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

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

What are migraines?

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

The list of triggers is, unfortunately, long.

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

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

You can prepare

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

How can you prepare?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview clips

Previous coverage

One big headache
June is national migraine and headache awareness month
A good calendar may be able to help you fight headaches
Three steps to help with severe or frequent headaches
When should you see a specialist for your headaches?
Weather changes can be a pain for migraine sufferers

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and keeping up with doctor appointments. Brim says this reduces your risk of a stroke, which can lead to a voice disorder. It can also prevent everyday illness and coughing.
  
  “If someone has had the flu or COVID and they’ve had a consistent cough, it can cause trauma to the vocal cords,” Brim explains. “The vocal cords are closing so rapidly with each cough.”
  
  Using a humidifier and taking lozenges without menthol can help with that pesky cough, Brim adds.
   
• Aim for 40 to 60 ounces of water per day.
  
  “That’s very helpful in maintaining a healthy environment for your vocal cords. It makes sure they’re not getting too strained,” Brim says.
   
• Watch your caffeine. High amounts can strain your vocal cords, Brim says.
  
  “Do you really need that second latte at noon?” she asks with a smirk.
   
• Don’t yell all the time. Obvious, right? But it’s tricky if you use your voice for a living.

“Maybe you have a job like an auctioneer or a teacher trying to yell over a group of students. You have to make your voice louder [for your job],” Brim says.

“Try to focus on more projection. And take vocal rests,” she adds. “Take 10 minutes to let your vocal cords reset. Drink water. Try to decrease the trauma to the vocal cords as much as possible.”

Learn more

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

Photos

Interview clips

Related stories

Non-verbal learning disorders affect all ages
Hit your head? Don't just shake it off
Can't stop coughing?

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

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

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

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

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

Kinds of coffee could make a difference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More research is needed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video clips with Dr. Omar Khokhar

B-roll-Coffee and gut microbiome

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

Related stories

Esophageal cancer: Drop the bottle and cigarettes
Esophageal cancer: Signs and symptoms
Leading-edge robotics transform cancer surgery

November, December and January bring bountiful holiday meals.

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

Have the right mindset

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

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

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

The meal itself

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

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

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

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

If you can’t help it

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

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

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

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

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

A word on more serious eating issues

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

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

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

“It’s just not a good thing.”

Bottom line: Don’t get discouraged

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

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

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

Interview clips

Are you the type of person who can’t wait to kickstart your day with that piping-hot cup of coffee in the morning? If so, there’s good news for you.

According to a recent study published in the European Heart Journal, one perk of morning coffee is it’s healthier for you than any other part of the day.

Early risers – coffee connoisseurs who pour their first cup of java between 4 a.m. and noon – have a 16% lower chance of dying from any cause compared to non-coffee drinkers.

According to the study, coffee drinkers also had a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to non-coffee drinkers.

“The study identified that one of the aspects of coffee lowers inflammation, and we have more inflammation in the morning. And so that's why the benefit was shown in this study,” says Nancy Dagefoerde, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute. “I do agree that that's a good benefit of drinking coffee in the morning.”

The findings were the result of work done by researchers from Tulane University who analyzed dietary and health data from 40,000 adults between 1999 and 2018. The research team studied two groups – morning-only coffee drinkers and all-day coffee drinkers.

Researchers focused on patterns of drinking coffee throughout the day rather than the amount of coffee consumed. Dagefoerde recommends drinking no more than two or three cups a day.

Another important aspect of coffee is how it’s made. Past studies have shown evidence of a link between coffee brewing methods, heart attacks and longevity. For example, unfiltered coffee that’s boiled contains higher amounts of chemicals that can raise triglyceride levels and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

“Filtered coffee is more beneficial. Boiled can actually be more harmful. There are many compounds in coffee that are beneficial to health in general,” says Dagefoerde. 

But a cup of brew isn’t everything when it comes to heart health. Dagefoerde says there are other things you should be doing including exercising, treating your blood pressure and cholesterol.

“Coffee can lower inflammation, increase your metabolism and decrease the absorption of fats,” she adds. “But you definitely want to work on all your risk factors, not just drinking coffee.”

It’s better to drink black coffee, but if you take it with sugar or cream, make sure you are using the ones that are as healthy as possible such as unsweetened almond milk, raw honey or cinnamon. Cream adds 50 calories and three grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. And a teaspoon of sugar contains 16 calories, which adds up quickly.

Dagefoerde says while the studies are encouraging, it doesn’t mean you should race to your local coffee shop and start guzzling mugs of java purely for the health benefits.

“Coffee is popular in our nation, and in many countries. And the social aspect is nice too,” she says. “But don’t overdo it, and just know the risks if you do.”


 

Interview Clips 

B-roll

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

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

Myth vs. fact

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

When in doubt

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

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

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

Learn more

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

Interview clips

Related stories

Prepare for warm weather and migraines
One big headache
Learn about National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
Sneaky signs you may be dehydrated
Phenylephrine or placebo?
Watch your caffeine
Common causes of daily headaches
What are the health benefits of magnesium?
A good calendar can help fight headaches
Seven reasons to get a massage
Three steps to help with frequent headaches
When should you see a specialist for headaches?

Author's note: This is part two of a four part story on infant nutrition misconceptions. Read part one here, part three here and part four here.



Bringing a new baby home raises the focus on their and mom’s well-being. Toward the top of the list: what and how the child is being fed.

Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, misconceptions about infant nutrition are everywhere. Xandra Anderson, a certified lactation consultant at OSF HealthCare, cuts through the noise.

• Do I need to change what I put in my body while breastfeeding?
  
  This covers a lot of ground, from a mom’s diet to whether she should abstain from alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and medication.

o    Diet: Healthy eating is always good. But Anderson says new moms generally don’t have to change their diet for breastfeeding. If your diet is heavy on certain things (like garlic or dairy) and you notice your baby is extra fussy, you can try changing your meals. A provider may also want to test your baby for allergies.

o    Alcohol and caffeine: Drink these in moderation and with precise timing, Anderson says.

“Babies are very sensitive to caffeine. If you have a cup of coffee and nurse right away, the baby is going to be awake for a lot longer than normal,” Anderson says.

“That doesn’t mean you have to not drink coffee. Just maybe not add three shots of espresso to your morning coffee,” she adds with a smirk.

For alcohol, Anderson says the drink will filter out of your breastmilk like it filters out of your blood. So after having a couple of alcoholic drinks, wait two to three hours before breastfeeding or pumping.

“The breastmilk isn’t ruined. You just need to give it time,” Anderson says.

But here’s a lifehack if mom feels full of breast milk and wants to pump right after having a drink: Go ahead and pump, and use the milk on your baby’s acne or in their bathwater. Just keep it away from their mouth.

“It’s antimicrobial. It’s antibacterial. It’s moisturizing,” Anderson says, singing the praises of breast milk. “Our babies are in the most perfect environment in the womb. Once they’re born, their world is cold, dark and dry. They can get dry skin, acne or cradle cap [greasy or flaky spots on the scalp]. Breast milk is a great way to prevent or heal those things.”

o    Medication and other health care issues: Anderson says most medication is safe to use while breastfeeding. In fact, it’s important to stay the course – for example, with mental health medication – so you can be the best mom possible. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions.

If you have a medical procedure, also get advice from a professional. For example, Anderson says if you get a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan for a gallbladder concern, you’ll be radioactive for around 24 hours. Don’t breastfeed during that time. Or if your breasts feel full and you have to pump, dump the milk down the drain.

o    Tobacco: Anderson admits it’s tough to kick the habit. But she reminds moms: infants are very sensitive to nicotine. It can disrupt the child’s sleep and feeding and even interfere with organ development. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of a respiratory infection and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

If you’re smoking with a new baby at home, do so after breastfeeding, then wait two to three hours before nursing again. Wear one jacket while smoking so you don’t get an odor or residue on a lot of your clothes or the baby.

Learn more

Read more about how to have a successful pregnancy and following years on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Related stories

Back to work
The first few weeks
Chow down, new moms!
Later life pregnancies can be successful with planning
Mental health medication and pregnancy

While many “health” trends have no substance at all, this has promise, according to Gabrielle Haskell, a clinical dietitian for oncology at the OSF Cancer Institute.

The recipe calls for one to two frozen bananas, one cup of coffee, 1/3 cup of milk and two pitted dates. Mix it together in a blender and you have a frappe to enjoy.

So… why bananas?

“Bananas have fiber in them, which helps keep you fuller for longer. Fiber is good for blood sugar management and for management of your cholesterol,” Haskell says. “They also have added vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin C, that can really help boost your immune system.”

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends a plant-based diet for cancer prevention. Haskell describes how fruits, like bananas, all play a role.

“By adding more plants to your food, you’re reducing your risk of cancer, and adding in phytochemicals and antioxidants,” Haskell says.

Phytochemicals are part of the plant’s immune system and offer the plant, and the person eating it, protection from viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Antioxidants are things like Vitamin E and C that help fight off harmful free radicals, which have been linked to diabetes and cancer.

The frozen banana doesn’t just add nutritional benefits to the drink, it also provides a creamy texture that is easier to enjoy. See it as an alternative to coffee creamer. It also adds sweetness, so you can say goodbye to those packets of sugar, too.

“Traditional coffee creamers have a lot of added sugars and oils in them,” Haskell says. “The bananas., milk and dates are really replacing the coffee creamer to add sweetness and creaminess to it.”

Minimizing caffeine intake during cancer treatment

The jury is still out on how coffee impacts cancer risk. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that some studies have shown coffee lowering the risk of liver and endometrial cancers, as well as mouth, throat, voice box and basal skin cell cancer in both men and women. However, other studies suggest drinking hot beverages like coffee may increase your risk of esophageal cancer, causing ACS to recommend not drinking any beverage at very high temperatures.

Dr. Fredericka Brown and Dr. Kenneth Diller, mechanical engineering professors at the University of Texas at Tyler, researched what the optimal hot beverage temperature is. Their findings showed that hot drinks should be served between 125°F and 136°F.

During cancer treatment, Haskell says caffeinated beverages are not recommended at all.

“Caffeine can increase your risk for dehydration,” Haskell says. “And specifically with caffeinated coffee, if patients drink that when they’re doing certain treatments, symptoms like nausea and acid reflux might be heightened. It’s best to try and reduce your consumption of caffeine as much as possible. If you want, you can swap out regular caffeinated coffee in this recipe for a decaf instead.”

This recipe is another way to make use of those VERY ripe bananas you have laying out on the kitchen counter, hanging on for dear life. There’s no judgment here. Just throw them in the freezer and give them a new, healthier purpose than just attracting fruit flies.

Video Interview Clips

B-Roll