OSF HealthCare Newsroom

Online pharmacies: Fact vs. fiction

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 10:03:20 -0500

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are more popular than ever, leading people to seek options that are quicker, cheaper and involve less prying questions than a traditional in-person doctor visit.

But here’s a statistic that should give you pause: Casey Zaring, RPh, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist at OSF HealthCare, says a 2023 audit by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] found 95% of online pharmacies were not legitimate. This leads to concerns about getting bilked out of money or taking a counterfeit drug that could bring serious side effects.

“It skips a lot of checks and balances,” Zaring says of the online outlets. For one, he says, these websites typically don’t have a pharmacist check your full medical history to make sure you’re getting the right drug.

Legit or not?

Some red flags to look for when deciding to buy prescription drugs online:

Is the website based outside the United States?
Do you start on one website and get pushed to another to complete the transaction?
Does the site guarantee you cost savings? Zaring says it may look like a deal up front, but the final price tag might not be so good. Or, you might unintentionally sign up for auto-renewals. Zaring recommends first checking to see if your insurance will cover a medication.
Have other people or agencies flagged the outlet for possible problems? Zaring recommends the websites safe.pharmacy and BeSafeRx to check if the pharmacy is registered with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies and complying with the law.

“How we know an online pharmacy is legal is they require a prescription by a licensed practitioner. You have a pharmacist review things, and the consumer has access to a pharmacist to ask questions,” Zaring explains. “Look for the outlet to be based in the United States and have a license in your state. Some online pharmacies will provide medications for patients even though they don’t have a license in the patient's state.”

Another law pharmacies have to follow is the Drug Supply Chain Security act. Zaring says this ensures all medications are logged and accounted for as they move from the manufacturer to the distributor. This makes sure all medications in the supply chain are legitimate and safe.

“In December 2025, the Food and Drug Administration warned about fake Ozempic,” Zaring recalls, noting what can go wrong if laws aren’t followed. “It looked almost identical to real Ozempic. It had lot numbers and expiration dates. But what they had done is created a syringe that looked similar and put on fake stickers.

“What pharmacists do then is go through and scan every medication that enters the pharmacy to ensure it’s directly from the manufacturer,” Zaring adds.

Consequences

Zaring says pharmacists’ biggest fear with these websites is someone putting something non-legitimate or harmful in their bodies. Is the syringe sterile? Has the drug expired? Is the dose correct? Is it properly diluted? Is it interacting with my other medications? Ingesting fake medications could lead to infections or other serious side effects.

Speaking on weight loss drugs: “If something is off by a decimal point, it’s a tenfold error. It can cause lack of movement in your gastrointestinal tract, obstructions and gallbladder attacks,” Zaring says. “If a person isn’t aware of the risks and talking to a pharmacist, they can upgrade their dose too quickly and cause more adverse effects like dehydration. Also with some of these online websites, there’s not continuous monitoring by a health care provider. No labs, check-ins or follow ups.

“The cost saving may be up front, but at the back end there may be an overall greater cost of having to see more health care providers because of adverse reactions or infections,” Zaring also warns.

If you’ve done business with an online pharmacy and have concerns, Zaring recommends talking to your primary care provider or a pharmacist at an in-person, well-recognized business. You can even bring the medication for them to inspect. You can also report pharmacies to the FDA at the BeSafeRx website.

Learn more

Read more about how OSF HealthCare pharmacists bring medication to you safely on the OSF HealthCare website. Some OSF HealthCare locations also have retail pharmacies that can be used regardless of whether you’re an OSF patient.

Interview clips

Frequently asked questions

What to bring to the hospital

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:30:00 -0500

You’re coming to the hospital to give birth.

You’ve had a hip replacement and now will have a hospital stay to complete rehabilitation.

There are a lot of things swirling through your mind, notably thoughts like “Am I going to be OK?”

Questions like “Where is my toothbrush?” are probably on the backburner. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a “hospital essential items” checklist now.

Kurt Bloomstrand, MD, sees these scenarios plenty while providing care in the emergency department at OSF HealthCare. He says a hospital will provide basic toiletries, blankets, food and clothing like a gown and socks. But some people prefer their own toiletries, clothes and snacks.

Other things to do and bring:

· Write down your health information: health insurance, medications, medical history, name of your primary care provider, allergies and legal documents like power of attorney and a do not resuscitate order. Have an identification like a driver's license, too.

“Some people in the emergency department are not able to tell us their health information given what they’re presenting for. So, it’s so valuable to have basic health information written down,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. He adds that knowing your health information allows providers to care for you properly. You can also bring legal forms to your provider anytime to be added to your medical record.

· Bring other items essential to your well-being: eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, dentures and a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) for sleeping. Bring cases and batteries for these items, too.

· When choosing clothes, opt for loose-fitting and short-sleeved garments.

“If you have an IV, a short-sleeved shirt is much better to access it than a long-sleeved shirt,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. “You can bring a robe to cover up.”

· For moms giving birth, bring your birth plan in written form. Pack a few pairs of clothes for you and your baby.

“Babies notoriously spit up on their clothes,” Dr. Bloomstrand says with a smirk.

The hospital can provide diapers, wipes and a breast pump. But, you can bring your own if you prefer a certain type.

“Not only can you use your breast pump, the people at the hospital can teach you how to use it,” Dr. Bloomstrand says.

What babies don’t need at the hospital: rattles, books and toys. Save those memories for home.

· Don’t overdo it with personal items and food. This can cause your room to get cluttered and create a trip hazard. Have someone who can take unneeded items home.

· Don’t bring valuable items. Dr. Bloomstrand says a phone is OK to keep in touch with loved ones. But other electronics and jewelry should stay home. Hospitals have security, but like any other place, there is a chance for theft.

Interview clips

‘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

Seeing a therapist: Tales vs. truths

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Mental health care starts with a first step, but that first step can be intimidating. Maybe you don’t want to let others know what you’re dealing with, or you’ve heard about friends having poor experiences while seeing a mental health provider.

Susan Hanson, DSW, LCPC, a psychotherapist at OSF HealthCare, is debunking misconceptions about therapy so you can feel comfortable and get the most out of your care.

Myth: Seeing a therapist is scary.

Fact: “People quickly learn it’s a safe place to talk about trials, tribulations and conflicts. It’s a very warm and inviting place,” Hanson says. She adds that even group therapy shouldn’t be intimidating. Group work can help build empathy and a sense of belonging. When you see others going through the same issues, you can often feel less alone.
Myth: My private health information is at risk of becoming public.

Fact: Hanson says this comes up often with her patients. They don’t want to talk about certain things with friends and family, but they’re also wary of talking with a provider. Hanson reassures that all health care providers abide by confidentiality and use software that keeps your information secure and private. She says the only reasons a provider must breach that confidentiality is if the person is a danger to harm themself or others or if there is evidence of child endangerment.
Myth: I’ll be back to normal after just a few sessions.

Fact: It’s usually not a quick fix, Hanson says. Therapy is something you need to buy into and stick with. Success is often seen after awareness, acceptance and internal structural changes in terms of emotional regulation and setting healthy boundaries.

“Some people can come in and have a quick fix. Maybe they’re nervous about moving. Or they have test-taking anxiety, and we can work through skills for that,” Hanson says. “But many other people have more complex trauma that might take longer to work through.”
Myth: Medication will fix me, and therapy is an easy way to get it.

Fact: Hanson stresses that mental health care providers are not medication dispensaries, nor will medication alone likely heal you.

“Sometimes medication is appropriate if there’s a biological basis [an issue innate within someone’s body, in other words], complex trauma or a diagnosis like ADHD or major depression. The medication can help enhance the talk therapy,” Hanson explains. She adds that a therapist can put a timeline on things. If, for example, anxiety symptoms aren’t improving after a few sessions, the provider could look into medications that could help.
Myth: I’ll see my therapist then go back to normal life.
Fact: Hanson says you have to put what you learn at therapy into practice. Common activities outside of a session include journaling, meditation, grounding exercises and finding a trusted person who you can go to if, for example, you’re having an anxiety attack. Some of Hanson’s patients have also benefitted from emotional support animals, she says.

“Reframing thoughts around a certain situation can be a good goal. Learn positive word choices. Rewrite the story around a situation,” Hanson says. Reducing anxiety is another big goal she’s seen with patients.

“Therapy is not a straight road. I like to see it like a dance. Two steps forward, one step back,” Hanson adds. “I also tell my clients that this bridge will take you halfway there. The rest, you walk alone. There’s only so much any one person can do for another person. We need to learn how to develop some of the skills outside of a therapy session.”

Learn more

Read more about mental and behavioral health care on the OSF HealthCare website. Mental health care at OSF includes providers like Hanson on the local level and the to-be-built Meadowview Behavioral Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, for people who need a higher level of care.

Interview clips

The Mediterranean diet and liver health

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We’ve all heard the joke. Someone consumes something like alcohol and says, “My liver isn’t going to like this.”

But liver health – and more importantly what can go wrong with the organ – are no laughing matter. That’s why providers like Marcie Lindstrom, APRN, a family nurse practitioner in gastroenterology at OSF HealthCare, are getting the word out about how the Mediterranean diet can help keep our liver healthy.

How the Mediterranean diet helps

A good diet is a mainstay of liver health, both proactive and reactive when you develop a problem, Lindstrom stresses. The Mediterranean diet is one to discuss with your health care provider to see how it can work for you. This diet is mostly plant-based, incorporating things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, brown rice and seafood. It gets its named because it’s based on the eating habits of people who live near the Mediterranean Sea.

“A diet like this that’s rich in whole foods, fiber, unsaturated fat and antioxidants can help reduce liver fat. It improves metabolic markers and decreases inflammation in our liver,” Lindstrom says.

Lindstrom also states the obvious: the Mediterranean diet alone won’t keep your liver pristine. It must be part of a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and avoiding risky behaviors like heavy drinking, smoking, high stress levels, mental health concerns, unsafe needle use and unsafe sexual relations. She encourages her patients to make small changes to achieve this healthy lifestyle. Swap chips for carrots for that mid-afternoon snack, and build your diet from there. Or, start your exercise routine by walking to the end of the block. Then when you’re up for it, walk a few blocks paired with some light weightlifting.

“Strength training [like weightlifting] helps build muscle mass and prevent muscle mass loss. That can help with your metabolism, which can improve liver health,” Lindstrom says.

Why this is important

Lindstrom says the liver plays a critical role in our metabolism.

“It helps process nutrients, break down fats and medications and detox alcohol. It’s also important in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol,” she explains.

Fatty liver, where healthy cells turn into fatty cells that can’t do their job as well, is a common problem with the organ. It impacts around one in three people and is the top reason for women having liver transplants in the United States, Lindstrom says. Excessive alcohol use, hepatitis C, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and insulin resistance can all contribute to fatty liver.

“The troubling thing with fatty liver is that most of the time, people don’t have symptoms,” Lindstrom warns. Unchecked fatty liver could lead to liver scarring, liver failure and even death.

Learn more

Read more about gastrointestinal health on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Prepare for warm weather and migraines

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

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

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

What are migraines?

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

The list of triggers is, unfortunately, long.

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

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

You can prepare

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

How can you prepare?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview clips

Previous coverage

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

Planes, trains, automobiles…and your health (part one)

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Author's note: this is part one of a two part story on staying healthy during summer vacations. Click here for part two.

Summer means getaways to de-stress and make memories. But the last thing you want is to catch a cold or worse, especially if you’re halfway across the world where health care resources might be different or scarce.

It's not too late to make some quick preparations, says Jennifer Whitfill, APRN, a family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare.

Stop by the doctor’s office: Whitfill says if you haven’t seen your primary care provider for a physical exam in a while, make an appointment before vacation to address any lingering health issues. This could include getting vaccines depending on your health and where you’re going. Whitfill says typhoid fever (seen in southern Africa, Asia, Central America and South America), yellow fever (Africa), hepatitis A (remote or underdeveloped areas) and rabies are ailments to protect yourself against.
Stock up on over-the-counter medication.

“It’s important to be prepared,” for when these medications are needed, Whitfill says. “Consider packing Tylenol or ibuprofen, anti-allergy medicines like Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. Dramamine is a good one for motion sickness or nausea. Some people reach out to their provider if they’re going on a cruise. There’s a prescription called a scopolamine patch that you can put behind your ear. It’s good for three days and helps offset motion sickness.

“Eyedrops are good if you have seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter saline or Pataday drops,” Whitfill adds. “Creams like hydrocortisone and triple antibiotic ointment are good to have.”

For outdoor trips like camping, essentials including a first aid kit, sunscreen and bug spray are must-haves, too. Know if you’re on a medication, such as certain acne creams and menstrual cycle medications, that makes you more prone to sunburn.

And regardless of what you pack, Whitfill says flyers should check the Transportation Security Administration guidelines about what can come on a plane. She says to leave medicines in their original packaging when preparing airport luggage.

Medicine, part two – before you go: You might hear travel bloggers say to boost your immune health before traveling to reduce your risk of catching something. Is the advice overblown?

Whitfill says no. She says elderberry, vitamin C and D and zinc are all good supplements to take before a trip. Start three to four weeks before departure, if you can. And if you have concerns about supplements interacting with prescription medication, talk to your provider.
Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for travel advisories about disease outbreaks, civil unrest and more.

Interview clips

Seeing a counselor in your golden years? Mind these misconceptions

Mon, 25 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

The statistic is no surprise, says Kren Harmon, a licensed clinical social worker at OSF HealthCare: 80% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.

And since we know the body functions as a whole, it’s also no shock that physical problems for older adults can turn into mental health concerns. Depression over lost independence, purpose or financial stability. Loneliness due to isolation. A fear of death.

Harmon encourages everyone, young or old, to see a mental health professional. But seeing seniors over the years, she’s heard plenty of misconceptions worth debunking.

“You’re just a shrink.”

Harmon sees this apprehension often. She explains that mental health professionals are not only qualified, but they can link you with resources outside of the office.

“Practical matters such as housing and transportation,” Harmon says. “I hear ‘My doctor told me I can’t drive anymore. How do I get to appointments?’ We network closely with our care management team to handle those social work kind of details.”
“I don’t want to be a burden on my kids.”

On the contrary, Harmon says it’s useful and important to involve the family in coming up with a care plan. She recalls bringing an adult daughter into a counseling session and getting a much different picture of things than what the older adult was letting on.

“Back in my day, we didn’t talk about this. We handled it on our own.”

Harmon says: “We start with a basic education. What is mental health? How do I know if I’m struggling? What’s the difference between a therapist, psychologist and a psychiatrist?”

Harmon also finds it less challenging when the person’s primary care provider makes a recommendation to get mental health care. She says the older adult has often seen the provider for a while, has built up trust and is more likely to take their advice.

“I don’t want to take pills.”

“There are just a lot of stereotypes about that,” Harmon says. “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 [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor] medications. 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. It’s not going to radically change how you think and feel.

“They’re apprehensive because they’re thinking of medications from yesteryear,” she adds. “They even bring up shock therapy. That is not the first mode of treatment.”

Harmon also tells older adults: I might make a recommendation on medicine down the road, but that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to talk about your emotions.

“Feeling these emotions makes me feel flawed, weak or not normal.”

Harmon retorts: “Depression can just be a chemical imbalance in the brain. It doesn’t mean you’re not a good follower of your faith. It doesn’t mean you don’t have good values or morals. This is not your fault.”

Read more about mental health resources on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Lifespan vs. health span

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:30:00 -0500

With age comes physical limitations. But it’s important to stay active, says John Rinker, MD, an internal medicine physician who specializes in geriatrics at OSF HealthCare. When you keep moving, it helps reduce the risk of things like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, cancer and neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.

In other words, Dr. Rinker says, it’s not fun to live long if you’re not well. Your lifespan versus your health span, as he puts it.

“It really, really pays to maintain exercise and be in good physical shape as you age. It reaps huge dividends on how long you live,” Dr. Rinker stresses.

Guidelines

Each person should have a tailored plan as advised by a health care provider. But regardless of your age, the American Heart Association (AHA) generally recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 70 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week, spread out over several days. A brisk walk would qualify as moderate intensity (also called zone two training), while running, swimming or riding a bike would be vigorous. Vigorous exercise is associated with a term called VO2 max, referring to maximum use of oxygen. In layman’s terms, you’re breathing hard and conditioning the heart.

“Most of that type of [vigorous] training is at a higher interval. You’re going to get breathing really hard for three to five minutes while you sustain a pace that’s rather difficult. Then you’re going to rest and let that heart rate come back down. Then go back to the hard exercise,” Dr. Rinker explains. “That back and forth with the heart rate really helps to train how well your heart can pump blood to muscles. That’s a really good marker of how well conditioned you are.”

The AHA also recommends two days of strength training per week. That could be lifting weights, using resistance bands or calisthenics, where you use your body weight for resistance rather than equipment.

“I really like the strength training piece,” Dr. Rinker says.

“It doesn’t take a lot as you age to tension a muscle enough to maintain muscle mass. We really find that people who are able to maintain muscle more muscle mass as they age are going to do much better with those health span and lifespan issues,” he adds. “So, the goal isn’t to make everyone a huge bodybuilder. The goal is to decrease the rate of decline as we age.”

On the days you do strength training, aim for 30 minutes per day. Dr. Rinker says if you really want to lean into this area of fitness, consider getting a personal trainer.

Limitations

It’s important to work around your ability and not push through pain, Dr. Rinker says. If aging has brought back or leg pain, skip the treadmill and try swimming or a weightlifting session while seated.

“You want to make sure you’re not going to injure something further. That will create a bigger setback or other deficit that are not going to help you in the long run,” Dr. Rinker says.

The bottom line

From VO2 max to zone two to calisthenics, there are a lot of terms to keep straight. If you don’t want to overthink it, just remember to keep moving. Push yourself with some vigorous workouts if you can, but commit to some form of exercise regularly.

“Most of your day-to-day exercise [as an older adult] should be just basic activity,” Dr. Rinker says. “Think of a brisk walk. Walking at a pace for about 30 minutes where you could still hold a conversation with somebody, but it would be difficult to sing a song.

“If I can just get someone to walk every day, I think they’re going to be in good shape,” he adds.

Learn more

Read more about moving your body safely and aging well on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

More than moles

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Summer means outdoor activities and a reminder to watch for suspicious moles, a possible sign of skin cancer. But doctors say skin lesions come in many forms, and you should know when to get an expert opinion.

What is and isn’t a skin lesion? Raman Kumar, MD, a colorectal and general surgeon at OSF HealthCare, has your checklist:

YES: moles, blisters, bumps, acne, boils, peeling skin from a sunburn, rashes, poison ivy or similar skin reactions, warts, skin tags and bug bites
YES, BUT: Dr. Kumar says freckles and birthmarks are lesions, but they are not harmful.

In other words: “A skin lesion is any type of abnormal growth. It can happen anywhere on the body. If it doesn’t look like normal skin, it’s considered a growth,” Dr. Kumar says.

Causes for each of these lesions vary. We know acne is due to bacteria, and warts are from a virus, for example. Medications, lifestyle choices (like eating certain food that doesn’t agree with you) and medical conditions (such as diabetes and liver failure) are other culprits. But when the cause is unexplained, health care providers might need to investigate.

“We look at the lesion. The majority of the time, we can tell if something is benign or malignant. If we have questions, we err on the side of caution and do a biopsy,” Dr. Kumar explains. That involves cutting out part of the lesion and sending it off to a lab for analysis. “Biopsies can be done in the office. If it’s a bigger procedure, we have to go to the operating room.”

If the biopsy confirms evidence of a problem, such as cancer, the doctor will remove the rest of the bad tissue. Or, Dr. Kumar says some people come to him with a cosmetic or practical reason. They have a large birthmark or cyst on their face, are self-conscious about their appearance and would like it removed, for example. Or, they wear a hard hat for work, and the hat rubs against a lesion on their forehead, causing discomfort.

Dr. Kumar outlines how he would remove a lesion: “Let’s say it’s on your arm. We clean up the arm. We inject some lidocaine, which is a numbing agent. Then with a knife or other instrument, I’m able to cut it all out. Depending on how deep it is and the size of the lesion, we can glue it back together or put stitches in.” Regardless of the method, Dr. Kumar says most of these procedures are routine for providers with minimal aftereffects for the patient. In complex cases, like if the lesion goes down into a muscle, a plastic surgeon might be consulted.

Prevention

We can’t control if we have things like freckles or moles. But there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent problematic lesions.

Limit your exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or by tanning. In fact, Dr. Kumar would not recommend tanning at all. For outdoor activities, use waterproof sunscreen of 50 sun protection factor (SPF) or higher, and reapply every few hours. Wear long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat.
Wear bug spray when doing outdoor activities, such as hiking, where insects are present.
Wash your body regularly.

“Don’t overclean,” Dr. Kumar warns. “If you scratch your skin, that allows bacteria and other things to get into your skin and cause infections.”
Don’t smoke. Dr. Kumar says smoking changes your skin for the worse, such as developing wrinkles and lesions.
Find the right skincare products. If you use a lotion and it causes a rash, for example, don’t use that product again. Dr. Kumar adds that Vaselines and petroleum jellies are good for moisturizing your skin. But they’re thick and can clog pores.

“Keep it simple. The $100 face cream is going to work the same as the $10 one,” Dr. Kumar says.
Know the ABCDEs of suspicious moles.

o A is for asymmetry. One half of the spot is not like the other half.

o B is for border. The mole has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

o C is for color. The spot has varying colors, like tan, brown, black, white, red or blue.

o D is for diameter. Dermatologists say melanoma skin cancers are usually greater than six millimeters, or about the width of a pencil eraser. But they can be smaller, so don’t consider diameter alone.

o E is for evolving. The mole looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color. Dr. Kumar says you can take pictures to show your provider how the mole has changed.

If your lesion has any of the ABCDE red flags or you just have a concern, see a provider.

Interview clips

Mind your toenail clippers

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Is your toe sore to the touch? Is the skin around the nail puffy or red? An ingrown toenail may be to blame.

Marc Leonard, DPM, an OSF HealthCare podiatrist, says it’s an issue he sees frequently, but it’s one that’s easily preventable.

Dr. Leonard says an ingrown toenail is when the nail grows into the skin on the nail’s side. Some people get ingrown toenails due to a family history of the problem. They may just have wide toenails, in other words.

For others, it’s a product of how you take care of your feet.

“Bicyclists wear very tight shoes. They clip onto the bike. The shoes are very unforgiving.” Dr. Leonard says as an example. “The person is getting extra pressure on the side of the toes. It can definitely contribute to ingrown nails.”

Dance shoes sometimes have the same effect, he says.

Another culprit: clipping your toenails too low toward the side of the toe. Instead, trim straight across using clippers with a straight, not curved, blade.

Avoiding these risk factors is crucial for people with diabetes, Dr. Leonard warns. While that group is not more prone to ingrown toenails, an occurrence may mean serious complications.

“If their blood sugar is not under control, the infections from ingrown nails can get severe quickly,” Dr. Leonard says. “Sometimes there can also be circulation problems with diabetics.”

Dr. Leonard says some ingrown toenails will resolve on their own. But if a person has to come to a podiatrist’s office, it usually means the site is infected.

“We might trim out the side of the nail. That’s the easiest way to treat it,” Dr. Leonard says. “In other situations, we have to numb the toe and take out the side of the nail.”

If the toe is really inflamed and irritated, he says, a doctor will remove a larger portion of the nail, plus some excess skin and tissue. The person may also be sent home with antibiotic medication to keep the infection down.

For people with frequent ingrown toenails, there’s a permanent solution.

“We’ll actually kill the side of the nail,” Dr. Leonard says. “We’ll put a chemical in the base of the toe to kill the root. That eliminates growth of the nail on the side.”

That’s an outpatient procedure done at a podiatrist’s office. And in the days and months ahead, you would trim the nail normally, Dr. Leonard says. The nail would just be narrower.

Regardless of what happens to your toe, recovery from ingrown nail treatment involves rest and soaking the toe in warm water. You should be back to normal activities “fairly quickly,” Dr. Leonard says.

One more burning question to answer: how often should I trim my toenails?

“For most people, probably once a month or once every couple weeks,” Dr. Leonard suggests. But if you have a history of ingrown toenails or other toe issues, talk to your primary care provider or podiatrist about proper toe care.

Learn more about foot and toe care on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Finding the right treatment for ADHD

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0500

From misconceptions about symptoms to stereotypes about drugs like Adderall, there’s a lot to parse out when getting treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels. ADHD is seen in all ages and can overlap with other issues like depression and anxiety.

“ADHD is different from lack of interest or just not paying attention. It includes emotional dysregulation, chronic impatience, restlessness and constant fidgeting. There’s difficulty managing, planning and organizing things,” says Maghav Sharma, MD, an OSF HealthCare psychiatrist. “That leads to difficulties at home or work. It can cause relationship difficulties or difficulties with bosses. Maybe the person is not completing work on time or are impatient with the result of the work.

“We see symptoms of hyperactivity mostly in kids. They’ll run around their classroom. It’s a common reason why teachers and parents send their students to the doctor to get ADHD treatment,” Dr. Sharma adds. “In adults, that anxiousness and restlessness is not outwardly projected. It’s more inside. A person can feel overwhelmed. They are fidgety, restless or on edge.”

All this is why it’s important to get a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Seeing someone like Dr. Sharma would be a good first step. He says therapy can teach skills, like how to plan and be organized, that can help cope with everyday ADHD issues and, at the same time, help if there are other issues present, like depression. For example, if ADHD is causing you to procrastinate on work projects, you could feel anxious about getting in trouble or sad about missed opportunities to move up the corporate ladder.

“We do quite often see people with symptoms of depression or anxiety, but they have underlying ADHD as well,” Dr. Sharma says. “It’s hard to tell sometimes which symptoms are related to anxiety and which are related to ADHD. So we tend to treat the conditions together. Treatment for anxiety and depression can sometimes alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.”

ADHD treatment “never should be just medication,” Dr. Sharma says. But if ADHD is making daily life difficult, medication can be paired “thoughtfully” with other treatment, he says. Stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse are often starting options for adults. For kids, health care providers might try methylphenidate (Ritalin is a common brand name). A provider could change your medication if side effects are a problem. They could try a non-stimulant like clonidine or guanfacine.

Lifestyle changes also play a big role in ADHD management, Dr. Sharma says. Sticking to a routine – everything from when you sleep to when you leave for work – can help. Exercise, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet and getting outside to pursue hobbies or be around others can also help your mood.

Learn more about keeping your mind healthy on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Sneaky signs you may be dehydrated

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0500

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

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

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

Unfamiliar signs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do

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

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

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

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

Interview clips

Perimenopause: ‘You’re not alone’

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:18:38 -0600

As women age, new adventures come. Some, like travel and new hobbies, can bring joy. Others can bring stress.

One of those stressors is perimenopause, the time you’re transitioning to menopause, when you permanently stop having menstrual periods and can no longer get pregnant.

“There’s a stigma around this time of life,” says Lindsay Orr, an advanced practice nurse at OSF HealthCare. “It’s not an illness. It’s just a natural part of aging.”

Perimenopause basics

Orr says during perimenopause, the ovaries stop producing testosterone, estrogen and progesterone regularly.

“Think of it as a short fuse or a fuse that’s not quite connected,” Orr describes. “Every month, the hormones secrete. But ovaries have a shelf life. So some months they work, and some months they don’t. It ebbs and flows during the perimenopause transition period before they go into menopause.”

Orr says women typically notice changes that signal perimenopause at around age 40. The perimenopause period can be over quickly, especially if you have surgery that impacts your ovaries. On the other hand, Orr has seen some women be in perimenopause for 10 years. Regardless, health professionals define the perimenopause to menopause transition as over when you have not had a period for one year.

Orr says some women can have little to no perimenopause symptoms. For others, the time can bring disruptions to many parts of your life – work, sleep, relationships and more. Sudden hot flashes, mood changes, joint aches, brain fog, trouble with urination, anxiety, disrupted sleep and fatigue are all possible.

“A lack of estrogen can affect bone density,” Orr adds. “So women with smaller frames are more predisposed to bone issues if they fall. Or, a decline in estrogen can have cardio-protective effects. It can increase your risk for cardiovascular issues like heart disease.”

Anorexia, bulimia, high stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and being a high intensity athlete can also make perimenopause come sooner and be more intense, Orr says.

Treatment – proactive and reactive

Orr says if perimenopause symptoms are impacting your quality of life, it’s time to see a provider. Providers can’t make perimenopause go away, but they can help with symptoms. First, Orr asks if her patients are prioritizing what she calls the “four pillars of health”: exercise with resistance training, hydration, a healthy diet with plenty of protein and healthy sleep.

A provider might also recommend a supplement, such as diindolylmethane (or DIM, for short). Orr calls DIM broccoli in a pill. It helps keep hormones at a healthy level. Other supplements that could help include calcium D-glucarate, evening primrose oil, black cohosh and ashwagandha.

Orr also urges women to start the conversation with their primary care provider or OB/GYN before perimenopause hits. Ask what you can do now to lessen symptoms or duration. Be honest about how your body is feeling and what medications you’re on, as new medications could negatively interact with current ones. Orr also recommends women use a smartphone app to track their periods.

“The apps help you be in tune with your body. You go through your day-to-day life and kind of recognize things, but you don’t really put it all together. Then when you put the information in the app, you might say ‘Oh yeah, I am symptomatic. This is happening.’” Orr says. “You can track temperature changes, bleeding issues, hormone fluctuations and sleep. It all plays a role.”

What about pregnancy?

Yes, women can still get pregnant during perimenopause, though it’s not as common as pregnancies in your 30s and younger, Orr says. However, in general, Orr says the higher in age, the higher risk for pregnancy complications.

“Balanced hormones help maintain a good uterine lining for housing a fetus,” Orr explains, noting perimenopause disrupts that hormone balance. “So, a later-life pregnancy would require closer monitoring.” In other words, you’d likely have more trips to the doctor to make sure your pregnancy is healthy.

The bottom line

Orr reiterates: perimenopause is a part of life. Give yourself grace, take advantage of the help that providers can give and recognize that it’s about progress, not perfection.

“Some of the women I see are frazzled, disheveled and anxious. Sometimes they’re upset during the visit. It’s sad to see,” Orr recounts. “Then we start treatment, and I see them three months later. They look like a different person. They’re glowing. They have a zest for life again. It’s rewarding to see.”

Learn more

Read more about perimenopause and menopause and women’s health overall on the OSF HealthCare website.

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

Navigating the baby blues and more

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

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

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

PMAD basics

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

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

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

Screening and treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why it’s important

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

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

Learn more

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

Interview clips

Mental health medication and pregnancy

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

As the stigma around mental health continues to improve, people are more likely to seek treatment. A woman who has just learned she’s 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 first of all, you’re not alone. She says around one in five women experience a mental health concern during pregnancy, and many of those women are taking medication for things like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Shoemaker says most of the time, you can and should stay on your medication. But it’s a conversation you should have with your health care team.

Shoemaker implores women to talk about medication with their provider early Ideally, it’s before they conceive. Shoemaker says don’t change or stop your medicine routine until you have that talk. You may have your child’s best interest in mind, but a change could compromise your or your child’s health.

“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,” Shoemaker says. “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.

“If you look online, you’re going to find all kinds of information. You’re going to find conflicting sources, old studies and poorly written studies,” Shoemaker adds, referencing the temptation to rely solely on your own research.

Shoemaker says a provider may order one or more ultrasounds before making a decision on medication. If a provider advises that a change is needed, you could go on a supplement. For example, Shoemaker says a medicine like valproic acid (a seizure medicine sometimes used for bipolar disorder) may increase the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in your unborn child. Spina bifida, or the abnormal development of the spinal cord, is a common NTD. In this case, a provider may advise adding a folic acid supplement at a high dose. Shoemaker adds that for medications like valproic acid, drugmakers and doctors are vocal up front: don’t start taking it if you’re trying to get pregnant. That way, you don’t have to possibly make a change mid-pregnancy.

If you’re on a medication that’s new to the market, that’s also a definite “must talk about” with your provider. That’s because we don’t know a lot about how new medications impact pregnancy. Shoemaker points out that scientists typically don’t do intense studies on pregnant women so they don’t disrupt the pregnancy. Rather, the research is done after birth.

“We discuss what the woman is on, how we can counteract the risk and what the actual risk is for her specific situation. Then we can make a shared decision about what is best for her and her family,” Shoemaker says. She adds that the woman’s entire care team – their primary care provider, their mental health provider and their OB/GYN or midwife – should be working together.

Shoemaker admits all this can be a tough task. But there are tried-and-true ways to get to the root of a pregnant woman’s mental health concern. Providers also build extra time into appointments to talk about mental health. Shoemaker says she often uses humor to break the tension. She can also use personal experiences to relate to the mom-to-be. And she’s also not afraid to ask a lot of questions: are you sure there’s nothing else we can talk about? How are you doing emotionally?

“If you continue to ask in new and different ways, women eventually open up. They say ‘yeah, this is really bothering me. I wondered if it was normal. I was afraid to talk about it,’” Shoemaker says. “Once you make it clear that the provider is a safe person to talk to and mental health is really important, women will open up.

“More women need to talk about how difficult it can be to be pregnant, to be a mother and to be going through this huge life transition,” Shoemaker adds.

Learn more about how you can a successful pregnancy and birth on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Hernia vs. sports hernia: Know the difference

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0600

When watching a basketball game on television, you may hear coaches and announcers say the star player is missing time with a hernia.

A sports hernia is different than a hernia suffered in everyday life, says Raman Kumar, MD, a colorectal surgeon and general surgeon at OSF HealthCare. But each should be taken seriously.

Hernia

Dr. Kumar says a hernia is when an internal organ or piece of fat goes through a hole in the abdominal wall. The most common type – around 80% – is an inguinal hernia, when a part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall in the lower belly (also called the groin). Anyone can get a hernia, even newborns. But Dr. Kumar says they are seen more in older men. Symptoms include a bulge or swelling in the abdominal area and pain when moving.

“A lot of chronic heavy lifting,” can cause hernias, Dr. Kumar says. “Other things weaken the abdominal wall such as diabetes and smoking. Being obese causes a lot of weight hanging down on the abdominal wall. If you’ve had surgery in the past, that’s also a risk factor.”

So be mindful when lifting objects, Dr. Kumar advises. Lift with your knees, not your back, and don’t try to lift heavy items. Get a cart or a partner to help. Eat healthy and exercise to avoid obesity and diabetes. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

Dr. Kumar says an exterior wrap known as a hernia belt or abdominal binder can be a short-term solution. But surgery is often the endgame.

“If you have a hole or defect, it needs to be closed,” Dr. Kumar says. “The reason we fix hernias is because we don’t want a loop of intestine or bowel to get into the hernia, twist off and die.”

That would make a person very sick and possibly threaten their life, Dr. Kumar says.

Sports hernia

Dr. Kumar says a sports hernia is a muscle tear in the groin area. They’re seen in athletes due to all the twisting, turning and bending that comes with competition.

“Stretch before you do any type of activity. Work and develop your core muscles, including your abdominal and hip muscles.” Dr. Kumar says. “If the muscles are strong, they are less likely to tear.”

Athletes who complain of groin pain should immediately leave the competition and get checked out by a trainer or doctor. Resting and icing the groin will help, but a combination of medication, physical therapy or surgery will likely be needed to fully heal.

Be proactive

If you have symptoms of a hernia or sports hernia, see a health care provider right away.

“Nine times out of 10, we can determine you have a hernia just based on a physical exam,” Dr. Kumar says.

But for more complicated cases, your doctor may order an ultrasound or CT scan. Then, the provider will develop a treatment plan.

Interview clips

Previous coverage

Hernias: More common than you think

Eat deliberately this holiday season

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0600

November, December and January bring bountiful holiday meals.

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

Have the right mindset

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

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

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

The meal itself

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

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

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

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

If you can’t help it

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

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

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

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

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

A word on more serious eating issues

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

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

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

“It’s just not a good thing.”

Bottom line: Don’t get discouraged

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

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

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

Interview clips

Brrrrrrrrrrr!

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:34:35 -0600

It’s the dead of winter, and you need to run to the mailbox or let your dog out. It’s just a minute, you think. A sweater and sandals will be fine.

Not so fast, says Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall who sees cold weather injuries often. She says exposure to frigid temperatures can have serious consequences.

Types of cold weather injuries

Frostnip: Draper says this is a mild form of frostbite where exposure to cold temperatures turns the skin pink or red. Your skin may feel burning or numb.

“The numbness typically goes away with rewarming,” Draper says.

Frostbite: This is a more severe case of cold exposure. Your skin may be numb and appear yellow, white, gray or black. It may feel waxy and have blisters.
Hypothermia: This is when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees.

“There are different stages,” Draper explains. “The first is our natural response of shivering. It gets more severe. The person may get confused and have lethargy, memory loss and slurred speech. It can lead to a coma and death.”

Inside, too?

Yes, there’s a risk for these injuries inside, too, Draper says. Notably, there have been cases of infants getting hypothermia.

“The room may be too cold, and they’re not dressed appropriately,” Draper says. “If they’re in a bassinet or crib with just a onesie and it’s cold, that can lead to hypothermia.”

Signs of infant hypothermia are bright red skin and decreased energy. Sleep experts use a thermal overall grade scale (TOG) to suggest how much clothing a baby should wear to sleep depending on the temperature of the room.

Treatment

Draper says she usually sees cases of frostbite and hypothermia sent to the emergency department. Providers will rewarm you with warm water or blankets and may provide warm liquids to drink, warmed oxygen through a mask and nasal tube or heated fluids through an intravenous line (IV) or other methods. Medication can also help with pain and blood flow.

“The hospital has more imaging resources to see the impact of the tissue damage,” compared to urgent care, Draper says.

For frostnip, you can take steps to warm up at home.

“It’s not as fast as possible. It’s not as hot as possible. It’s just that gradual warming,” Draper says. “Get off your cool or wet clothes immediately. You don’t want to stick your hands or feet into hot, steaming water. Just warm water.”

That’s because hot water can burn your skin. And if your skin is numb, you may not feel the burn before the damage is done. If water is not available, you can place your hands in your armpits. And handle the sensitive skin gently. Don’t rub or massage it. If your feet are affected, get off your feet.

Prevention

Draper says older adults, people who work or do activities outside (like hunters or hikers), unhoused people and people with medical conditions (like peripheral artery disease, diabetes and Raynaud’s disease) are at a higher risk of cold weather injuries. Getting stranded in a vehicle without proper protection is also common in the winter. Drinking alcohol or using drugs may lead to you losing consciousness outside. And smoking impacts blood circulation, putting you at a higher risk, Draper says.

Some ways to beat the cold:

Dress in layers. You can always take a layer off, but you can’t put one on if you leave it at home. Make a hat, scarf, gloves and winter boots part of your wardrobe. Make sure the clothes aren’t too tight to allow for blood circulation. And look for water-resistant garments when buying clothes.
Have winter weather supplies, like blankets, flares, a first aid kit and food, in your vehicle.
Be well fed and hydrated. Body fat, though unhealthy in excess, helps us stay warm. For drinks, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
During outdoor activities, take breaks and go with a buddy. Keep a close eye on kids who may not realize how cold they are. Come inside to change from wet to dry clothes. Let others know your plans and when you’ll be back. If you’re not back in time, that’s a sign you may have fallen victim to the cold, and help should be sent.

Interview clips

Managing holiday meals and diabetes

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Holiday meals bring candy, cookies and other sweets in bountiful amounts. Most of us will chow down with a promise to return to healthy eating tomorrow. But people with diabetes must closely monitor their intake of sugar and carbohydrates at every meal.

What is diabetes?

Aminat Ogun, MD, is a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare. She says diabetes is a disorder that affects how your body uses blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is when an autoimmune reaction stops your body from making insulin. Type 2 is when the body can’t recognize insulin and use it well. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women.

Dr. Ogun says a sedentary lifestyle can be a big risk factor for developing diabetes, so regular exercise is important. Treatment typically involves medication and lifestyle changes.

Moderation is key

Dr. Ogun says there’s no magic number of cookies you can eat on Christmas and walk away with no diabetes complications. Your nutrition depends on your age, sex, height, weight and more. Plus, she says the brain needs some sugar to function.

Dr. Ogun recommends small portions. Put just a couple of cookies or chocolates on your plate after the holiday meal. Don’t keep going back for more.

Mix in healthier snacks, like fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Look for “whole grain” or “whole wheat” on the label. If you’re craving sugar, try yogurt with berries or an apple with peanut butter. Artificial sweeteners are another option to satisfy the sweet tooth, as Dr. Ogun says they do not raise your blood sugar level. For example, mix a sweetener powder into your water.

Dr. Ogun says if you rely on insulin, check your blood sugar level as often as your doctor advises.

“You would have discussed with your doctor the amount of carbohydrates you can take,” Dr. Ogun says. “Try to keep to that level.”

Dr. Ogun admits it may be more difficult for children not to gorge on holiday sweets. So, parents need to keep a close eye and provide motivation to eat healthy.

“If they eat a certain amount of vegetables of fruits in a day, maybe reward with a cookie or snack,” Dr. Ogun suggests.

Learn more

Symptoms of diabetes include increased urination, increased thirst and blurred vision. More serious cases could bring nausea, vomiting and eye, heart and kidney issues. Nerve damage leading to numbness and tingling in your hands and feet known as diabetic neuropathy is also possible.

“We lose sensation in those areas. People may step on a nail and might not feel it,” Dr. Ogun says. “The issue grows and grows and leads to an ulcer, which makes wound healing harder for diabetic patients.

“That’s when we have to consider amputation,” of a foot, for example, she adds.

Diabetes can also be fatal, Dr. Ogun says.

Read about diabetes care on the OSF HealthCare website. If you have questions about this disorder or have symptoms, talk to your primary care provider.

Interview clips

Previous coverage

OSF HealthCare blog entries on diabetes

OSF HealthCare Newsroom stories on diabetes

Better breathing: How we treat COPD

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0600

It’s something Michael Daley, MD, sees in the emergency department often and especially this time of year: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Dr. Daley, who provides care at OSF HealthCare, says while there’s no cure for COPD, medicine has come a long way to improve your quality of life with the disease.

COPD basics

Dr. Daley says more than 300 million people suffer from COPD, and it’s is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

“It’s a destruction of the lung tissue in the airways. A lot of inflammation and destruction over time that causes the condition to manifest itself in people in different ways,” Dr. Daley says.

Those ways include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and fever. Dr. Daley points out that those symptoms overlap with a similar disease: asthma. But each has their differences, too.

“Asthma is seen as a disease of the young. People with asthma usually have that diagnosis at a much earlier age than someone with COPD,” Dr. Daley explains. “The textbooks will tell you that you typically see COPD in the sixth decade of life. So, people in their 60s, 70s and 80s.”

Treatment

Dr. Daley says many of the people he sees know they are having a COPD flare up.

“We immediately get them into a room. We put them on oxygen. We initiate various therapies that have been shown throughout the years to work well,” he says. “We’d give them steroids, antibiotics and inhalers over the course of one to three hours. We observe them and watch them improve.”

Though Dr. Daley says it’s not frequent, people can come to the hospital with a severe COPD flare up.

“They’re not moving any air at all. They’re in extreme distress,” he says.

That person would go on a ventilator to, first and foremost, save their life, but also to get them breathing more easily again. Dr. Daley says after a few days on a ventilator, health care providers would then tap into other treatments.

Long-term, a person may go on a nebulizer. It’s a machine that delivers a mist of medicine inside your body through a mouthpiece or mask. The medicine helps your airways to relax and expand, allowing you to breathe easier. This is different from an oxygen tank.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in a hospital or clinic is also a common part of treatment. Like lifting weights to build up muscle, pulmonary rehab involves exercises to work your way back to as normal breathing as possible.

“Often they’ll do what’s called chest physiotherapy. They wear a percussion vest. That helps them cough up a lot of mucus and phlegm inside their lungs that’s preventing them from breathing [well],” Dr. Daley says. “They also do a lot of breathing exercises that will help their airways expand. That leads to a better quality of life.”

Prevention

Dr. Daley says smoking tobacco is a leading cause of COPD, especially in the United States. Worldwide, air pollution is also a trigger, whether that’s outdoor smog or indoor dust and dander.

“We’re actually seeing a much younger population presenting with COPD. People in their 30s and 40s. Just because of very heavy tobacco usage,” Dr. Daley says.

So if you’re a smoker, make a plan to stop. If you live in a smoggy area, avoid prolonged exposure. Consider wearing a mask when outside. And keep your home clean and well-ventilated.

Dr. Daley adds that respiratory viruses like influenza can make COPD worse, leading to an uptick of cases in the winter. So, take basic hygiene steps to avoid those seasonal illnesses: wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your elbow, stay home when sick and be up to date on vaccinations.

Learn more

Read more about how OSF helps people with conditions like COPD recover at home.

Interview clips

Another “bronch” to know

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0500

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

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

The basics

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

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

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

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

Cause, diagnosis and treatment

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

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

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

Treatment involves making you feel comfortable until symptoms resolve.

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

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

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

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

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

Prevention

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

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

Interview clips

Navigating menopause: Expert advice for symptom relief

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:32:26 -0500

The transition to menopause – when a person permanently stops having menstrual periods – can bring symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods and anxiety. Women may want to find assistance with these symptoms.

Dennis Sands, MD, is an OSF HealthCare gynecologist and chief medical officer at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois. He cautions you to be wary of over-the-counter medication that claims to help with all menopause symptoms.

“In general, a lot of the at-home remedies are marketed very well. They are touted as cure-alls or things that will work for the most common complaints, like hot flashes,” Dr. Sands says. “What we’ve found is most of them don’t work.”

Dr. Sands adds that these medicines are marketed as dietary supplements, not pharmaceuticals. So, there’s more wiggle room to make claims about their benefits. Dr. Sands says he’s seen menopause medicine labels at the pharmacy that tout vitamin, soy or phytoestrogen ingredients. Equelle is a common brand name. Dr. Sands says these medicines can have a minor effect on menopause symptoms in healthy people, but they are not cure-alls or effective for all people. In particular, he says irregular bleeding usually requires a treatment plan laid out by a health care provider and an evaluation to rule out something more serious.

That’s where your gynecologist comes in, with Dr. Sands reminding that treatment is different for everyone. The first advice you’ll likely hear: keep up with your health.

“We’ve noticed that people who are healthy overall, exercise well, sleep well and are in good relationships generally do pretty well in the menopausal transition,” Dr. Sands says. “The more stress people are under, the more they’re not as healthy as they could be, the more their sleep is disturbed. It seems a lot of those people tend to have a more difficult transition.”

Estrogen patches and progesterone creams can also help, especially in younger women. A provider may also see if other medications you’re taking are making your menopause symptoms worse.

“If you’re struggling, see your provider and review all the options,” Dr. Sands suggests. “There are some great options that are effective and safe. Generally, they’re only used for a short time to get people through the transition.”

Interview clips

Solving sore throats

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0500

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

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

Viral infections

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

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

Bacterial infections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prevention

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

Early detection is also key.

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

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

Interview clips

Best defense against prostate cancer: screening

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:30:00 -0500

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It's a reminder that the disease is manageable when caught early.

Uwais Zaid, MD, a urologist who provides care at OSF HealthCare, is urging men to get screening appointments on their calendar at the right time. That’s critical, he says, because some people who develop prostate cancer will not show symptoms.

“It is something we certainly do take seriously in urology,” Dr. Zaid says.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a male gland about the size and shape of a walnut. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate makes some of the fluid that’s part of semen.

Risk factors

Dr. Zaid says the risk for prostate cancer increases with age.

Other risks: “African American men are at a higher risk,” Dr. Zaid says. “Certain dietary things like too much red meat and greasy, fatty food. And certain type of exposures such as Agent Orange for some of our veterans.”

And like most other ailments, a family history of prostate cancer should put you on higher alert.

Screening: how and when

Dr. Zaid says prostate cancer screening involves two simple tests. One is a blood test that measures the amount of a hormone produced by your prostate called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). An abnormally high reading might warrant further examination by your health care provider.

The other test is a digital rectal exam, where your provider will feel for lumps on the prostate.

Don’t get that confused with a colonoscopy, the more invasive screening that looks for colon cancer, Dr. Zaid says.

“It doesn’t require any special or horrible bowel prep,” Dr. Zaid says of the prostate exam. “It’s about a 20 second thing we do in the clinic that can save your life.”

You should always see your health care provider anytime something seems off with your body. But the American Urological Association has guidelines for when to get a prostate cancer screening.

“For most men, we want them to start screening with an annual PSA [test] at age 54 to 69,” Dr. Zaid explains. “For certain men, you want to start earlier if you have a risk factor.”

After age 69, Dr. Zaid says you should talk to your primary care provider about what screenings are right for you.

What should you not do?

Don’t think this type of cancer is so common that you should just let it run its course. Dr. Zaid says there are aggressive types of prostate cancer that can be deadly.

Also, Dr. Zaid warns of herbal remedies for cancer in general. He says your best bet is to see a doctor.

Treatment

Dr. Zaid says treatment for prostate cancer depends, in part, on how much the cancer has spread.

If it’s contained to the prostate gland, he says radiation (sending radiation waves to destroy the cancer cells) or surgery to partially or fully remove the gland are options.

“If the prostate cancer has escaped the prostate gland, there are a lot of treatment options,” Dr. Zaid explains. “This is actually a very active area [in medicine] with all sorts of research and new medications.”

Hormone therapy may be an option here, the doctor says.

“It’s very manageable,” Dr. Zaid says on treatment of the disease.

Interview clips

Previous coverage

OSF HealthCare library: Prostate cancer

OSF HealthCare Newsroom: Urinary incontinence and the link to prostate cancer

Planes, trains, automobiles…and your health (part two)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:30:00 -0500

Author's note: this is part two of a two part story on staying healthy during summer vacations. Click here for part one.

Summer means getaways to de-stress and make memories. But the last thing you want is to catch a cold or worse, especially if you’re halfway across the world where health care resources might be different or scarce.

It's not too late to make some quick preparations, says Jennifer Whitfill, APRN, a family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare.

Know your destination and what to do if something goes wrong.

“If you have a medical condition, have your medications with dosages on a list. Have your health care provider’s information on that same page. That way in case something happens, they know how to get ahold of the provider to ask questions,” Whitfill says. “Investigate where is the closest health care facility, whether that’s a hospital or an urgent care, in case you need care quickly.”

This is especially important, for example, for people with heart conditions who might require a complex level of care at a moment’s notice.

Consider travel insurance: It might not be needed for every trip, but it can give you some peace of mind.
Crowded areas: Train stations and airports are full of people from all walks of life, and it’s a safe bet that some of them are under the weather.

“Good hand hygiene is huge,” Whitfill says, especially after contacting high-touch areas like an escalator railing. “If you are immunocompromised or worried about catching something, you can always mask. Boost your immune system [prior to travel], and keep your distance [from others] as much as possible.”
Sleep: If you’re crossing multiple time zones, adjust your sleep a few days in advance to avoid exhaustion. Whitfill says if you’re traveling east, go to bed and wake up a few hours earlier each day. If you’re traveling west, go to bed and wake up a few hours later.

“Book a flight that lands early in the evening. After landing, try to remain awake until 10 p.m. local time. That helps adjust the body’s sleep cycle,” Whitfill explains. “Also practice good sleep hygiene. Drink plenty of fluids. When you’re flying, get up multiple times to keep blood flowing. Stay away from alcohol and caffeinated beverages.”
Food and drink: You might have heard claims from friends and family that the water in [insert location here] is dirty and unsafe. That might be a bit exaggerated, but when in doubt Whitfill says to use bottled water, even when brushing your teeth. And pack some medicine in case you get diarrhea (Imodium or Pepto Bismol) or constipation (probiotic or laxative).

Interview clips

Don’t feel the burn

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:50:06 -0500

Burnout.

It means different things to different people. But one thing’s for sure: you should know the skills to cope with burnout to avoid a mental health crisis.

“Things are really expensive right now. People are looking for jobs. There’s a political climate with a lot of changes. It’s all created a lot of upset,” says Sara Bennett, an OSF HealthCare psychotherapist, commenting on the prevalence of burnout today. “And social media has a big role in how we feel. We see everybody’s problems. Or the opposite: Everybody’s life is so great and rosy. It leaves us wondering what we’re doing wrong.”

Causes and symptoms

Bennett says burnout doesn’t have a written-in-stone clinical diagnosis like, for example, the flu does. But generally, she describes it as physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that makes it difficult to navigate life. Issues with your job, school, finances, health and relationships can all lead to burnout.

“You’re probably going to feel a lack of concern. We call that apathy. You might not care if something’s going on. You might have a lack of interest in things you usually enjoy,” Bennett explains. “You might not be sleeping well. You might get stomachaches or headaches. You may be irritable.”

A sense of hopelessness can also occur. You might feel like things will never get better, or you can never get ahead of your problems, Bennett says.

Treatment

From your home to the doctor’s office, there are ways to navigate burnout.

First, Bennett says you should take stock of the situation you’re in. Is it one that will resolve itself soon? Or do you need a bigger plan? For example, Bennett says accountants can be stressed during tax season. But after all the filings are done and the chaos dies down, their mental health will likely get a boost.
Take care of the basics. Get good sleep. Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly.
Ask someone for help. For example, if caring for an elderly family member causes stress, ask a neighbor to man the house for an hour so you can get some fresh air or take a nap.
Learn to say no. You can’t be all things to all people. So, recognize when you don’t have the bandwidth to take on a task.

“Learn to prioritize,” Bennett suggests. “Figure out the things you can’t say no to. The things that are really important. Or maybe there’s some suffering involved, and you’re the person that can help.”
See a health care provider.

“Doctors can prescribe something that might help you through a short-term experience,” Bennett says. “Therapists can engage you unlike others in your life. They can process stressors with you. They can give you good coping skills and relaxation techniques.”

For example, Bennett says she may work with someone to identify what they can and can’t control in their life and encourage them not to get hung up on the latter. Journaling can also help avoid bottled up emotions. And, Bennett implores people to be grateful for the good things in life.

Learn more

Read more about healthy thoughts and behaviors on the OSF HealthCare website. If your burnout has reached a crisis where you are thinking about harming yourself or others, talk to a trusted adult or mental health professional or go the emergency department right away. The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available.

Interview clips

‘I never knew one of my radio shows would save my life.’

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:52:45 -0500

Laura Williams, a community college administrator turned radio host in Danville, Illinois, is all about educating the public about staying healthy. Each May to mark Stroke Awareness Month, Williams would interview Leslie Ingold, RN, a regional stroke navigator at OSF HealthCare.

The advice from Ingold was well known but important: know your stroke risk factors, and if you have stroke symptoms, get to the hospital right away.

But what Williams didn’t know is that she would soon use the information from those interviews to save her life.

“If it wasn’t for that interview, I don’t know what it would have turned into,” Williams says.

Williams’ story

The 63-year-old Williams remembers one day in March of 2024 when she woke up dizzy.

“My left side was a little off kilter. I thought ‘This is strange. I’m feeling kind of weird. What’s wrong with me?’,” Williams recalls. “I thought I just better lay back down. I just didn’t feel good.

“I started to lay back down, and an interview popped into my mind. I had interviewed Leslie Ingold about strokes. What she said kept running through my mind: do not go to sleep. Do not go back to bed. That’s the worst thing you can do if you’re having a stroke,” Williams adds.

Williams says she woke her husband and said, “I think I’m having a stroke.” The pair got to OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, where doctors determined she had a small ischemic stroke.

What to know about ischemic strokes

Ingold says an ischemic stroke can occur when a blood clot breaks off from any part of your body, travels to your brain and obstructs the brain’s blood vessels. That’s opposed to a hemorrhagic stroke, where blood comes out of a brain vessel due to a leak or burst.

Is a small ischemic stroke like Williams’ common?

“Everybody’s different. Everybody’s brain is different. So it’s hard to really say what a normal stroke looks like,” Ingold says. “[The severity] also depends on how quickly you recognize the symptoms and get to the hospital. If you can get here quicker, that could be less damage.”

Time is brain, in other words. So, remember the acronym BEFAST. If you notice irregularities with your balance, eyes, face, arms or speech, it’s time to call 9-1-1. And, talk to younger people in your life about those signs. Ingold says strokes aren’t just an old person thing. She’s seeing more people in their 30s, 40s and 50s come to the hospital with stroke symptoms.

“The brain has something called neuroplasticity,” Ingold adds. “So the quicker you can start physical, occupational or speech therapy [after a stroke], it impacts those brain neurons. We don’t always get them back, but the brain can sometimes remember how to get your strength back.”

Prevention

Some risk factors for stroke, like your family history of health issues, are unchangeable. But you can spin that into things you can control.

“You can check in with your primary care provider and see how best to fix things,” Ingold says. “Do you need to lose weight? Do you need to eat a better diet? Medication? Exercise? You can watch your blood pressure and diabetes. Small amounts of walking. Walk in your home in the winter months. Do some arm exercises with water bottles or cans of food. All that makes a difference.

“And the most obvious modifiable risk factor is smoking or vaping. We see a lot of patients with a history of vaping. Smoking and vaping are equally bad for you. We encourage you to stop. If you need help, talk to your primary care provider about products to help you stop,” Ingold adds.

Williams today

After a three-day hospital stay, Williams went home with no long-term deficits. She’s now preaching stroke prevention through a healthy diet, active lifestyle, knowing your body and more. For one, Williams now wears a medical alert bracelet. It contains her health information if she’s stricken and can’t talk. She’s also put that information on her refrigerator so her grandchildren will know what to do in an emergency.

Plus, Williams wants others to be empowered, not embarrassed, to go to the hospital with a possible stroke. The mindset of “I felt bad earlier, but I feel fine now. I’ll just waste their time.” is not the way to go, she says.

“I never knew that one of my radio shows might end up saving my life. Or end up saving me from something like paralysis,” Williams says. “I really feel like that conversation with Leslie saved my life and made a difference in my outcome.”

Says Ingold: “I’m very thankful Laura had us on her show. I’m so thankful she listened. I’m so thankful that when we have an audience, they listen. It might not affect them today, tomorrow or even next year. But the fact that they’ve heard it and remember it makes all the difference in the world.

“If I can be a part of that, that makes my heart warm,” she says.

Learn more

Read more about how health care providers prevent and treat strokes on the OSF HealthCare website.

Photos

Interview clips - Laura Williams

Stay safe on the water, part two

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0500

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

More sun and rising mercury mean people will head outdoors to lakes and forests. But something as simple as drinking river water can lead to an illness that derails your spring.

Bethany Huelskoetter, APRN, a family medicine provider at OSF HealthCare, hits the major safety points about leisure time on the water.

Bug bites: Coat yourself with bug spray to start the day, and avoid hanging out in tall grass where pests can hide. If your bug bite comes with skin tissue damage, chest pain, muscle cramps, sweating or nausea, see a provider right away. Also, watch for a rash in the shape of a bullseye, which is common with tick bites. To remove a tick, use tweezers to get close to the skin, and gently pull the insect out. Avoid twisting and yanking.
Life jackets: Illinois and Michigan outline their life jacket laws. And some additional suggestions from Huelskoetter: for young kids, use a life jacket that straps on like a diaper. Life jackets that go over the chest could come up over the child’s head, and they could slip out or have trouble breathing. And read the life jacket label to make sure it’s right for you based on your chest size and weight.

Huelskoetter also says a life jacket or any wet object has a risk of mold. So, dry the life jackets by hanging them in the sun.
Fire extinguishers: Like life jackets, Illinois and Michigan laws require a United States Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher on board most watercraft. Boat fires do happen, Huelskoetter says, and a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a small fire and an explosion.
Dirty water: It’s tough for kids who want to explore, but Huelskoetter says you should keep lake water out of your eyes and mouth. For kids, that could mean wearing goggles.

“There are bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms that can get in your eyes. Also, don’t open your mouth underwater. You don’t want to drink that water,” Huelskoetter says. “If you swim in a lake and your eyes get red or itchy, that’s a sign you might have an infection from an organism in the water. So we want to put you on the proper antibiotic or whatever medication we feel is best.

If you drink the water, gastrointestinal upset can occur. If you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you definitely want to be seen by a provider. We’ll do testing to determine what bacteria or parasite you came in contact with so we can treat appropriately,” Huelskoetter adds.
Alcohol: Drinking responsibly can be a part of your day on the water. But Huelskoetter says the rules are just like on land: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% is the legal limit, so be aware if you’re the boat captain.
Fumes: My group is in the open air. How much should we worry about boat exhaust?

Huelskoetter says you should be fine, but make sure your watercraft has good ventilation. You can also buy carbon monoxide detectors made to clip on boats or life jackets. This can be extra helpful if your boat has an enclosed cabin, Huelskoetter points out.
Spoiled food: Of course, you’ll want to eat on your boating or fishing trip. That could include perishable items like a sandwich.

Putting the food and drink in an ice-filled cooler isn’t enough, Huelskoetter says.

“Keeping your cooler covered and out of the sun is going to do wonders. It’ll keep that ice nice and cool,” she says.

“Never eat anything that’s been sitting out, and now it’s hot,” Huelskoetter adds. “Once food reaches room temperature, you want to be careful. You can go by smell, too. If it doesn’t smell right, don’t eat it.”

Getting help

Have a first aid kit for minor injuries. For major injuries like a head or limb wound, gently move the person to land and call 9-1-1. The word “gently” is important to avoid further injury like paralysis.

Experts also point out that cell phone service can be spotty in the wilderness. So you should also have a global positioning system (GPS) device.

Interview clips

Restoring your voice

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:04:07 -0600

Author's note: This is part one of a two part story on voice disorders and maintaining your voice. Click here for part two.

Julie Andrews, Shania Twain and Selma Blair are among the many celebrities who have dealt with a voice disorder. When the gossip magazine headlines end, health care providers are there to dive deep into what causes these problems and give hope to people who want to communicate with confidence again.

Types of disorders

Ashley Brim, a speech language pathologist at OSF HealthCare, breaks down common voice disorders:

Dysarthria (pronounced diss-ARR-three-ah): Brim says this common voice disorder could be brought on by a neurological issue, such as the effects of a stroke, Parkinson’s disease or a traumatic brain injury. Muscle issues and medication side effects can also play a role. It all leads to the most common symptom: slurred speech. Brim says to picture trying to talk with a mouth full of marbles. The person’s speech could also be a different volume (too quiet or too loud) and speed (too slow or too fast).

“There’s a restorative approach where we do different types of [vocal] exercises. Try to get that voice to where it sounds better and clearer,” Brim explains. “Then there’s a compensatory approach. For a person with Parkinson’s or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS] where their voice probably isn’t going to improve in the long run, we might look at an alternative communication device. Or, do we need environmental assistance to help them communicate?”

A communication device could include a voice box to amplify speech or, if someone has lost their voice entirely, a speech generating tablet.

“The [speech generating device] has a bunch of communication presets on it,” such as common phrases conveying hunger or pain, Brim says. “They can have it pre-programmed with their actual voice before they lose it.”

Dysphonia (pronounced diss-PHONE-ee-ah): This is a general term to describe a voice abnormality, Brim says. Neurological issues and brain injuries are common causes.

“The most common dysphonia people know is spasmodic dysphonia. We really don’t know a specific cause. We assume it’s neurological,” Brim says. “This brings voice tremors. The vocal cords are not abducting or adducting correctly.

“When they’re adducting, the vocal cords are coming together. If you have an adductor-type spasmodic dysphonia, the vocal cords aren’t wanting to go away from each other. They’re wanting to stay together. So there’s a really strained voice. It sounds very harsh, almost like people are trying to force the voice out,” Brim outlines.

“Or you have abductor dysphonia, where the vocal cords are pulling away. The person has a breathy voice because the vocal cords are open all the time. Speech comes out very quiet and whispery. They’re losing all their air in one go,” Brim adds.

Treatment could include voice exercises or Botox injections. Or, if the person has a nodule or polyp on the vocal cords, those can be removed surgically.

“We go over healthy voice habits, such as increasing water intake,” Brim says, describing how she might work with someone after surgery. “Have a humidifier in the house to help increase moisture in the air. Use more of a quiet voice. Try not to yell or project too loudly because that can strain the vocal cords. Try to make your voice sound different but not in a way that causes harm.”

Something else Brim will preach to patients that you might not connect with voice issues: reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine can increase muscle tension in your vocal cords, she says.

Vocal cord paralysis: Brim says this is commonly caused by trauma to the throat, such as a car accident or having a breathing tube.

“It’s similar to a bruise or fracture or torn ligament. When there’s trauma to the vocal cord area, there’s damage. And that causes paralysis sometimes,” Brim says. “You can have, most commonly, unilateral vocal cord paralysis, where one doesn’t move. Or you can have bilateral [paralysis] where both aren’t moving.”

Brim says this is often treated with Botox or surgery to get the vocal cords vibrating again. The person would follow up with speech therapy.

There is hope

Brim is up front with her patients: You might not get your voice back to where it was, but you can make improvements. So don’t give up.

“I’d love to wave a magic wand and make your voice great,” Brim suggests with a smile. “But there are other steps we can take so you don’t feel locked in. You don’t feel like no one can understand you and no one can communicate with you.”

Learn more

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

Interview clips

At-home migraine relief: Fact vs. fiction

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:55:57 -0600

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

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

Myth vs. fact

A cold or warm cloth on the head and neck: Stick to cold, Oberheim says.

“One of the theories for why migraines happen is vasodilation, or increased blood flow to your brain,” Oberheim explains. “So we talk about using a cold compress over your eyes, on the back of your neck or at the top of your head. That cold sensation constricts blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood flow.”

Oberheim adds that there are even migraine caps that stay in the freezer until use. Those are available over the counter at retail outlets.
Rest and deep breathing: Oberheim says there’s no guarantee that your migraine will be gone when you wake up from a nap. But, she says rest and deep breathing can’t hurt. Take a break in a cool, dark room, and avoid screens and loud noises.
Caffeine: It’s good general advice to ingest caffeine in moderation for heart and mental health. But, Oberheim says a soda might help with that headache.

“We look at medications in Excedrin Migraine [pills]. Caffeine is one of them,” Oberheim says. “Caffeine has been proven to be effective sometimes in early management of migraine headaches.”
Supplements: There’s a lot to choose from in this aisle of the pharmacy. And experts warn that you should choose with provider guidance since supplements aren’t regulated like others under the eye of the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, Oberheim says some research has shown that taking vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin) and magnesium daily can help with the number of migraines.
Massaging your head: It’s a tactic some of us learned when we were kids. Massaging your temples (the area between your eyes and the top of your ears) could help with head pain.

“I don’t think there’s any data that would support that. I think it’s more of a comfort,” Oberheim says. “When you’re experiencing pain and you can have a sensation that’s not pain somewhere on your body, it might help lessen the pain.”

For example, Oberheim says when her patients are getting a blood draw through an IV in their elbow, a provider might scratch their upper arm (between the point of pain and the brain) to “confuse” the pain signal and lessen the discomfort. The same logic applies to rubbing your head during a migraine.
Taking a shower: It depends, Oberheim says.

“I could see if stress or muscle tension is creating a headache. Taking a warm shower or bath to relax might help,” Oberheim says. “However, if we’re thinking about a classic migraine with the theory of increased blood flow to the brain, taking a hot bath or shower might actually make it worse.

“It never hurts to try, but I think it’s going to be patient-specific,” she adds.

When in doubt

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

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

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

Learn more

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

Interview clips

Allergy relief: Know what works

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:29:19 -0600

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

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

What to take

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

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

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

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

Misuse

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

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

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

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

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

Think of the children! (and seniors)

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

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

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

Plan ahead

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

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

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

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

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

Interview clips

Pharmacy or provider? For seniors and medication, it matters

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Here’s an eye-opening observation from John Rinker, MD: Some people think just because you can get a medication over the counter, you can play fast and loose with its use.

“Because it’s widely accessible and they can easily get it from their grocery store, they sometimes don’t even view it as actual medicine,” says Dr. Rinker, an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare. They view it more like a vitamin, he says.

Complicating matters: Due to issues like a lack of mobility, older adults might skip getting the right prescription from a health care provider in favor of a pharmacy shelf option. Dr. Rinker warns that route could lead to unintentional medication misuse and possibly deadly side effects. Luckily, there are tips to steer your loved one back onto the right path.

Common barriers and issues

A big issue for older adults is not being able to move like they used to. So, if someone is dealing with a health problem (back pain, for example), it’s tempting to skip the long drive to the doctor’s office and just go to the pharmacy a block away. Or, the person might have medication delivered and not leave home at all.

Seniors can also be more forgetful or have trouble reading medication labels, leading to instances where they take too much of a drug. And Dr. Rinker says as we age, our ability to break down medicine and clear it from our body diminishes. The liver and kidneys just don’t work as well as they used to.

“That’s why we often adjust doses of medicine for adults as they age. We deescalate the dose. Less is more in certain cases,” Dr. Rinker explains. “The dose can last longer. The byproducts of the drug are more likely to create another problem.”

Some common over the counter medicines that are unintentionally misused, according to Dr. Rinker:

A pain reliever like ibuprofen or Aleve (the technical term is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory)

“If it’s used temporarily, it’s probably not problematic. That’s how those drugs are meant to be used. But so many people have chronic conditions like arthritis. They’ll take these drugs for long lengths of time,” Dr. Rinker says. “That’s when we start to run into more of those long-term effects. You worry about gastric ulcers or bleeding in your gastrointestinal area. If you have underlying kidney issues, those drugs can make that more harmful.”
Acid reflux medication like Nexium or Prilosec (technical term: proton pump inhibitor). Again, Dr. Rinker says a person might keep taking these drugs past their intended use.

“This can create issues with how you absorb nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It can lead to bone and kidney problems,” Dr. Rinker warns.
Sudafed (also called pseudoephedrine) or Afrin for nasal congestion.

“If you have an enlarged prostate, [overuse of Sudafed] can create more of an issue. You’ll have more problems urinating,” Dr. Rinker warns. Sudafed can also raise your blood pressure, he says.

Afrin, meanwhile, should only be used for a few days, Dr. Rinker says. If you use it longer then stop, he says you can actually get “rebound congestion” that’s worse than before.
Benadryl (also called diphenhydramine) for allergies or to aid sleep.

“It can impair cognition and increase the risk of a fall,” Dr. Rinker says. Falls can lead to serious injuries in seniors like hip fractures.

And for all medications, Dr. Rinker adds they can negatively interact with each other. For example, he says you shouldn’t take ibuprofen with a blood thinner because it could impact how the blood thinner works and make you more prone to internal bleeding.

Strategies to stay healthy

Things for seniors and their caregivers to consider:

Look into ways to remove the travel barrier to visit your health care provider. See if a friend, family member or social service agency can give you a ride. Or, see a provider virtually. Dr. Rinker says this could be as simple as calling or messaging your provider on your patient portal and asking, “Is it safe for me to take this drug?”.
Caregivers should closely watch their loved one’s medication use and their behavior afterward. For example, did one particular pill make grandma woozy? It’s worth looking into if the regimen should be changed. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions like, “I saw you take that pink pill earlier today. Are you sure you need another?”.

“Just because they’ve taken it for a while doesn’t mean the drug is OK,” Dr. Rinker says.
When you do visit a health care provider, make sure they know your health history and which medications you’re taking.

“You can read medicine packaging, but sometimes it’s really difficult to understand the language. It’s not always clear cut for the average person,” Dr. Rinker points out. “So, your primary care provider is the best person to ask questions of. They’ll have your chart and other information. They can give you a response that’s tailored to your needs.

“Your provider might have a different prescription medication or a safer over the counter alternative that works well for you. Or maybe they can figure out a way for you to take your current drug in a healthier manner,” Dr. Rinker adds.

Learn more

Read more about staying healthy in your golden years on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Heart failure can be manageable

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0600

If you see your cardiologist and they throw out the term “heart failure,” your heart might figuratively skip a beat. The heart is a vital organ, and if it’s failing, should I be counting my days?

While advanced heart failure will mean big life changes, Margy Goetten, APRN, a cardiology provider at OSF HealthCare, wants you to know that you can live with heart failure.

What to know about heart failure

Goetten says heart failure occurs when the organ can’t pump blood or relax like normal.

“New heart failure patients may experience shortness of breath. They might have difficulty when laying down. They can’t breathe. Leg swelling and fatigue are also common,” Goetten explains. “But if heart failure is well controlled, a lot of people don’t have symptoms.”

Milder cases of heart failure can be controlled by taking multiple medications – a cocktail of sorts that research has shown to help. Titrate medication, for example, helps with shortness of breath, Goetten says. Managing other health problems and not missing doctor’s appointments are also must-dos.

“It’s really symptom management,” Goetten says.

People with advanced heart failure, called end-stage, are “pretty sick,” Goetten says. She says they often require frequent trips to the hospital.

“Your symptoms are more severe. They come more frequently,” Goetten points out. “If you miss medications, the symptoms can occur quickly within a day rather than missing medications for a couple days and showing symptoms,” Goetten says.

In addition to medication, end-stage heart failure patients might have a device – an Impella or a balloon pump – put in their heart to help it pump normally. Goetten often sees these people live a “new normal.” For example, they might cut back on long vacation trips in favor of “staycations” where they know their heart care team is just minutes away.

Prevention

Just as the tires on our car wear down with miles driven, our heart wears down with age. It’s inevitable. But healthy habits can help your heart hold up longer. Get on a diet and exercise plan to avoid obesity. Manage conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

“Once those are under control, a lot of the symptoms seem to get better,” Goetten says.

Learn more

Read more about keeping your heart in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Talk to your kids about huffing (again)

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0600

It’s nothing new. But in today’s digital age it’s something young people may be exposed to more.

We’re talking about sniffing products like paint, markers or nail polish for a temporary high. You might hear it called huffing, chroming or, in the medical community, inhalant abuse.

Health care providers like Justin Rapoff, DO, an emergency medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare, are again reminding parents about the serious health impacts of this activity and what to do if your child shows symptoms. It’s especially important for kids to steer clear, he says, because their organs are still developing. An interruption to that development could mean trouble. Young people can also be more susceptible to peer pressure, giving in when other kids tell them to try something.

“Inhalant abuse is common because these are things that are easily found in your house," Dr. Rapoff adds. “They’re underneath your kitchen sink and in your garage and bathroom. These are cheap and easy to find for kids.”

The consequences

There are short and long-term effects of inhalant abuse, Dr. Rapoff says. Among the short-term issues is the general haze the activity will put you in. If you have to, for example, drive a vehicle while under the influence, you could crash or face legal consequences. If you’re intoxicated at work or school, your performance will decline.

“You can have cognitive difficulties and even dementia [later in life],” Dr. Rapoff adds of the long-term impacts. “You can have bone marrow suppression and anemia. You can have abnormal coordination.”

Cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating suddenly, is also possible.

What parents can do

If your child shows signs of intoxication – slurred speech, nausea, confusion and a lack of balance are big ones – call
9-1-1 and get them to the emergency department.

“Inhalants hit similar receptors to those hit by alcohol. It causes a similar intoxication, which lasts around two to 30 minutes,” Dr. Rapoff says.

That means you should get the child checked out even if they say they feel better. Dr. Rapoff says providers will likely test the person’s blood, urine and heart. There’s no bonafide treatment for inhalant abuse, Dr. Rapoff says. Rather, providers will treat the symptoms. For example, if the child feels nauseous or is vomiting, providers may give an anti-nausea medication.

What about avoiding an unpleasant trip to the hospital in the first place? Dr. Rapoff encourages parents to talk with their kids about the risks of huffing and, generally, any emotional issues they are dealing with. The young ones may be turning to inhalants to cope. In fact, Dr. Rapoff says studies have shown that when young people abuse inhalants, they are more likely to use heroin or even commit suicide later in life.

Parents should also pay attention to kids’ behavior, especially if they make unexplained purchases of things like hairspray or whipped cream canisters. Keep items that could be misused out of reach. Put things like markers and cosmetics out only when it’s time to use them. Keep things like spray paint and gasoline canisters locked up in the garage.

Interview clips

Infant nutrition misconceptions, part two

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

Do I need to change what I put in my body while breastfeeding?

This covers a lot of ground, from a mom’s diet to whether she should abstain from alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and medication.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

Interview clips

Phenylephrine or Placebo?

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0600

Sudafed has been a household name for decades, with the drug’s active ingredient pseudoephedrine being around since the 1920s.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claimed Sudafed PE, one of Sudafed’s more popular items, is not effective and should be banned from over-the-counter use. The announcement came roughly a year after a panel of advisors to the FDA unanimously said phenylephrine doesn’t work to clear up congestion when taken orally.

The PE in Sudafed PE comes from another active ingredient, phenylephrine, marketed as a product taken by mouth that should provide temporary relief of nasal congestion. Many other over-the-counter (OTC) combination drugs contain phenylephrine, including some items under the brand names NyQuil, Benadryl and Mucinex.

The FDA advisor panel’s decision led CVS pharmacy to pull common cold and cough medicines from store shelves in October 2023, which list phenylephrine as the main ingredient.

“It is the FDA’s role to ensure that drugs are safe and effective,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). “Based on our review of available data, and consistent with the advice of the advisory committee, we are taking this next step in the process to propose removing oral phenylephrine because it is not effective as a nasal decongestant.”

The FDA points out that while phenylephrine is found in many nasal sprays as well, its recommendation is only related to orally administered phenylephrine.

Entering public comment period

Jason Scheid, the director of Pharmacy Services for Community & Specialty Pharmacy for OSF HealthCare, says the FDA is now seeking public comments on its proposal until May 7, 2025. A final order will be issued after the 180-day comment period.

“At that point (after the 180 days) the FDA will provide the manufacturers with their due warning whether they have to pull the products or reformulate it to find an alternative that meets the labeling requirements,” Scheid says.

Scheid anticipates if drugmakers wanted to reformulate these products, and wanted them to remain as oral decongestants, the companies would have to put pseudoephedrine into the products. This would push more products behind the pharmacy counter, like the original Sudafed.

“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’s 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.”

Phenylephrine or Placebo?

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. Many medications will claim to offer multiple benefits. For example, Mucinex Sinus-Max® claims to clear sinus congestion and relieve headaches, while thinning and loosening mucus. But the drug also has Acetaminophen and Guaifenesin in it. Scheid says this proposal simply targets the phenylephrine component when considering nasal decongestion, so other benefits might still be possible.

“It might provide you a placebo-type effect. You might just feel better because of the other ingredients in it, but that one (phenylephrine) solely is not meeting the effectiveness criteria to remain over the counter,” Scheid says.

Natural treatment options that can relieve symptoms

“Using that hot shower or cool mist humidifier will add moisture to where you are to help with that congestion,” Scheid says. “Something as simple as saline nasal spray will add some moisture to the nasal cavity and give some relief.”

It’s always important to clean your humidifier after each use to prevent mold and other bacteria from being released in the air.

Don’t overdo it on the nasal sprays

Another reason why it’s important to read labels is the effect nasal sprays can have if they are used longer than their intended use. Most nasal decongestant sprays will recommend using the product for three days or less.

“What happens is a rebound nasal congestion, where you lose the effectiveness of the medication to relieve that pressure, and it causes more pressure if it’s used more than just a couple days,” Scheid says.

If congestion is caused by allergies

About one quarter (25.7%) of American adults have a seasonal allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while nearly one in five (18.9%) children are affected. Scheid says treating nasal congestion for those with allergies is a longer-lasting issue.

“You’re looking at longer-term solutions then. You’re either using a long-term nasal steroid spray or antihistamine spray, or oral antihistamine.”

Scheid says if the FDA’s proposal goes through in May, pharmacy shelves will look a whole lot different than they do now.

Another way to clear congestion is to stay hydrated. Drinking water will help thin out mucus discharge from the nose and loosen up any phlegm in the lungs, making it easier to cough up.

Video Interview Clips

Is it depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview clips

So you want to be an athletic trainer?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Fall means the busy time of year resumes for Brittany Delaney, an athletic trainer at OSF HealthCare in Pontiac, Illinois, who works both in an orthopedic clinic and at local schools. But it also means a chance for some fulfilling moments, like working the Illinois High School Association state finals in various sports.

“It kind of feels like our Olympics,” says the 20-year veteran in her field.

Delaney is pointing out the shortage of athletic trainers and encouraging people, especially young athletes, to look into the profession.

The requirements

Delaney says there are typically three parts to becoming an athletic trainer: a master’s degree, an exam with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and getting licensed in your state.

“I took a lot of anatomy courses initially [in college]. Kinesiology as well. And then you would transition into actually learning how to evaluate bodies. Joints, injuries – you learn more about them,” Delaney explains. “Psychology of sports medicine is also an emerging area. Sometimes I feel like I can be one-on-one with an athlete not just for sports medicine injuries. But if the athlete is having a bad day, it’s nice to have that connection where they’ll come in and talk to you about other things that are bothering them.”

Delaney says the exam to get licensed used to have an in-person component, but now it’s all online. She says every two years, athletic trainers are required to have continuing education to keep their license.

Day-to-day work

Delaney sees people in the hospital year-round, but her busy season starts in July as high school football teams begin preseason practice. She’ll be with teams at practices and games to provide care for injured athletes or simply help prepare them for competition by taping their ankles and helping them stretch.

“I have a lot of coaches who contact me throughout the summer to evaluate athletes,” Delaney says. “I don’t think athletes truly get a break. In high school, most of them are multi-sport athletes. These injuries can happen at any time.”

Delaney forms friendly relationships with the coaches and players, but she and all trainers know their role is to be an independent eye and ear. In recent years in the college ranks, there have been some high profile examples of coaches trying to influence a doctor or trainer’s decision and rush an injured player back to the field.

“I’ve always had great coaches that I work with,” Delaney says. “We are up front with our coaches right away about the things we’re looking for. If I have an athlete with a concussion, this is what you should expect. So, most coaches are good about knowing what to expect when I tell them ‘This athlete is out.’

“I never want to hold an athlete out if I don’t have to. So when I do, my coaches understand,” Delaney adds.

Misconceptions

For starters, Delaney says athletic trainers can’t give medication to people under age 18.

What they can handle: evaluation and rehabilitation of injuries, which includes casting and bracing.

“When I work in the orthopedic clinic, I can bring the kids in to see me in the office. I already know what their injury is. They trust that we know what we’re doing. Then if I’m the one putting on the cast, they see all of my skills,” Delaney says.

But what’s more chuckle-inducing: when an athlete approaches someone like Delaney asking to get fit and build muscle.

Delaney says she can offer some advice in the weight room. But she’s not a strength coach or personal trainer. Athletic trainers are more like mechanics of the body, akin to a physical therapist.

Getting into the profession

Delaney says if you’re interested in becoming an athletic trainer, talk to one you know.

“I’ll keep speaking out for sports medicine to find people who want to do it,” she says.

Interview clips

Don't sweat it

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview clips

Running on empty

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:30:00 -0500

Feeling tired all the time no matter what you do? Is it making it difficult to enjoy life? You might want to talk to your health care provider about chronic fatigue syndrome. Experts say it’s a tough ailment to live with and a tough one for science to grasp, but there are ways to ease the symptoms.

“It is challenging, for sure,” says Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare. “Feeling that intense fatigue day to day for normal activities that other people can tolerate.”

Symptoms and diagnosis

Dr. Ogun says there’s no known, specific cause for chronic fatigue syndrome. But it’s associated with other health issues: viral infections like Epstein-Barr, coronavirus and retroviruses; Lyme disease; depression and sleep disruption. Dr. Ogun says the disorder impacts women more than men and is most often seen in ages 30 to 50.

There’s no test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome, so providers will look at five symptoms:

Persistent fatigue
Malaise (feeling discomfort or ill) after exerting yourself

“If you’ve done any mental or physical activity and you have that sudden onset of feeling fatigued and very tired,” Dr. Ogun explains.

Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping
Memory and concentration problems
Orthostatic intolerance. This is a disorder where your blood pressure rises when you stand up.

“If you’ve had six months of these symptoms with moderate to severe intensity at least half of the time,” you’d likely be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, Dr. Ogun says. “It’s through history taking. When you see your primary care provider, they ask questions. That’s how it’s diagnosed.”

Treatment

Treatment for chronic fatigue symptoms can include medicine and lifestyle changes.

A provider may recommend medication to help with the joint and muscle aches, nausea, headaches and depression that can come with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Seeing a mental health professional
Diet changes
Graded exercise therapy. A provider will work with you to increase physical activity over time. This can help with overall energy.
Improve sleep habits.

“Go away from screen time a couple hours before sleep. Don’t exercise right before sleep. That can also affect your sleep pattern,” Dr. Ogun lists as two examples.

Dr. Ogun says each treatment plan is different. Medical experts don’t know when, on average, chronic fatigue syndrome will go away. You may have to manage symptoms for the rest of your life. Dr. Ogun says you should stay in close contact with your primary care provider about your treatment plan.

Learn more

Read more about managing chronic fatigue syndrome on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

‘A gamechanger’

Fri, 24 May 2024 09:32:37 -0500

There’s renewed optimism for people with fatty liver disease, sometimes called NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) or MASH (metabolic associated steatohepatitis). The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first medication, Rezdiffra, that can directly address liver damage as the person makes lifestyle changes.

“This is a gamechanger for anyone who has fatty liver disease with moderate to severe liver scarring,” says Marcie Lindstrom, APRN, a gastroenterology provider at OSF HealthCare. “This can reduce the number of complications that can develop with worsening scarring.”

Fatty liver basics

The liver is an important organ. Experts even call it a miniature factory inside us. The liver detoxifies medication; releases glucose to give you energy; aids digestion and makes cholesterol, proteins and amino acids.

Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and excessive alcohol use can lead to fatty liver disease, which Lindstrom says impacts around one in four people worldwide. Left untreated, scarring from fatty liver disease can progress to cirrhosis, or severe scarring. Complications from cirrhosis can include enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus which can lead to life-threatening bleeding, fluid overload called ascites, liver cancer and liver failure necessitating a transplant.

How we got here, where we’re going

Lindstrom says before Rezdiffra, people with fatty liver disease could only make those lifestyle changes to try to get better: control your blood sugar, cholesterol and weight.

“Strictly on the shoulders of the individual,” Lindstrom reiterates.

“We know that people who lose 5 to 10% of their body weight are able to make improvement with fatty liver disease. It is considered a reversible condition,” she adds.

Now, Rezdiffra is an option for people with moderate to advanced scarring.

“It works on thyroid-B receptors in the liver. We normally think of thyroid receptors in our thyroid gland [in our throat], but we do have thyroid beta receptors elsewhere. A lot of them are in the liver,” Lindstrom explains. “The medication works to release triglycerides from the liver. It improves and may even resolve fatty liver.”

It’s a once-a-day pill, Lindstrom says, and there’s no “one size fits all” for how long you need to be on it. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea, but Lindstrom says studies have shown those get better after three weeks. She also says women who are pregnant, are about to become pregnant or are breastfeeding should not take Rezdiffra. There hasn’t been enough study of the drug to see how it impacts those groups.

The bottom line: you can talk to your health care provider to see if Rezdiffra is right for you. Be sure to mention what other medicines you are taking so your provider can see how Rezdiffra might interact.

“If somebody is taking a statin for cholesterol levels,” for example, Lindstrom says. “It’s not that we want them to go off their statin. There are certain limitations to the dosage.”

Learn more

Learn more about how to avoid fatty liver disease and other gastroenterology care tips on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

New treatment provides hope for people with fatty liver

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:47:00 -0500

The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first treatment for people with liver scarring due to fatty liver disease. It's welcome news for people battling the disease.

How did we get here?

In some ways, it goes back to the obesity epidemic in the United States. Obesity brings an increased risk of fatty liver disease, an ailment that’s treatable but could mean serious complications. Moreover, health experts say isolation during the pandemic led may to increase alcohol intake, another risk factor for fatty liver.

David Rzepczynski, MD, a gastroenterologist at OSF HealthCare, describes the liver as an “extremely important” factory for the body. It performs many functions, like detoxifying medications, aiding digestion and making cholesterol, proteins and amino acids that help the body function. And have you ever missed a meal? You can thank your liver for releasing glucose and giving you energy.

All those “factory functions” make it critical to be watchful of fatty liver disease. As the name suggests, the disease describes an accumulation of fatty cells in the liver. Dr. Rzepczynski says it takes just 5% of cells with increased fat to make a diagnosis, but some obese people have 100% of cells with fat.

Hepatitis C and excessive alcohol use can cause fatty liver disease or are at least linked to it. But you can still get fatty liver if you’re not a heavy drinker, and that’s where your weight comes into play.

“The big driving force of fatty liver disease is what we call the metabolic syndrome,” Dr. Rzepczynski explains. “There are five factors: obesity, diabetes, hypertension [high blood pressure], high cholesterol and insulin resistance.”

Dr. Rzepczynski adds that fatty liver disease may cause pain in the upper abdomen, but it mostly comes without symptoms. So if any of those five risk factors apply to you or if you’re a heavy drinker, don’t wait. Talk to your health care provider about getting your liver looked at.

A doctor will likely start with a blood test, Dr. Rzepczynski says. An ultrasound or biopsy may also be needed. The next step: lose weight.

“It doesn’t have to be getting back to your ideal body weight,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “Losing 5% of your weight can reduce fat in the liver. Losing 7% will help reverse some of the inflammation associated with fatty liver. And some studies have even shown that losing 10% or more might reverse some of the scarring.”

While it may be a bit alarming, left unchecked, fatty liver disease can lead to a serious condition called cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver.

“You have normal liver tissue replaced by scar tissue,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “When that occurs, you have a loss of liver function. You have less liver cells performing their duties.”

Cirrhosis of the liver can cause the organ to fail, making a transplant necessary. Liver issues can also mean an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.

Learn more about fatty liver disease and other gastroenterology care on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Know about Narcan

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:09:24 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

Narcan basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue lips are another sign, Marsh says.

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

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

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

What you should know

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

Interview clips - Les Mennenga

B-roll

Diverticulosis: long name, bad condition

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:43:00 -0500

The late Senator John McCain and Pope Francis are among the public figures who have dealt with diverticular disease. It’s a common problem in the digestive tract, but it’s one that can have serious complications if not treated properly.

Terminology

David Rzepczynski, MD, an OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist, says it’s important to first lay out some similar sounding terminology.

Diverticulum (singular) or diverticula (plural): These are the bulges that form when an inner part of the colon sticks out through a weak spot in the colon wall.
Diverticulosis: This is the name of the condition when the bulges occur.
Diverticulitis: This describes when the bulges become inflamed.

Causes, symptoms and diagnosis

Dr. Rzepczynski says diverticulosis occurs when your colon is trying to push stool forward, and the organ is not as bulky as it should be. The diverticula bulges then form.

The condition has been more common in people over 60, but Dr. Rzepczynski says health care providers are seeing a rise in cases in people in their 40s and 50s.

Diverticulosis can run in families. It’s also tied to your lifestyle.

“A diet that has more red meat, less grain and less fiber might put you at a higher risk,” Dr. Rzepczynski says.

Smoking, excess alcohol and obesity are also risk factors.

Symptoms of diverticulosis include abdominal pain or constipation. But it often comes with no symptoms and is found during a colonoscopy.

Treatment

Dr. Rzepczynski says in mild cases, a provider may tell you to change your lifestyle, such as getting more fiber in your diet. This makes bowel movements smoother.

“Often, people will look to use fiber supplements,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “The amount of fiber intake from supplements pales in comparison to what you can get from your diet.”

Also, eat a healthier diet overall. Dr. Rzepczynski says there used to be a myth that nuts, popcorn and seeds would get lodged in the colon bulges. He says studies have shown those foods are not a risk factor.

Other lifestyle tips: exercise and cut out tobacco and alcohol.

Dr. Rzepczynski says more serious cases of diverticulosis can come with two complications. One is bleeding.

“You could have a blood vessel on the outside of the diverticulum. If it ruptures into the diverticulum, it could cause sudden bleeding from the rectum,” Dr. Rzepczynski says.

Dr. Rzepczynski says bleeding from diverticulosis is not common. He ballparks it at around one in 2,000 cases. People on blood thinning medication who develop diverticulosis have a higher risk of bleeding.

While unpleasant, Dr. Rzepczynski says most bleeding cases resolve on their own.

The second, more serious complication is diverticulitis, or when the diverticula bulges become inflamed. This happens when there is a tear in the diverticulum, and bacteria from stool leaks. And it can lead to a host of other problems: pockets of pus known as abscesses, issues passing stool and a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the lower left abdominal area, abnormal bowel movements, nausea and vomiting. If you have these symptoms, it’s important to been seen by a health care provider quickly. A doctor may order a computed tomography scan (commonly called a CT scan) to diagnose diverticulitis.

Dr. Rzepczynski says it’s not common for diverticulosis to progress to diverticulitis, and most cases of diverticulitis can be treated at home with oral medication. But, he says 12 to 15% of diverticulitis patients spend time at the hospital. Treatments there include antibiotic medication through intravenous therapy (IV) and surgery. If surgery is necessary, a doctor will drain any abscesses then remove the inflamed area of the colon.

“They’ll try to reconnect the colon at that time,” Dr. Rzepczynski explains. “But if the surgery is done on an emergency basis, sometimes the person may have a colostomy where part of the colon is coming out through the skin. That’s a temporary measure.”

A colostomy comes with a bag on the outside of your body that collects the waste that would normally leave your body via a bowel movement.

Dr. Rzepczynski warns that surgery isn’t a permanent fix. He says around 15% of diverticulitis patients who have surgery end up with another bout. It reinforces the importance of lifestyle changes. You should also get on a colonoscopy schedule as advised by your health care provider.

Learn more

Read more about how to avoid diverticulosis on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Senior heart health tips

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

The National Institute on Aging says people age 65 and older are at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease and heart failure. Now is the perfect time for people 65+ and their caregivers to arm themselves with the information and supplies needed to keep their heart healthy.

Karen Whitehorn, MD, is an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare. Of the many risk factors for heart issues in older people, she points to blood pressure as a big one to watch. Dr. Whitehorn says a healthy blood pressure reading is 130/80 and below.

“If you’re on medication, take your medicine every day,” to keep your blood pressure normal, Dr. Whitehorn says. “Exercise and eat healthy. You want a diet that’s low in sodium and processed food. You want fruits, vegetables, fresh whole grains and lean proteins like turkey, chicken and lean pork.”

An annual physical exam is critical, too.

On exercise, Dr. Whitehorn admits mobility may be an issue for older people. She recommends checking with a health care provider like a physical therapist to see what exercises are right for you. Some workouts can be done sitting down. Low-impact cardio like walking is an option.

“But if any exercises hurt, don’t do them,” Dr. Whitehorn warns. “If you walk too far and you’re having pain, stop walking. You might not want to walk every single day.”

Dr. Whitehorn says if you have high blood pressure, check it at least once a day at home. Ask your health care provider what type of home blood pressure kit is best. If you don’t have high blood pressure, check it every six months. Your provider should also check your blood pressure when you have an appointment. But Dr. Whitehorn says don’t worry if that reading is a little high.

“People get nervous just seeing the doctor. They’re already a little upset because they have to come to the doctor,” Dr. Whitehorn says of the phenomenon known as white coat syndrome. “So when you take their blood pressure, it goes up. Normally, the nurse takes the blood pressure first. Then, after the person has been resting for a while, the doctor takes it again. It usually comes down.”

Other symptoms of heart issues include shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness. Someone experiencing a heart attack might suffer nausea and neck, arm or shoulder pain. If you experience these symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away.

Your doctor may order a stress test to get a better idea if your symptoms are indeed due to a heart problem. Dr. Whitehorn says one type of stress test puts you on a treadmill while your heart rhythm is monitored.

“If the rhythm is abnormal, it might indicate there’s a problem with your heart,” Dr. Whitehorn says.

For people who can’t tolerate walking or jogging on a treadmill, there is medicine to safely increase their heart rate while a health care provider monitors.

If the results of the stress test warrant further examination, a doctor will perform a cardiac catheterization. They will insert a catheter, usually through the groin, and send it up to your heart to take images using contrast dye. This will show if any of your arteries are narrow and what steps the provider will take next, short term and long term.

Learn more about heart care on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

B-roll

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

No gloating about bloating

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:47:00 -0500

Feeling bloated today? You’re not alone.

It’s not uncommon to get the sensation caused by gas, air or fluid retention in the stomach or small intestine. But what’s important to know: bloating has many causes, says Aminat Ogun, MD, an OSF HealthCare family medicine physician. So don’t let it linger and hope it will go away. If symptoms persist, see a health care provider so they can rule out something more serious and give proper treatment.

“It might feel like your stomach is full, swollen or sometimes tender. It can cause some discomfort,” Dr. Ogun says.

Causes for bloating include:

The body makes too much gas.
An overgrowth of intestinal bacteria. H. pylori is a common type. Dr. Ogun says it causes chronic inflammation in the stomach lining, and it can lead to peptic ulcers or even stomach cancer if untreated.
Diet issues, like intolerance of certain carbohydrates or a gluten intolerance.
Hormone changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Simply put, this is when your gut is not working properly. Dr. Ogun says one example is gastroparesis.

“The body takes its time before its able to pass food from the stomach to the small intestine,” she explains.

Stress, anxiety and depression.

Dr. Ogun points out that we can’t control some of those causes, but others we can. She says a typical first step for a person with bloating is to change their diet. She says doctors may recommend a diet with a long name: fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. But just remember the abbreviation: FODMAP. It describes carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to break down.

Foods to avoid on the FODMAP diet: pasta, cereal, bread, yogurt, ice cream, apples, cherries and peaches. Alternatives include quinoa, brown rice, eggs, cheese, grapes, strawberries, chamomile tea, peppermint tea and ginger tea.

“Have a food diary,” Dr. Ogun suggests. “See what triggers your bloating symptoms and see if you can eliminate those foods.”

People with bloating may also take medicine like Gas-X. If you have intestinal bacteria, you’ll be on antibiotic medication.

Dr. Ogun adds for people age 55 and up, bloating is less common, and other health issues are, simply due to older age. So, if you are of that age and have sudden bloating symptoms, see a provider to find out if your symptoms are bloating or something more serious. And for all ages, if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or unintentional weight loss, stop by a doctor’s office.