OSF HealthCare Newsroom

‘It shouldn’t be a barrier to play’

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0500

For the thousands of people who have asthma (a chronic lung disease that impacts your airways), the thought of vigorous exercise may be daunting. They may think, “What if I’m working out alone and find myself short of breath or worse?”

Enter Brittany Delaney, an athletic trainer at OSF HealthCare who works with young athletes on a variety of conditions, including asthma. She says workout warriors and their parents need not be afraid. You can work up a sweat with asthma if you know your body and prepare for possible problems.

“Actually, we like that [people with asthma] exercise a lot because it will help maintain a healthy weight. It also strengthens the lung muscles,” Delaney says.

“It's very important for athletes to know how to manage their symptoms when they’re in sports. That way, we can reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack,” she adds.

Signs to watch for include shortness of breath, hyperventilation (where you breathe fast and deep), dizziness, a rapid pulse, skin changes (such as turning blue) and chest pain or tightness. If those happen, Delaney says to use an inhaler, rest and, if it’s a young person, call their parents. If things don’t get better quickly, call 9-1-1.

Have a plan

Delaney says short bursts of exercise are better for people with asthma. Think of sprinting to first base in a baseball practice rather than jogging a few miles on a cross country course.

Know and avoid your triggers. If it’s a pollen-heavy day, exercise inside. Chlorine can also make asthma worse, Delaney says. So if you’re a person with asthma who swims, be vigilant about symptoms and the amount of time you spend in the pool.

“Cold weather can be a trigger,” Delaney adds. “If you’re running outside and it’s cold, put a scarf over your face to avoid cold air getting deep [into your lungs and irritating them]. Experts also say breathing through the nose rather than the mouth can decrease symptoms.”

Also a must: keep up with medication as directed by your health care provider. For most people with asthma, the first line of defense is that inhaler.

“I see a lot of athletes who carry their inhaler, but are they following directions? Are they only taking their medication when they’re starting to feel symptoms? A lot of people with asthma actually have inflammation daily. They should be taking medication daily," Delaney says.

If you’re working out or competing with others, Delaney suggests giving your inhaler to a designated person, such as a coach or trainer. That way, if you show symptoms, you don’t lose valuable time digging through your bag to find the inhaler.

Lastly, a proper warm up and cool down are key for any athlete to have a successful workout.

“I prefer starting with some light cardio to warm up the muscles. Then, do a dynamic stretch as opposed to a static stretch where you hold the pose for 30 seconds,” Delaney explains. “Dynamic is more active. Your heart rate is getting up. Your lungs are expanding. You’re getting more air in.”

Jumping jacks and lunges are examples of dynamic stretches.

Then, cool down with a light jog and some static stretches.

“Those muscles can’t go from hot to cold in a minute. You need to slow the progression down,” Delaney says.

Learn more

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

Interview clips

A vitamin D-lightful summer

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Summer is a time to soak up the sun. Sun rays are a primary source of vitamin D, an important tool for our body. Should you be concerned that you’re getting too much or too little vitamin D? Experts say if you know your body and take the usual sun precautions, you should have a worry-free summer.

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.

Interview clips

Stay safe on the water, part one

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:30:00 -0500

Author's note: this is part one of a two part story on outdoor water safety. Click here for part two.

Warmer weather means people flocking to lakes and rivers in droves to enjoy some fishing or time on the boat. But something as simple as the wrong type of footwear can lead to an injury that ruins your day and maybe even your life.

In 2023, the United States Coast Guard reported 3,844 instances of something going wrong on a boat and 564 boating deaths. The numbers were down from 2022 and don’t capture what’s happening on every waterway in America. But they’re still worth paying attention to.

Bethany Huelskoetter, APRN, a family medicine provider at OSF HealthCare, knows a thing or two in this area of medicine, having treated patients for outdoor injuries for years, plus spending leisure time on the water.

Entanglements in boat engines: Contacting the parts under the boat can lead to traumatic injuries and even limb loss. Huelskoetter has heard of instances where a boat driver unknowingly backs up into a swimmer’s midsection.

“Make people aware of where the motor is, and tell them not to swim there,” Huelskoetter says. “Don’t put your feet on the boat’s propellor. It can be sharp and injure you. And if the driver is going to move the boat, they should know where everyone is.”
Head injuries: Diving into water where you don’t know the depth is a big no. There can also be objects like logs, Huelskoetter says.

“People can go down and not come back up,” Huelskoetter warns. “They hit their head, and it knocks them unconscious. And maybe there’s a current underwater that they’re unable to fight.”
Slip and falls: Wet surfaces, like a dock or the back of a boat, make you prone to falls. First, Huelskoetter says to enter the boat in the right spot. That’s usually the back or the side. Don’t try to hop over a tall railing, for example. Second, find a good non-slip footwear that works for you. That could be a sandal or a specialized boat shoe. Huelskoetter says going barefoot can be OK, too, if you watch where you walk. Look for sharp objects, and avoid long contact with hot surfaces.

The buddy system: Try to boat or fish with someone. They can help you if you have an emergency. If you’re alone, let people know your plans. Then if you’re not back when you planned to be, they can alert law enforcement to look for you.
Fish hook impalements: It’s a tiny object. How bad can it be?

Bad, Huelskoetter says. The hooks are dirty, so infections are possible.

“If you can cut the [fishing line] string and come to an urgent care or your primary care provider, that’s fantastic,” Huelskoetter says. “But if you’re unable, push the hook the rest of the way through [the wound]. Then cut the barb on the end of the hook off. If you go fishing, have wire cutters with you in case this happens. Then you can slide the hook out.

“Wash with soap and water, then keep the wound dry and covered. Antibiotic ointment is good to use,” Huelskoetter adds. “Follow up with your primary care provider in the following few days if it develops redness, soreness or anything else irregular. We expect it to be tender, but if you have redness, swelling, drainage or if you’re just unsure, contact your primary care provider.”

Huelskoetter points out that you can usually send a photo to your provider via your online patient portal. Then the provider can advise what to do.

Getting help

If someone suffers a minor injury on the water, you can treat it with a first aid kit until you return home. If it’s a major injury like a concussion, gently move the person out of the water and onto a flat surface. Gentle movements are critical to prevent further injury like paralysis. Call 9-1-1 and meet first responders on land. A charged phone is crucial for a day outdoors, but signal can lack in rural areas. So it never hurts to have a global positioning system (GPS) device, too.

Interview clips

Spine disorders 101

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bonafide spine disorders include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

Interview clips

Cold, cold, go away: How to stay active in chilly weather

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Fall and winter mean picturesque, snowy scenery. But the season’s weather can make working out more difficult. Normally dry sidewalks are replaced with ice. Or you may be snowed in entirely and unable to get to the gym.

It’s important to exercise year-round for your physical and mental health. Clare Spires, an exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare, has some tips to stay active in the winter.

Before you even pick up a weight or lace up the running shoes, set standards for yourself.

“Even if you can just make the goal to do something that day,” Spires says. “It doesn’t need to be an hour or hour-and-a-half workout. It can be 30 or 45 minutes. It can be at home, at a gym or outside. But just making those goals possible and achievable.”

Workout in the daylight. This can give you a mood boost and, if you’re outside, ensure you have enough light to be safe. Try working out on your lunch break or just when you have 20 minutes to spare, Spires suggests.
If the outdoors is not nasty (like a blizzard), a walk or run outside is doable, Spires says. Just keep your safety in mind.

“Check the weather forecast. Use shoes that have more traction for those slippery sidewalks. Stay hydrated. Dress appropriately,” Spires advises.

Proper attire includes layers of sweat-wicking fabrics, and gloves and hats to warm your hands and head. Also, have a safety plan that includes access to first aid and a phone. Workout with a buddy when you can.

Also, know your limits. Spires says if you wouldn’t go to the gym for two hours, don’t shovel snow for two hours. Do it in five-to-10-minute chunks.

“We also use something called the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale,” Spires explains. “It’s one to 10. Ten would be the hardest exercise you’ve ever done. One is just sitting on the couch. We ideally like people to stay in that four to six moderate intensity range. So, if you think shoveling snow is in the four to six range and not creeping up to an eight or nine, that would be appropriate for you to do.”

On the positive side, Spires adds that depending on your location, you can branch out and try workouts like snowshoeing, ice skating or sledding.

“It’s fun to try new hobbies that are going to get you more active,” Spires says.

When snowed in and working out in your home, use your surroundings to your advantage. For example, Spires suggests going up and down the stairs a few times with breaks in between.

“You can do different body weight exercises like jumping jacks or squats,” Spires adds. “You can get creative and use soup cans, water bottles or even bottles of hairspray to add a little bit of weight or intensity to your workout.”

Just like working out outside, Spires says to be aware of your surroundings. Am I on carpet or hardwood, which may be slick? Is there a stray cord or a wandering child I could trip on? Is there a counter or dresser nearby for me to catch my balance?

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

Interview clips

Keeping kids safe from RSV

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0600

When kids are in school and loved ones are gathering for the holidays, viruses tend to make the rounds.

One common virus in school-age children is RSV.

What is RSV?

“RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a respiratory illness that can impact anyone of any age around the world,” says Kinnera Are, MD, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare. “In our population, the most at-risk would be infants and children under 2 years of age.”

How is RSV spread?

“It’s spread by nasal secretions, coughing, and sneezing respiratory droplets. It does tend to increase around the holiday season,” Dr. Are says,” because we’re around other people and we’re in gatherings with family and friends.”

How do we protect ourselves from RSV?

“Stay home if you’re not feeling well and you’re spreading respiratory droplets. Make sure to wash your hands regularly and frequently,” Dr. Are adds. “School-age kids tend to be the most hard-hit of all these kids, only because they’re around other children. The biggest way we can protect those kids in the winter is teaching good hand hygiene, making sure we’re teaching them to wash their hands really well.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two RSV vaccines for adults 60 years and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults in this age range should speak with their medical provider about if the vaccine is right for them.

Additionally, the FDA also approved two options for infants and toddlers. The CDC has signed off on a monoclonal antibody for all infants up to 8 months old, born during their first RSV season. If your child is at high risk for severe disease or severely immunocompromised, they can receive the antibody between 8 and 19 months.

Lastly, an RSV vaccine for pregnant women has been approved. Check with your medical provider about availability. The hope would be for the vaccine to provide pregnant women with antibodies they could pass to the fetus and protect newborn babies from birth to 6 months from severe RSV.

How can kids build immunity against viruses?

Two main ways: Healthy sleeping and healthy eating.

RSV is a virus and tends to just need to run its course. Dr. Are says while there is no prescription medicine to treat RSV, there are multiple over-the-counter solutions that can minimize the symptoms.

“We recommend Tylenol or ibuprofen for fevers and fussiness. Kids can have honey for those with a cough, as long as they’re over 1 year of age. Also make sure to have kids blow their noses and suction out the liquid from their noses if they have congestion or a runny nose,” Dr. Are adds.

Who else is at higher risk of RSV?

“The elderly and pregnant women are at higher risk for having more severe RSV infections,” Dr. Are says. “In children, the other populations that would be more at risk is anyone born premature, babies born during this RSV winter season, and anyone that has breathing problems or heart problems.”

Dr. Are says RSV can last anywhere from a couple days to a few weeks.

OSF OnCall offers a remote patient monitoring program for infants and toddlers with RSV and other respiratory viruses. The no-cost service connects those at home with medical specialists virtually, providing education and digital prompts to discuss signs/symptoms over a 10-day period.

The OSF OnCall RSV program is available to anyone in Illinois or Michigan. Patients must have a positive RSV test or diagnosis to qualify. To learn more about the program, click here.

Video Interview Clips

Health Highlights | Fall sports and heat

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0500

High school athletes across the country will soon feel the heat when teams begin practices for several sports including football, cross country and soccer.

Health experts say it's important to stay safe, especially when it comes to practicing during the grueling August temperatures.

According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, heat stroke is the third-most common cause of sudden death among high school athletes behind cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injuries.

Dr. Faheem Ahmad, a family practice physician with OSF HealthCare, says athletes can experience anything from feeling tired because of heat exhaustion, to symptoms of heat stroke, which can include fainting, loss of consciousness and a body temperature above 103 degrees.

“The summer heat is very dangerous for so many different reasons, and it is important to know and identify those risk factors associated with heat related illnesses, particularly the athletes, their coaches and the staff who work with them," Dr. Ahmad says.

Other signs of heat stress include headaches, nausea, body pain, muscle cramps and dry mouth. Dr. Ahmad says hydration is key, so take frequent water breaks and drink sports drinks with electrolytes.

Health Highlights Video With Chyrons

Health Highlights Video Without Chyrons

Decoding ankle injury terms

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 10:59:45 -0600

Basketball season is in full swing, and with it comes the possibility of ankle injuries. You’ll hear doctors and television commentators rattle off different ways to describe an ankle injury. Sprain, strain, fracture and break are common ones. Marc Leonard, MD, an OSF HealthCare podiatrist, says it’s important to know what these conditions mean and how to treat and prevent them.

The good news: you don’t need to memorize four definitions.

Sprains and strains

Dr. Leonard says a sprain and a strain generally describe the same thing: when a ligament or tendon is torn or weakened.

“Maybe it’s a basketball player who twists their ankle,” Dr. Leonard suggests. “It gets a little swollen and bruised. We’re able to treat that conservatively with the acronym RICE. Rest, ice, compression and elevation.”

Fractures and breaks

Dr. Leonard says an ankle fracture and an ankle break also generally describe the same thing: a crack in a bone. He often sees this in older adults who have fallen down the stairs or on the ice.

“If there are breaks in multiple bones and we consider it an unstable ankle, then we would fix it surgically,” Dr. Leonard says. “The process is surgery, then maybe physical therapy and perhaps a brace.”

Dr. Leonard says surgery patients usually go home the same day. A doctor will use screws, staples or both to stabilize the ankle. The person then needs to rest and not put weight on the ankle for six to eight weeks.

Treatment and prevention

Amid basketball season, here’s the take-home advice for when someone suffers an ankle injury: get them off their feet.

“We would advise them to be non-weight bearing. They would use crutches until they can get an X-ray. Then we can decide whether protecting the ankle, physical therapy or surgery may be appropriate,” Dr. Leonard says.

Prevention, Dr. Leonard says, is tough, due to all the movement that comes with sports or just a jog around the block. He advises to just be sensible with your movements. If you know your body can’t handle a cutting motion that comes with running a basketball play, don’t do it. Or, when you’re walking, go slow and watch for ice. And when you do get hurt, get care quickly. Don’t play through the pain.

Dr. Leonard also says that some people with a history of ankle problems may wear a brace during any physical activity, not just when recovering from an injury. But for others, he says a brace isn’t necessary.

“Play with a purpose. Be intentional. And hope for the best,” Dr. Leonard says matter-of-factly.

Learn more

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

Interview clips

Health Highlights: Properly thawing and preparing turkey

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:49:35 -0600

The holidays are here, and soon we'll prepare Thanksgiving meals for our loved ones featuring a major staple: turkey.

Thawing a Thanksgiving turkey can take days. Ashley Simper, Manager of Dietetic Services with OSF HealthCare, recommends keeping the turkey in the freezer until ready to thaw, maintaining a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

To thaw, use 24 hours of thaw time per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. For larger birds, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Another option; tightly wrap the turkey in a bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Make sure to allow 30 minutes of thaw time for every one pound of turkey and cook immediately after thawing.

Lastly, if your microwave is large enough, you can use its thaw settings.

To cook, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Cover the turkey in foil for two hours so the bird doesn't burn.

Then, safely remove the turkey and baste it with oil or butter.

Increase the oven temp to 425 degrees and cook for another 45 minutes if your turkey is 8-10 pounds or more.

Sara Umphfleet, a registered dietitian with OSF HealthCare, shares food safety tips.

“You want to make sure before you're cooking it, and setting it up, that you're not washing the turkey. Turkey should never be washed due to cross-contamination," Umphfleet says.

After baking, rest the turkey for 20 to 30 minutes. Check the internal temp with a thermometer, and make sure it's at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Health Highlights Video Package With Chyrons

Health Highlights Video Package Without Chyrons

Health Highlights: Navigating breathing issues and self care

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:31:07 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Highlights video package with chyrons

Health Highlights video package without chyrons

When exhaustion is something more serious

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

From garage to gurney

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

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

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

Randy coded at the hospital, adding to the urgency.

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

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

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

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

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

Lessons learned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It could save your life,” Dawn says.

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

Interview clips - Dawn and Randy Isham

B-roll

Keeping kids safe in crowds

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:54:39 -0500

As trick-or-treating nears, and with holiday festivals right around the corner, it’s important to keep your kids’ safety at the top of mind.

But you don’t have to wait until you get to the event to have a safety plan in place. Dr. Kyle Boerke, a clinical psychologist with OSF HealthCare says conversations should be had before leaving the house.

“Those conversations should surround what I call the ‘proximity rule’ or the ‘distance rule.’ There are going to be different distance rules for different settings,” Dr. Boerke says. “If I’m going to an event that’s going to be very crowded, that proximity rule should probably be for younger aged kids to be holding their caregiver’s hand.”

Dr. Boerke says when it comes to kids running off and playing with their friends, it all depends on the comfort level of the parents. He adds that in some cases, it’s OK to allow the proximity rule to become an “area rule.”

“If I know the parents of my kid’s friend fairly well, I’m more comfortable letting my kiddo go and sit in that area and play. Because I know there are going to be other responsible adults watching them,” Dr. Boerke says. “If it’s a family I don’t know as much, I’m probably going to be more guarded and keep my child closer.”

A tip Dr. Boerke shares is designating a meetup place in case you and your child get separated.

“We’re going to have a specified meetup place. I would recommend it to be a large item, like a statue. Or if you’re at a fair, pick a certain ride you’ll meet at. Don’t make it be a particular water fountain or bench, because there’s probably 20 water fountains and 40 benches,” Dr. Boerke adds.

Another tip? Defining “safe strangers.” Decades ago, “stranger danger” was a phrase used by parents around the world. Dr. Boerke says now it’s important to be able to identify what a “safe stranger” is in case of emergency.

“A safe stranger is somebody that you don’t know, but because of the setting and circumstance, we can consider them safe. Some examples are firefighters or police officers. They’re strangers to our kids, but they are safe strangers,” Dr. Boerke says. “If we’re in a department store, the individual wearing the shirt of that store with the name badge, that’s a safe stranger. They work at that location and they’re there to help us. If you’re at a big event, a security officer or a greeter that is walking people to their seats, that’s a safe stranger. When all else fails, the best safe strangers are moms with other kids. If you can find a mom with two kiddos with her, that is a great safe stranger. We want to train our children to approach those people so they can stay safe.”

If your child is full of energy and tends to run off easily, Dr. Boerke says it’s important to develop stricter guidelines for going out to public events.

“We need to be holding hands, at that point. If you do need to reach into your purse or get your wallet out for something, have them hang on to the belt loop on your pants or hang on to the stroller that you’re with. Make sure to set those expectations as early as possible,” Dr. Boerke emphasizes.

In case of emergency, you may not be in the greatest headspace and your judgment may be impaired. A way to combat this, especially if you get separated from your children, is to take a photo of them on your phone at the beginning of an event.

“It’s great posterity, but more importantly you’re getting a picture of what they’re wearing that day. So if we do lose track of them, especially when your mindset is not thinking clearly, you might not remember what they’re wearing. But if I can pull up that picture I have on my phone, it’s going to help me stay calm because I was able to give a good, clear description of what my child is wearing and we just increased the chances they’re going to be found,” Dr. Boerke says.

As trick-or-treaters hit the streets this fall, Dr. Boerke has some guidance on how to keep your kids safe while still having fun.

“For our younger aged kids, make sure we’re going with an adult. For the older aged kids, we want to make sure we have a buddy. Wear bright costumes. If you have a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough that you can see,” Dr. Boerke says. “I recommend flipping that mask up during trick-or-treating when you’re not at a house or walking from house to house. That ensures you can see more clearly especially if you’re crossing a street, your view won’t be constricted by that mask.”

Lastly, Dr. Boerke recommends making sure you’re only going to houses that have lights on.

Video Interview Clips

Respire aire fresco este otoño

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:30:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vídeos de entrevistas

Breathe the fresh air this fall

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In the Midwest, you never know when the hot weather is truly gone for good. But as we leap into fall and cooler temperatures become more consistent, it’s important to prioritize our immune health.

To those without severe breathing disorders, the cool fall breeze can be welcome. But for those with chronic lung diseases, it can be a challenging time.

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

With kids going back to school, fall sports in full swing, and viruses present in the workplace, fresh air can mean increased sickness.

Dr. Ayala says there are a few ways we can protect ourselves this fall.

“Having the flu vaccine is definitely a great way to protect ourselves. Also, recognize how your breathing is changing. Ask yourself if it is related to the temperatures changing, or if it’s a persistent cough that’s not going away. An increase in the sputum you make every day, as well as fevers, chills or night sweats can be cause for concern,” Dr. Ayala says.

While springtime allergies are more common and severe, Dr. Ayala says allergies can still persist into the fall months.

“We don’t see it as bad as the spring, but it’s still present. The bump you see in the spring is related to patients going outside a little more, or things changing in the springtime.”

The change in fall weather can also impact the way we sleep. As temperatures drop, the number of people sleeping with their windows for a little fresh air increases.

“As far as patients with chronic sleep disorders, sleeping with the windows open is not an issue. They can definitely do that. The big thing is to continue their therapies, like wearing their CPAP every night as long as they can,” Dr. Ayala adds.

If cold-like symptoms persist, Dr. Ayala says it’s important to see your doctor right away. If there are concerns of a breathing or sleeping disorder, you may be referred to a pulmonologist or sleep doctor for further evaluation.

About 25 million Americans have asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. If you are part of that population, now is the time to prepare for what’s known as “Peak Week.” Officially, that would be September 15-21, just as summer turns to autumn.

Every person diagnosed with asthma should have an “asthma plan,” which includes prescriptions for medications and a list of best practices to limit exposure to asthma attack triggers.

The best thing you can do to prepare for “Peak Week” is to review your plan and take action as necessary:

Make sure your prescriptions are filled.
Make sure your rescue inhaler, if you need one, is up to date. Because they are used as needed, it’s easy to hang on to them for too long. Check the expiration date. If it has passed, get your prescription renewed.
Know your triggers and symptoms. Avoid those things that cause you difficulty. And if you start feeling symptoms, use your rescue inhaler.

Video Interview Clips

Peak Performance

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Whether you’re an avid hiker or just enjoying the fresh breeze on a fall walk, preparing for your journey is key.

Karan Rai, MD, who specializes in sports medicine at OSF HealthCare, offers these tips to make your hike safer this season, no matter your hiking experience level.

Map out your adventure:

“First things first, try to get a map of the trail you’re going to take, and account for how much time it will take to get there and get back. Usually, adding an extra 10% gives you sufficient time,” Dr. Rai says. “Always try to inform somebody of where you’re going and what your projected time back will be.”

Dr. Rai says this is extremely important, especially because hiking trails are known to not have the best cellphone service.

“Take a look at the weather. As the seasons change, sometimes we might be due for some rain or cooler conditions,” Dr. Rai adds.

Bring a first-aid kit:

“When going hiking, regardless of duration, have a basic first-aid kit on-hand with supplies such as Band-Aids, gauze and antiseptic,” says Dr. Rai.

He says bringing a multipurpose tool can prove helpful, too. Some of the gadgets inside of it can be a knife, or an eyeglass repair kit in case your glasses break.

Proper footwear and hiking poles:

“We can underestimate how strenuous some of these hikes can be, so making sure you brought a great pair of shoes is a readily available trick everybody should utilize,” Dr. Rai says.

Dr. Rai adds hiking poles can help hikers of all skill levels on all different kinds of terrain.

“They can help take the load off your knees. They add a bit of a different stress, because they force you to utilize your upper body and core muscles. So, it makes it more of a full-body exercise.”

Watch your back:

“Look ahead of you and look down to make sure you’re walking on the trail, but also take a look backwards. Trails can appear different while you’re making that return route,” Dr. Rai says.

Stay on the trail:

The chance of getting hurt increases if you choose to get off the hiking trail. Dr. Rai recommends paying attention to signs during your hike and following the mapped-out trail.

“As much as you might want to get that perfect picture of the waterfall, try to stick to the marked trails,” Dr. Rai says. “In general, when you’re going off trail, that increases your chance of injury. Whether that’s stepping into an unmarked hole or running into some wildlife, those are some of the common pitfalls. Depending how far you go off the trail, it’s a lot harder to have people find you if you are unable to get back to the trail.”

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

A lack of food and water can cause a fun hike to go downhill very quickly. Sandwiches and protein bars can easily be stored in a pack while hiking, but Dr. Rai says make sure you bring enough water to keep you fully hydrated.

“Depending on the duration of your hike, it varies based on how intense it is. But generally, packing at least 1 liter of water per hour for a beginner’s hike. Then as the intensity level increases, add a half-liter per hour,” Dr. Rai says.

Most trails will have a rating or intensity level assigned to them if you look them up online. There are multiple apps available to download on cellphones to take a look at your trail before you venture out.

Common injuries while hiking:

No matter the difficulty of your hike, injuries can happen.

“Commonly we’ll see ankle sprains or knee contusions,” Dr. Rai says. “That can be from falling or stumbling while hiking.”

But some injuries happen without falling on, or off, the trail.

“Other times people can get rashes or sunburns. This goes back to not accounting for some weather-related changes,” Dr. Rai adds.

Health emergencies can happen:

While more serious health emergencies are rare, they’re still possible, and it’s important to be prepared.

“The toughest part is knowing what to do in those situations. Understand what CPR entails, and know how to do chest compressions,” Dr. Rai urges. “Also have a good way of contacting someone for help. Whether that’s being in an area with cell service or even having a whistle handy. Oftentimes that sound carries further than our voices, it also helps preserve our energy during a more life-threatening or severe situation.”

While it may seem like there are many tips to keep in mind while hiking, Dr. Rai says it’s a great form of cardiovascular exercise and a fun experience for the family. If you’re new to hiking, he recommends telling your health care provider that you are starting to hike and see if they offer any further guidance.

Video Interview Clips

B-Roll

A better chance to survive a stroke

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:32:36 -0500

Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why it’s important

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

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

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

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

Prevention

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

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

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

Learn more

Read about stroke care on the OSF HealthCare website.

Previous coverage

OSF HealthCare Newsroom stroke stories
OSF HealthCare stroke blogs