Showers, toothbrushes, soap dispensers and any surface can be added to the germy list, according to Kaylin Heinz, an infection preventionist nurse at OSF HealthCare. 

Heinz offers some cleaning tips for the different areas of your bathroom. 

Moisture from your bath or shower leads to the buildup of bacteria and fungi, while also being a prime spot for viruses to live and grow. 

Linen items like towels and bathmats are known as some of the dirtiest items, since people step on them with dirty shoes, and they stay wet and damp the longest. 

Heinz says if you have a cut on your body, like on your feet, you can introduce bacteria or fungus to the area during a shower. This can lead to athlete's foot or a staph infection. 

She gives additional guidance on how to clean your shower.

“When you're cleaning, go from top to bottom. If you start cleaning your tub and then you clean your shower walls, you're going to have to re-clean the tub," Heinz says. "When you're getting out of the shower, think about the moisture that's there. That's where the bacteria and fungus are going to grow, so you're going to want to get rid of that moisture if you can.”

Heinz adds if there's any discoloration in the shower or tub, clean it immediately, as this is a sign of where bacteria is growing. 

Make sure to scrub the area, clean it and let it dry completely.

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Now health professionals are warning the public about a number of health concerns that can come with sitting on the toilet too long and scrolling on your cell phone. 

Many people have gotten into the habit of taking their phone into the bathroom with them and scrolling TikTok or Instagram while they do their business. 

Kaylin Heinz, an infection preventionist registered nurse at OSF HealthCare, recommends making the mental decision to not even take your phone with you. 

A simple flush doesn't get rid of the nastiness that is common in the restroom. Especially with bathrooms that have showers and bathtubs in them. 

The moisture in the room can lead to bacteria, fungi and virus growth, not just inside the toilet, but on all bathroom surfaces. 

Heinz calls these a “breeding ground” for germs. 

“With sitting and scrolling, you're sitting there for long periods. Your hands are probably dirty before you go to the bathroom, because you're typically not washing your hands before you go to the bathroom. Then when you're sitting on the toilet, you're probably setting your phone down on a surface area that has germs," Heinz says. "Then you'll wash your hands, which you'll typically think your hands are clean, but they're not. Then you wash your hands and pick up the phone that was on the surface with germs, and now your hands are dirty again. And you're picking up the germs, taking them elsewhere, and spreading them to other people.”

Does your toothbrush hang out on the bathroom counter? You might want to rethink that. 

Heinz says if it's not put away safely, it likely has fecal matter on it. 

Another tip, she says, is to close the lid before flushing. It helps keep the germs inside and not aerosolize across the room.

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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.

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The OSF Audiologist says since it's his profession, he knows the dangers of loud noise and the lasting impact it can have on his hearing. 

Our listening habits could be doing more harm than good. Especially for younger people.

A recent published study cautions that between 670 million and more than 1.3 billion teens and young adults could face hearing loss due to unsafe habits. 

Researchers concentrated on two main sources of loud music exposure: live music events and personal listening devices like headphones. 

Listening to sounds at a decibel level of 85 or higher for long or a repeated amount of time can cause hearing loss.

“A lot of us feel invincible at that age, so we tend not to take that message to heart," Dr. Workman says. "Hopefully they understand the potential damage they could do.”

Dr. Workman offers a few helpful tips like wearing protection at concerts and sitting in the back of the venue, if possible. 

He also says to wear ear plus and turn the music down on your headphones. 

If you're concerned you may be experiencing hearing loss, Dr. Workman recommends scheduling a hearing test.

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They may think, “What if I'm working out alone and find myself short of breath or worse?”

Experts say 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. 

OSF HealthCare athletic trainer Brittany Delaney says short bursts of exercise are better. 

Also, cold weather and chlorine can cause flare-ups.

If you do suffer chest pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms of an asthma attack, rest and use your inhaler. 

Delaney suggests leaving the inhaler with someone so you know exactly where it is. 

“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 your symptoms don't get better quickly, call 9-1-1. 

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one hundred people got sick and nearly three dozen were hospitalized after eating Quarter Pounders in October. 

One person died and four others developed life-threatening kidney disease. 

In November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC announced a voluntary recall of multiple sizes and brands of organic carrots. 

In the same week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alerted the public of an E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef products made by a Detroit-based company. 

E. coli is a bacterium with multiple strains. Humans' microbiome can contain E. coli, specifically in our guts with stool. 

These are different than the strains that cause food-borne illness. 

Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, offers some food safety guidance with the holidays here.

“For the person at home, as we head into holiday season, you want to remember safe food practices,” Dr. Kasper says. Whether it's with raw meat or raw eggs, you want to wash all those surfaces after you've cooked with them. Wash with soap and water and scrub the surfaces. You want to cook all necessary products to their recommended temperatures.”

There's no need to break out the disinfectants like bleach to clean surfaces. Cleaning and scrubbing the area with soap and water should suffice. 

Also make sure to wash any raw veggies or fruits with water before eating.

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If you’re looking for more reasons to switch from cocktails to mocktails, the American Association for Cancer Research’s newest study may encourage you to embrace sobriety.

The AACR published its 2024 Cancer Progress Report, showcasing that excessive alcohol use increases an individual’s risk of developing six types of cancer. Certain types of head and neck cancers, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers were all listed.

The study goes on to say that in 2019, nearly five-and-a-half percent of cancers were attributed to alcohol consumption. The AACR’s research suggests that drinking less—or not at all—can decrease your risk of getting the mentioned cancers by eight percent and lessen the risk of all cancers by four percent.

Jeanna Rich is an oncology registered dietitian with OSF Cancer Support Services. She says part of the reason excessive alcohol can affect so many parts of the body is because alcohol touches tissue inside the body at most of these places.

"All alcohol contains ethanol, so one alcoholic beverage is not safer than the other because they all contain that ethanol component. That can essentially damage or oxidize healthy cells and create DNA damage. In regard to breast cancer, alcohol can actually increase the levels of estrogen in our body. It can lead to excessive calorie intake, which can lead to obesity."

Rich adds that excessive drinking can lead to poor sleep and malnutrition as well.

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The "PE" comes from the drug’s active ingredient, phenylephrine (phen-uh-leh-frin), marketed as a product taken by mouth that should provide temporary relief of nasal congestion. Many other over-the-counter products contain this ingredient, including items under the brand names NyQuil, Benadryl, Mucinex, and more.

Jason Scheid, the director of pharmacy services for community and specialty programs at OSF, says the FDA is now seeking public comments on the proposal into 2025. He offers a few other alternatives you can try to lessen congestion.

“If you’re looking for an oral decongestant, the original Sudafed is a good alternative,” Scheid adds. “You have to show your ID, and there are purchase limitations. It has shown itself to be an effective alternative. There are nasal decongestants you can try, like Afrin. There are also nasal steroids and antihistamines—this gets more into the allergy nasal sprays that can help prevent congestion symptoms. You can pick any of those up over the counter at a local pharmacy.”

The FDA clarifies that while it’s proposing these products be banned from store shelves, there aren’t any safety concerns attached to them. They’re simply just not effective. Scheid says more natural remedies, like standing in a hot shower or using a cool mist humidifier, can help ease congestion.

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Shiny new toys will be lying under many Christmas trees this season, sure to bring joy to kids around the world. 

But inside these things also lie dangerous pieces parents and others need to keep an eye on. 

Things such as batteries and magnets, both small and shiny, are potentially life-threatening objects. 

Tinsley Anderson, MD, a pediatric surgeon with OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois, calls small, round batteries “particularly problematic.” Saying they can easily get stuck in the esophagus and cause a burn injury. 

When a child swallows a battery like this, surgery is needed.

"In buying gifts for your kids, I'd look for toys that don't have parts that come apart. If they have a battery component, make sure it's screwed in," Dr. Anderson says. "That way you're not changing the battery, and in a year from now, your kid probably won't want the toy anyway." 

Dr. Anderson says mucus and moisture inside the body completes the battery's circuit, activating the battery and causing an alkaline burn. 

She says warning warning signs to look out for if your kid swallowed a battery, is if they're drooling, unable to swallow or eat, have belly pain, or if an item is missing and you think your child might have eaten it. 

It's crucial to head straight to the emergency room to be checked.

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But the holiday season can also be a time that heightens unwanted stress. 

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) – nearly 90% of people feel some stress during the holidays for several reasons. Finances, the death of a loved one and potentially family conflict. 

This year could be especially tough given the recent presidential election. APA research found the election was a major stress point for 69% of people who responded.

Before coming together this year, Therasa Yehling says families should have a plan. Yehling is the manager of OSF Strive's Trauma Recovery Center in Rockford, Illinois and a licensed social worker. 

“Let's talk about fun things. Let's talk about how your kids are doing, how your parents are doing. Really talking about things that bring people together. I think that's important to concentrate on," Yehling says. 

If your family has engaged in heated discussions during past holidays, reevaluate your plan. Maybe this year you decide to only spend a couple of hours at your gathering, instead of all day.

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It's caused by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports test positivity for walking pneumonia increased in the late spring of 2024 and remained high. 

The term walking pneumonia wa coined because it's possible for someone to be walking around with the infection and not even know it. 

Keith Hanson, MD, the General Pediatrics Unit Medical Director at OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois, says every year some strains of illness, or a particular virus, are more common than others. 

Right now, it's pneumonia.

“What's a little unusual about this year, is we're seeing that same bacteria causing pneumonia in kids that are younger than usual, and the severity of the illness is more,” Dr. Hanson says. “We're seeing more kids admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and they're definitely younger than that typical age range like preschoolers and even some infants.”

Dr. Hanson says as is the case with bacterial infections, there are antibiotics to treat walking pneumonia. 

The hope is to shorten the illness and make it less severe, while decreasing the chance of spreading the infection to others.

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Gym moms, if your child is a future Olympic athlete, you'll always be able to say you were their first-ever gym partner. 

Becoming pregnant doesn't mean you have to toss your exercise plan to the side, says Mfowethu Langeni, DO, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare who specializes in Obstetrics. 

In fact, it's the opposite!

As your baby sits and kicks in the womb for nine months, Dr. Langeni says core exercises and strength training like lifting weights are great ways to prioritize both mom and baby's health.

"(Labor) does take a lot of stamina, strength and core strength. But all women are different," Dr. Langeni says. "Some women push for hours during labor; some don't need to push much at all. Either way, strength conditioning and core training before and during pregnancy will help overall."

 Are you a marathon runner? That doesn't have to stop either. 

Dr. Langeni says high intensity cardio and even power squatting are recommended for pregnant moms. 

He recommends talking any exercise plan over with your OB/GYN before getting started, and to make sure you avoid any exercises that could cause trauma to your stomach.

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That's why it's important to separate myth and fact when it comes to older adults seeing a mental health professional. 

Kren Harmon, a social worker with OSF HealthCare, has heard people not trust providers. 

Or, they think getting help is a sign of weakness or will create a burden on family. 

She also says some seniors think they will be forced to do off-the-wall treatment.

“There are just a lot of stereotypes about that. It’s going to make me feel like a zombie. I don’t want to be sedated. That’s not what we’re talking about with the newer SSRI medications," Harmon says. "It’s not going to sedate you. It’s just going to help you be a better version of yourself. Have a little more hope and energy.”

Harmon also says health systems have case management teams that can help with things like transportation and insurance.

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Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that affect your body. But, OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist Omar Khokhar, MD, says the research isn't there yet for him to recommend taking probiotic supplements. 

Instead, he suggests getting the nutrients through fermented foods and drinks.

“I suggest you take prebiotics and probiotics in their natural form – in a kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha or Greek yogurt,” Dr. Khokhar says. “Those are highly fermented foods that are in the organic state and have been shown to improve microbiome gut vitality.”

If those types of food or drinks are too challenging to include in your diet, Dr. Khokhar says to talk with your medical provider first. 

In most cases, taking prebiotic or probiotic supplements won't hurt and could possibly help.

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Whether it's that look on your significant other's face when they smell it, or that unpleasant odor coming from a stranger chatting you up at a party, bad breath can cause a little anxiety for everyone involved.

Bad breath is common. One in four adults have had it at some point in their lives. It can also be chronic. 

According to Breanne Gendron, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare, some people don't even know they have bad breath due to a condition called olfactory fatigue, which is when people lose their sensitivity to odors.

“Bad breath can be a totally benign thing, and you just need to brush more, or it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. If you are someone who has bad breath despite regular like twice daily brushing and flossing, then it would be important for you to see your dentist to make sure everything's healthy on the inside of your mouth,” Gendron says.

Gendron adds in addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing is also extremely important. She says brushing at bedtime is the most important time of the day.

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A big one is when to make the switch from rear to front facing. 

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. But Cindy Hamilton, the Child Passenger Safety Program Coordinator at the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois, has some consistent guidelines parents can follow. 

First, the child should max out the height and weight for the rear-facing seat they're in, which is going to differ based on the manufacturer. 

The State of Illinois requires children to be rear facing at least until they're two years old.

However, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration recommends keeping kids rear facing until they're three. 

Hamilton says if you're in a crash, the shell of the body of the rear-facing seat will absorb the shock. It protects the head, neck and spine more than when your child is front facing.

"A lot of parents might say 'well my child is uncomfortable, their legs are long, but they're still not two,' or they're low in the weight range. Our best advice is that you can heal from a leg injury. A spinal cord, neck or brain injury, maybe not. So that's a key determiner of keeping them rear facing,” Hamilton says.

When you make the switch from rear to front facing, Hamilton says to make sure your child has full control of their head and neck.

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The updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available at pharmacies around the country in the coming weeks. 

The mRNA vaccine is not a booster, says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. He says it's recommended  for a much broader portion of the population, everyone six months and older, as a one-time, once a year vaccine. 

This vaccine does not prevent you from getting COVID-19, but the goal is to prevent severe illness from the virus. 

Dr. Kasper says it's totally fine to get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines in the same appointment.

"There's no issue with timing on getting the COVID and influenza vaccines. The RSV vaccine is recommended to be given separate," Dr. Kasper says. "Most of that has to do with the fact they weren't studied together, there's not an adverse issue with it. For the population, COVID and influenza are recommended across almost all age groups. RSV is for our older population, so we recommend spacing that out by a week or two."

Dr. Kasper says for those 65 and older with respiratory conditions, it might be recommended they receive a second booster in six-month increments.

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Research shows 75% of adults participate in some form of reading. However, another study shows the number of kids between the ages of 9 and 13 reading for fun has dropped in the last decade. 

According to Ashley Pratt, a psychotherapist with OSF HealthCare, most people need just six minutes of reading time a day to see some help benefits. Especially for children.

“It's one of the best things we can do for our mental health and our physical health," Pratt says. "It's been shown to greatly reduce our stress levels, lower our blood pressure, improve our memory and cognition, and it improves our sleep quality.”

Pratt says reading fiction tends to be the most helpful when it comes to increasing skills such as empathy and our ability to learn and understand people. 

She adds that reading has been shown to increase resiliency and an ability to handle difficult emotions, as readers learn about characters and challenges they face. 

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You should not feed a fever and starve a cold, hydration is key when you're sick. 

Do not go back to work or school until you're fever free for 24 hours, that's less than 100.4 degrees, and have improving symptoms. 

You do not need really hot water to wash hands, shower, or bathe. Warm water is fine. 

And for ears, ditch those Q-Tips.

“The ear is a self-cleaning oven. Most everything inside the ear will come out on its own," says Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare. "When we put anything inside the ear, we are pushing everything from the outside to the inside, especially earwax. It makes it harder for the ear to clean itself.”

And the five second rule? It's fiction. 

Bacteria from the floor can get on food in a second. So don't try to sneak a bite.

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But don't let lake life wash away your safety habits or good judgment. 

In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard counted over 3,800 recreational boating accidents, resulting in 564 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports drowning deaths are on the rise for the first time in decades, with over 4,500 people drowning each year from 2020 to 2022. 

Jon Gehlbach, MD, is the medical director for the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois. He says there are many unknown factors in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers that make them more dangerous than pools.

“They tend to be darker, so it’s harder to see what’s going on below the surface. They could have hidden obstacles," Dr. Gehlbach says.  "Currents play a factor as well. Kids might be great swimmers in the pool, but currents make it a lot more challenging to swim safely.”

Another harmful thing to keep in mind is the spread of waterborne pathogens and bacteria like E. Coli. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) says to not transport water, animals, fish or plants from one body of water to another. 

Also, wash yourself, your boats and equipment with hot water as soon as possible once you're out of the water.

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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.

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Their sleep schedule is becoming more “normal,” and they're hitting some of their first milestones. 

Then, it's time to introduce them to solid foods. 

But with a new adventure can come a fear about things like allergens. 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “The Big 9” of food allergies are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. 

This long list may be daunting to new parents, but Michael Endris, MD, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare, offers some tips to help guide parents through the journey.

“We know that the earlier introduction of those high allergen foods is beneficial and protective against developing those food allergies,” Dr. Endris says. "Every child is going to be a little bit different. But usually in that four to six-month range is when they are ready to introduce those foods. There are a few steps that we're looking at before we're talking about introducing that.”

Dr. Endris recommends starting to start introducing solid foods, including allergens, during the four to six month window of your baby's life.

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Now that kids are off school for a few months, there's sure to be plenty of changes in their routines, including their eating habits. 

Fast food, candy and fair food can all contribute to tummy aches. 

Stomachaches are quite common in young children. It can be something simple that comes and goes quickly, or it could be something more severe.

According to a national poll, one in six parents say their child complains of a belly ache at least once a month. 

“There are so many different reasons that a child could complain of a stomachache. It could be something easy, like constipation or something they ate, food allergies or indigestion. They could have come across a virus at school or on a play date or even in their own home," says Alissa Bartel, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare.

Stomach pain, however, could also mean more serious problems such as appendicitis, bowel obstructions, urinary tract infrections or even hernias. 

But the issue may not be physical. Bartel says it can also be related to stress or anxiety. She says to trust your own gut, and if you think something is wrong, take your child to be evaluated immediately.

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Well how about “tomatoes each week, keeps your health at peak?”

Not only are these bright red, juicy fruits filled with vitamins and minerals, but they can also lessen the risk of cancer, says Katrina Sommer, an advanced clinical dietitian with OSF HealthCare.

Tomatoes have what Katrina calls “bonus nutrients” in them called Phytochemicals. They're found in plant foods and help us fight inflammation and act as an antioxidant. 

One of the Phytochemicals found in tomatoes is Lycopene. 

“There’s a lot of different groups of these phytochemicals. One of them is called carotenoids. Carotenoids a lot of times will give the plant food its color," Sommer says. "Lycopene is a type of carotenoid and gives the tomato that bright red or orange color. Lycopene is also found in watermelon, grapefruit and is the red or pink color you see.”

Sommer recommends cooking the tomatoes and drizzling olive oil on them to help them be absorbed in your system. 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) shared an Adventist Health study showing that having a high intake of tomatoes lessesns the risk of prostate cancer. 

If you don't like tomatoes by themselves, tomato sauce or tomato soup are good options.

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Others may not be so fortunate. 

They may notice muscles getting thinner and weaker and a loss of body hair over time. 

Or the shift can be subtle like mood changes, less energy, a lack of concentration or a lack of sex drive. 

Shitladas Pamnani, MD, a primary care physician with OSF HealthCare says men, like women, experience major hormonal changes, especially in their testosterone levels as they age. 

Some call it “male menopause.”

“Our energy goes down, sex drive goes down, it’s a natural cycle,” says Dr. Pamnani. “Our skin is not the same as we age, and other body organs, including hormone producing glands, are not functioning as well either as testosterone levels naturally decline.” 

Recently, a study published in the Journal Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that low testosterone in men can also lead to an increased risk of dying. 

While age is a major factor in testosterone levels, illnesses can play a role, too. 

Type 2 diabetes and obesity can affect all levels, as can treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and steroid medicines.

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These are probably a few things you’ve heard once, or a thousand times, over the years by a parent, teacher or coach.

However, roughly 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year, affecting more than three million people (some individuals have more than one skin cancer). Skin cancers are by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society says this is probably due to better skin cancer detection, people getting more exposure to the sun, and people living longer.

But what are we forgetting? Tim Smile, MD, is a radiation oncologist with OSF HealthCare. He breaks down key tips for people to remember before heading outside.

"A lot of people wear a nice baseball hat that covers their faces really well, but the tops of your ears, neck, and even the front of the top of your sternum area can get exposure to the sun without you realizing it,” Dr. Smile says. “Keep an eye on those areas and make sure you're applying sunscreen there." 

Just because it's overcast, doesn't mean the UV rays aren't there.  Dr. Smile says you can still get burnt.

And, don't forget your lips! Use lip balms with SPF protection.  Dr. Smile adds your lips can get sunburned and lead to skin cancers due to UV exposure.

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But they're completely harmless. 

We're talking about cicadas, the winged insects that may be swarming your trees and yards this summer. 

Dr. Brian Curtis with OSF HealthCare says to experience the rarity of nature while it's here.

“Enjoy them. It’s part of nature, right? They only come around every 15-16 years," Dr. Curtis says. 

While they are loud bugs, Dr. Curtis says it's only during the day. So don't lose any sleep over cicadas.

Summer's a time for being outdoors and grilling your favorite foods. But medical experts say it's important to play it safe before lighting that first flame. 

Make sure your gas grill is ready. If it's not primed correctly, that could lead up to a buildup of gas that can explode. 

Another concern is when people use lighter fluid with charcoal. Some people pour too much lighter fluid on which can quickly create flash burns.

“Garages are a very dangerous place. You think ‘I'm going to get out of the rain, or I'll be able to grill year-round’ and it's going to be warm and safe," says Dr. Stathis Poulakidas, the medical director of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center's Burn Unit. "But you have turpentine, gasoline, all different types of gas products in the garage that you might use for your lawn mowers or weed eaters.”

If you get lighter fluid on your skin, move away from the grill and wash your hands and arms to ensure when you do light the flame, it doesn't catch your arms on fire.

Invest in a fire extinguisher and avoid drinking alcohol while grilling.

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While it might be tempting to ignore those warnings, don't. 

The light from an eclipse can do some serious damage.

“There is a concern if you get direct sunlight for too long of a period of time to the back of your eye, you can essentially burn your retina and have permanent vision loss, sometimes complete vision loss if that exposure is long enough and intense enough," says Ben Kemp, MD, an emergency physician with OSF HealthCare. 

NASA has some safe eclipse viewing tips: 

- Wear specially made eclipse glasses or welder's goggles rated 14 or higher. 

- Use specially designed solar telescopes or solar binoculars. 

- Supervise children closely when they're using solar filters and eclipse glasses

While autism in adults has improved, the ability to recognize what it looks like in everyday life is still a challenge, according to Theresa Regan, PhD, the lead neuropsychologist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. 

Dr. Regan says misconceptions remain, and that many cases don't get diagnosed until adulthood.

“The great majority of adults who are autistic are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions," Dr. Regan says. "So we want to rectify that and have the right diagnosis for every person every time.”

Dr. Regan says autism characteristics have to be present in childhood. 

But in many cases, it's not recognized until more complex situations arise like navigating relationships. 

She adds that self awareness is key, and to speak with a medical provider if you have any questions or concerns.

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Almost 90 percent of all cases are deadly. 

40 percent of these episodes are made up by women. While men and women experience different symptoms of heart disease, the risks of sudden cardiac arrest are different, too.

Nancy Dagefoerde, an advanced practice nurse with the OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, says sudden cardiac arrest can happen to any adult, mostly those 30 and older. 

It depends on risk factors, family history and other issues such as a heart birth defect.

“Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when there's an irregular heartbeat. We call it an arrhythmia that causes the heart not to beat or have electrical activity anymore," Dagefoerde says. "So, in general, there'll be no breathing and no pulse when you come upon a person that's having a sudden cardiac arrest."

Dagefoerde says sudden cardiac arrest is different than a heart attack, which happens when there is a blockage in the coronary artery on the outside of the heart. 

While the stigma around mental health is still present, people are more likely to seek treatment.

A woman who has just become pregnant may wonder, ‘Should I stop taking medicines like Zoloft or Prozac? Will they hurt my baby?’ 

Sarah Shoemaker, a certified nurse midwife at OSF HealthCare, says you should talk to your provider about this early. Ideally, before you get pregnant.

“There are some women who take years to find the perfect combination of medications that keep them stable and healthy. We don’t want to mess with that. Very rarely do we have to completely disrupt somebody’s medication regimen. Nothing in our field is black and white. There’s no such thing as bad medication or strictly dangerous medication. We weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s best for each patient," Shoemaker says.

In the rare case you need to make a change, a provider may put you on a supplement.

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A good chunk of the U.S. has felt the wrath; dealing with snow, strong winds and other dangerous conditions. 

Snow, especially the heavy stuff, means a lot of shoveling. The pressure this puts on our bodies can lead to an array of health-related problems if you're not careful and properly prepared for the winter season. 

Among the people at the greatest risk while shoveling are older adults, people with a history of back problems, and those who have suffered a heart attack or other serious health issue. 

“Every year, thousands of people end up in an emergency department due to things happening when they’re shoveling snow," Henderson says. "These include falls, sometimes people experience heart attacks from extraneous activities, back injuries amongst other things. So, it’s really important to take some caution when you are going to be shoveling snow, and the snow is coming.”

When it comes to shoveling, Henderson says to play it safe. Take your time and be sure to let your loved ones and friends know what you're up to in the event something does happen. 

Don't be afraid to ask for help. She adds to dress appropriately to avoid frostbite, stretch five to ten minutes before you go out in the cold and stay hydrated. 

We have ushered in the New Year. For some, it's that time we pledge to exercise more, save money, find a new hobby, or shed a few pounds. 

A recent Forbes Health survey reports losing weight is the fourth most popular resolution for 2024, trailing only improving fitness, finances and mental health. 

Nicole O'Neill is a dietitian with OSF HealthCare. Her job is to help people navigate the choppy waters of starting diets, especially this time of year.

“Resolutions are big picture things. So, if you have a resolution to lose X amount of weight, go ahead and make it. But then break it down into smart goals, little steps along the way so that you can achieve something and feel like you did something," O'Neill says. 

Resolutions aren't for everyone, so don't feel bad if you don't make one. 

O'Neill says it depends on the person's personality and what other factors are involved such as stress, hormones, pain or lack of sleep.

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It can boost your health!

OSF HealthCare Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Alina Paul, sings and plays guitar for patients. 

She says benefits include pain reduction, better lung capacity, more confidence and a sense of belonging. It even helps with dementia.

“Don’t take it as an exercise. Don’t do it because you have to. Do it because you want to do it. Anybody can sing. Make a point to sing. It’s like meditation. It’s very beneficial," Dr. Paul says.

 If singing causes your throat or chest to hurt, take a break. 

Another pesky thing that may bother your throat or chest? That lingering cough.

It's common with all of the upper respiratory illnesses going around including colds, COVID-19, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

If you treated your symptoms and you're feeling better, but the cough is sticking around, Dr. Juanbosco Ayala, a Pulmonologist with OSF HealthCare, has some reasons why.

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

Among the over-the-counter meds that may help clear you up include Claritin-D, Benadryl, Allegra and Mucinex.

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'Tis the season of sharing. Both gifts and germs. 

Right now, your child may be writing Santa Claus for gifts, some of which may include battery-powered items. 

However, these can pose health hazards to young children. 

An Illinois family issues a warning after their child swallowed a tiny lithium battery.

“She was struggling with something that was stuck in her esophagus and starting to show signs of discomfort and pain," says Joseph Mumbu, father of Liana Mumbu who swallowed a tiny lithium battery.

“Time is of the essence." emphasizes Dr. Daniel Robertson, a surgeon with OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois.

Quickly, Joseph rushed Liana to a hospital of Canton, Illinois. The team there quickly contacted the OSF Care-Hub, who alerted Dr. Robertson. 

An ambulance ride and a trip to the operating room at OSF Children's Hospital led to Dr. Robertson operating and saving Liana's life. 

Dr. Robertson emphasizes that saliva can cause an electrical current, burning the esophagus within two hours. Quick removal is crucial to prevent irreversible damage.

A year ago, an early season start to respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, prompted OSF OnCall to launch an at-home monitoring program for infants to 5-year-olds with the virus. 

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalizations for infants and children. 

Now, OSF has expanded the program to include remote monitoring and 24/7 support for all pediatric respiratory viruses.

“They love having support anytime in the day, however they want to do it – text message, phone call, anything. They can send us pictures. We've really kind of taken that to tailor what parents need to feel comfortable taking their children home, you know, from a clinic; from the hospital during the scary time," says Rose Smith, Clinical Digital Care Supervisor with OSF OnCall.

A medical provider must confirm a diagnosis and make a referral to the program. Call or visit your child's pediatrician to get started.

The National Safety Council says each year, more than 3,500 people swallow lithium batteries. 

Another big warning, don't induce vomiting but instead get to your nearest hospital emergency department.

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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.

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