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

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

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Fun in the sun: Remembering more than sunscreen
Stay safe on the farm
Stay safe on the water
Jet lag buster: Tips for smooth travel

Put on sunscreen. Wear a hat. Stand in the shade.

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

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

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

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen

"When you're choosing a sunscreen, it's important to pick one that has good UV-A and UV-B protection, so a broad-spectrum one,” Dr. Smile says. “If you have any questions about that, talk to your primary doctor or a dermatologist."

Don’t forget the tops of your ears, the back of your neck or between the top of your chest and neck

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

A cloudy sky doesn’t mean the UV rays aren’t there

"If it's overcast, you can still get UV exposure on your skin. So, that's something to keep in mind,” he adds.

Dr. Smile says the sun is the strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and recommends using the shade, wearing a broad-brimmed hat and applying sunscreen as good first steps. But don’t forget to reapply, as sunscreen doesn’t last all day. The general recommendation is to reapply every two hours during the day.

Head and neck are high-risk areas

"In my practice in radiation oncology, we deal with high-risk skin cancers. The vast majority of skin cancers are treated with topical treatments or minimally invasive surgeries,” Dr. Smile says. “Rarely, skin cancers can present with locally advanced tumors requiring radiation therapy. My practice consists mostly of patients with locally advanced head and neck skin cancers because it’s an area that is not usually covered from sun exposure by your clothing.”

"A lot of times, skin cancers that happen in the head and neck are not only cosmetically challenging to deal with surgically but have a higher risk of deep invasion, spreading along nerves, or spreading to lymph nodes. A lot of challenging cancers can present in the head and neck area, which is why it's so important to minimize your sun exposure."

Don’t forget your lips!

"A lot of people don't apply sunscreen to their lips, the lips can get sunburnt and can get skin cancers due to UV exposure there,” Dr. Smile adds. “You can find lip balms that have SPF in them."

Dr. Smile says you should speak with your primary care provider and/or dermatologist once a year to keep things in check.

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Infecting the food supply, the show (based on a video game) infers that the fungi cordyceps have mutated and quickly spread to humans.

What are cordyceps?

Cordyceps (specifically Ophiocordyceps unilateralis in the show) are a group of fungi which has hundreds of species. Cordyceps can infect certain insects, like ants and tarantulas, by becoming parasites. They can even be parasitic to other fungi as well. The cordyceps fungus is known to cause insects to behave erratically, searching for a place with more sunlight and warmth. When the insect dies, a fungal growth emerges from its head, releasing spores and looking for its next victim.

“The Last of Us” tells the story of a fungal infection zombie apocalypse. Is this scenario realistic? Sharjeel Ahmad, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, dives into that question. The short answer is “no.” But a more complex perspective is needed, Dr. Ahmad stresses. It should include being aware of common fungal infections that are possible in humans.

The first thing to provide viewers with peace of mind comes down to mammals’ body temperature.

Body temperatures’ protection

"Our body temperature is quite high, and many of these fungi can't survive in those body temperatures. So that's one way we're protected," Dr. Ahmad says.

Certain fungal infections can happen in people with pre-existing lung damage (smoking, prior lung damage from infection or occupational exposure) or have a weakened immune system. Instead of losing sleep about cordyceps, Dr. Ahmad says histoplasmosis is much more common in the Midwest and is cause for more concern. 

"If you're living in Illinois, you've been exposed to it."

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says histoplasmosis is a lung infection, or pneumonia. It happens in only one to two people per 100,000 who breathe in spores from the fungus Histoplasma outside.

It's the same with blastomycosis, a lung infection caused by a soil-based fungus, blastomyces, which is located in roughly half of the United States. CDC’s estimated areas map shows blastomyces likely living throughout the Midwest and across the entire East Coast. Blastomycosis symptoms include fever, sweating, shortness of breath and cough.

Candida auris: a bigger concern

Candida auris (C. Auris) is an emerging fungal infection which has attracted clinical attention, Dr. Ahmad says. It's a multi-drug-resistant yeast that spreads from person to person, especially in medical facilities.

"Candida auris was first discovered in the ear canal of a 70-year-old Japanese woman in Tokyo back in 2009. Now we have had this infection in many different countries, even in the U.S.," Dr. Ahmad says. "It's one of those species that can survive between 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees." 

C. auris can cause different kinds of infection. Symptoms can mimic bacterial infections with symptoms being dependent on where in your body the fungus infects. CDC says people can have C. auris on their skin, but not have symptoms at all, meaning it's possible for the fungus to spread on touched surfaces and to other people. Those affected are normally experiencing serious underlying medical conditions and using a device such as a breathing or feeding tube, or a catheter.

Dr. Ahmad says that the overuse of antibiotics has also played a role in the development of the threat of drug-resistant fungal infection. Excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can increase the risk of a fungal infection. He points out that the agricultural use of antifungal pesticides (similar to medical antifungal drugs) can contribute to the development of drug-resistant fungal strains.

“The Last of Us” situation is unlikely

Viruses are simpler creatures, Dr. Ahmad says, which means they can mutate more easily, adapt and spread from species to species. On the other hand, fungi are more complex so there are specific parameters needed to be met for them to infect a host. 

"That jump theoretically could be possible but it's not like we're going to wake up one day and just like “The Last of Us,” and it goes through a contaminated food supply. I don't see that happening," Dr. Ahmad says.

Many fungal infections are not known to jump from human to human. They normally happen due to people being outside and inhaling spores which can come from things such as decaying logs, fallen trees, birds' nests, bat or bird droppings, and really any soil. The University of Minnesota Extension says common fungi in yards and gardens only live on decaying plant matter, so they do not impact living plants. 

If there is a concern for fungal infection, it is important to get seen quickly to figure out what's going on per Dr Ahmad. Outdoor workers including farmers, or those on a construction site can be infected, as the spores can aerosolize during demolition and cleanup projects.

"Sometimes we have a patient who is a smoker, and they come in for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. They have zero symptoms, but a spot is found on the lungs that wasn't seen before. Through testing, the spot is found to be due to Histoplasmosis,” Dr. Ahmad says.

Coccidioidomycosis (pronounced cahk-sid-ee-oy-doh-my-KOH-sis), commonly known as valley fever, can be found in the Southwestern United States in desert environments. While everyone is likely exposed to these spores, only a few will be impacted. It is more commonly seen in the Southwestern U.S. and South America, but it was also found in Washington State in 2015. 

Increasing temperatures or changing weather patterns can evolve the geography of where fungi can affect people. People moving to new regions of the world, along with poorer living conditions can also play a role. Extreme weather events such as storms, heat waves, droughts and wildfires can promote the growth and spread of spores. Flooding can cause mold not just outside, but also inside people's homes. 

Why don’t fungal infections take over human brains?

"The human mind is very, very complex and is a different beast than an insect's brain. That kind of specialization, for the fungi to adapt and parasitize a human mind, controlling something as complex as the human cerebral cortex versus the brain of an insect, needs a high degree of adaptation and evolution. That does not happen quickly," Dr. Ahmad says. 

Does spring worsen the risk?

Spring is here and fungal infections may impact more plants, but warmer weather does not necessarily mean humans should be worried about getting a fungal infection. Throughout the year, activities which can increase the risk of exposure to fungal spores, such as gardening can be dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems. While wearing masks outside could provide some protection, Dr. Ahmad says it won’t take away the threat completely.

“The Last of Us” season two premieres on Max on April 13. Dr. Ahmad says while the show is fictional, the increased attention to the rising threat of fungal infections overall is a positive thing.

"It makes for really good television, and it brings good awareness around fungal infections."

Video Interview Clips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Version With Chyrons

Video Version Without Chyrons

But they're completely harmless. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Version With Chyrons

Video Version Without Chyrons

They’re large. They’re loud. They have bright red, glaring eyes and shed their exoskeletons all over your yard.

But they’re completely harmless.

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says cicadas actually provide some environmental benefits. They are a valuable food source for birds and other predators, they can aerate lawns and improve water filtration into the ground, and they add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

Dr. Brian Curtis, the vice president of Clinical Specialty Services with OSF HealthCare, says to experience the rarity of nature while it’s here.

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

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

“They’re not dangerous. They can test your nerves, though, because they’re very loud,” Dr. Curtis adds. “I think you can hear them from a mile away once they come out.”

Fun fact, cicadas are the strongest urinators on planet Earth. According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), cicadas have the ability to “jet fluids through remarkably small orifices.” It’s believed cicadas can jet their urine up to 10 feet per second.

“They could pee on you, but that’s about the limit of it,” Dr. Curtis chuckled.

Trending Google searches suggest many users are concerned if cicadas are dangerous to more than just our health as humans, but also our furry friends, crops and the environment. Dr. Curtis was able to answer these questions in a remarkably quick fashion.

Q: Are cicadas dangerous to humans?

A: “No.”

Q: Are cicadas dangerous to our pets?

A: “No.”

Q: Are cicadas dangerous to crops?

A: “Not really, they’re not too dangerous for plants.”

Cicada fun facts:

-          Females lay 200-400 eggs in tiny holes they make in the branches of tree and shrubs.

-          Cicada eggs will hatch after 6-10 weeks, and the cicada nymphs will burrow into the ground, attaching to a tree’s roots. They will remain dormant underground anywhere from 2-17 years, depending on the species, according to National Geographic.

-          Cicadas can be eaten by humans. Some people report cicadas taste like shrimp, while others say asparagus or even peanut butter, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. But cicadas may contain elevated levels of mercury, and can cause allergic reactions, especially if you have a shellfish allergy.

-          More than 3,000 species exist, but they are broken down into two types: annual and periodical.

-          Their “arch nemesis” are two-inch-long wasps called, appropriately, “cicada killers.”

-          Cicadas’ diets do not include solid foods. They drink tree fluids.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Highlights video package with chyrons

Health Highlights video package without chyrons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“Fall is a great time to try something new,” says OSF HealthCare psychotherapist Sara Bennett. 

And by something new, she doesn’t just mean the newest pumpkin spice latte being rolled out by your local coffee shop. But that could be part of the equation!

“You have a little more time on your hands, you don’t have the burden of summer parties and running around so much. You can take time to learn a new skill or hobby,” Bennett says.

The Seven Pillars of Self-Care are a great place to start, Bennett says, when it comes to putting together a wellness routine. The pillars are mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational and social. It’s important to make each pillar your own based off your life and try to obtain as many pillars as you can for your overall wellness. Many of these pillars naturally intertwine.

Bennett goes through many of these pillars and offers tips for your fall self-care routine.

Mental tip: Quiet your mind

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

But Bennett says it’s important to recognize potentially harmful things that can be done while just laying around.

Emotional tip: Recognize avoidance

“When it comes to alcohol and even things like video games, some of those topics are just avoidance. They may feel good in the moment because you’re not actively working towards something or maybe you’re physically blocking something out, but some of those things can be very harmful. It’s easy to get caught up in how good it feels in the moment and not be able to keep that balance.”

Mental and physical tip: Focus on healthy sleep

“If we can work on things that help us sleep better at night, that’s really mental health for us. Also, it’s affecting our physical health, our moods, and how we process things,” Bennett says.

It’s important for adults to try and get 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Recreational and environmental tip and physical tip #2: Get outside!

Bennett suggests, “There’s nothing prettier than a nice fall hike, right? Whether it’s through a park or if you want to challenge yourself and do something more intense.”

While the fall foliage reaches its peak, it’s a perfect time to get outside and see the sights.

Social tip: Bring some friends!

“Add a few friends with it; and you’re meeting that social connection too,” Bennett emphasizes.

Social and spiritual tip #2: Build community

“Being part of your community is vital,” Bennett says. “Not only is it vital for your health, but there are people who could potentially really benefit from you. Being able to volunteer is a great example of self-care. It gives us a feel-good response and it really helps your community at the same time.”

Specifically, research shows volunteering activates the reward center in your brain and releases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins which give your emotional state a lift.

There are many ways to obtain this goal, whether it be through your local church, social service organization, or simply responding to individual requests. For example, think about visiting someone in a nursing home if they have family out of town who can’t see them often.  

Different pillars might be more difficult to reach than others, depending on your passions and skillsets. This is why Bennett says fall is a great time for a “reset” and is a time to learn something new. Then you can challenge yourself which can benefit your overall health.

Video Interview Clips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vídeos de entrevistas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Con la vuelta a la escuela, los consultorios médicos se llenan de niños que necesitan chequeos, vacunas y, en algunos casos, chequeos cardíacos.  

Esto se da especialmente en el caso de los deportistas, según el Dr. Frank Han, pediatra cardiólogo de OSF HealthCare.  

"Cada vez que los estudiantes regresan a la escuela, es necesario realizar chequeos cardíacos para ayudar a detectar problemas cardíacos en los niños", afirma el Dr. Han.   

Los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud (NIH) efectuaron una evaluación de 10 años sobre la muerte súbita durante actividades deportivas.  El objetivo era caracterizar los datos demográficos y las causas de la muerte súbita cardíaca durante la práctica deportiva en Australia.  Se realizaron casi 20 000 autopsias entre 2006 y 2015.  La mayoría de las muertes fueron de adultos.  

Los resultados mostraron que la reducida cifra de niños que murieron por afecciones cardíacas eran arritmogénicos o presuntamente arritmogénicos, es decir, que producían o eran propensos a producir arritmia cardíaca.  O bien los niños padecían cardiomiopatías hereditarias, una enfermedad adquirida o hereditaria del músculo cardíaco.  

Por eso, el Dr. Han recomienda a los padres que hablen con los pediatras de sus hijos para asegurarse de que están al tanto de si sus hijos padecen alguna cardiopatía.  Si el pediatra intuye que el niño quizá tenga un problema, le recomendará que lo examine un cardiólogo para una evaluación más exhaustiva.  

"La evaluación general para empezar es un electrocardiograma en el consultorio de atención primaria.  Después de eso, junto con una revisión de los antecedentes familiares, se puede recomendar un ecocardiograma o una prueba de esfuerzo para determinar si hay algún problema en las válvulas cardíacas o si el músculo cardíaco es demasiado grueso", explica el Dr. Han.  "Uno de los principales fines de la prueba de esfuerzo es intentar simular el ejercicio más intenso que podría hacer esa persona.  Posteriormente, reuniremos toda la información en nuestra visita para averiguar si hay algún problema."   

Aunque puede ser difícil, sobre todo para los niños más pequeños, conocer los signos de una afección cardíaca, es importante prestar atención si creen que algo no es normal.   

"Pueden decir cosas como que les 'pita el pecho' o que les 'late con fuerza el pecho'. En el caso de los niños mayores, pueden dar descripciones muy variadas; por ejemplo, que les cuesta hacer ejercicio. Esto puede manifestarse como dolor de pecho, dificultad para respirar o fuertes palpitaciones, sobre todo al hacer ejercicio", explica el Dr. Han.  

El Dr. Han señala que no todas las cardiopatías se detectan cuando la persona es joven.   

"Algunas cardiopatías congénitas no se manifiestan de niño, como las cardiopatías genéticas, que pueden aparecer a una edad más avanzada", afirma.  "El electrocardiograma y la ecografía del corazón están diseñados para detectarlas si aparecen a una edad más avanzada".  

El Dr. Han agrega que es muy importante conocer los antecedentes médicos de la familia.  Si en su familia hay antecedentes de afecciones cardíacas, él recomienda hablar con su médico de cabecera y, en caso necesario, someterse a un chequeo cardiológico. 

Vídeos de entrevistas

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

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

Map out your adventure:

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

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

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

Bring a first-aid kit:

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

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

Proper footwear and hiking poles:

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

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

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

Watch your back:

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

Stay on the trail:

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

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

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

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

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

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

Common injuries while hiking:

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

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

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

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

Health emergencies can happen:

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

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

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

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B-Roll

Pharmacies are dealing with a shortage nationwide of the medication used to treat breathing conditions as result of an Illinois manufacturer shutting down three facilities this year, and filing for bankruptcy in 2020.

Melody Bauman, a physician assistant with OSF Medical Group – Lung & Pulmonology, is keeping in close contact with pharmacies because of the shortage.

“They’re letting us know they have a backorder of albuterol,” Bauman says. “The good thing so far- is that it seems it’s only impacting the nebulize solution of albuterol. It’s a liquid vial that patients would put in a nebulizer to give themselves a breathing treatment or a mist."

Bauman says there are inhalers with the same medication her office can still prescribe patients. She says it’s important to take a deep breath during this shortage, and talk with your health care provider.

“The biggest thing I’d say is not to panic,” she says. “We are here to help patients navigate that process. Through the pandemic, we’ve had more and more issues with medication shortages in general. We’ve been able to find pivots along the way.”

Another tip Bauman shares is to check your albuterol stockpile at home.

“Make sure those medications are up to date. Usually for the nebulizer solution and the rescue inhalers, most of those will expire after a year,” Bauman says. “They’ve found with research that most of those medications aren’t harmful to use after their expiration date, but they probably won’t be as effective.”

Now that spring has arrived, allergy season has come along with it. Bauman offers to advice on how to breathe easier in the coming months.

“Limit that outside exposure if you know pollen is affecting you. Especially in the midday hours when we find that pollen tends to increase as the day goes on,” Bauman says. “Try to keep pets away from your bedroom and sleeping on your bed. Pets will bring pollen in, we don’t want that to be around as people are sleeping. Try to limit the windows being open, especially in the bedroom at night.”

Bauman also says air purifiers are a great help to make sure the air is safe to breathe inside your home.

There are other conditions that can affect someone’s breathing, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

While Bauman says the two conditions share a lot of the same symptoms, there are some key differences.

“Both have similar symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing chest tightness,” Bauman says. “The main differences are with asthma, there’s some airway remodeling. The airways tend to get very inflamed and constrict. That’s usually either due to either genetics and/or environmental triggers patients experience.”

She adds while the airway obstruction can be partially reversible, that’s not the case with COPD.

“COPD is a group of lung diseases that most people will know either as emphysema or chronic bronchitis,” she says. “Those are progressive type diseases, in which the airway obstruction is usually irreversible. Most commonly, we see COPD because of people who have smoked long term.” 

If you are dealing with asthma or COPD symptoms, or other breathing difficulties, you can get help through lung & pulmonology services offered by OSF HealthCare.

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