simple as popping off the front panel and shining a flashlight inside.

Interview clips

Liver cancer: More cases, but better treatment

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:30:00 -0600

Though not one of the most common cancers, Marcie Lindstrom, APRN, says she’s seen liver cancer cases rise in recent years in line with national trends. Luckily, the gastroenterology provider at OSF HealthCare says treatment has evolved, too. And it’s another reminder to know your body and see your health care provider regularly because liver cancer is more treatable when caught early.

The liver: A recap

A primer on what the liver does for us: Lindstrom says the liver sits underneath the right ribcage and cleans toxins from our blood, helps digestion and produces proteins needed to live. In other words, it’s not an organ you can live without like a gallbladder or one kidney.

Liver cancer: Hidden and harmful

Lindstrom says primary liver cancer describes when the cancer starts there, and secondary liver cancer is when it spreads there (medical term: metastasizes), most commonly from the lungs, breasts or colon. Secondary is more common than primary.

“There are multiple causes of liver cancer. A person is at a higher risk if they have a damaged liver,” Lindstrom says. “Things that can cause a damaged liver include alcohol. So heavy alcohol use [is a risk]. Viruses that can infect the liver such as hepatitis B and C [are risks]. And we’re seeing an increasing number of people having fatty liver disease. That puts people at risk for liver damage. That damage can progress to cirrhosis [scarring], and cirrhosis puts you at a higher risk.”

These liver issues can be fatal if untreated. And unfortunately, Lindstrom says liver cancer often comes with no symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment

That’s where regular visits to your primary care provider, and if needed, a specialist like a gastroenterologist or oncologist come in.

Lindstrom says your provider will go over your risk factors: do you have a family history of liver issues? What’s your own health history, specifically with hepatitis? How often do you drink alcohol? What’s your daily diet and exercise routine?

“If we determine somebody has a lot of scarring of the liver, they should be on regular surveillance looking for liver cancer,” Lindstrom urges. “Every six months, they should get some imaging and possibly a blood test that helps to detect cancer.” The person could also have a biopsy of their liver, where a provider will take a sample of liver tissue and send it to a laboratory to find out exactly what’s wrong.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and liver transplant surgery are possible treatments.

“A liver transplant could be required if the tumor isn’t very large, but there’s a lot of damage or scarring of the liver,” Lindstrom explains.

Prevention

Lindstrom says if it’s caught early, liver cancer can be treated and even cured. Some things to keep in mind to avoid the disease:

Eat a healthy diet, avoiding things like processed food, high sugar food and high fat food that can lead to liver issues.
Get moving to avoid things like obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association says to aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week spread out over several days.
If you do develop chronic conditions like diabetes, see your provider regularly to stay on top of managing the issue.
Know your family history of liver and other health issues.
Limit alcohol or avoid it altogether.
There’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there is treatment. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the shots are safe, effective and have a schedule. Talk to a provider to see if you’re on schedule or if you need a shot now, for example if you’re at high risk.
Take other steps to avoid hepatitis: practice safe sexual relations, avoid blood-to-blood contact with others and don’t share or reuse needles.

“You have a history of blood transfusions prior to 1992. You got a tattoo or piercing in a less than sanitary situation,” Lindstrom lists as other hepatitis risk factors. “I’d recommend getting screened. In fact, it’s a current recommendation to be screened for hepatitis C at least once in adulthood.”

Lindstrom says providers list 1992 as a hepatitis C benchmark because that’s when blood screenings were developed.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your digestive system healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF HealthCare also includes the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois, which provides comprehensive care for the region.

Interview clips

Chewing, breathing, clicking – when does it end?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:59:15 -0600

Stars: They’re just like us.

Actress January Jones recently took to Instagram to talk about her struggles with misophonia, specifically a family member’s loud chewing.

Severe misophonia (pronounced mee-soh-PHONE-ee-ah) isn’t common, says Cassie Elliott, APRN, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare. She says less than 5% of the population suffers significant symptoms from it. But, it’s still worth knowing about, especially with loud holiday gatherings coming up.

“Misophonia is a significant irritation or annoyance from certain everyday sounds. It could be lip smacking, people who breath out of their mouth heavily, people who repetitively click their pen or people who chew loudly,” Elliott explains.

Rarely do health care providers see victims of misophonia lash out physically, Elliott says. But, the person could experience a flushed face, anxiety and increased heart rate and blood pressure. One instance of these might not derail your health, but a lifetime of them could.

Treatment

Treatments for misophonia include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

“This helps you work on your mind space and teaches ways to be more self-aware of your thought process. But it also helps behaviorally. You learn the triggers that make your body feel a certain way,” Elliott says. “Be aware your heart rate is increasing and that you’re irritable. Then you learn to build those coping skills and protective factors to not let something like misophonia affect the way we function at outings.”
Meditation
Know your limits. This is where loud, crowded holiday parties come into play.

“Make sure you’re separating yourself [from the other partygoers] if that’s what you need to do,” Elliott suggests. “As a host, you can play background music or have a TV going for background noise. That can help muffle those other sounds that might be irritating.”

Separating yourself could mean eating your meal in a separate room or just sitting at the opposite end of the table from the friend who’s a loud chewer. Either way, Elliott says to be self-aware and collect yourself before jumping back into the social swimming pool.

Learn more

Read more about healthy thoughts and behaviors on the OSF HealthCare website.

Photos

Interview clips

Midday munching: Prepping a diabetes-friendly lunch

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Have a plan.

It's something any health care provider will tell a person with diabetes. Plan your meals and know your body’s red flags and know how to respond. Then, you’re best able to enjoy meals, whether at home, work or out with friends.

Nikki McBeath, RN, BSN, a diabetes resource educator at OSF HealthCare, agrees. She’s sharing tips for a diabetes-friendly lunch that keep your blood sugar in check.

Generally, McBeath says to choose foods that are high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. Healthy fats can be found in avocados, nuts, seeds, fish, peanut butter and olive oil. Avoid unhealthy fats, like processed meat, fried foods, full-fat dairy, coconut oil and palm oil.
Take Sunday night to meal prep for the week. Then, you don’t have to think about your food choices. It doesn’t have to be a daunting task, McBeath says.

“With a lot of the patients I see, I recommend going to the store and getting steamable bags of vegetables. It’s super easy. You put it in the microwave for three minutes,” McBeath recalls. “There are lots of simple versions of foods. Get them [at the store], and make them quickly at home. It’s easier than people think. They just have to be on the lookout at the store.”

Simple-to-make bagged chicken is another healthy grocery store choice. In fact, a favorite dish of McBeath’s is garlic chicken, Brussels sprouts and brown rice. The American Diabetes Association also has healthy eating tips.
Eating lunch at a restaurant can present challenges. It’s a limited menu, and there’s temptation to lather your morsels in sauces and dressings.

“Go to restaurants that let you substitute ingredients or ask your meal be cooked a certain way. Ask how things are prepared,” McBeath suggests. “Avoid fried foods. Ask for light or fat free dressing. Be mindful of the extra calories that come with big portions.”

When the waiter or waitress asks about dessert, McBeath says moderation is key. She says most desserts are high in carbohydrates due to high sugar, flour and dairy content.

“Throughout the day, count your carbs. Leave some room [in your carb budget] for something sweet,” McBeath says. “Portion yourself. Have the dessert right after your meal. Don’t wait a couple hours because you might be hungry for more.

“Try substitutions like dark chocolate for regular chocolate or white chocolate,” she adds. That’s because dark chocolate has less sugar substitute.
Busy at work? Constantly on the go? Avoid making the fast food drive-through your second home. Instead, McBeath says you can choose a granola bar that’s high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. And watch the serving size. If it’s one or two bars, make that your meal, not the whole box.

“Pair the granola bar with something like string cheese or peanut butter,” McBeath says. “Adding some fiber or protein can make it more of a meal and give it more of a balance for your blood sugar.”
Know your body’s warning signs. Symptoms of high blood sugar, McBeath says, include dry mouth, increased urination and generally not feeling well. Low blood sugar, she says, is more concerning in the moment. You can feel shaky, anxious, have blurred vision and even pass out. So, always have supplies handy. You can eat hard candy, honey or glucose tablets as prescribed by a provider to counteract low blood sugar. Bring your glucose meter to lunch, too.

“Better safe than sorry,” McBeath says.

Learn more

Visit the OSF HealthCare website for healthy recipes and more information about how to manage diabetes.

Interview clips

COVID’s razor: What to know this fall

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0500

We’re approaching the late summer-early fall period when respiratory illnesses begin their annual upswing. The latest news from federal health officials concerns a new variant of COVID-19, NB.1.8.1. Some people impacted have reported severe sore throats, almost like there’s a razor blade in there.

Fred Burke, MD, an emergency medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare, says illnesses like COVID, RSV and the flu will always be around. It’s just a matter of taking precautions to avoid serious illness. So, what’s the level of concern with this new COVID variant as we begin to make fall plans?

The razor’s edge

Any sore throat is an annoyance. But Dr. Burke says you should monitor severe cases closely.

“You’re less likely to want to eat or drink, which can lead to further dehydration,” he says.

You can manage sore throats at home with Tylenol or ibuprofen, chloraseptic spray, warm tea and throat lozenges. Dr. Burke says if you have trouble keeping food or fluids down, feel lightheaded or dizzy or have trouble breathing, see a health care provider right away.

COVID precautions

Dr. Burke says this new COVID variant isn’t linked to as much severe illness as other variants. But, he says it’s more easily spread.

“The average healthy person might get through it with some [figurative] bumps and bruises and little to no symptoms. For people with comorbidities or who are immunocompromised, the virus might be a little bit more detrimental,” Dr. Burke says.

Getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene are two big tools to avoid serious illness, he adds. Wash your hands and high touch surfaces, like doorknobs, often, don’t cough or sneeze into the open air and stay home and away from others when you don’t feel well. If you’re in a crowd, especially if you have a comorbidity like diabetes, Dr. Burke says you should consider wearing a mask.

“If you’re going to have a gathering, whether at home or somewhere else, you can also recommend people take a home test to make sure they don’t have COVID prior to going,” Dr. Burke suggests. Those at-home tests can usually be found over the counter at a pharmacy.

For vaccines, recent preliminary guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends the shot this fall for people 65 and up. For others, the shot is recommended for people who have a compromised immune system or a comorbid condition like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease or depression. The website for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, has a broader recommendation. When in doubt, Dr. Burke says to talk to your primary care provider.

Learn more

Explore other resources to keep yourself safe from COVID on the OSF HealthCare website, blog and newsroom.

Interview clips

‘I never knew one of my radio shows would save my life.’

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:52:45 -0500

Laura Williams, a community college administrator turned radio host in Danville, Illinois, is all about educating the public about staying healthy. Each May to mark Stroke Awareness Month, Williams would interview Leslie Ingold, RN, a regional stroke navigator at OSF HealthCare.

The advice from Ingold was well known but important: know your stroke risk factors, and if you have stroke symptoms, get to the hospital right away.

But what Williams didn’t know is that she would soon use the information from those interviews to save her life.

“If it wasn’t for that interview, I don’t know what it would have turned into,” Williams says.

Williams’ story

The 63-year-old Williams remembers one day in March of 2024 when she woke up dizzy.

“My left side was a little off kilter. I thought ‘This is strange. I’m feeling kind of weird. What’s wrong with me?’,” Williams recalls. “I thought I just better lay back down. I just didn’t feel good.

“I started to lay back down, and an interview popped into my mind. I had interviewed Leslie Ingold about strokes. What she said kept running through my mind: do not go to sleep. Do not go back to bed. That’s the worst thing you can do if you’re having a stroke,” Williams adds.

Williams says she woke her husband and said, “I think I’m having a stroke.” The pair got to OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, where doctors determined she had a small ischemic stroke.

What to know about ischemic strokes

Ingold says an ischemic stroke can occur when a blood clot breaks off from any part of your body, travels to your brain and obstructs the brain’s blood vessels. That’s opposed to a hemorrhagic stroke, where blood comes out of a brain vessel due to a leak or burst.

Is a small ischemic stroke like Williams’ common?

“Everybody’s different. Everybody’s brain is different. So it’s hard to really say what a normal stroke looks like,” Ingold says. “[The severity] also depends on how quickly you recognize the symptoms and get to the hospital. If you can get here quicker, that could be less damage.”

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

Trust the process?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0500

We’ve heard that processed and ultraprocessed foods (foods changed from their natural state) can be bad for our health. High levels of trans fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar can be found in things like crackers, chips and soda. That can lead to heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other ailments.

But Rachel Bauman, a registered dietitian at OSF HealthCare, admits it’s sometimes a matter of convenience. Processed foods can be cheaper, easier to cook, have a longer shelf life and have a lower risk of food-borne illness.

So, how can we learn to live with processed foods? Bauman says as you grocery shop, look for healthier options that you can eat in moderation.

Bread: “If you go to the store and they have a bakery, that bread would be considered processed,” Bauman says. It’s not a bad option.

“If you go to the bread aisle for things more commercially baked, that would be ultraprocessed,” she adds. “With any ultraprocessed bread, I would look for whole grains and a high amount of fiber. That would be the healthiest choice that’s good for heart health and still has shelf life.”
Meat: Freshly cut meat from the grocery deli is an option, but Bauman says the level of processing will vary by the store. Either way, lean toward chicken, turkey and seafood, she says. Steer clear of lots of hot dogs, sausage and dried meat like beef jerky. If you do want some red meat, try a lean cut like round or loin.
Yogurt: Instead of a flavored yogurt with unhealthy sweeteners, opt for plain yogurt and add fresh fruit or honey.
Beans: “Any bean that’s dried and doesn’t have additives would be healthy. Even with canned beans, you can find low sodium varieties,” Bauman says. “You can drain and rinse the beans, and that will cut back the sodium too.”
Hummus: It’s a good source of fiber and heart-healthy fats, Bauman says. Look for hummus made with olive oil, she adds.
Oatmeal and cereal: They’re ultraprocessed, Bauman says. But there are healthier kinds.

“Buy varieties with less sugar and sodium. You’re still getting that fiber from the whole grains,” she says. “You can certainly continue to eat those foods.”

Change is hard but worth it

This subject is something Bauman says she talks with patients about a lot. Old habits are hard to break, as the saying goes. So what’s the advice to, say, swap out the chips for plain yogurt?

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. We have to be realistic with our budget and schedule,” Bauman says. “Take small steps. One or two changes a week. Slowly improve the diet. Don’t expect a full change overnight.”

It's also never a bad idea to talk to your primary care provider or dietitian about changing what you eat. And the OSF HealthCare website has plenty of healthy recipes.

Interview clips

A pain in the neck

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:58:34 -0500

You’ve probably referred to that pest in your life as a “pain in the neck.” It’s a joking phrase, but it carries real weight in the medical community.

Sohail Syed, MD, an OSF HealthCare neurosurgeon, sees people with neck pain often. He wants you to know: quick action can help prevent a lifetime of pain.

Causes and symptoms

Neck overuse is a common cause of neck pain, Dr. Syed says. The strain on the muscles typically leads to dull, achy pain.

“They were pulling on [an object]. They were rear-ended [in a vehicle], and their neck whipped forward. Even something as simple as sleeping in an awkward position,” Dr. Syed says about the causes of neck pain.

A pinched nerve can also be a culprit.

“The most common cause [of a pinched nerve] is arthritis. Over time, a disc [in your spine] dries out and starts to bulge. Arthritis builds up in the joints of the neck. That can start squeezing on the nerve,” Dr. Syed explains.

“Certain activities can increase the risk for all that,” he adds. “You do something that requires moving your neck a lot. You do a lot of strenuous work. That can cause things to happen a little bit faster. It can also happen if you’re sitting at a desk at an uncomfortable angle for prolonged periods.”

Pain from a pinched nerve can travel down your body and into your hand, for example.

Treatment

Regardless of the cause of your neck pain, Dr. Syed says a good physical therapy program – both in the doctor’s office and continued at home – can take care of many cases before surgery is discussed. He estimates only around 10% of his patients need surgery.

If it does get to surgery: “A lot depends on which nerves are pinched and where,” Dr. Syed says. “For some people, we go in from the back of the neck to free up the nerve. For some, we go in through the front of the neck. Some surgeries are fusion surgeries. Some are what we call motion sparing. Rather than taking the individual bones of the neck and turning them into one bone, we’re able to keep them free. That preserves [the person’s] motion.”

Prevention

Here's an alert to put in your phone for morning, midday and evening: stretch. Stretching often can keep your neck limber. Five to 10 repetitions of up/down and side to side motions can go a long way, Dr. Syed says.

Practicing good posture goes hand-in-hand with stretching. Sit up straight at your work desk, and take breaks to walk around. Dr. Syed says research is still in progress on how much a standing desk or sitting on a big bouncy ball helps. But he says if those decrease your pain, go for it.

“If you work at a very physically involved job, make sure you have good ergonomics [good workplace behaviors]. If something is a two-person lift, grab someone. Don’t try to lift heavy things by yourself,” Dr. Syed implores.

A diet high in protein, vitamins and calcium is another must-do. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to breaking.

And lastly, manage chronic illnesses, and drop the cigarettes.

“We know from a lot of studies that smoking damages bone metabolism. It accelerates arthritis. It’s bad for blood supply and nerves,” Dr. Syed warns.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your body in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

B-roll

Not all fun and games

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0500

When you think of youth baseball, you think fun and games, right? More learning fundamentals and less curveballs and collisions.

But parents and coaches should be aware: injuries can happen at all levels. So much so that there are names for them.

Little leaguer’s elbow & shoulder

Brittany Delaney, an athletic trainer at OSF HealthCare, says repetitive overhand throwing can lead to elbow pain and tenderness, called Little Leaguer’s elbow.

“You’ll notice a decrease in speed when they’re throwing. Their pitching accuracy is not as good. So usually, kids have to be pulled out of the game because they’re in too much pain,” Delaney says.

Little leaguer’s shoulder is similar to Little Leaguer’s elbow. It’s pain and tenderness in the shoulder from overuse, whether pitching or fielding.

Both injuries are seen often in ages 11 to 16, Delaney says. She says that age group is starting to throw faster and work in more pitches, like a breaking ball, leading to more stress on the elbow and shoulder. Those ages are also playing more often, such as spring school baseball and a summer travel league.

Diagnosis and treatment

A youngster with elbow or shoulder pain might get an X-ray or CT scan so health care providers know the extent of the problem. From there, Delaney says it’s not uncommon for the child to stop overhead activity, like throwing, for up to three months to let things heal. They’ll be in physical therapy during that time.

“It could end someone’s season,” Delaney says, noting the seriousness of these injuries.

Once the athlete is cleared to return, they should gradually get back into playing shape, not rush back right away. Work with a coach or athletic trainer on a workout plan.

Prevention

Delaney works with her athletes on good throwing mechanics and building strength in your whole body.

“They understand that when they’re throwing, it’s all about speed. But they think it’s all in the shoulder. It’s not,” Delaney says. “It’s in your upper back, core and hips.”

Other tips:

Delaney says when kids are just starting baseball, their growth plates (areas of new bone growth) are not yet solid. So, throwing extra hard or mixing up pitches can lead to injuries. At young ages, she says to concentrate on mechanics. Start with a good fastball down the middle of the zone, and learn other pitches when you’re a little older. This allows bones and muscles to mature.
Do a proper warm up and cool down. Delaney has her baseball players jog a couple laps around the field to warm up, followed by dynamic stretching (stretching with active movements, not just touching your toes). The Throwers Ten program is one she uses to wake up the muscles.

After the game, stretch again, and ice sore body parts if needed.
Empower kids to speak up if they are hurt and need to head to the bench. They shouldn’t fear losing their spot in the lineup.
Make sure your child’s league has a pitch count to avoid overuse injuries. Organizations like Little League and Major League Baseball have guidelines that local leagues can work from.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your body in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

OSF HealthCare Receives Prestigious Nursing Award

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0600

OSF HealthCare has been named a recipient of the Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) Premier Award by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Accreditation Program™.

OSF HealthCare is one of only nine organizations internationally to receive this prestigious award in 2024. Recipients are exceptional organizations that successfully ensure educational activities are designed using evidence-based criteria and that outcomes of those activities are measured.

ANCC Accredited Providers who receive the Premier Award™ serve as exemplars in the field of NCPD and have demonstrated excellence in leveraging the award criteria to achieve strategic goals and nursing professional practice excellence. Recipients are awarded for a two-year period.

“What an honor it is to confer these awards to diverse health care and nursing organizations who strive to promote the highest standards of nursing practice,” said Jennifer Graebe DrPH, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Director of Nursing Continuing Professional Development and Joint Accreditation Programs at ANCC. “This year’s recipients have demonstrated their organizational culture reflects the values that this award represents: shared decision-making, empowerment, interprofessional collaboration and nurturing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Lori Wiegand, DNP, RN, NEA-BC and CNO for OSF HealthCare states “We are honored to have received this prestigious award as it recognizes our nurses’ commitment to provide high-quality patient care and our commitment to nursing continuing professional development.”

The NCPD Accreditation Program was founded in 1974 as the flagship program of ANCC. To date, it remains the largest and leading premiere program in nursing accreditation standards.

OSF HealthCare holds dedication of former Cottage Medical Building

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:26:41 -0500

OSF HealthCare held a Blessing & Dedication of the new OSF Center for Health in Galesburg.

This new facility, located in the former Cottage Medical Building, will complement the services offered at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

“OSF has been a part of the Galesburg community since 1909, growing and responding to its needs as well as those of our surrounding rural communities in alignment with the Mission of our Sisters. We are so excited to be able to continue to expand access to our health care services in Galesburg, furthering our commitment to this exceptional community we are privileged to serve,” says Lisa DeKezel, President of OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

The Center for Health will provide more space for primary care services provided through OSF HealthCare, including family practice and internal medicine; endocrine and diabetes; behavioral health and psychiatry; and occupational health.

“With this new facility, we are proud to be able to serve the diverse needs of this community. Our family practice office will see patients of all ages who wish to establish a primary care physician to address all their preventive and chronic health care needs. Our internal medicine team supports patients 18 and older with routine and complex health needs. Our diabetes and endocrinology team helps to manage and control diabetes, with help from an advanced practice provider team, dietitian, and nurse education,” DeKezel says.

“We are excited about bringing growth to Galesburg through the recruitment of qualified health care professionals,” says AJ Querciagrossa, CEO of the Western Region for OSF HealthCare. “We are actively recruiting for endocrinology, family practice and internal medicine providers.”

A ribbon cutting was held in collaboration with the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

OSF Center for Health B-Roll

OSF HealthCare opens 24/7 donor milk dispensary

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 08:47:00 -0500

OSF HealthCare and Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (WGL) have opened an easily accessible donor milk dispensary at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

“The milk dispensary is a great option as a short-term bridge while families work to determine the best long-term feeding plan. Most often, a mom is working to build her milk supply and is able to use the donor milk from the dispensary while she consults her lactation team,” says Susan Urbanski, program manager at Mothers’ Milk Bank WGL.

The milk offered is safe, pasteurized breast milk collected from healthy, lactating women in Illinois and Wisconsin. Each donor undergoes a thorough screening process, including clearance by a physician. The milk is also tested multiple times before distribution.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children who are breastfed experience improved dental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. They also have decreased risk of diarrhea, respiratory tract infection, SIDS, asthma, Celiac disease, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, being overweight and obesity.

There are also maternal health benefits to breastfeeding such as decreased risk of excessive menstrual blood loss, breast, ovarian, endometrial and thyroid cancers, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Kelsie Schlueter, a registered nurse and lactation consultant at OSF Saint Francis, says this milk dispensary will help many local families.

“Having the option of donor milk helps many families meet their breast milk feeding goals. Many moms struggle initially to establish a good breastfeeding relationship, and it can take time for mom and baby to both learn this new skill,” Schlueter says. “Having good lactation support is critical for these families, and outpatient donor milk is an important piece of that puzzle when supplementation is needed.”

In addition to an in-house breastmilk dispensary at the hospital located in OB triage, families can pick up from the Breastfeeding Resource Center at 5114 North Glen Park Place, Ste. 1143, in Peoria, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

OSF HealthCare supports Choose Greater Peoria

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

From health care and innovation to professional sports and entrepreneurs, Greater Peoria has it all.

The “River City” - located in central Illinois along the Illinois River and established in 1691, boasts a rich history. The Choose Greater Peoria initiative looks to build upon that history and secure a strong future.

The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis first called Peoria home in 1877, growing to a 15-hospital system across Illinois and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As one of the leading employers in Peoria, OSF HealthCare attracts talent from around the world. Employing over 23,000 Mission Partners across the Ministry, around 10,000 are based in the Peoria area.

One Peoria transplant is Dave Fergus, the senior vice president (SVP) and Chief Supply Chain Officer at OSF HealthCare. Fergus and his family came to Peoria from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in March of 2023, where they had been for over 25 years. Fergus says the innovative spirit OSF has really attracted him to Peoria.

“OSF HealthCare is a system I’ve known about for decades; I’ve watched them closely. And understanding the leadership they’ve brought in and when you see innovations that are happening here and the size of this organization, it has a unique advantage,” Fergus says.

Before OSF, Fergus served in several leadership roles for another health system. He says the collaborative model OSF runs on sets it apart from others.

Fergus says before coming to Peoria, he didn’t know much about the city. But since moving from Wisconsin to Illinois, he says the area has been extremely welcoming.

“As we came down and started looking, the first thing that jumped out at us was how incredibly friendly the people are,” Fergus says. “The amount of engineering and brain talent that is in this market blew me away. Then once we arrived here, the park system has been something we’ve really come to enjoy.”

Fergus says from an employee standpoint, the atmosphere inside the workplace has been very welcoming.

“I see it in almost every meeting that I have. It’s tough not to see it here,” Fergus says.

He says it’s very similar for the entire Peoria community.

“It’s a community that’s open to people coming from outside. It’s not a closed community where you’re really trying to find your way into cliques. In our short months here, I feel like I’ve connected to the community and community leaders quickly,” Fergus adds.

Choose Greater Peoria is a regional talent attraction initiative for the Greater Peoria area. You can find out more information at choosegreaterpeoria.org. You can enter your professional information underneath the “Connect” tab, where it could then be shared with local employers.

OSF HealthCare Newsroom

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Dirtier than you think: Keeping your home disease-free (part one)

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Don’t fear prostate exam screenings

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The Mediterranean diet and liver health

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Take a look, it’s in a book

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Walk which way?

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Supporting new moms, part two

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Feeling hot, hot, hot?

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Perimenopause: ‘You’re not alone’

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Spine disorders 101

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OSF offering low-dose radiotherapy at Danville cancer center

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B-roll

Living rent-free: Tips for mold in your home

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Liver cancer: More cases, but better treatment

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Chewing, breathing, clicking – when does it end?

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Midday munching: Prepping a diabetes-friendly lunch

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COVID’s razor: What to know this fall

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‘I never knew one of my radio shows would save my life.’

Photos

Interview clips - Laura Williams

Trust the process?

Interview clips

A pain in the neck

Interview clips

B-roll

Not all fun and games

Interview clips

OSF HealthCare Receives Prestigious Nursing Award

OSF HealthCare holds dedication of former Cottage Medical Building

OSF Center for Health B-Roll

OSF HealthCare opens 24/7 donor milk dispensary

OSF HealthCare supports Choose Greater Peoria

B-Roll

Video Interview Clips