Can’t stop coughing? It’s a common question happening with all of the upper respiratory illness going around including colds, flu and RSV.

Maybe two weeks ago you had a virus, you treated the symptoms with antibiotics, you’re feeling much better, but the cough is just lingering. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, is a pulmonologist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He provides medical care to patients on a daily basis, especially people who have breathing disorders and lung disease, and explains potential reasons why coughs linger.

“A lot of times it’s due to the local inflammation that persists. There’s not much to do for it, we typically recommend antihistamines, and sometimes you’ll have to cycle those,” Dr. Ayala says. “It’s usually something that subsides with time. But if it doesn’t, then obviously that may need to be looked at.”

Antihistamines can include Claritin-D, Benadryl, Allegra and more. These can be found over the counter and do not require a prescription.

For many, colder temperatures bring on an uptick in mucus in your throat. For this, Dr. Ayala says another over the counter option, Mucinex, may be a good choice for you.

Dr. Ayala recommends keeping a close eye on your symptoms. As more people are getting colds and viruses this time of year, it’s important to not let local hospitals get overrun if you can treat your symptoms at home.

“As long as you don’t have some of the red flags, like a persistent fever, high-grade fever that lasts more than one to three days. Something that won’t go away, despite using temporary measures like Tylenol or Motrin. If this persists more than two or three days, this might be something that needs to be looked at,” Dr. Ayala says.

Should you go to the doctor?

COVID-19, RSV, strep and the flu are very contagious, but usually can be treated at home. If you have symptoms such as cough or sore throat, but they are mild and you do not have a high risk health condition, you can take a COVID-19 test at home and treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications. 

Go to the doctor if you…

Have symptoms that haven’t gotten better after 10 days, have difficulty breathing, or have a preexisting condition like diabetes, asthma, or COPD. If you have white spots on the back of your throat, this is a clear sign of an infection and will need medical intervention prescribed by a licensed medical provider.

How to stay healthy

Wash your hands, cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick.

Now that the New Year has come and gone, many resolutions have done the same. But Dr. Birhanu says it’s more important to make behavioral modifications than setting a date to lose weight.

“Behavioral modification is very important for people to lose weight. People can lose weight, then they gain it back. But if you have a reason why you want to lose weight and you are happy with the result, you are more likely to maintain your behavior,” Dr. Birhanu says.

For Lori Boaz, a patient in the wellness and weight management program at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, her reasons were to keep up with her grandkids better and get both her knees replaced.

“I hope to get my new knees within the next year,” Boaz says.

Meeting with the weight management team at any OSF location isn’t just putting together a diet to go on, Dr. Birhanu says the team will work with you to put together a healthy lifestyle plan. He adds that setting expectations is key.

“I don’t want them to expect too much or too little. After they lose weight, I always ask them what other things in their lives improved because of the weight loss,” Dr. Birhanu says.

Boaz is roughly halfway to her weight loss goal and is getting closer to being able to get those knee replacements she’s been wanting.

“We set goals. The main goal was to lose 100 pounds,” Boaz says. “I didn’t want to diet. Because I’ve lost weight before, and I gained it back. I wanted to eat healthy and be healthy, so every choice I made I had that in mind.”

Dr. Birhanu says losing weight and gaining weight is a common occurrence, because your metabolism goes down each time you lose weight. But he says there are ways to combat this.

“Exercise improves your metabolism, so we advise them how to exercise,” Dr. Birhanu says. “If a person never exercised in the past and now, you’re asking them to exercise, there are injury possibilities, so we work with our physical therapy team to evaluate them.”

Boaz says even when she meets her goal, she wants to continue meeting with her weight management team at OSF.

“We’ll just set another goal! Because I’ll still have weight to lose,” Boaz says. “I think I’ll just do this for the rest of my life!”

OSF HealthCare offers weight management programs all across the Ministry. Dr. Birhanu’s team is located at OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park.

“That’s going to change the way we do a lot of major urologic procedures. Instead of using multiple incisions, we use one or two incisions and get the job done that way,” says James Sylora, MD, urologist at OSF Little Company of Mary. “That should increase patient comfort and get them home earlier and back to work sooner.”

According to Dr. Sylora, the single-port robot will now be used for 90% of urologic procedures, such as surgeries to remove all (nephrectomy) or part of a kidney (partial nephrectomy). This is done primarily to treat kidney cancer. This can also be used for benign and reconstructive procedures.

The SP Robot allows the surgical team to access target organs in patients who have previously undergone surgery. Beforehand, scar tissue would have made it more difficult, Dr. Sylora says.

Most patients being treated with this technology have localized prostate cancer or small renal masses. In cases of renal cancer, the single-port robot helps preserve kidney function.

Thanks to this new approach, most patients can return home the same day as their procedure - a major improvement from previous procedures that required multiple days of hospital recovery. The need for pain medication has also dropped significantly.

“Several of the patients take a few Tylenol #3 or extra strength Tylenol as their post-operation pain medication. It’s quite remarkable,” Dr. Sylora says. “I wouldn’t have believed it until I started doing it. And sure enough, it’s true.”

The OSF Little Company of Mary team began using the single-port robot earlier this year and has already treated roughly a dozen patients with promising results.

“OSF has invested in having this new technology. They’re one of the only private hospitals across the country to have invested in this type of technology,” Dr. Sylora says. “They’re staying at the cutting-edge and we’re happy to provide this service.”

The Da Vinci SP system enables robotic-assisted surgery through a single incision, offering a streamlined and less invasive alternative for patients. Its specialized design, flexible instruments and enhanced vision support a new generation of surgical precision and recovery.

El sarampión es una enfermedad viral altamente contagiosa que se transmite por el aire al toser, estornudar o incluso al hablar. Aunque muchos creen que es una enfermedad del pasado, en los últimos años han surgido nuevos brotes en distintas partes del mundo, incluyendo Estados Unidos. Se estima que una sola persona infectada puede llegar a contagiar entre 9 y 10 personas si no están vacunadas.

En este episodio, conversamos con Virginia Morgan, enfermera de medicina familiar de OSF Healthcare, quien nos explica qué es el sarampión, los síntomas más comunes y nos habla de la importancia de la vacuna.

El viernes 2 de mayo, el Chicago Department of Public Health confirmó dos casos de sarampión en el condado de Cook.

Aquí está el enlace en Spotify.
Aquí está el enlace en YouTube.

Measles can spread through respiratory droplets (like when you cough and sneeze), and it only takes a small amount of the virus to cause infection in others. 

"It can remain in an area for an hour or two after the infected person has left the area. The difference: in a setting that you have many people in a convalescent center, social center or shelter, you'd be concerned about exposure to the unvaccinated people," says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls measles a "serious airborne disease,” reporting 107,500 measles deaths globally in 2023. Most deaths were in children under the age of five. The WHO partially blames the COVID-19 pandemic for the reemergence of measles globally, saying immunization rates and surveillance declined because of it. In 2023, 10.3 million measles cases were reported worldwide, a 20% increase from 2022. 

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 280 measles cases have been reported in the United States from 32 jurisdictions, including Washington D.C.

Sixteen outbreaks have been reported this year, compared to four in 2023. Outbreaks are when there are three or more related cases. The CDC adds that 40% of the reported 280 cases ended up in the people being hospitalized.

Who is most at risk?

"The particular populations that we are most concerned about if they were to become exposed to measles are pregnant women or children under the age of five. They can have more severe clinical outcomes," Dr. Kasper says. “We are not seeing any concern for measles in Central Illinois. There has been sporadic reporting of cases by the Illinois Department of Public Health out of Chicago. But the unique details of those cases have not been shared so far. Where did the people travel from? Had they been previously vaccinated? Or were there exposures in the household? We await some guidance if there is a unifying feature among them.”

Measles outbreaks in Illinois

This fall, the Pan American Health Organization, the WHO'S branch in the Americas Region, issued an epidemiological alert for measles cases in the Americas, with the U.S. accounting for the most cases. 

Illinois and Minnesota have reported the most measles cases in the U.S. this year. 

In March, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported a measles outbreak in a migrant shelter in the city's Pilsen neighborhood, located in the Lower West Side. The CDPH considered the outbreak "contained" in late May, crediting a rapid vaccination response. 

Vaccine mitigation

One dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses jump to 97% effective. If you've been vaccinated against measles, you're unlikely to have any symptoms at all. The measles vaccine is given alone or often combined with vaccines for mumps, rubella and/or varicella.

"Fortunately, we have widespread vaccination as a standard part of medical care in the United States. As children we receive two shots of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine starting at age one. The second shot will be before entering school at age four or five. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. So, while measles is highly infectious, we have a nationwide response to prevent outbreaks of infection,” Dr. Kasper says.

The recommendation is to complete your childhood vaccine series, which Dr. Kasper calls "very safe, durable and long-lasting." 

Measles symptoms

Symptoms for unvaccinated people: 

• Upper respiratory infections (resulting in a cough or runny nose)
• Followed by fever or rash – fever can be very high (103-104 degrees) 
• Blue spots in the mouth or along the gumline (seen a week into infection)
• Red and watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the cheeks  
• Illness can lead to meningitis or encephalitis

Because of the potential lead to meningitis or encephalitis, Dr. Kasper says getting vaccine protection is the definitive recommended option instead of developing natural immunity. He adds neurological effects down the road are also a concern. 

If families with children under one year of age plan to travel outside the country or to a large metropolitan area in the U.S. with low or no measles vaccination rates, parents should speak to their child's pediatrician. The child's doctor may recommend starting the measles vaccinations as early as 6 months of age. Currently, Dr. Kasper says there is no concern for widespread measles activity in schools, senior living communities or the general public. 

Video Interview Clips

Actor James Van Der Beek announced he has colorectal cancer. 

“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the 47-year-old said. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths for men under 50, and number two for women under 50, according to Fight Colorectal Cancer, a colorectal cancer patient advocacy group.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that nearly 107,000 new cases of colon cancer will happen in 2024, and just over 46,000 new cases of rectal cancer will occur. The ACS says the rates of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer have dropped since the mid-1980s due to people getting screened and people changing their lifestyles.

But, in people younger than 55, rates have increased 1-2% each year since the mid-1990s. Because of this, newer health guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends people start getting colonoscopies at 45.

Yvette Blancas, a registered nurse in the gastrointestinal lab at OSF HealthCare, says the procedure is not something to push off.

"A lot of times after patients have had their colonoscopies, they wake up after their procedure and sedation, and they're like 'it wasn't that bad!' We'd like them to spread the word to their family and friends because it really isn't. People just push it off for so long and then they just forget about it,” Blancas says.

To get ready for a colonoscopy, the prep work begins the day before.

"We don't want you to have any solid food the day before. We usually allow a clear liquid diet. You'll start taking your prep medication, that might be in liquid form or pill, depending on your doctor. You will likely use the washroom frequently, but the more you go the better,” Blancas says. "The procedure itself takes 20-30 minutes. You wake up and recovery takes another 20-30 minutes. We just make sure your vitals are stable, you tolerate some snacks, and then if everything is OK, you're good to go!"

Colonoscopies prevent colon cancer by finding polyps and early signs of colorectal cancer when there are more treatment options.

Blancas says to make sure you’re speaking with your primary care team and encourage your family and friends to stay on top of their health.

Aside from colonoscopies, OSF HealthCare offers other options to get screened like CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), stool DNA test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). 

Following a successful pilot in Bloomington, OSF HealthCare is planning to expand use across its Ministry of an AI-backed platform, GI Genius, to further enhance detection of pre-cancerous polyps.

Video Interview Clips

A brand-new technology is available for Chicago area patients living with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

FARAPULSE is an FDA-approved cardiac ablation treatment, designed by Boston Scientific, to restore and regulate heartbeats and slow the progression of AFib. Now, it’s available in the newly opened Electrophysiology (EP) Lab within OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center.

It’s referred to as a pulsed field ablation, delivering energy to the cardiac tissue that doesn’t injure surrounding tissue.

“It’s completely selective to the cardiac myocytes we’re targeting to treat AFib,” says Dr. William Spear, the lead electrophysiologist at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois. “You deliver the energy, which only takes two and a half seconds, and it targets just the cardiac cells you're focusing on, those abnormal cells that are causing the Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), and it leaves all the other cells around it untouched."

AFib is very common, affecting around 2.7 million Americans, according to the Delaware Journal of Public Health, with an estimated 160,000 new cases each year. Symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, heart racing, or if you can’t do activities you used to be able to do. It’s when the normal rhythm of the heart is disrupted, and the top chamber of the heart, called the atrium, begins to quiver. When this happens, it makes the heart beat 300-400 times a minute and also results in a very rapid and irregular heartbeat in the bottom chamber, decreasing the efficiency of the heart pump. This can lead to blood stagnating in the upper chamber, then clots can form, leading to stroke, heart failure, or even death.

Dr. Spear calls the new FARAPULSE service “revolutionary.” He adds all the adjacent tissues like nerves, the esophagus or lungs, won’t be damaged in the procedure.

“For the last 20-30 years, the mainstay of ablation has been radio frequency. Radio frequency is very good, but it's more traumatic to the tissue because you're actually burning the tissue,” Dr. Spear says. “With pulsed field ablation, it really leaves the esophagus untouched. We can ablate around the esophagus where the heart meets the esophagus on the posterior side, without having to worry about this major complication which is called atrial esophageal fistula (AEF). This happens because we're not touching the esophagus, we're only touching cardiac tissue.”

Tracy Jendruczek, the Vice President of Surgical and Procedural Services at OSF Little Company of Mary, says FARAPULSE will help community members in nearby areas living with AFib.

“If patients are experiencing any heart concerns or issues they should see their medical provider. From there, a cardiologist will be able to determine if ablation is appropriate for them. If appropriate, FARAPULSE is just another technique to ablate, to help the heart beat normally,” Jendruczek says. “It's a safer technique in that it preserves tissue around the heart, compared to current techniques being used for ablation.”

“It's a very serious problem that faces millions and millions of patients,” Dr. Spear says. “As we age, it becomes more and more frequent. As you get into the 70–80-year range, about 20-25% of patients will develop atrial defibrillation at some point in their life. It's a very serious problem we face as a society, really.”

Dr. Spear notes that many individuals who have AFib are asymptomatic. He says this is a reminder to keep an eye on your overall health, speak with your medical provider, and schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if recommended by your primary care physician.

The FARAPULSE PFA procedure usually takes less than one hour and allows most patients the ability to return home that day.

Video Interview Clips

FARAPULSE BROLL

The goal of this partnership is to elevate the quality, efficiency, and safety of orthopedic care by integrating clinical and administrative leadership, as well as to bolster resources with a focus on total joint care and surgery, as well as spine surgery.

Steven J. Fineberg, MD, joins the team in August with expertise in spinal fusion, arthritis, neck pain and spine problems. He will begin accepting new patients Aug. 13, 2024. James D. Buschbach, MD, will focus on total joint repair and other joint concerns and joins the team in September. He will begin accepting new patients Sept. 19, 2024.

“At OSF Medical Group - Orthopedics, our commitment to providing exceptional personalized care is unwavering,” said Keith Moss, MD, chief medical officer at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center. “Our partnership with OrthoMidwest brings additional resources, including cutting-edge technological advancements, to enhance the patient’s experience. With the support of our board-certified physicians, advanced practice providers, and dedicated staff, we're prepared to positively impact your orthopedic journey.”

“The partnership between OSF HealthCare and OrthoMidwest is rooted in shared values of excellence, dedication, and innovative patient care,” said Kathleen Kinsella, president of OSF Little Company of Mary. “Our collaboration will facilitate the exchange of best practices, ultimately enhancing the standard of care to new heights.”

OrthoMidwest, PLLC was formed in 2023 when Chicago-based Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and Rockford-based OrthoIllinois aggregated as a group without private equity-backing.

The OSF Medical Group – Orthopedics office will be located at the OSF Center for Health, at 6700 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. Appointments may be made starting Friday, July 19, by calling 708-974-7340.

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

In May 2023, federal officials drafted a groundbreaking recommendation for women to get the common breast screening known as a mammogram. 

A year later, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) finalized their recommendations, saying starting at 40, women should start to get breast screenings every other year. This new guidance given by the  USPSTF lowered the age from 50 to 40.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). It makes up for roughly 30% of new female cancers every year.

OSF HealthCare advanced practice registered nurse Banesa Chavez says early intervention is key to preventing breast cancer deaths.

“The benefit of completing your screenings is being able to find it earlier and get it treated,” Chavez says. “The outcomes are a lot better when the cancer is found in the early stages.”

Alongside seeing a breast health specialist, Chavez says there are ways to perform self-checks for breast cancer at home. She adds it’s vital to be vigilant in detecting any signs or symptoms and reach out to your medical provider if you find something concerning.

“If you experience any pain, any discharge,” Chavez says. “Women should be doing breast self-exams monthly.”

If you’re unsure how to perform breast self-exams, you can read Breast self-checks 101 on the OSF Newsroom.

Chavez says the new breast screening recommendations should be reason for younger women to pay attention to any bumps or lumps they see or feel on their breasts.

“Just because you’re not in your 40s or 50s, that doesn’t mean you should ignore any abnormalities or breast changes,” Chavez says. “Come and see us. There are other things we can do, other than mammograms, to detect what’s going on with your breast changes. Especially if there is a strong family history of breast cancer, it’s important not to ignore your symptoms.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men each year. About 42,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. die from the disease every year.

The OSF HealthCare recommendations for mammograms can be found here.

Spanish version here

Video Interview Clips

The Mason family includes multiple generations of doctors and has been involved in philanthropy and community service in Danville and across Illinois. In 2004, the healing garden in front of OSF Sacred Heart (then called Provena United Samaritans Medical Center) was named in Mason Jr.’s honor.

Mason Jr.’s children recently toured OSF Sacred Heart to see quality patient care firsthand. The hospital’s family birthing center reopened in September to meet a critical need in the Vermilion County area.

“Every patient care area in the hospital is on our list to upgrade so our guests have a comfortable experience,” said Ned Hill, president of OSF Sacred Heart. “This contribution from the Mason family will go a long way toward that goal in our birthing center, a busy area of the hospital where our caregivers help mothers during their life-changing experience. We’re grateful for the Mason family’s commitment to OSF Sacred Heart and to Danville.”

Families interested in a tour of the family birthing center at OSF Sacred Heart can call (217) 443-5214. Those interested in supporting OSF Sacred Heart’s mission of serving with the greatest care and love can learn more here.

Interview clips

B-roll

As business and leisure travel exceeds pre-pandemic levels, explorers are heading out on adventures across the world. What comes with the longer flights and multiple changes of time: jet lag.

What is jet lag?

“Jet lag is a condition which is called circadian rhythm disruption,” says Nadeem Ahmed, MD, pulmonologist with OSF HealthCare. “Circadian rhythm is based on your sleep cycle, day and night. Our body tends to rest when the sun is down and be more active when the sun is up. So, if you’re flying from the United States eastward, like to Europe or Asia, you lose time. Most of the flights from the U.S. heading east take off at night when the sun is down. The reason is so when you arrive, it is almost daylight there.”

Jet lag can be a sleep disruptor, Dr. Ahmed says, for a number of reasons.

“A lot of people don’t sleep on the plane; a lot of people don’t sleep when they’re out of the comfort of their own bedroom. So, when you arrive the next day, and Europe is usually six to eight hours ahead, you lose that time. So, the body tries to catch up,” Dr. Ahmed adds.

Tips to avoid jet lag

-       Stay hydrated

-       Keep your watch on the local time zone where you land

-       Eat meals according to the local time zone

-       Avoid alcohol

-       Sleep according to the local time zone you are staying in

-       Exercise to regulate the body as regular exercise helps lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol and reduces blood sugar.

“People usually take two to three days to fully adjust, but if you do some of these steps we talked about, it can shorten the time significantly and help you adjust,” Dr. Ahmed says. “Try to adjust to the local time zone. If you’re coming back, you may be falling asleep at 6 or 7 p.m. but try to avoid that if you can. Adjust to your home time zone as soon as you can.”

Should I take sleep aids during long travel? 

The short answer: with caution. Dr. Ahmed recommends avoiding prescription sleep medication while traveling as other options may be more beneficial.

“Over-the-counter sleep medicine is already popular; melatonin is one of them you can take without prescription. Benadryl is also available,” Dr. Ahmed says. “But there can be side effects, such as a hangover effect.”

How does the direction I travel affect potential jet lag?

“It’s tougher for the body to get adjusted flying west. Coming back east, if you’re living in the United States, is a little bit easier,” Dr. Ahmed says. “Flying west, like if you’re going to Korea, Japan or Australia, that has a lot more time zones. The more time zones you fly, the more chances of you getting jet lag.”

Are there long-term effects of jet lag?

“The adjustment time for jet lag is minimal. It is just the circadian rhythm that’s getting off-set or reset depending how you look at it. No, there’s no long-term effects to it,” Dr. Ahmed emphasizes.

Should I nap on a long flight?

A flight from Chicago, Illinois to Dublin, Ireland, is roughly 7 hours. Afternoon flights have you landing in the Emerald Isle at what feels like 11 p.m. to you but is really 5 a.m. Dublin time. But is shut eye on the plane a good idea before arriving at your destination?

“You can take a little nap when you land. You can take a little nap on the plane; it won’t hurt you, but you don’t have to. But I would recommend you avoid alcohol on the plane because it can cause dehydration,” Dr. Ahmed adds.

Video Interview Clips

Fall can be seen as a reset period. From changes to our breathing and sleeping habits, to the way we take care of ourselves. 

It's also a grea ttime to try something new. And that doesn't just mean the newest pumpkin spice latte. But, that could be part of the equation!

The seven pillars are a great place to start when it comes to putting together a wellness routine. They are mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational and social. 

It's important to make each pillar your own and try for as many pillars you can for your overall wellness. Many of these naturally intertwine. 

OSF HealthCare psychotherapist Sara Bennett says quieting your mind is a great way to boost mental health. 

“It’s really nice when things slow down and you can just cuddle up in front of a fire with a blanket and some hot chocolate,” Bennett says. “Just enjoy the slowness. Being able to quiet your mind is a really great aspect of self-care.”

Bennett says getting outside for a hike with friends can help with the recreational, environmental and physical pillars. While volunteering in your community can improve your social and spiritual health. 

The cooler fall breeze sweeping through the Midwest can be a welcome sight for some, but to those with severe breathing disorders, it can be a challenging time. 

Dr. Juanbosco Ayala, a pulmonologist with OSF HealthCare, says getting the flu vaccine is a great way to protect yourself. 

He says you need to keep an eye on your breathing habits and if they're changing with the cooler weather. 

“Especially people with asthma or patients with emphysema or COPD, we notice some of their symptoms may come to the forefront with this change in weather. Things such as cough, shortness of breath and wheezing are common symptoms that may unfold during this timeframe," Dr. Ayala says. 

Dr. Ayala adds if you have a persistent cough that won't go away, or a fever, chills and night sweats, it's important to see your doctor right away. 

For those who love to sleep with the windows open in the fall, Dr. Ayala says that's totally fine.

Health Highlights video package with chyrons

Health Highlights video package without chyrons

En mayo de 2023, funcionarios federales redactaron una innovadora recomendación para que las mujeres se realicen el estudio habitual de detección de cáncer de mama, conocido como mamografía. En esa nueva orientación presentada por el Grupo de Trabajo de Servicios Preventivos de Estados Unidos (United States Preventive Services Task Force, USPSTF), se redujo la edad de 50 a 40.

El cáncer de mama es el tipo de cáncer más común en mujeres en Estados Unidos, de acuerdo con la Sociedad Americana contra el Cáncer (American Cancer Society, ACS). Constituye cerca del 30 % de los nuevos casos de cáncer en mujeres cada año.

Banesa Chavez, enfermera registrada de práctica avanzada de OSF HealthCare, afirma que la intervención temprana es clave para la prevención de la muerte por cáncer de mama.

“El beneficio de los estudios de detección es la posibilidad de detectarlo y tratarlo antes”, agrega Chavez. “Los resultados son mucho mejores cuando el cáncer se detecta en las etapas más tempranas”.

Además de consultar con un especialista de salud mamaria, Chavez dice que hay formas de realizar autoexámenes de mama en casa. Añade que es vital mantenerse atento a todos los signos y síntomas y consultar con un proveedor médico si se detecta algo preocupante.

“Si tienen dolor o secreciones”, dice Chavez. “Las mujeres deberían realizarse autoexámenes todos los meses”.

Si no saben cómo realizarse un autoexamen de mama, pueden leer la Introducción a los autoexámenes de mama (Breast self-checks 101) en la Sala de prensa de OSF.

Según Chavez, las nuevas recomendaciones de exámenes de detección de cáncer de mama deberían ser un motivo por el que mujeres más jóvenes presten atención a cualquier bulto o protuberancia que puedan ver o sentir en las mamas.

“El hecho de que no tengan 40 o 50 años, no significa que deban ignorar las anomalías y cambios en las mamas”, dice Chavez. “Vengan a vernos. Hay otras cosas que podemos hacer, además de las mamografías, para detectar lo que está sucediendo con los cambios en las mamas. Especialmente si hay antecedentes familiares de cáncer de mama, es importante no ignorar los síntomas”.

Los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC) informan que todos los años se diagnostican cerca de 240 000 casos de cáncer de mama en mujeres y cerca de 2100 en hombres. Cerca de 42 000 mujeres y 500 hombres en EE. UU. mueren a causa de esta enfermedad todos los años.

Las recomendaciones de OSF HealthCare para mamografías están disponibles aquí.

Vídeos de entrevistas

En el Medio Oeste, nunca se sabe cuándo el calor se irá de verdad. Sin embargo, a medida que se acerca el otoño y las temperaturas más frescas se vuelven más constantes, es importante priorizar la salud.

Para las personas que no padecen trastornos respiratorios graves, la brisa fresca del otoño puede ser agradable. En cambio, para quienes padecen enfermedades pulmonares crónicas, puede ser una época difícil.

"Sobre todo en las personas con asma o los pacientes con enfisema o EPOC, nos damos cuenta de que algunos de sus síntomas pueden aparecer con este cambio de clima", dice Juanbosco Ayala, MD, médico neumólogo de OSF HealthCare. "Los síntomas como la tos, falta de aliento y sibilancias son habituales y se pueden presentar durante este periodo".

Con el regreso a clases de los niños, los deportes de otoño en pleno apogeo y los virus presentes en el lugar de trabajo, el aire fresco puede significar un aumento de las enfermedades.

El Dr. Ayala afirma que hay algunas formas de protegernos este otoño.

"Tener la vacuna contra la gripe es sin duda una gran manera de protegernos. Además, reconozca cómo cambia su respiración. Pregúntese si está relacionado con el cambio de temperaturas o si se trata de una tos persistente que no desaparece. Un aumento de los esputos que produce cada día, fiebre, escalofríos o sudor nocturno pueden ser motivo de preocupación", dice el Dr. Ayala.

Si bien las alergias de primavera son más frecuentes y graves, el Dr. Ayala señala que las alergias pueden persistir en los meses de otoño.

"No las percibimos tan intensas como en primavera, pero siguen presentes. El aumento que se observa en primavera está relacionado con que los pacientes salen un poco más al exterior o con que hay cambios en la primavera".

El cambio de clima en otoño también puede influir en nuestra forma de dormir. A medida que bajan las temperaturas, aumenta el número de personas que duermen con las ventanas abiertas para respirar un poco de aire fresco. 

"En cuanto a los pacientes con trastornos crónicos del sueño, dormir con las ventanas abiertas no es un problema. Pueden hacerlo. Lo importante es que continúen con sus terapias, como usar su C-PAP todas las noches mientras puedan", añade el Dr. Ayala.

Si los síntomas de resfriado persisten, el Dr. Ayala recomienda acudir al médico de inmediato. Si le preocupa la posibilidad de padecer un trastorno respiratorio o del sueño, puede que lo deriven a un neumólogo o a un médico especialista en el sueño para una evaluación más exhaustiva.

Vídeos de entrevistas

Según la Academia Estadounidense de Medicina del Sueño (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, AASM), en Estados Unidos, cerca de 30 millones de adultos se ven afectados por la apnea obstructiva del sueño, y casi el 80 % de estos casos no tiene diagnóstico. 

La AASM lanzó una campaña de concienciación sobre esta afección, cuyo costo supera los $149 000 millones anuales, divididos en atención médica, pérdida de productividad laboral, y accidentes laborales y de tránsito.  

Juanbosco Ayala, doctor en medicina, trabaja como neumólogo en OSF HealthCare. El Dr. Ayala mantiene que el signo más común de la apnea del sueño es el cansancio generalizado durante el día. 

“Los pacientes se sienten muy cansados y no tienen energía al despertarse por la mañana”, indica. “Pueden sufrir dolor de cabeza matutino y sequedad en la boca, como también es posible que sus parejas manifiesten que han roncado o dejado de respirar en la mitad de la noche”. 

¿Otro signo común? Dormitar durante el día.  

“Ya sea que estén hablando como estamos haciendo nosotros ahora, participando en una reunión o mirando una película, los pacientes se quedan dormidos. Es el cansancio excesivo lo que los lleva a quedarse dormidos con tanta facilidad. Hay pacientes que incluso pueden quedarse dormidos mientras conducen. Llegan a una señal de ‘Pare’ y, durante esos dos segundos en los que no prestan atención, se quedan dormidos”, manifiesta el Dr. Ayala.  

Además, indicó que el tratamiento más común para la apnea del sueño es una máquina que ejerce una presión positiva continua en las vías respiratorias (continuous positive airway pressure, C-PAP).  

“Existe una máscara facial completa que cubre la nariz y la boca. Aunque hay pacientes que solo con una mascarilla nasal resuelven el problema”, sostiene Ayala.  

Según informaron recientemente los médicos de OSF HealthCare, los malos hábitos de sueño pueden tener consecuencias a largo plazo en nuestras vidas. El Dr. Ayala dice que lo mismo sucede con la apnea del sueño.  

“Las consecuencias a largo plazo suelen afectar el corazón o los pulmones. Específicamente, la hipertensión crónica y la hipertensión pulmonar pueden ser afecciones a largo plazo que surjan a partir de una apnea del sueño no tratada”, menciona el Dr. Ayala. “Además, existe un alto riesgo de padecer ataques cardíacos o accidentes cerebrovasculares”. 

El Dr. Ayala indica que, según ciertos datos, la apnea del sueño también podría dar lugar a un deterioro cognitivo. Explica que la apnea del sueño suele observarse en personas con sobrepeso, pero casi todas las personas pueden padecerla. 

“Hay una parte de la población que está en forma, y no necesariamente tiene sobrepeso, y padece apnea del sueño”, afirma el Dr. Ayala. “En ocasiones, no abordar el tema es lo que impide tratar esta afección”. 

El Dr. Ayala manifiesta que lo mejor que puede hacer si sospecha que sufre apnea del sueño es acudir a un médico. Un proveedor de OSF HealthCare puede evaluarlo y elaborar un plan de tratamiento para seguir adelante. 

Video Interview Clips

Nearly 30 million adults in the United States are affected by obstructive sleep apnea and almost 80% of these cases are undiagnosed, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

The AASM has launched an awareness campaign for this condition, which costs more than $149 billion annually in health care costs, lost work productivity and workplace and motor vehicle accidents.

Juanbosco Ayala, MD, is a pulmonologist with OSF HealthCare. He says the most common sign of sleep apnea is an overall tiredness throughout the day.

“Patients feel very tired and don’t feel energized after waking up in the morning,” Dr. Ayala says. “They may have morning headaches, a dry mouth, and they may be told by their significant other that they snore or stop breathing in the middle of the night.”

Another common sign? Dozing off during the day.

“Whether it’s talking like we are, in a meeting, or watching a movie. It’s this excessive tiredness that leads to falling asleep quite easily. There are even patients who will fall asleep while driving. They get to a stop sign and for those two seconds they’re not paying attention, they’ll doze off,” Dr. Ayala says.

The most common treatment of sleep apnea, Dr. Ayala says, is the C-PAP machine.

“There’s a full face mask that encompasses a mask over the nose and mouth. There are patients that do well with just a nasal mask,” Dr. Ayala says.

As recently reported by doctors at OSF HealthCare, bad sleeping habits can have long-term consequences to our lives. Dr. Ayala says the same goes for sleep apnea.

“Long-term consequences typically involve either the heart or the lungs. Specifically long-standing hypertension and an entity called pulmonary hypertension can be something we see long-term from untreated sleep apnea,” Dr. Ayala says. “There’s also a significant risk for heart attacks and strokes.”

Dr. Ayala says some data suggests sleep apnea could also lead to cognitive impairment. He says sleep apnea is normally seen in overweight patients, but can be found in almost anyone.

“There is a subset of the population that is fit, not necessarily overweight, and they have sleep apnea,” Dr. Ayala says. “Sometimes not thinking about it leads to impediments in treatment.”

Dr. Ayala says the best thing you can do if you suspect you have sleep apnea is to see a health care provider. An OSF HealthCare provider can evaluate you and create a treatment plan moving forward.

Video Interview Clips

Los resfriados comunes pueden surgir de la nada y, en ocasiones, lo que necesita es ver a un proveedor de atención médica lo antes posible. Con la alta demanda de citas médicas y las largas filas en las salas de emergencias, esto no siempre es fácil de programar.

En el área de Chicago, OSF HealthCare cuenta con cinco clínicas OSF OnCall Urgent Care. En estas clínicas accesibles y de alta calidad, puede recibir atención médica de manera muy eficiente por parte de un profesional de la salud. Además, los horarios durante todo el año son flexibles para la agenda de cualquier persona.

“Estamos abiertos los siete días de la semana, durante 12 horas, de 8 AM a 8 PM ”, dice Adriana Monarrez, médica auxiliar certificada de OSF OnCall Urgent Care.

Además de brindar atención por enfermedades y resfriados comunes, OSF OnCall Urgent Care ofrece una amplia variedad de otros servicios.

“Hacemos exámenes de detección de drogas, pruebas de estreptococos, pruebas de COVID-19”, dice Felisa Mercado, asistente del consultorio médico de OSF OnCall. “Los pacientes pasan aquí entre 10 y 30 a 40 minutos. Abrimos incluso los días festivos, lo cual es muy importante para la comunidad”.

Los proveedores de atención médica en OSF OnCall Urgent Care en todo el Ministerio de OSF también realizan procedimientos menores, radiografías y otras pruebas. Un proveedor de práctica avanzada puede derivarlo a un especialista si necesita atención adicional.

“Hacemos el registro del paciente, todas las pruebas o radiografías necesarias y luego llega la atención del proveedor”, dice Monarrez.

Al igual que Mercado y Monarrez, el personal de muchas clínicas OnCall Urgent Care de OSF en el área de Chicago es bilingüe.

Las clínicas OSF OnCall Urgent Care aceptan una amplia gama de planes de seguro. Puede encontrar la lista completa aquí: osfhealthcare.org/billing/insurance/plans/ o puede visitar osfoncall.org/urgentcare para obtener más información.

Para ver esta historia completa en inglés, haga clic aquí.

Video Interview Clips

B-Roll

Sickness and injuries can come out of nowhere, and sometimes you just need to see a health care provider as soon as possible. But with medical appointments in demand and long lines at the emergency room, that’s not always the easiest thing to schedule.

In the Chicago-area, OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary has five OSF OnCall Urgent Care Clinics. These clean, high-quality, accessible clinics can get you seen by a health care professional very efficiently and the hours throughout the year are flexible for anyone’s schedules.

You can even get care through 24/7 virtual visits anywhere in Illinois and Michigan.

“We’re open seven days in the week, 12 hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” Adriana Monarrez, certified medical assistant with OSF OnCall Urgent Care says.

On top of being seen for common injuries and illnesses, OSF OnCall Urgent Care offers a wide variety of other services.

“We do drug screenings, strep tests and more,” says Felisa Mercado, medical office assistant at OSF OnCall. “The shortest amount of time patients are here goes from 10 minutes to 30-40 minutes. We’re open on holidays even, which is very important to the community.”

Health care providers at OSF OnCall Urgent Care locations across the OSF Ministry also perform minor procedures such as stitches and wound care, X-rays and more. A provider can refer you to a specialist if further care is needed.

“We’ll do the registration, any testing or X-Rays, and then the provider will come in,” Monarrez says.

Like Mercado and Monarrez, staff at many of the OSF OnCall Urgent Care clinics in the Chicago area are bilingual. Translators are available too.

OSF OnCall Urgent Care clinics accepts a wide range of insurance plans. You can find the full list here: osfhealthcare.org/billing/insurance/plans/ or visit osfoncall.org/urgentcare to learn more.

To see this full story in Spanish, click here.

Video Interview Clips

OSF OnCall Urgent Care Clinic B-Roll