A former college athlete and mother of a youth sportster, Emily Isom knows all about long nights at the ballpark.

But by day, Isom is a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare. She’s combining her life experiences to give parents a roadmap during back-to-school season: What sport or activity is right for my child? How can they get the most out of it?

The benefits of kids getting active

• Physical: Isom says sports help kids strengthen muscles, speed, endurance and balance.
  
  “They’ll be able to run further and faster,” Isom says, noting that improves lung and heart health.
   
• Social and emotional: Sports can teach kids social skills like teamwork, communication and self-esteem.
  
  “It helps them become who they are as a person,” Isom says. “It helps them take ownership of their communication. They can build that communication within a team.
  
  “When you win, it feels great. But when you lose, some kids can take it really hard. They think they’re a failure and they’re not good at the sport. It becomes mental,” Isom adds, commenting on how sports can build skills to overcome stress, conflict and adversity. “But that feeling of being a failure is not true. You win and lose. That’s how it goes. But the key is to get better. They can work on kicking, running, hitting, catching or whatever it is.”
  
  Plus, you never know when a teammate will turn into a lifelong friend.

Navigating the season

Isom says a parent should never pressure a child into a certain sport or activity. They won’t enjoy it, she says. Instead, keep the conversation light and open ended. For example: is there a sport you’ve seen on TV that you’d like to try? Or, show them videos of different sports. And parents should not be upset if their child chooses an activity out of the norm. Maybe a boy from a family of football players wants to do dance or theater instead. That’s OK, Isom says.

“Kids look for support from their parents in anything they do. It doesn’t matter if it’s sports or the arts. If it’s something they want to do, you should encourage and support your kid,” Isom says. “My daughter is really into art. She might want to do art instead of sports one summer. I’m all for it. She’s still interacting with people. She’s happy doing something she wants to do.”

Isom says if a child gets burnt out on a sport, they’ll usually tell you. Again, Isom says not to pressure the youth to finish the season. But have a conversation about what’s going on and the paths forward. If you have to pull the kid out of the sport for their health, do it.

“If they’re showing depression, anger or hostility over the sport, I wouldn’t press it any further,” Isom says.

And of course, be a supportive cheerleader from the stands. Don’t heckle or shout criticism.

“It embarrasses the kid. And those kids can develop anger issues. They learn it from their parents,” Isom warns. “It makes the kid feel like a failure when the parents are yelling from the stands. I’ve seen it. It’s not fun. It’s not cool.”

Learn more

Read more about keeping kids healthy in sports and everyday life on the OSF HealthCare website. Pediatric care at OSF includes local offices like the one Isom works at that can provide sports physicals and treatment or minor sports injuries, plus OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

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Vitamin D basics

Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall, says vitamin D is a nutrient our body needs to produce calcium. Calcium helps create strong teeth and bones. So logically, not having enough vitamin D leads to brittle bones (a risk for greater injury after a fall), plus muscle aches and pains. Others with a vitamin D deficiency may not show symptoms. Either way, a provider may order a blood test to confirm the issue and then may advise you to take a supplement. This is usually in pill form and can be prescribed or bought over the counter by itself or as part of a multivitamin.

“Or the provider may just talk about vitamin D-rich foods first before starting a supplement,” Draper says. “High fat fishes, egg yolks, some cheeses and mushrooms.”

Draper adds that pregnant women, babies (especially babies who are breastfed), the elderly and people with darker skin often lack vitamin D.

On the flip side, Draper says it’s rare, but a person can get too much vitamin D. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and heart palpitations (feeling like your heartbeat is fast, pounding or otherwise irregular). You may also suffer kidney damage.

Summer sun

Here’s advice to commit to memory: Draper says research shows 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure three times a day can get you a healthy amount of vitamin D.

“You want to protect your skin while doing that,” Draper adds. “Sunscreen and protective clothing like a hat and sunglasses. There’s not any research showing that sunscreen or clothes will prevent you from getting the vitamin D you need.”

Experts say your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and you should reapply every two hours. Clothing should be lightweight and light colored (Dark colors absorb more sunlight, leading to quicker heat illness.) Stay hydrated, and watch for redness and blisters from sunburns and suspicious moles that may be skin cancer. See a provider right away if you have issues from getting too much sun.

Another thing to note: Experts say a specialized lamp can help with seasonal affective disorder, a mental health condition often seen in the winter due to decreased daylight. The same logic does not apply for vitamin D. You need natural, not artificial light to get the vitamin D you need.

The bottom line

Draper says most people don’t have to worry about getting too much or too little vitamin D.

“The average person will get it through the sun,” Draper says. “If you live in a cold and dark environment, you’re at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. People farther away from the equator are higher risk.”

If you have symptoms of too much or too little vitamin D or just have a concern, talk to your primary care provider.

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• Spoon feeding: We hear about toddlers in the high chair getting spoon fed solid food. Here comes the airplane! But can it work with infants? Sort of, Anderson says.
  
  “We can express that milk for mom. A lot of times we use hand expression, which is a very gentle way to do that. We do it right into a little plastic spoon. You hold the spoon up to baby’s mouth. They will stick their tongue out and kind of lap it up like a little puppy,” Anderson explains. “We’re not dumping it in their mouth and expecting them to swallow it. They need it in very small amounts to learn how to breathe while eating.”
   
• Cup feeding: It’s like spoon feeding but with a small medicine cup. Express the breastmilk into the cup, put the cup by the baby’s lower lip and let them lap up the nourishment.
   
• Dropper feeding: Express some breastmilk into a medicine dropper. Gently place the dropper in the corner of the baby’s mouth pointed toward their cheek, and squeeze out a tiny amount.
  
  “They’re getting breastmilk while not having to drink from a bottle. That can, in little bits, give baby the strength they need to latch onto mom’s breast [in the future],” Anderson says.
   
• Supplemental nursing system (SNS): Anderson says there are many reasons to use an SNS. For one, babies who might latch well at the breast lack the energy to actually get milk out by suckling. Birth is tiring, and they are sleepy. With an SNS, the baby still latches onto the breast, but there is a very small tube taped to the breast, aligned with the nipple. This allows the parent to provide milk from a syringe connected to the other end of the tube. 
  
  “We can still have mom holding baby and baby latching at the breast. We push milk through the tube very slowly. Baby is still suckling at the breast but getting milk from the tube,” Anderson outlines. “We can supplement without needing a bottle if that’s the parents’ preference.”

Learn more

Anderson says these alternatives are typically seen in the first few days, and mom and baby get the hang of feeding after that. But if problems persist, you can always talk to a lactation consultant. The OSF HealthCare website also has information about having a healthy pregnancy and birth. OSF also offers virtual breastfeeding support.

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Author's note: This is part one of a four part story on infant nutrition misconceptions. Read part two 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, an international board-certified lactation consultant at OSF HealthCare, cuts through the noise.

• My baby needs water in addition to milk or formula.
  
  It’s a common thought, Anderson says. One, adults need water, so people assume infants do, too. And two, formula can involve mixing in water, so mothers think they need to do the same with breast milk.
  
  “Really, breast milk is about 80% water,” Anderson says. “It’s there. It’s complete nutrition. You’re not missing anything.”
  
  Anderson adds it’s actually dangerous to give water to babies under six months. They can overhydrate, leading to possible kidney damage. After six months, Anderson says to talk to a health care provider about introducing water. She says one to two ounces of water per day to help wash down solid food is common.
   
• Breastfeeding will make my breasts sag.
  
  Anderson says breast changes begin during pregnancy and are not solely a result of breastfeeding. Some women will notice their breasts are larger once they are full of milk, but there are more factors at play.
  
  “[During pregnancy], your hormones are changing a lot. Your ligaments are stretching. We’re getting ready for a baby,” Anderson explains. “Then you have your baby, and your milk starts to come in. Regardless of whether you breastfeed or formula feed, you’ll see some breast changes. It was those hormonal changes in pregnancy.

“[Breast changes] can also be related to your lifestyle,” she adds. “Smoking affects your skin health, and you can see that affect the breasts. It can be related to age or a family history [of health issues such as lupus and other autoimmune diseases].”

Anderson also says research has found breastfeeding can actually promote breast health. For example, it can reduce your breast cancer risk.

• I have small breasts, so I won’t have enough breast milk to keep my child nourished.
  
  Anderson retorts with an affirmation we’ve heard since childhood: It’s what’s on the inside that counts.
  
  “Size of the breast is not a factor in being able to breastfeed. What is a factor is the amount of milk glands in your body. We all have those milk glands. Size just relates to fatty tissue,” Anderson says.
  
  The only time size may come into play, Anderson says, is if a woman gets a breast reduction where milk glands are removed. In that case, talk to a health care provider about your options.

Learn more

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

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

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

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

The concerns

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

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

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

The benefits

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

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

Tips for adults

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

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

Traditional or tech?

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

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

Learn more

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

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

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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.

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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.

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We all get thirsty from time to time. But it’s not just that feeling that can mean you’re dehydrated – when your body doesn’t have enough fluids. There are lesser known signs you should know to avoid a possibly life-threatening situation, says Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician.

“You get less perfusion to tissues and organs,” when you’re dehydrated, Dr. Alyami says. “That can cause organ damage.

“Perfusion refers to fluid, nutrients and energy your organs need to function,” he adds.

Unfamiliar signs

Take note of these things to keep an eye on for possible dehydration, especially if you are at high risk. For example, if you work an outdoor job in warm weather or if you look after someone who can’t fully care for themselves.

• You’ve suffered burns. This means there is less skin tissue doing its job of keeping you healthy.
   
• Peeing isn’t normal, such as expelling less urine.

“When you’re hydrated, your urine should look yellow, pale yellow or sometimes almost transparent like water,” Dr. Alyami explains. “When you become dehydrated, your urine will become less in volume, and the color will be darker. It goes into an orange color. It can have a smell, also.”

• Crying without tears
   
• Skin changes, such as eyes appearing sunken in
   
• Fast heart rate
   
• Deep, heavy breaths

“When you’re dehydrated, your blood can be more acidic. You’ll try to get rid of some of that acid in your breaths,” Dr. Alyami says.

• Bad breath
   
• Headaches
   
• Muscle cramps
   
• Food cravings
   
• Sudden weight loss. Dr. Alyami says one kilogram (or around 2.2 pounds) of weight loss means one liter of fluid loss. So if someone has lost two to four pounds quickly and unintentionally (for example, not because of a diet and exercise program), it’s cause for concern.

What to do

Dr. Alyami says while dehydration can be serious, recovering doesn’t have to be. Rest and drink fluids. Water or Pedialyte are go-tos.

“If the dehydration is because of decreased oral intake, the person might just need pain medicine so it’s less painful to swallow while eating and drinking. If they are losing fluids from vomiting, we can give them medicine to stop vomiting,” Dr. Alyami says.

If those steps don’t work, Dr. Alyami says the person would likely get intravenous (IV) fluids in a hospital emergency department.

“You’re probably going to be there for at least a couple hours. [Health care providers] want to make sure you can take fluids and keep them down before you go home,” Dr. Alyami says. “Sometimes the dehydration is severe enough that we need to replace those fluids over one to two days.”

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


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 a conversation before the baby arrives about what mom’s needs are. Your idea of support might not line up with hers, it might be outdated or mom might need something you’re not able to do.
  
  “The conversation needs to be very mom-focused and validating,” Anderson says. “This is a new experience. You’re going from a family of two to a family of three. Ask: What are your expectations? How do you feel like we can support you?”
  
  For example, Anderson says a new mom might complain of cramping and just want to be heard, rather than be given a solution or hard truth (like, take a pill or use a heating pad) right away.
   
• Set realistic, simple goals. As much as mom might want her postpartum headache or stomachache to go away entirely, it might not be possible, leaving mom feeling disheartened.
  
  Instead, try: “I want to feed the baby before they get fussy. I want to make sure I get a 20-minute nap when baby naps,” Anderson suggests. “Be realistic. For example, babies are not going to sleep through the night. So your goal cannot be to get a restful night’s sleep. That’s just not reality.”
  
  Other common, achievable goals: I want to drink three bottles of water per day. I know I’m busy in the morning, but I want to commit to eating something for breakfast. I want 15 minutes per day to enjoy a hobby. Or, dad can set a goal to always be the one to fold the laundry so mom gets a break from one task.
  
  For infant feeding: “Make the goal simply: I want to feed my baby,” Anderson implores. “It doesn’t have to be ‘I need to feed my baby, pump breastmilk, sleep and wash all the bottles.’ Feeding is your only job, and your baby’s only job is to eat.”
   
• Stay well fed, well hydrated and well rested. This goes without saying, but it can get lost in the never-ending task of child care. Keep a drink and a snack bag within arm’s reach as often as possible. Those snacks can be a sweet or salty treat in moderation, Anderson says. Or, look for one-handed foods like wraps that you can eat while feeding your baby. Try making this one of the simple tasks for a friend or mother-in-law. Put them in charge of the “snack station” in several rooms of your home.
  
  For sleep, Anderson simply says with a smile, “Do your best.
  
  “Everyone says to sleep when the baby sleeps, but there are some parents that have anxiety that stops them from doing that,” Anderson says. “If you can’t sleep, just rest. Turn devices off. Turn noises down.”
  
  This is another time you can tap into your support system, Anderson says. While you rest, see if someone can wash the dishes or put away the laundry.

The bottom line: Give yourself grace

Above all else, Anderson wants new parents to remember: Parenting is tough. 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.

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When new parents put their child to bed, it’s time for them to exhale and catch up on some rest of their own. That’s why it’s important to have peace of mind that your baby is sleeping safely. Tiffany Waters, a birthing center charge nurse at OSF HealthCare, has a checklist – whether it’s nighttime sleep in a crib or some bonding time in a recliner.

“Everybody should be educated on this,” Waters says. “Parents, grandparents, friends and your daycare.”

The guidelines

• Back vs. stomach: Waters says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines say the child should sleep on their back.
  
  “When your infant is on their stomach and unable to roll over, it can create a pocket of carbon dioxide. We all know we want oxygen in and carbon dioxide out,” Waters explains. “That little pocket can mean your baby is re-breathing the carbon dioxide.”
  
  Waters adds that at around four months, babies may learn to roll onto their stomach during sleep. It’s fine to leave them that way, but Waters says sleep time should always start with the baby on their back.
   
• Flat vs. inclined: A flat surface is the standard. But, Waters acknowledges that babies fall asleep in other places. For example, if a child drifts off on a car ride, that’s fine. Just make sure they are properly strapped into a car seat.
   
  Parents may also sit in the recliner with the baby on their chest as a bonding moment. Do this carefully, Waters says.
  
  “It’s easy for a baby to slip down toward the arm of the chair. Or they could get in a position where instead of an open airway, they’re hunched over and not allowing for breathing function as it should,” Waters warns.
  
  So for recliner time, make sure the adult is fully awake. And in either case (car seat or recliner), the sleep time shouldn’t be long. For example, when you get home from the car ride, take the baby back to their crib for the remainder of the night’s rest.
   
• Firm vs. soft: A firm, fitted sheet to lay on is best.

• The crib: Loose objects such as pillows, blankets and stuffed animals are OK in the crib for those precious photoshoots. But when it’s sleep time, remove them.
  
  “Those are additional suffocation and entrapment risks,” Waters says. “They can press up against the baby’s face. The baby doesn’t have great neck control. They can’t move away like older babies can.”
  
  The crib itself should be scrutinized, too. Be wary of hand-me-down cribs that don’t meet the latest safety regulations. For example, Waters says cribs with bumpers – fabric that attaches to the inside walls – are no longer in favor. She says the baby can plant their face in the bumper and suffocate. Instead, look for cribs with space between the slats about the size of one of those oversized pink erasers.
  
  “It doesn’t have to be a super fancy crib or cost a lot of money. It needs to be newer so you know it abides by current recommendations for those slat spacings,” Waters says.
   
• Clothes and overheating: There’s no magic temperature to keep your child’s room at to foster good sleep. Waters suggests whatever room temperature is appropriate for that season should work.
  
  What’s more important: making sure the child isn’t wearing so much clothing that they overheat.
  
  “If you dress a baby for warmth, it’s one additional layer from what you have on,” Waters explains. “So if you have a T-shirt on and you’re comfortable, maybe a long sleeved sleeper onesie would be appropriate for the baby.”
  
  Waters adds that once the baby comes home from the hospital, they typically don’t need to wear a hat to keep warm while sleeping. Pop the hat on when they are outside in cold weather, she says.
   
• Smoking: Whether in the bedroom or any room, infant sleep and their overall health can be disrupted from smoke. This includes smoke from cigarettes, cannabis or just smoke from your environment (like pollution). So, don’t smoke around your child, and keep your home well ventilated.
   
• Same bed vs. same room: Some parents sleep in the same bed as their infant as a bonding experience. Bad idea, says the AAP. And Waters agrees. She says you could roll over onto your child or toss your pillow onto them and smother the kid. Instead, try bringing the child’s crib into your room. You can meet the youngster’s needs, like being close by when they cry, but keep them safe.

Learn more

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

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

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

PMAD basics

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

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

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

Screening and treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why it’s important

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

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

Learn more

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

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Diaper changes.

They’re something new parents can have a love-hate relationship with. Your baby’s health is a top priority, but the late-night interactions with urine and feces might tempt you to put off the task.

That’s not the approach to take, says Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician. He says having an ample supply of diapers and knowing how to use them are critical to your child’s well-being.

“Diapers take care of the skin. The skin is the body’s first line of defense against germs, bacteria and pathogens,” Dr. Alyami says.

Best practices

• Know the right way to change a diaper.
  
  Dr. Alyami says frequent diaper checks are key, as some babies won’t cry or wake up to tell you they have soiled themselves. When changing the diaper, wipe excess urine or feces with a wet wipe, then allow the area to air out for a few minutes before putting the new diaper on.
  
  “And hope the baby doesn’t pee or poop all over while you’re airing things out,” Dr. Alyami says with a smirk.
  
  The adult should wash their hands after the diaper change. The last thing you want is to touch feces, then touch another person or object and spread germs.
  
  Dispose of the diaper away from your living area so it won’t stink things up or be a temptation for a child or pet to get into.
   
• Watch for warning signs, and know how to treat.
  
  Dr. Alyami says the first symptom of a diaper rash will be red, irritated skin. You might also see small, red dots away from the rash. You can start by treating the problem at home with zinc oxide cream or petroleum jelly. Apply this to the baby’s skin after each diaper change, not just when something is wrong. Dr. Alyami doesn’t recommend powders for this, as they’re a risk for the baby to inhale.
  
  If the rash doesn’t get better in five to seven days, see a pediatrician. The baby could be treated with a steroid (like hydrocortisone) or an antifungal (like Nystatin). Dr. Alyami says if things don’t improve after that in-office treatment, come back. He says in rare cases, a doctor might need to take a skin biopsy to see if there’s a more serious problem. Or, the child might be referred to a dermatologist.
  
  Dr. Alyami warns that if rashes aren’t treated quickly, they can progress to a yeast or bacterial infection.
  
  “Those can get complicated with abscesses. They can go to the bloodstream and cause systemic infections,” he says. 
   
• Know when to “level up.”
  
  It’s pretty easy to know when to get a bigger diaper for your child, Dr. Alyami says. He says most diapers have age recommendations on the label. Aside from that, look for imprints on the baby’s skin when changing the diaper. Those are a sign the diaper is too tight, and you need to level up.

Getting help

Some families might not have an ample supply of diapers due to financial or other issues. To get help, Dr. Alyami recommends starting with your pediatrician. They’ll likely know community resources that host diaper drives, such as hospitals, churches, health departments and social service groups.

Learn more

Read more about keeping your child healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. Pediatric care at OSF includes OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

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Emily Isom has a resolution for kids and their parents: pledge to keep your hands clean and away from your face to prevent the spread of illness.

Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare, often sees young people biting dirty fingernails and not washing their hands properly. Here’s a primer:

Nail hygiene

Isom says people of all ages should trim their nails regularly. Once a week for fingernails and once or twice a month for toenails is a good rule of thumb. In between trimmings, watch for dirt and other filthy matter caught under the tip of the nail. Some nail clippers come with a scraper tool to remove that debris. But don’t use your mouth to clean your nails.

“Our nails carry so many germs and bacteria. That’s how people keep getting sick and spreading illness,” Isom warns, referring to putting fingernails in your mouth or on your face. You can also chip teeth and get facial warts and pimples from putting nails on your face, she says.

Some people have long nails, either real or artificial. In these cases, use a nail brush to regularly wipe the nails clean. If you’re at work or school and don’t have a brush, wash the nails thoroughly. Lather warm water and soap on the palms of your hands. Take your fingertips and scratch against the palm of the other hand to get the soap in the fingernail. Do that for 20 seconds. Then, pull down the fingertips to the palm of the same hand and massage the soap in further. Put your hands upside down under hot running water to rinse.

Hand washing

Isom says most people concentrate on their palms when hand washing.

“You need to get in between the fingers, underneath the nails, on the back of the hands, rub your knuckles together and scrub your wrists,” Isom says.

After wetting your hands, scrub all those areas in soap for 20 seconds. Find a song that has a 20-second chorus and hum it while you scrub. Then, rinse under warm water, and dry your hands with a clean, dry towel. Isom also suggests wrapping a paper towel around your hand when touching dirty surfaces on your way out of the bathroom. Use the towel to shut off the faucet and open the door, then throw the towel away after you exit.

If a hand dryer is what’s available, run your hands under the warm air until they are completely dry. Resist the urge to dry halfway and walk out. Isom says that may do more harm than good and attract bacteria faster.

“Bacteria want to live on wet surfaces. They’re attracted to moistness,” she points out.

If a soap and sink aren’t available, Isom says to use sanitizer or wipes that are at least 60% alcohol based. The same process applies – lather or wipe all parts of your hand and wrist thoroughly.

If you have a cut or wound on your hand, like a paper cut, wash with care.

“Get a washcloth wet with warm water. Put soap on it. Then, clean around the cut or wound,” Isom says. “Don’t put [soap] directly into the cut. That could really irritate it.”

Convincing kids

Isom is a pediatrics provider and a mother. So, she knows getting kids to wash their hands and mind their nails is easier said than done. Her advice: make it fun.

“When handwashing, sing the ABCs for 20 seconds. Or have them sing to you.” Isom suggests. “Make a chart. Every time they wash their hands, have them put a sticker on the chart. They are going to fall in love with it and want to wash their hands over and over again.”

And remember Simon Says? Isom says it works with her daughter.

“Simon says don’t touch your face,” Isom says with a smirk.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of illnesses on the OSF HealthCare and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

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You’ve likely heard of bronchitis, an illness that impacts the larger lung airways and leaves you feeling short of breath and just generally yucky.

This fall and winter, here’s another respiratory illness with “bronch” in the name to be aware of, especially if you have young kids: bronchiolitis. It’s an ailment that Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, sees often this time of year.

The basics

Dr. Alyami says bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles, or the small airways that branch out in the lungs.

“When they become infected, there is a lot of mucus. It makes it harder to breathe,” Dr. Alyami explains.

Other symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and dehydration. Bronchiolitis is “easily spread,” Dr. Alyami says, through respiratory droplets, like when you cough. The illness is most common in children, especially kids under two. Other high-risk groups include babies born prematurely, with chronic lung disease, with heart disease present at birth and with immune system deficiencies.

“There are also environmental risk factors, like babies who are exposed to smoke and babies who attend day care,” Dr. Alyami adds. Attending day care, he explains, will expose a child to illnesses, no matter how clean the place is.

Cause, diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Alyami says other viruses like influenza and COVID-19 can cause bronchiolitis, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause.

“You need to see a doctor if your baby has trouble breathing at any time,” Dr. Alyami advises. “Or if your baby is younger than three months and they have a fever. Or if they are older than three months and they have a fever for more than three days. Or if the child has signs of dehydration, like if they are making fewer wet diapers than normal.”

Unlike the flu and COVID-19, there is no test for bronchiolitis. But, a health care provider may swab your nose anyway to see if you have another virus. Other tests like a chest x-ray may be done. And the provider will also examine you and ask about your health history to come up with a diagnosis.

Treatment involves making you feel comfortable until symptoms resolve.

“One of the most important things is nose suction as needed,” Dr. Alyami says. “When we suction the nose and keep it clean, it’s easier to breathe.”

A bulb suction is the most common device to do this. When you’re really stuffed up, you can use nasal spray or drops to make the secretion thinner. Then, use the suction. You can also use a humidifier if your home’s air is dry. Dr. Alyami says these devices and medicines are widely available in retail stores.

You can treat the fever with over-the-counter medication. Drink fluids to stay hydrated.

“Typically, day three to day five are the peak of symptoms,” Dr. Alyami says. “After five days, they start to improve. Symptoms can last seven to 14 days. And typically, the cough lingers for a little longer.”

In serious cases, your child may have low oxygen and need to be admitted to the hospital. There, doctors will use an oxygen tube inserted into the nostrils to help breathing. In rare cases, a doctor will put a breathing tube down the child’s throat.

Prevention

Want your child to avoid all this? Preach healthy habits, especially in fall and winter when respiratory illnesses peak. Wash your hands thoroughly. Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. If you’re sick, stay away from others.

Dr. Alyami adds that since RSV is the main cause of bronchiolitis, you should look into the RSV vaccine. This cold weather season, the vaccine is available for certain groups, like older adults, infants and pregnant women. Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions.

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With temperatures cooling, Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says we’re approaching the peak season for sore throats. Many cases have time-tested treatments, but some can have serious complications.

Dr. Alyami says a sore throat is an infection that causes inflammation in your throat. They’re annoying and painful, bringing symptoms like difficulty swallowing or talking and swelling of glands and tonsils. Causes can include tonsil stones, heartburn and allergies. But most commonly, causes break down into two groups: viral and bacterial.

Viral infections

Dr. Alyami says many viruses can cause sore throats – the common cold, influenza, coronavirus and others. Dr. Alyami says if your sore throat comes with coughing or a runny nose, that’s a sign it’s a viral infection. You can start treatment at home with over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol and ibuprofen. You can also gargle salt water and, generally, stay hydrated. Water is good for all ages, and Pedialyte can help hydrate kids.

If your symptoms include fever and neck swelling, it’s a more serious situation. You should see a health care provider.

Bacterial infections

The main bacterial infection that causes sore throats is group A streptococcus (commonly known as strep or strep throat). Strep throat may bring the hallmark sore throat symptoms, but you should also watch for fever and white patches toward the back of your mouth.

“This is a bacterial infection that’s common in kids,” Dr. Alyami says of strep throat.  “About 30% of sore throats are strep, and about 70% are viral. It’s a big deal. We need to treat to prevent complications.”

The most common complication is dehydration, Dr. Alyami says.

“The sore throat is so bad, the child doesn’t want to eat or drink,” he explains.

Other times, untreated strep throat can lead to abscesses, or pus pockets.

“If that abscess gets big enough, it can go toward other structures in the body that are very important. That infection can spread and progress very quickly,” Dr. Alyami says. Life-threatening conditions like difficulty breathing can result.

Dr. Alyami says providers can diagnose strep throat with a throat swab. They treat strep throat with 10 days of antibiotic medication, either injected or taken orally. He says most kids will take the medicine orally unless that’s troublesome. For example, some kids have a tough time swallowing pills due to throat pain.

Prevention

It’s advice you’ve heard before, but it’s worth repeating. Dr. Alyami says good hand hygiene goes a long way to preventing sore throats. Wash your hands thoroughly, and keep them away from your face.

Early detection is also key.

“If the child is sick, especially with symptoms that could be strep, it’s better to get them to a health care professional early,” Dr. Alyami implores. “They can get checked and isolated for 12 to 24 hours before they start antibiotics.

“If you’re sure about what they have, it’s better to just bring them in and get them checked,” he adds. Or, a virtual visit is an option.

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Heart rate and blood pressure changes are expected during cardiac rehab, too.

“The top number in a blood pressure reading is your systolic blood pressure. That’s when your heart is beating. It’s the pressure up against the arteries. We want that at 90 to 120,” Herman explains. “The lower number is when your heart is resting. It’s called diastole or diastolic. We want that at 60 to 80.

“If we see elevated blood pressure, we’re going to talk with the person about their salt intake, their diet overall and their exercise,” Herman adds. “If we continually see the blood pressure going higher, we’re going to communicate with the doctor. The doctor may need to add medication. And we want to make sure the person is compliant with the medication.”

If a person’s blood pressure is low, Herman says the care team will ask, among other things, if they’re drinking enough water and if they took too much of their blood pressure medication. Or, Herman says, the person might need to go off their medication.

Bob’s outlook

Weaver jokes that his diet consists of a lot of chicken and vegetables these days. But he’ll take it if it means a new lease on life.

“I sleep better. I can do activities longer before I get winded. Things like yard work or just walking. Minimal things you’d think anybody could do. But after a while, I got winded. Now it’s a lot easier to do it longer and faster,” Weaver says.

“You think about your family. You want to be around more than 62 years,” he adds. “I went to the gym on a lot of days right after work. They weren’t necessarily the same days I had rehab. So I was able to double up the workouts.”

He's telling others to stick with their recovery plan, research your family history and know the symptoms of a heart event. For Weaver, that was a father who had heart disease, coupled with his own chest pain and weakness back in October.

“Just keep at it. If I can do it, anybody can do it,” he says.

Learn more

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

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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.

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Spring allergies will be here soon. If you’re suffering from a runny or congested nose, watery or itchy eyes or sneezing, it’s tempting to grab the first medicine that catches your eye at the pharmacy or rifle through the bathroom drawer for some pills you’re hanging on to.

Not so fast, says Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall. She says it’s important to know what to take and when in order to avoid side effects that can be serious.

What to take

Draper says an antihistamine like Astepro, Zyrtec, Allegra or Benadryl is a typical first line of defense.

“There are also decongestants for severe nasal congestion or sinus pain and pressure,” Draper adds. Sudafed is a well-known decongestant.

If a more severe case brings symptoms like face swelling or wheezing, Draper says treatment could be a steroid like Flonase or prednisone.

For more chronic (in other words, long term) allergy cases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says a provider may recommend immunotherapy to build up a tolerance. This could be an injection or a tablet under the tongue.

Misuse

It may not seem like over the counter allergy medications are ripe for misuse, but it can happen.

Draper says antihistamines, especially Benadryl, can make you drowsy. If you take too much or take it at the wrong time, you could, for example, find yourself sleepy behind the wheel. Or your attentiveness at work or school could suffer.

On the flip side, Draper says Sudafed can make you jittery, irritable or cause heart palpitations (the feeling of an irregular heartbeat). This could be a big issue, she says, for people with a heart condition.

“We want to avoid nasal sprays for people with nasal trauma. Things like a deviated septum or nasal sores,” Draper adds. “Putting something up the nose could cause further tissue damage.”

Draper says to take medication as directed by your provider. Or if it’s over the counter, follow the label instructions. She says these medications typically take a couple days to start working. So don’t be tempted to take an extra dose if you’re not seeing relief right away.

Think of the children! (and seniors)

Children and seniors may be more impacted by the side effects of allergy medications. An older adult who takes Benadryl, for example, may be drowsy to the point that they fall and suffer a serious injury.

So, Draper says providers will typically start with an antihistamine that doesn’t make you super drowsy. She says Zyrtec is approved for ages six months and up, and that’s often where providers will start.

“Any antihistamine label is going to tell you to consult your provider for use under the age of two,” Draper says. “So you’ll need to be seen by a provider or your pediatrician.” This could be a virtual visit or a message to your provider in your patient portal.

Plan ahead

Draper says knowing your allergy triggers and acting accordingly is key to avoiding unpleasant symptoms. For example, you know grass clippings will cause an allergic reaction, but you have no choice but to mow the lawn.

“Primary care providers and allergists typically recommend starting the medication prior to exposure,” Draper explains. “If you know you’re going to be outside on that windy, dry day to mow, start the antihistamine a couple days prior so it can fully take effect.”

If you can’t get a handle on a known allergy, or if you have unexpected allergy symptoms, Draper says it’s never a bad idea to go to an urgent care.

Or if you find yourself looking for an over the counter medication option: “Just ask the pharmacist,” Draper suggests. “They’ll give you recommendations.

“There’s usually a specific aisle for allergies,” she adds. “Find the right antihistamine. Flonase is another big one we see people use.”

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Breathe in fresh air

Humans are well-equipped to bounce back from most cases of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV and the flu. But in some cases, the impact on your lungs can be long-lasting, leading to chronic symptoms like difficulty breathing, fatigue or brain fog. You can also be at a higher risk for a blood clot or infection in your lungs.

“There’s damage to the lungs in the form of cellular damage, as well as immune system dysregulation and prolonged inflammation,” says Yiran Gong, MD, a pulmonologist at OSF HealthCare. “These can be the drivers of post-COVID syndrome, or extensive and persistent symptoms after the resolution of the viral illness.”

Dr. Gong admits the outlook can be daunting. But health care providers have several ways to attack the problem.

Pulmonary rehabilitation involves breathing exercises to “retrain your body on how to breathe,” Dr. Gong says. For people with post COVID-asthma, a provider may prescribe an inhaler to reduce inflammation in the lungs’ small airways.

“There are medications to slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis [scarring]. However, these medications have not really been researched for COVID specifically just because of how short of a time COVID has been around,” Dr. Gong says. “People who do have extensive lung scarring will require referral to a transplant center.”

Staying on top of your health, such as being up to date on vaccines and practicing good hygiene (like washing your hands thoroughly and often), is a good way to avoid the illnesses that cause lung issues. But if you are dealing with chronic lung symptoms, Dr. Gong says you shouldn’t lose hope.

“See a physician. Make sure there’s not an underlying cause that hasn’t been treated,” he says. “Then you’ll work on optimizing lung function. Take it one step at a time.”

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

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For mom

Anderson says it’s no problem for pregnant women to have onions in their diet.

“They are very rich in antioxidants. That’s something we don’t get a lot of. They’re really high in vitamin C,” Anderson says. “They have fiber, magnesium and potassium. Fiber and magnesium help with digestion, and magnesium helps with cramps. Potassium is really good for blood circulation and blood pressure.”

But, there are the usual precautions. When adding raw onions to a meal (a salad, for example), wash them to remove any bacteria. And don’t overindulge. For example, don’t have a greasy, processed cheeseburger as an excuse to get your daily onion intake.

“Onions are a high FODMAP food, which means there are carbohydrates that are harder for some people to digest,” Anderson adds, noting that a woman’s digestive system changes a lot when carrying a baby. “So if you have a sensitive digestive system, onions could cause bloating. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, onions can make that flare up. Cooking onions helps break down some of those carbohydrates and aids digestion.”

For baby

Infants should consume breastmilk or formula exclusively for at least the first six months, Anderson reminds. But after that, introducing onions is like introducing any other food: Slow and steady wins the race.

One option: Sauté some onions to soften them, cut the food into small pieces to prevent choking then work the onions into the store-bought baby food.

“Make it easy for baby to chew. They’ve never had to do that before,” Anderson points out. “It’s good to let them learn how to chew, but we need to make sure the foods are easy to chew.

“Onions help develop a baby’s palette,” Anderson adds of the benefits of the vegetable. “Experts are finding that introducing strong flavors like that can prevent picky eating in the future.”

Precautions and warning signs to know: If the baby is extra fussy or gassy or has an allergic reaction like a rash or diarrhea, take the onions out of the diet and see if that improves things. See a health care provider if symptoms don’t improve.

Myth vs. fact

Do a web search for “babies and onions,” and you’ll find a lot of claims.

• Can onions help with colic, a condition where a healthy baby cries for a long time? Not so fast, Anderson says. In fact, onion-induced gassiness could make the baby even more fussy.
   
• Some say putting an onion in my baby’s crib or sock or giving them onion water can help with baby’s health. 
  
  “It’s supposed to draw out toxins,” Anderson says, repeating what she calls an “old wives’ tale.”
  
  But, Anderson says science doesn’t back the claims up. In fact, onions can irritate a child’s skin and eyes.
   
• Can eating onions help with teething, when the baby’s teeth emerge? There’s actually some truth to this one, Anderson says. To try it, skip other types and focus on green onions. Let the food cool in the refrigerator before giving it to the little one.
  
  “It’s teaching them to bring things to their mouth and chew. It’s a food that’s cool and not super hard. As they chew, it will break down. But it’s not going to disintegrate in the mouth,” Anderson says.
  
  All this can help with pain and inflammation, Anderson says. Just watch your youngster at all times while chewing.

Learn more

Read more about how to have a successful pregnancy and birth on the OSF HealthCare website. The health system or social service agency near you may also offer classes to master baby feeding.

Interview clips

Related stories

Infant nutrition misconceptions
The first few weeks
Back to work
Chow down, new moms!

We're talking about head lice, something seen often in doctor's offices. 

The good news for parents: in most cases, your child doesn't have to miss school and can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. 

Lice typically spread when you share objects like a comb or hat or when you have head-to-head contact with someone. 

Itchiness is the primary symptom, and the infestation usually lasts seven to ten days. 

You can take your child to their pediatrician if you feel it's needed. 

But for a mild first case of lice, over-the-counter products at home, like the Nix® or Rid® treatment kits, may do the trick. 

To prevent lice from coming back, keeping a clean home goes a long way, says Emily Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare. 

“Spray the couches, bedding and floors with sprays that are for lic. You have to vaccuum,” Isom says. “You have to bag every stuffed animal for at least two weeks to suffocate the lice. Take the sheets off the bed every day and dry them on high heat until you know the lice are gone.”

Isom suggests checking with your child's school to see how it handles lice. Also, look at your kid's scalp often to catch lice early.

Video Version With Chyrons

Video Version Without Chyrons

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

• Breastfeeding takes up more of my time than formula feeding.

Choosing formula over breastfeeding is accepted, Anderson says. But she hears some moms do it for the wrong reason: they think it’s quicker, and they can even hand off baby to be fed while they catch up on shut eye.

Anderson counters: Studies have shown that breastfeeding moms get more sleep than formula feeding moms.

“You’re getting up, making the bottle and cleaning the bottle. Instead of being out of bed for 15 to 20 minutes [to breastfeed], you’re out of bed for 45 to 50 minutes. You try to go back to sleep, and baby is up again,” Anderson says.

• Breast milk doesn’t keep a baby full.
  
  It’s “complete nutrition,” Anderson says. Breast milk may be easily digestible, but that’s a benefit, not a problem.
   
• Switching formulas is OK.
  
  Anderson recalls the 2022 formula shortage in the United States, leaving some parents scrambling to find more of the formula that works.
  
  “Switching formulas can actually upset the baby’s digestive system,” Anderson warns. “All formulas, while safe, are different. Some are lower lactose. Some are dairy free. If we’re switching because we’re trying to find formula, that can mess up their gut flora, potentially for life.”
  
  If you run out of formula, talk to a health care provider about what to do.
   
• Formula is safer than breastfeeding.
  
  Some formula is ready to drink out of the package. Others need some work. You should follow the formula’s sterilization instructions to ensure you’re killing any bacteria. The United States Centers for Disease Control And Prevention says cronobacter infection is one possibility. These are “rare but serious,” the CDC says, and could result in death. If your baby becomes sick, take them to a provider right away. Lethargy, fever, excessive crying and poor feeding are common symptoms to watch for.

“If you’re breastfeeding, there’s not a lot of chances for that cross-contamination,” Anderson says. “If you’re outside in the garden and messy and sweaty, you can still breastfeed.”

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

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

• I shouldn’t breastfeed when I’m sick.
  
  If you’re very sick, focus on rest and recovery. And if you have certain conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or herpes with open lesions, don’t breastfeed. But otherwise, experts say it’s OK. You’ll pass antibodies to your baby.
  
  To put it another way: “Breast milk is like the first vaccine,” Anderson says.
  
  “There’s also this cool backwash effect. When your baby is at the breast, their saliva communicates with your body,” she adds. “If your baby starts to show signs of what you are sick with, your body ramps up and says ‘my baby needs extra of this’. The communication is amazing.”
   
• Breastfeeding can prevent future pregnancies.
  
  Long-term, it doesn’t impact your fertility, Anderson says.
  
  But short-term, she says prolactin, the hormone needed to make milk, suppresses ovulation.
  
  “[Prolactin] peaks at night. So if you miss night feedings, you’re potentially allowing ovulation to start again,” Anderson explains.
  
  “Is breastfeeding 100% prevention of future pregnancies? No. But exclusive breastfeeding can really delay your period and ovulation for as long as you exclusively breastfeed,” Anderson adds. “As baby gets older and you breastfeed less, you may notice your cycle comes back. Once you stop breastfeeding [entirely], your body really does go back to normal.”
   
• Societal norms say I shouldn’t breastfeed past a certain age.
  
  It’s a topic that sometimes makes its way to daytime talk shows, drawing side eyes from other moms. Should you stop breastfeeding after a year or two? Or is it OK to breastfeed until the child is three, four or five?
  
  Anderson admits it’s a hot debate, even a stigma. She says in the United States, breastfeeding up to six to 12 months is most common. But the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding up to age two and longer. Either way, Anderson says breastfeeding for a long time doesn’t present health concerns for mom or the child.
  
  “There’s really no cutoff. It really depends on what works for you and your family. I have a lot of moms that hit 18 months and are ready to be done. And that’s OK. Your baby has made it past those 12 months where it’s necessary to have breast milk,” if you’re choosing to breastfeed, Anderson says.

“Mom is the boss always,” she adds.

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

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

It can cause panic for parents, but it doesn’t have to.

Emily Isom is talking about head lice, something she sees often as a mother and a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare.

The good news for parents: in most cases, your child doesn’t have to miss school and can be treated with over-the-counter remedies.

Lice basics

Isom says lice (the singular form is louse) are tiny insects that sit on your scalp. They typically spread when you share objects like a comb or hat or when you have head-to-head contact with someone. Itchiness is the primary symptom, and the infestation usually lasts seven to 10 days.

“If someone ignores it, it can lead to infections and open sores,” Isom warns. “The insects are going to keep biting the same spot, and the person is going to keep scratching the spot.”

The lice can also lay eggs and multiply, Isom says.

Isom suggests parents and teachers be vigilant about lice. Check your child when they get home from school or anytime you notice they are scratching their head excessively. Use a fine-toothed comb and a magnifying glass to look for sores, bleeding, pus and the insects themselves or their eggs. The eggs are called nits and are white in color.

“For girls with long hair, it can take a long time,” Isom says with a smirk. “Start at the scalp and go down to get the nits and lice onto the comb. Clean the comb, and go back through another section.”

Treatment and prevention

You can take your child to their pediatrician if you feel it’s needed. But for a mild first case of lice, Isom says over-the-counter products at home, like the Nix® or Rid® treatment kits, may do the trick. If your child isn’t getting better, has a repeat infection or has significant symptoms, definitely talk to your pediatrician or an urgent care. They may advise a virtual visit so lice don’t spread. Isom says she often sees doctors prescribe Natroba™, a shampoo that kills lice.

For prevention, keeping a clean home goes a long way.

If you already have a case of lice in your home: “Spray the couches, bedding and floors with sprays that are for lice. You have to vacuum. You have to bag every stuffed animal for at least two weeks to suffocate the lice. Take the sheets off the bed every day and dry them on high heat until you know the lice are gone,” Isom says. Stray clothing should also be dried on high heat.

All that work may lead you to believe that kids with lice should be isolated for a while. Not so, Isom says.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says if a child has lice, they don’t need to leave school early. Once they start treatment, they can return to school. Isom suggests checking with your child’s school to see how it handles lice.

Misconceptions

There’s a lot people get wrong about lice, Isom says.

• They’re the result of poor hygiene.
  
  Isom says that can play a role, and she recommends you wash your hair daily (Fairy Tales is a good shampoo brand for kids, she says.) But, Isom says anyone can get lice.
  
  “Dirty hair or clean hair. Lice can go to both,” she says. “But if you have dirty hair, lice won’t like that. With clean hair, there are no oils and buildups of hair products. The lice can more easily attach themselves.”
   
• Lice can jump from person to person.
  
  No, they typically spread from sharing items or close contact.
   
• I need to call an exterminator.
  
  Not needed, Isom says. A thorough clean of your home should be fine.
   
• I heard that an at-home remedy like an essential oil will work.
  
  “Stick to what’s proven,” Isom says, referring to over-the-counter or prescription products. She’s even heard of some people putting flammable material in their hair, an obvious risk for a fire.
   
• Lice carry diseases.
  
  Isom reiterates that constant scratching can lead to wounds and infections. But she says lice are not like the flu or COVID-19.
  
  “It’s a pest,” she says.

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Lavender Zarraga, APRN, a behavioral health provider at OSF HealthCare, says it’s not uncommon for her patients to ask for a medication that isn’t the right fit.

The culprit? She says symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can overlap. So, it’s important to stay in contact with your provider to make sure you’re on the best treatment plan.

On depression mimicking ADHD: “You have changed executive functioning. You can’t decide. You feel dull. You can’t concentrate,” Zarraga says. “You have a hard time learning new things. You can’t remember things or forget things easily. Attention and concentration are low. You think ‘Why am I processing everything so slow?.’”

Zarraga adds that she’s seen people with depression take prescribed medicine and feel better, but then residual symptoms that mimic ADHD creep in. And, she says, ADHD can seem like bipolar disorder.

“If you start somebody on an antidepressant and they have an underlying bipolar disorder that they have not been diagnosed with, that can trigger mood symptoms. It could potentially trigger mania [a high energy period where high-risk behaviors can occur],” Zarraga says.

It’s a lot to sort out, and it may make the person feel like they have a whole new set of problems.

“Talk to a provider. See what’s going on,” Zarraga says to people in that situation, noting that kids should not have to carry these issues into adulthood.

“There’s a lot of talking involved,” she adds. “Let’s start from the beginning. Let’s go back to your childhood. How were you doing then? And we relate that to how you are now.”

From there, Zarraga says treatment could include more counseling or different medication. She says medicine for children is more straightforward. But for adults, a provider will make sure the pill isn’t impacting the rest of the person’s body.

There are also science-backed written tests that can help diagnose someone with ADHD. Questions along the lines of: Can you sit still in class? Does your mind wander all the time?

And a word for caregivers, friends and family members: watch for symptoms of these disorders in your loved ones and have a conversation, if needed. Don’t ignore things, Zarraga says.

“There’s nothing wrong with just talking about it. It’s not going to hurt anybody to discuss it,” she says, noting that society is now more accepting of mental health issues.

Signs to watch for in your close companion: irritability, aggression, anxiety and trouble sleeping. If you or someone you know needs to talk to a professional quickly, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is 9-8-8. And the OSF HealthCare website lists other resources.

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Summer may be winding down, but health care providers want you to know that heat rash can happen year-round. Luckily, most cases resolve on their own with simple steps.

Maddy Draper, APRN, a provider at OSF OnCall, says heat rash (also called sweat rash or prickly heat) usually occurs in a hot or humid setting. This could be the summer heat or a year-round activity like the sauna or gym. Or, Draper says, using certain things on your skin – like bandages, medicine patches or thick lotion – can contribute. Either way, the result is clogged ducts trapping sweat under the skin, leading to a rash.

“It’s either raised, red bumps or blisters filled with clear fluid or pus,” Draper explains.

Draper adds that heat rash is more common in infants and young kids, but it can affect all ages. She says providers typically see the rash on a person’s midsection – front and back. It can also crop up on your arms and legs, especially where patches of skin come together, like your armpit. Sometimes the rash will be itchy.

“There’s no cure for it. It’s just getting back into a normal, less hot environment. Wear less clothing. Get the sweat off your body,” Draper says.

Don’t pop the blisters, as that can lead to a bacterial infection. Don’t use rubbing alcohol or peroxide on the rash, and don’t scratch the itch.

In other words: “Just leave it alone,” Draper says, and most cases will resolve in a few hours.

When to see a health care provider? If you develop a fever, if the rash persists for a couple days or if it looks different (such as red streaks up your arm), visit your local urgent care. In rare cases, blocked ducts can cause sweat glands to stop working. That makes it harder for the body to cool itself, and you can be prone to overheating.

Heat rash prevention involves many of the “hot environment” safety tips you’ve heard before.

“Stay in cooler environments,” Draper advises. “Everyone likes to be outside in the warmth, but try not to prolong those exposures. If you feel symptoms [of heat illness], come inside and cool off.”

During those breaks, drink water or a sports drink, wipe off sweat and change out of damp clothes. Also, remove bandages or patches when doing something that makes you sweat.

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

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

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

The benefits

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

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

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

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

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

Get involved

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

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

Interview clips - Cathy Bott

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J.T. Barnhart, president of OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois, will be interim president at OSF Sacred Heart in addition to his role at OSF Heart of Mary. Barnhart has led OSF Heart of Mary since February 2023. OSF HealthCare leaders will evaluate candidates for the next permanent president at OSF Sacred Heart.

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

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

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

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

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

Narcan basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue lips are another sign, Marsh says.

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

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

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

What you should know

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

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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

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At OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, a team of OB/GYNs and certified nurse midwives from Advanced Women’s Healthcare will see patients for well-woman, prenatal and postpartum care at the medical office building on the OSF Heart of Mary campus (1405 W. Park St.). This is in addition to the existing team at the clinic, including nurse midwife Kelli Daugherty, APRN, who sees patients in Urbana and Danville.

Dele Ogunleye, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist, and Brittany King, APRN, will see patients initially, with three other certified nurse midwives (Lindsay Bustle, CNM, Laura Muehling, CNM, and Lilly Ott, CNM) joining the team in the coming weeks.

Clinics with Advanced Women’s Healthcare providers and OSF Mission Partners (employees) will also serve patients in Forsyth (845 US Route 51), with an expected opening in February, and in Lincoln (602 Woodlawn Road), with an expected opening in April.

“This new select service offering is in alignment with OSF’s long-standing tradition of helping women access high-quality, compassionate clinical care where they need it,” said Jennifer Ulrich, interim president of OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. “Our relationship and all services offered in our hospitals and clinics align with our OSF Mission, Values and our ethical commitments as a Catholic health care ministry and ensure holistic and caring obstetrics care for all women in the area communities.”

Services at OSF Medical Group – Obstetrics & Gynecology will include typical care offerings at OSF HealthCare locations, such as well-woman visits, prenatal and postpartum care, pelvic floor disorder treatments and general gynecologic care.

“We continue to see a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists across the nation. This model of midwife care is an answer, allowing for a superior patient experience with more time for each woman,” said Dr. Ogunleye. “We are pleased to collaborate with OSF to expand this service.”

The expanded clinic serving the Champaign-Urbana area is expected to begin February 12. Hours will be Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“OSF HealthCare remains committed to women’s health,” said J.T. Barnhart, president of OSF Heart of Mary. “We know mothers want quick answers about their care, and this new collaboration allows well-educated midwives to form trusted relationships with the women they serve.”

People interested in an appointment can call:

Urbana: 217-337-2010
Forsyth: 217-443-5697
Lincoln: 217-828-6111

B-roll

In the 2023 State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden renewed a call to cap the price of insulin for people with diabetes.

Five days later, the condition got nationwide attention again when singer Nick Jonas, a type 1 diabetic, starred in a Super Bowl commercial promoting a product that monitors your glucose level.

And a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted a rapid rise in cases of diabetes in young people over the next few decades.

It’s a good thing that influencers and medical professionals continue to preach diabetes awareness, says Uche Allanah, MD, an internal medicine physician with OSF HealthCare. That’s because if undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can be fatal.

“It’s alarming,” Dr. Allanah says, referring to the number of patients she sees with symptoms or precursors of diabetes.

Prediabetes vs. diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder that affects how your body uses blood sugar, from which our blood cells get energy. Type 1 diabetes is when an autoimmune reaction stops your body from making insulin. Without insulin, blood sugar cannot move out of your bloodstream and into cells. With Type 2, your body still produces insulin but doesn’t use it efficiently. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women. Diabetes symptoms include increased urination, increased thirst, increased hunger and unexplained weight loss.

Dr. Allanah says prediabetes describes when you are at risk for diabetes because your blood sugar is higher than normal. She says a blood test is necessary to diagnose prediabetes because you don’t present with symptoms. In fact, the American Medical Association says of the one in three U.S. adults with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it.

“It’s important to identify prediabetes because you can stall the development of diabetes and actually prevent a patient from becoming diabetic,” Dr. Allanah says.

Risk factors for prediabetes include obesity, sleep apnea and polycystic ovary syndrome in women. Providers also look at a person’s family history of the disease, and Dr. Allanah says certain groups -- African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, Asian Americans and American Indians -- are at higher risk.

Dr. Allanah advises everyone to have regular checkups with their primary care provider to keep an eye on the risk factors you can control. Also, practice healthy habits from a young age.

“Eat right. Avoid processed food,” Dr. Allanah advises. “Exercise. A lot of people are sedentary, especially due to the pandemic. People who went to the gym no longer workout. Even now that the stay-at-home orders have been lifted, some people are just not back into their previous lifestyle.”

Dr. Allanah also says a prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis is a lot to handle. Some people may have to learn to safely give themselves shots. Others may have to constantly watch for low blood sugar to avoid fainting. Providers realize this and will be there to answer questions. But Dr. Allanah says it’s not uncommon for someone to see a mental health provider to talk about the emotional toll of the diagnosis.

Learn more

Learn more about diabetes care on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

“Our team is pleased to announce this return to the community,” said Ned Hill, president, OSF Sacred Heart. “We are committed to providing exceptional patient care and know the challenges our young families have experienced throughout the last few months. We are so appreciative of their patience with us.”

While the birthing unit at OSF Sacred Heart will reopen in September, outpatient prenatal care, post-partum care, general women’s health and pediatric services will continue at OSF Sacred Heart and OSF Medical Group in Danville.

“Similar to the rest of the country, staffing has been our biggest challenge. Until we were able to ensure each mother, child and family who needed us was able to have our undivided attention and a care plan that is customized to their precise wishes, we needed to transfer care to Urbana,” said Hill. “Now that we have new providers and a plan to care for our youngest patients and their parents, we are ready to resume services for obstetrics and newborn care in Danville.” 

In addition, more digital tools will now be used in Danville supplement in-person care.

OSF HealthCare will offer a hybrid model of in-person visits and digital tools for women who prefer to take advantage of some virtual offerings, whether to help busy patients with scheduling conflicts or transportation concerns. For example, OSF could offer a virtual visit for every other visit throughout a healthy pregnancy.

“We want to be where our patients need us, and OSF HealthCare is committed to offering digital services to supplement our in-person care,” Hill said. “Our remote patient monitoring program for prenatal and postpartum care is available to complement your visits to a doctor’s office, with on-demand learning based on where a woman is in her pregnancy.”

In addition, OSF lactation experts offer virtual lactation assistance to any woman, regardless of geographic location.

As a part of this reopening at OSF Sacred Heart, OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois, will soon submit applications with the appropriate state and regulatory approvals to discontinue obstetrical care.

This decision was based on a number of factors, including access to care, travel time to hospitals and vulnerable populations. These factors combined with staffing challenges and the ability to recruit led to this decision.

The Blessed Beginnings Birthing Center at OSF Heart of Mary will transition all labor and delivery care to either OSF Sacred Heart in Danville or OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Illinois. This transition will also take place in September, although the exact timing is yet to be determined.

After September 2023, patients who are currently patients of OSF Medical Group – Obstetrics and Gynecology in Urbana will be referred to OSF Medical Group - Primary Care in Champaign, Illinois, or our Danville OB/GYN location.

OSF HealthCare will continue its commitment to overall women’s health through a variety of services including, but not limited to, regular well-woman annual visits, mammograms and general gynecology services, as well as bone density and wellness screenings at OSF Medical Group – Primary Care offices in the Champaign area.

For more information on the birthing center at OSF Sacred Heart, please call 217-443-5000. If patients have other questions, OSF Medical Group teams are available: 217-337-2010 (Champaign-Urbana) or 217-477-4718 (Danville).

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Cancer care doesn’t make anyone’s list of “things I want to do.”

But for patients at the OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center in Danville, Illinois, visits will soon be more comfortable and streamlined thanks to $750,000 worth of interior renovations.

Phase two of the cancer center expansion project started in December and will continue for around five months. Patient care will continue while work is underway.

“Everybody’s excited,” said Judi Miles, patient care manager of medical oncology and radiation oncology at the center.

“We’ve been planning this for quite some time. It brings some hope to everything here. It shows we’re here to stay, and we’re going to take care of our patients,” Miles added.

Phase two expansion upgrades include:

• Increasing the number of exam rooms from two to five. One room will be larger to accommodate bariatric patients and people who have trouble getting around. Each room will have new furniture and equipment, sliding doors and touch screen wall monitors.

“The monitors will be an interactive tool that we can use to show patients 3D anatomy. We can resource information from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute,” said Miles. “It’s as simple as putting in their email, then we can send information to them. A lot of companies don’t print booklets anymore.”

“The digital board makes the process more comprehensive. It makes it more easily understandable to patients,” said JoMel Labayog, MD, oncologist and medical director at the cancer center. “You can just tell patients. But it’s different when you see where your cancer is, how it’s responding to treatment and what the plan is. Visual stimulation is always the best.”

• The patient discharge room will also be renovated and moved from the back of the building to the front to allow for better flow and more privacy.
• Cancer center Mission Partners (employees) will have new and improved workstations.
• Three private bays for infusion therapy will be walled off by doors instead of curtains for increased privacy.

“Some people like to be around others and share stories during treatment,” said Dr. Labayog. “But we have the private bays for people who are more confined and want their loved ones to be with them.”

The cancer center is also aggressively recruiting another physician to get the most out of these phase two improvements, which are funded by community donations.

Phase one of the cancer center expansion saw installation of a state-of-the-art linear accelerator for radiation treatment in March 2022. Phase three is planned for three to four years down the road. OSF HealthCare leaders hope to expand the cancer center’s physical footprint to offer new services and amenities, such as visiting oncologists, an education room, pastoral care and physical therapy. People interested in contributing to the phase three improvements should contact the OSF HealthCare Foundation.

“When people come here, they know we’re comprehensive. We’re compassionate. We’re professional. We have the facilities that can accommodate care for most diseases,” said Dr. Labayog. “So, not only do the patients feel comfortable, but the family feels confident that their loved ones are taken care of.”

The OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center is on the campus of OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. It sees 40 to 50 patients daily, providing critical care close to home. The cancer center is named for Bobette Steely Hegeler, the wife of Danville philanthropist Julius W. Hegeler II. Bobette Hegeler battled cancer before passing away in 1976. Julius Hegeler died in 2019, and his foundation continue to support local causes, including OSF HealthCare.

Interview clips - Judi Miles

Interview clips - Dr. JoMel Labayog

B-roll - OSF Hegeler Cancer Center and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center

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

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

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

What is cholesterol?

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

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

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

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

Be proactive at all ages

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

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

What you should think about daily: a healthy lifestyle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The consequences

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

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

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

Interview Clips

Previous coverage

What you can eat can help improve your cholesterol

The good and bad about cholesterol

Just call Steve Bugelli and Brad Zorns two peas in a pod.

The men walk in to OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, Illinois, together and make a beeline for the cardiac rehabilitation gym.

After a vitals check, Zorns, of Oakwood, Illinois, hops on a treadmill. Bugelli, of nearby Westville, steps onto an elliptical.

“You good, Brad?” Bugelli asks.

“I’m ready,” Zorns replies.

Ninety minutes and a good sweat later, the strangers-turned-friends walk back out to their cars side-by-side.

Repeat the routine for the other four weekdays, and it’s easy to see why the men have made tremendous strides in recovering from serious cardiac events.

“It's made a difference,” Bugelli says, the conviction in his voice strong. “Right now, I can get up. Before, I was in the scooter. I couldn't get my groceries. I couldn't do anything. Now, I can. I can go in. I can walk.”

“Rehabilitation is great,” Bugelli continues. “The girls work with you. They work with you at your own pace. You're well-monitored. And it's really helped. It changes your lifestyle.”

Cardiac rehab is a typical, but important part of recovering from something like a heart attack, congestive heart failure, open heart surgery or other cardiac event, says Caitlin Hunt, an exercise physiologist at OSF Sacred Heart who helped start the hospital’s cardiac rehab program in 2020. Hunt and her colleagues Brittney Cromwell and Tricia Herman run the program today.

“My angels,” as Zorns refers to the women.

While we think about building up arm and leg muscles at the gym, your heart is a muscle too, and a pretty important one, Hunt says. She explains that cardiac rehab starts as inpatient phase one, when a patient is still in the hospital. It then progresses to outpatient phase two, where patients exercise two to three times per week over a couple months at the rehab gym. Then, patients “graduate” to phase three (also called maintenance program or community fitness). That’s where Bugelli and Zorns find themselves. There, patients chart their own course and come as they see fit.

“What we do is watch their heart rate and make sure it doesn't get up to a certain level for their age,” Hunt says.  “And then as they progress, we just make it a little tougher for them. Increase their speed or increase their [workout] level.”

Herman, a registered nurse, says OSF HealthCare Mission Partners (employees) also educate cardiac rehab patients on things that go along with working out, like nutrition and managing medication.

Herman adds that the mental health benefits mirror the physical ones. Look no further than the friendship of Bugelli and Zorns, who swapped phone numbers early on in their recovery journey.

“I tried to go to gyms before. You just go in there, and all they want is your money,” Zorns says. “They don't care what you do. I had trouble with my heart rate. They didn't monitor any of that stuff. I go and I'd feel worse after I'd come out.”

Not so at cardiac rehab through OSF HealthCare.

 “Some people may not be able to fully walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes where other people do,” Hunt says. “And then they say ‘well, they're doing that so I can do that too.’ They push each other to be better. They know ‘OK, well you're coming tomorrow. OK, I'll come too.’”

“They've already developed, sometimes, friendships in these classes. Or bonds. Because, ‘hey, I have this and you have this.’ They know about each other's families,” Herman says. “It feels so much easier to come into a community to do your fitness program and keep it up.”

Interview Clips - Steve Bugelli and Brad Zorns

Interview Clips - Caitlin Hunt

Interview Clips - Tricia Herman

B-Roll

Shield CU, a partnership between OSF HealthCare and the University of Illinois, is highlighting its efforts to keep east central Illinois safe from COVID-19 through the quick and free administering of tens of thousands of saliva tests.

The university developed the saliva COVID test before the start of the fall 2020 semester. The COVID-19 resources OSF HealthCare also offered to the community proved to be a good match, and the Shield CU partnership was unveiled in March of 2021. As of June 12, Shield CU has conducted 77,703 tests. OSF HealthCare Mission Partners (employees) staffed the community testing sites each day. Nursing students from the U of I and Parkland College also assisted at the sites while obtaining clinical hours. OSF HealthCare was proud to partner with these local stakeholders to serve the community and slow the spread of the virus.

Aside from the general public, multiple school districts and employers used the Shield CU tests. Testers used a smartphone app to track results.

"MTD was grateful to partner with OSF and the U of I to bring a testing site to our employees,” said Karl Gnadt, managing director of the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District. “We were even able to open the testing to employees' household members. OSF Mission Partners made our site easy to manage, and we never had to ask twice for anything."

“The partnership between the University of Illinois and OSF HealthCare has helped to meet the needs of COVID-19 testing for our community members during the pandemic,” said Wanda E. Ward, University of Illinois executive associate chancellor for public engagement. “Our collaborative work has been guided by the university’s land-grant mission of education, scholarship, service and engagement. It is essential we continue to serve as an anchor for the community working toward enhancing overall health. ” 

“In the past couple of years, COVID-19 has put the world and our community to the test,” said Cristina Romero, supervisor of OSF digitally-enabled Community Health Workers. “Even though COVID kept us socially distanced, it has been heartwarming to see our community coming together to find ways to keep everyone safe and to combat the effects of COVID-19 through this program. We are honored that members of the community trusted us to provide them with the greatest care and love throughout this pandemic.”

As previously announced, Shield CU testing sites have closed at the end of June to correspond with the end of state funding. Residents are advised to check with their local public health department or primary care provider for COVID-19 testing options. The federal government also continues to offer free at-home tests. The latest COVID-19 information from OSF HealthCare can be found online.

B-Roll