• Illnesses in the classroom: You’ve heard the saying that daycares and elementary school classrooms are a petri dish of yucky stuff. Kids are coughing, sneezing and touching things without knowing they’re spreading germs. Dr. Nauman says upper respiratory infections (colds) are common.
  
  “Use a humidifier. Honey is a great natural cough suppressant. You can do steamy baths,” Dr. Nauman says, outlining what parents can try. “Teach your kids the proper way to cough and blow their nose. Teach them how and when to wash their hands. They should be washing as much as possible throughout the day.

“I also think eating healthy and maintaining good nutrition is key,” she adds. “Make sure the kids get vitamins with their daily intake of food and drink.”

Pink eye is also common in schools. It’s inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eye.

“Most pink eye is caused by a virus. But sometimes if we think there’s a bacterial cause, we’ll treat with an antibiotic eyedrop,” Dr. Nauman says. “Pink eye is very contagious. If one person in the house gets it, it can be a domino effect because kids are all over each other. Prevention involves really good handwashing. And if you have a young infant or a child that has complex medical issues, keep them distant from others.”

And, teach kids to cough and sneeze into their sleeve, and they should not touch grimy surfaces then touch their face.

• Sleep disruptions and anxiety about school: Kids tend to stay up late during the summer. Maybe they’re snacking on sugar-filled foods with their heads buried in devices. Start the back-to-school sleep routine if you haven’t already, Dr. Nauman says. As part of this routine, have the kids go to bed and wake up at the same time. Dr. Nauman says elementary school-aged kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Older kids should get 9 to 11 hours. Teenagers can sleep for 8 to 9 hours.
  
  “Everyone lacks sleep to some degree. But with kids, we don’t realize how much good sleep can affect their ability to learn, emotionally regulate themselves and carry themselves,” Dr. Nauman points out. “Sleep also makes sure that immune system gets some rest and is able to help the kid’s body stay healthy.
  
  “If you have, for example, a nervous Kindergartener, drive by the school the week before classes start,” Dr. Nauman adds. “Say ‘OK, this is the time we’ll be dropping you off here. It’s going to be part of your routine.’ Give them a fun treat that day. Make it a memory that’s positive for them so that when the time comes to go to school, they’re ready.”
  
  Some schools hold “meet the teacher” nights prior to the school year to introduce everyone to each other. Take advantage of those, Dr. Nauman stresses. Be excited for and proud of your kids.
  
• Allergies: Ragweed is a big one seen in the fall, Dr. Nauman says. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, cough and itchy eyes.
  
  “If you know your kids get allergies in August or September, start the allergy medication two weeks before. Before the symptoms are super bad, help your body get ready for them,” Dr. Nauman suggests. Also, know the child’s allergy triggers, and avoid them.
  
• Asthma: School means kids are back in sports and activities. They’re running around and exerting themselves, leading to shortness of breath or even an asthma attack. Dr. Nauman says parents should work with their kid’s pediatrician to craft a written asthma action plan. Teachers and coaches should get a copy of the plan.
  
  “Fifteen minutes before recess, gym class or practice, they need to use their inhaler,” Dr. Nauman says, giving an example of what could be in the action plan. “That’s one of the main ways we can try to prevent these asthma attacks from happening and interfering with kids’ lives.”

Learn more

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

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

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

The benefits of kids getting active

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

Navigating the season

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

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A shin-termission

This is part one of a two part story on hygiene myths. Click here for part two.

From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

• Myth: There’s a one-size-fits-all pill for common illnesses.

Fact: It depends on whether it’s a viral infection (like influenza, the common cold or coronavirus) or a bacterial infection (like pneumonia, strep throat or food-borne illnesses like salmonella).

“For the most part, with bacterial infections you need to see a health care provider. You’re probably going to need an antibiotic,” Dr. Alyami says. “Most viral infections just run their course, and you focus on the symptoms. If you have a fever, you take fever medication. If you have pain, you take pain medication. If kids are six years or older and have a cough, they can use over-the-counter cough medication.”

Dr. Alyami points out that you can take those medications to help with bacterial infection symptoms, too. But you need an antibiotic, too, to get better.

• Myth: Feed a cold and starve a fever.

Fact: You should modify your diet when sick to avoid trigger foods, like spicy or greasy foods. But reducing the amount you eat and drink won’t make you better sooner. In fact, Dr. Alyami says hydration is critical.

“When kids have infections and a fever, one of the most common reasons they end up in the hospital is dehydration,” Dr. Alyami says. “When kids are sick, they lose fluids from their body and need hydration.”

So, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods as your body can tolerate.

• Myth: I can go back to work or school as soon as I start to feel better.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says you should be fever-free (body temperature less than 100.4 degrees) for 24 hours with improving symptoms.

When you go back out, practice good habits like thorough handwashing and avoiding coughing or sneezing into the open air.

• Myth: If I don’t look or feel dirty, I don’t need to shower or bathe.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says there’s no “catch all” advice for how often to wash off. Some people will shower or bathe daily. Others will do so every other day or less frequently. Dr. Alyami advises you to shower or bathe when you feel you need to or after you’ve been in a dirty or sweaty environment, like after playing sports or a hike in the woods. People with skin conditions should also clean themselves with care.

“For people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, I recommend daily showers,” Dr. Alyami says. “But they need to be quick because the more exposure to water we have, the more we dehydrate the skin. So, showers should not exceed 15 minutes, and you should apply moisturizer right away afterward.”

Interview clips

"I was a new neonatologist at that time and had only been in practice for a couple of years," says Dr. Javed, who now is the division head and medical director of Neonatology with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, Illinois.

"Nothing can quite prepare you for having a premature baby. It didn’t matter how much I knew. My wife's a pediatrician; it didn't matter how much she knew. It's terrifying, and those first moments when the baby is born and they're rushing you off to the NICU; it is a blur."

Despite his medical training, Dr. Javed says he struggled to process information during those early days in the NICU, when his now 13-year-old son was born at 32 weeks.

He estimates he truly absorbed only about 10-15% of what was being communicated to him and his wife. The experience gave him a new perspective on what families are experiencing during some of the most emotional moments of their lives.

"Sometimes as a provider, you feel like you want to give everything. But sometimes families just need time to digest what just happened," Dr. Javed points out, saying his experience has changed his entire care model.

Now his son is an energetic, on-the-go teenager that Dr. Javed jokes is the “life of the party.” He credits the NICU team that cared for him as a big part of that.

"It was a blessing in disguise early in my career. It changed how I communicate with families," Dr. Javed adds. "Those conversations that we have with families might be some of the most important moments each day for them. For the provider, you might be seeing 20 patients, but that family is waiting to hear about the next plan and the next decision."

Today, Dr. Javed leads a team at OSF Children’s Hospital that provides the highest level of neonatal care available. 140 pediatric physicians are involved in caring for NICU patients, Dr. Javed says, providing expertise across a wide range of specialties.

The hospital has been designated a Level IV NICU by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the highest designation for neonatal intensive care.

Level IV NICUs provide the most comprehensive care for premature and critically ill newborns. At OSF Children’s Hospital, specialists routinely care for babies born as early as 22 weeks' gestation.

What elevates a Level 4 NICU above other facilities is the breadth of specialized services available around the clock. OSF Children's Hospital offers comprehensive surgical support, including emergency and trauma, neurosurgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology and pediatric cardiac surgery, which includes congenital heart conditions.

Unlike facilities that may rely on visiting specialists, these experts are available as part of the hospital's care team every day.

While several hospitals in Central Illinois provide Level III neonatal care, OSF Children's Hospital is the only Level IV NICU between Chicago and St. Louis.

For babies born at 22 weeks, every organ system is still developing, creating significant medical challenges.

Their skin has not fully developed its protective outer layer, increasing the risk of infection. Their blood vessels are extremely small, requiring highly specialized intravenous (IV) access and monitoring.

Their lungs are also underdeveloped. At 22 weeks' gestation, the lungs are in a very early stage of development, making respiratory support essential.

The blood vessels in the brain remain fragile and can be prone to bleeding. The digestive system is also immature, making nutrition a major focus of care.

To support growth and development, many infants receive specialized IV nutrition and donor breast milk. Speech therapists also play an important role by helping babies develop oral motor skills needed for feeding.

Even the NICU environment is carefully designed to support development. Lights are often dimmed to create a neurologically appropriate setting that more closely resembles conditions in the womb.

While many NICU patients need only short-term support after birth, others require months of intensive care.

The average NICU stay for most infants is about two to two-and-a-half weeks. Most are considered transitional infants requiring short-term care who need additional monitoring or treatment after birth before going home.

The hospital also cares for approximately 60 to 70 of its smallest and most premature patients at any given time. Babies born before 30 weeks' gestation often remain hospitalized for four-and-a-half to five months, depending on the complexity of their medical needs. Advances in neonatal care now allow many of these infants born so early to both survive and thrive.

Supporting families is another critical part of NICU care.

Many families travel one to two hours for treatment and must balance hospital visits with work and other responsibilities. Care teams use tools such as telemedicine to help keep families connected and informed.

Dr. Javed says that OSF HealthCare partners with the Family Home and Ronald McDonald House in Peoria to provide low-cost or no-cost lodging options for families while their children are receiving care.

To learn more about NICU services at OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois, visit here.

Video Interview Clips

NICU B-Roll

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

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

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

The concerns

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

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

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

The benefits

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

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

Tips for adults

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

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

Traditional or tech?

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

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

Learn more

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

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

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OSF HealthCare is strengthening its medical assistant workforce with an immersive trainee program that hires participants first, then trains them through a combination of classroom learning, simulations and hands-on clinic experience.

Leaders say the program was designed to prepare medical assistants for the realities of patient care while easing staffing pressures across OSF Medical Group clinics. Leaders are looking for candidates with a good mix of soft and clinical skills.

“It’s very important that medical assistants have empathy and emotional intelligence,” says Amanda Lambie, director of Clinical Education and Professional Development at OSF HealthCare. “They’re caring for patients day to day. Clinics can be busy, patients have different needs, and sometimes you unexpectedly have to set up for a procedure. We need them to be flexible and adaptable and ready to take care of the patient, whatever it is that they need.”

Classroom work comes first

Trainees are hired into a medical assistant trainee role and begin their education in a classroom and skills lab before rotating through clinics with certified medical office assistant preceptors. They also participate in simulations with standardized participants who are trained actors and complete certification coursework through the partnership OSF has with Guild.

For one trainee, 19-year-old Sandy Jones of Lacon, Illinois, the program felt like the natural next step in a long-standing desire to care for others.

“So basically, when I was 16, I was actually a CNA because I saw my grandma in the nursing home,” Jones shares. “I just loved the residents and the way that you got to take care of them and make a smile on their face.”

She was one of nine trainees selected from nearly 100 applicants for the Medical Assistant (MA) Trainee program, confirming for Jones that she was meant to answer the call to help others.

Trainees rotate among clinics

The program places trainees in clinics across Central Illinois, including Peoria, Morton and Washington, exposing them to primary care and in Jones’ case, pediatric care as well. Trainees focus on mastering clinical skills and Lambie emphasizes it stresses professionalism and patient safety.

“Our certified medical assistants administer medications and give injections. A lot of these skills could introduce risk if they weren’t serious and professional and diligent in making sure they were following all of the appropriate procedures.”

The cost of all training, coursework and certification exams is fully covered by OSF. While the national certification process is rigorous, leaders say support continues until every trainee succeeds.

Three of the nine trainees needed to retake the certification exam, but everyone was able to achieve their goal.

Jones was among those who needed to take the test a second time, but she says educators worked to find creative ways, including gaming, to help her grasp the material.

Games helped reinforce material

“We also did some Jeopardy games, which really helped. I love being competitive, so when you bring a game into it and it’s not so serious, you start really learning it and it really helped me.”

Every MA trainee has transitioned into a certified medical assistant position. Most medical assistant programs last 28 weeks, but the employer-based training with OSF Medical Group created an accelerated pathway with nine weeks of training for most.

Jones points out that for the trainee, the pace was demanding but rewarding.

As a hands-on learner, simulations stood out to her as the most valuable part of training. The simulation allowed her to practice the rooming process with trained actors.

“They came in for a cough and fever, and we literally went through the exact rooming process I’m doing now. And for a baby, we would have to get their length and head circumference and do a whole well-child (exam). It was amazing,” Jones recalls.

She now works in pediatrics, a setting she says allows her to connect quickly with patients and families and she enjoys making kids smile. Jones often rewards them with stickers after a successful visit to the OSF Center for Health in Morton.

Nurses spend more time on direct care

Lambie says the program also significantly reduced onboarding time for clinics.

Managers in OSF Medical Group offices reported that they were cutting onboarding time down by about half. Lambie stresses filling medical office assistant positions quickly helps care teams perform efficiently.

“Which permits our nurses to stop doing the task and responsibilities which a CMA is capable of doing and enjoys doing and allows nurses to really work at their top of scope and top of licensure.”

With strong feedback from medical group leadership, OSF plans to expand the program in small cohorts to other regions.

For Jones, the experience has already shaped her future plans. She plans on starting nursing school in the fall. She’s always wanted to be a pediatric nurse and follow in her grandmother’s footsteps with a career in nursing.

Her advice for others considering the program is simple. Go for it.

“This is a very good opportunity for you to step into the medical field and take it very seriously because it’s a real job and at the end of the day you’re going to love it.”

Here is an option to learn about the next round of applications for the medical assistant trainee program.

Sandy Jones

Amanda Lambie

B-roll-Medical Office Assistant Trainee 

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

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

Nail hygiene

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

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

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

Hand washing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Convincing kids

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

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

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

Viral infections

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

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

Bacterial infections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prevention

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

Early detection is also key.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Version With Chyrons

Video Version Without Chyrons

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

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

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

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

“Mom is the boss always,” she adds.

Learn more

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

Interview clips

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Chow down, new moms!
Later life pregnancies can be successful with planning
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Freddie Freeman has plenty to be grateful for this holiday season. Not only did his Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series in October, but the first baseman was named the series most valuable player.

But the best news for Freeman and his wife is that their young son is recovering after a scary bout of Guillain-Barré (pronounced Ghee-yan Bah-ray) Syndrome (GBS).

“Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an illness that we see often in adults, but we can see it in children as well,” says Asma Khan, DO, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare. “It's an inflammation of the body. It's like an autoimmune disease but it's an inflammation where the body attacks its nerve cells.”

While experts aren’t sure of the exact cause of GBS, many people with Guillain-Barré exhibit early symptoms of an infection before a diagnosis is found. Freeman’s three-year-old son, Max, first started experiencing symptoms in July when he developed a viral infection. When Max was unable to stand or walk without being in pain, his parents rushed him to the hospital.

“Usually there's an illness about a few weeks prior to the onset of Guillain-Barré, within four to six weeks prior, and it's either a GI infection or upper respiratory infection,” says Dr. Khan.

Symptoms usually happen suddenly, can affect both sides of your body and start in the feet and legs. “We see signs of weakness,” says Dr. Khan. “We see some nerve issues where they have numbness, tingling, and weakness of the muscles progresses from your lower extremities, from your legs all the way up, and it can even reach your eyes, your lungs. So, it's progressive.”

While it’s rare, anyone can get GBS, but it’s more common in adults and especially in males. But Dr. Khan has seen a few cases in her pediatric practice.

“We notice the child having leg pain and refusing to walk or having an abnormal gait,” she says. “That's usually your triggering factor that you notice first, and then, upon evaluation, you notice weakness in the lower extremities, and then the reflexes are diminished or absent.”

The most severe problem is trouble breathing. Dr. Khan explains that as muscles and the chest wall get weaker, respiratory failure can occur. That’s the reason hospitalization is so important.

“We want to make sure they're eating okay,” she adds. “So as the weakness progresses, is it affecting their ability to swallow or choking? Do we need to give them a feeding tube? Do we need to give them fluids? And then the big thing that we need to really watch is respiratory status.”

Treatment includes plasma exchange, which filters out the antibodies in the plasma that are attacking the nerves. Another treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), involves IV injections of immunoglobulins which are proteins that the immune system makes. IVIG can reduce the immune system’s attack on the nerves.

Physical, occupational and speech therapy may also be required, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Dr. Khan says most people completely recover from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, but it can take six to 12 months, or longer. However, some people may experience lingering effects including weakness and fatigue.

Freeman has posted on his social media accounts that Max is back home and recovering. Still, the young boy has a long road ahead to regain his strength and learn to walk again.

For more information on children and Guillain-Barré Syndrome, visit the OSF HealthCare website. 

 

Interview Clips 

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

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

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

Lice basics

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

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

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

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

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

Treatment and prevention

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

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

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

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

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

Misconceptions

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

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

Interview clips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Version With Chyrons

Video Version Without Chyrons

This is part two of a two part story on hygiene myths. Click here for part one.

From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

• Myth: When I shower, bathe or wash my hands, really hot water is best to kill germs.

Fact: Really hot showers can feel good, but they may burn your skin. Dr. Alyami recommends setting your home’s water heater at 120 degrees or less. Then, when you use the shower or sink, warm, but not hot water is best.

Dr. Alyami adds that a cold shower after a sweaty summer activity is OK because it can reduce the chance of heat rash. But frequent cold showers can irritate your skin.

• Myth: Q-tips are meant for cleaning your ear.

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

Using Q-tips and similar devices can lead to injuries to the ear canal or eardrum, Dr. Alyami adds. Instead, during your shower or bath, gently clean and dry the outside of your ears. If your ears look or feel off (pain or itchiness, for example), see a provider.

“We can clean you safely in the office,” Dr. Alyami says.

• Myth: For cuts and scrapes, apply antibiotic ointment like Neosporin until it heals.

Fact: You can apply the ointment once after cleaning the wound and then again after the wound is healed. But doing so often can lead to contact dermatitis, a bad skin reaction.

• Myth: The “five second rule” is OK for eating food that’s fallen on the floor.

Fact: Dr. Alyami puts this one to rest once and for all: Don’t do it. Always eat off a sanitary surface.

He even says that research has shown that bacteria from the floor can attach to food in as little as less than one second. Eating dirty food can lead to vomiting and stomach illnesses.

Interview clips

When it comes to oral health in kids, Emily Isom has seen it all.

Cavities, gum disease and infections, improper tooth alignment and tooth loss come to mind quickly. Not to mention all the missed school time dealing with these issues.

But she’s also seen plenty of young people who are the picture of good oral health. And she’s on a mission to make more of the latter.

“The mouth is the gateway to the body,” says Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare and a former dental assistant.

“A lot of people don’t think about what our oral health can do to us if it’s not being taken care of,” she adds. “It can cause heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.”

Everyday prevention

Isom says kids and their parents should commit to daily habits that will improve their oral health.

For infants without teeth, Isom says parents should use a soft, cool washcloth to wipe the child’s gums twice a day. This helps clear bits of food and milk that can lead to bad breath, irritation and cavities.

“Touching their gums will help when they are older. They’ll be okay with brushing their teeth. They won’t fight the parents about it,” Isom says. “So, it’s good to start [oral health care] early."

Older kids should brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Floss once a day. When a child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. That could happen from ages two to six.

Before you rinse out your mouth with water, don’t forget about the tongue, Isom says.

“If we do not brush our tongue, bacteria can sit on it. It can get what I call ‘tongue sick,’” Isom says. “Bad breath can also happen.”

Outside of the bathroom, Isom reminds us that sugary and starchy food and drinks are prime suspects in oral health issues like cavities. So, parents should offer those foods in moderation. Isom calls out sticky candy as an example. She says the sugar tends to sit on your teeth for a while. Isom also says starchy food like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and cereal can sit between your teeth unless you floss right away.

Another must-know for parents with babies: don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle. Aside from a choking hazard, Isom says the constant stream of milk or formula can lead to cavities and corrosion. She also says this can cause infants to be fussy and demand a bottle more often.

It takes some convincing

A mother of a six-year-old, Isom knows that some kids won’t brush and floss willingly. They see it as a chore.

Her response: make oral health fun.

“Make a dental chart. Add stickers to it, morning and night,” Isom suggests. “Give them rewards like a little toy. After each cleaning, they can get a reward. Turn on music or a timer for two minutes [of brushing.] Get toothbrushes with their favorite characters on them.”

Dentist visits

Isom says children usually have regular visits with a dentist twice a year. Others with known mouth issues may go every three to four months. But see a dentist right away if you notice red flags: pain in the mouth, persistent bad breath, discolored gums or teeth, bleeding gums or trouble swallowing.

A regular dental visit usually includes a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums followed by fluoride treatment.

“[Fluoride] protects the enamel of the teeth,” Isom explains. “It protects your teeth from cavities. It just makes your enamel really strong so you can eat the things you want.”

A dental professional may also perform X-rays on your teeth regularly.

Something else for parents to make sure the dentist has in mind: oral cancer screening.

“Those are huge,” for oral health, Isom says.

A dentist may use their hands to examine your mouth and neck. They could use a light or have you rinse your mouth with a blue dye. Each method looks for abnormal, possibly cancerous tissue.

At the end of a dental visit, you may be sent home with a prescription or just instructions to keep your mouth happy. For example, you may get a prescription mouthwash to help with gum disease.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep kids’ mouths in good health on the OSF HealthCare and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. If you don’t have a family dentist, talk to your primary care provider about finding one. OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria offers dental care for children with special needs.

Interview clips

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A mother is speaking out about water bead safety after her 14 month-old daughter swallowed a bead and wound up in the hospital.

Hannah Reif of Iowa tells Good Morning America that her child was vomiting, and doctors later found a one-inch water bead in the girl's small intestine.

Water beads are tactile toys that are marble-sized and water-absorbing. They are often used to reduce stress and anxiety while helping to develop focus and attention. The National Poison Control Center and the American Academy of Pediatrics say water beads can expand inside a person and cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

This latest incident with Reif's family is a reminder to know the signs of poisoning and choking and the steps to reverse the effects of each, says Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare in Champaign, Illinois.

“Make sure there are no loose coins around  - no small toys they can pick up and swallow,” Dr. Ogun advises as a first step. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a list of recalled products.

Food should be cut into small bites for kids. Chemicals, like bleach used for cleaning, should be capped and stored out of a child’s reach. Cabinet locks add an extra layer of protection.

If your child does ingest something they’re not supposed to, Dr. Ogun advises taking an ambulance to the Emergency Department of your local hospital. Health care providers will assess the child, consulting with the poison control center if necessary, and decide what to do. One option is to pump the poison out of the child’s stomach. If it’s a small object that doesn’t present a grave threat, Dr. Ogun says doctors may see if it will pass naturally in a bowel movement.

Some children may swallow a poisonous liquid and not say anything, perhaps because they don’t even know the seriousness of what they did. In this case, Dr. Ogun says to watch for changes in your child’s health, like vomiting and lethargy, and see a doctor right away.

If a child is choking, Dr. Ogun says there are life-saving steps you can take at home.

For children under one, Dr. Ogun says to lay the child face down on your lap and pat their back five times. Then turn the child over and repeat the pats on their chest.

For older kids, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Dr. Ogun says stand behind the person, wrap one arm around them and place your hand in a fist between their belly button and the bottom of their sternum. Lay your other hand flat on the fist. Then make upward thrusts.

If you’re alone, you can perform thrusts on yourself or thrust your upper abdomen against the back of a chair or the edge of a counter.

Local first responders or health care organizations may offer training on these life-saving techniques.

One word of caution: “Do not put your hand in the child’s mouth to try to get the object out,” Dr. Ogun says. “That could make it worse.”

If these steps don’t dislodge the object and get the child breathing again within a couple minutes, call an ambulance and get to the Emergency Department.

“If the person is turning blue, not able to speak or gasping, those are signs to go to the Emergency Department,” Dr. Ogun says.

Interview clips

B-Roll

Previous coverage

OSF HealthCare Library: Choking and abdominal thrusts

OSF HealthCare Library: Choking in an infant: What to do

OSF HealthCare Library: Poisons

OSF HealthCare Newsroom: Don't choke when planning for summer fun

December through April is prime time for strep throat season. But it hasn’t been the amount of cases this month that has OSF HealthCare providers and infectious disease leaders concerned, it’s the severity of the cases. In fact, two children under the age of 10 in central Illinois have died due to strep infections recently. 

“Cases that can cause sepsis or a blood stream infection,” Jamie Almasy, the Director of Infection Prevention for OSF HealthCare says. “Invasive infections caused by the group A Strep bacteria are what we’re seeing more cases of. Invasive means that germs invade parts of the body that are normally free from germs.” 

So how can you prevent getting strep throat? Almasy says the steps are straight forward.

“It’s back to your basics. Really good hand hygiene, make sure you’re covering your cough,” Almasy says. “If you are sick or have symptoms of strep throat, make sure you go and get tested.”

Almasy says strep throat is spread through droplets. Symptoms include a sore throat and fever. She recommends keeping your distance from other people when you are feeling ill and staying up-to-date on your vaccinations.

“Diseases like the flu or chicken pox can increase your risk for catching an invasive strep infection,” she says.

Dr. Brian Curtis, vice president of the clinical specialty services at OSF HealthCare, says the throat isn’t the only place to keep an eye on when looking for strep infection.

“Group A strep can also cause skin infections,” Dr. Curtis says. “It can cause necrotizing fasciitis and then it can also cause an erysipelas, which are very fast-spreading skin and soft tissue infections which people can get very sick very quickly from.”

Dr. Curtis says most strep throat cases are mild, but there are other risk factors that spread quickly, and require a quick response from the patient. If your child has a skin infection or high fever, Dr. Curtis says to have them seen right away.

“They seem to be acting right, then they’re not acting right in a very short period of time,” he says. “If you have a child that has a skin or soft tissue infection that seems to be spreading fairly rapidly, it is best to get them checked out.”

“People who are pre-disposed to that are people who have chicken pox (varicella). It’s a common source of infected pox lesions. That’s why we really encourage people to get the varicella vaccine in their children when they’re able to get it," Dr. Curtis adds.

People who are immunocompromised are also at a higher risk for a more severe strep infection, in addition to individuals undergoing chemotherapy, children under age 1, pregnant women and the elderly, Dr. Curtis says.

“Pregnant women are very susceptible to group A strep,” Dr. Curtis adds.

So why does strep spread so quickly during the December-April timeframe?

“It tends to be a time where people are very close together,” Dr. Curtis says. “Especially in the Midwest or the northern climates with the snow and cold weather. Strep throat is very easy to spread. You can have someone who is an asymptomatic carrier and that can spread it to you. That’s where we recommend people wash their hands frequently, don’t share utensils, and don’t share cups.”

Wondering if you have strep throat versus a sore throat? Dr. Curtis offers some tips on how to tell the difference. “Strep throat tends to be very isolated on sore throat, fever, swollen glands.”

Dr. Curtis adds if you have red eyes and nasal congestion along with the cough and sore throat, that’s normally a viral infection.

Video Interview Clips

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

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

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

What is cholesterol?

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

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

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

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

Be proactive at all ages

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

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

What you should think about daily: a healthy lifestyle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The consequences

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

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

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

Interview Clips

Previous coverage

What you can eat can help improve your cholesterol

The good and bad about cholesterol

According to the American Optometric Association, one in four school-age children has a vision disorder. While children are required to get an eye exam before entering kindergarten, Dr. Mike Endris, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician in Bloomington, Illinois says kids could benefit from vision screenings even earlier.

“Vision loss and vision deficits are one of the most common ailments in childhood, and oftentimes there are no symptoms, and screening is the best way to detect these problems,” explains Dr. Endris.

The process of screening, however, can be a challenge; young children are not able to navigate eye charts or articulate vision issues they are experiencing. Dr. Endris says there is a simple solution, and all it takes is an iPhone. He and his Bloomington colleagues use a digital screening platform called GoCheck Kids for this purpose.

GoCheck Kids is a photoscreening test performed at the well-child visit. A photo of the child’s eyes is taken using an iPhone with attached hardware. The GoCheck Kids technology then alerts the provider of any possible vision issues, sometimes in less than a minute.

“It can assess for differences in vision, whether that would be nearsightedness or farsightedness,” Dr. Endris says. “It can estimate for weakness in one eye compared to the other, as well as look for things like a red reflex in the pupil. That can be a sign of a more serious underlying disease. And it can also check to see if our eyes are in alignment.”

The most common vision abnormalities in children are nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia (lazy eye) or astigmatism. Signs of eye health issues in kids can include frequent rubbing of the eyes, squinting, tilting or turning of the head to look at objects, or noticeable wandering eyes. 

Dr. Endris continues, “If our automatic read from this device picks up on any issue at all, it is then reviewed by an ophthalmologist, which is a medical doctor who specializes in the eye. If they concur and see that there is some abnormality present, then we would start a referral.”

Dr. Endris and his team have used this technology for nearly a year and provide vision screenings for kids as young as 12 months old. He says early detection of vision abnormalities can make a huge impact on a child’s development, physically, academically and emotionally.

“Vision problems are common and we know that, in general, it's better to treat them earlier than later. We know that not only is it important for the success of academics, but also kids that have amblyopia have recently been found to have a higher incidence of anxiety and depression. Whether that's truly from their vision or not, we'll see. But again, it's ever so critical to screen for these, both by asking parents questions about their child's vision as well as using a photo screen or device,” urges Dr. Endris.

If you notice your child struggling with vision issues contact their pediatrician or a pediatric optometrist. If you don’t have a pediatrician visit osfhealthcare.org to find one near you.

Interview Clips - Dr. Mike Endris

B-Roll Clips - GoCheck Kids

Well-child visits to the pediatrician and keeping up with recommended vaccines are the best things parents can do to protect their kids and communities from serious vaccine-preventable diseases that can easily spread or become life threatening. 

Despite this, American children appear to be falling behind when it comes to routine vaccinations. According to data recently published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national vaccine coverage among kindergarten children during the 2020-2021 school year dropped from 95% to lower than 94%. While that might not seem like a big decline at face value, the 1% dip represents more than 35,000 children.

 Dr. Rebecca Sierra is an OSF HealthCare pediatrician in Bloomington, Illinois. She says the downward trend in inoculations is most likely a side effect of the pandemic.

 “I think the problem has been with COVID just getting people into the office, keeping them up to date on their visits and up to date on their vaccines,” explains Dr. Sierra. “So I think because people were trying to stay away, or maybe not enrolling in school, we've kind of missed the opportunity to vaccinate some of those kids.”

 Dr. Sierra says while her office has not seen a sharp decline in the demand for routine vaccinations, the CDC’s findings remain concerning. A decrease in vaccination rates could result in fewer communities maintaining herd immunity for preventable diseases like measles, mumps and whooping cough.

 “We want a certain percentage of kids to be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity to keep those viruses out of the community. So as that number goes down, we're increasing the risk of those viruses like measles and things that we don't typically see making a comeback and circulating again,” says Dr. Sierra.

Dr. Sierra says the key to bucking this trend is for parents to keep up with yearly well-child visits. These visits are an important component to keeping up with routine immunizations, allowing pediatricians to remind parents about recommended vaccines and vaccination schedules and to address any concerns parents may have regarding their child’s health.

 “If they haven't had a routine physical within the last year they definitely need to check in and make sure that there's nothing that we're missing,” she urges. “I know a lot of offices do go through and try to contact some of those patients, but we don't always have up to date contact information. So definitely, if they haven't been seen by a provider within the last year, I would definitely reach out and make sure that we're not missing anything for them.”

If you have questions about your child’s vaccination schedule or about vaccines in general, Dr. Sierra recommends reaching out to your child’s pediatrician. You can also check for overdue vaccinations, ask questions or schedule an appointment on OSF MyChart.

 If your child doesn’t have a pediatrician you can find one at osfhealthcare.org.

Interview Clips - Dr. Rebecca Sierra

This collaboration will better serve patients in the community by bringing exceptional medical and surgical specialties closer to home. The affiliation combines a commitment to exceptional care and an expanded, comprehensive network of expert specialty and subspecialty physicians for patients in the area.

The latest collaboration will see Ameera Nauman, MD, a pediatrician at OSF Saint Anthony’s, move into the SSM Health network while continuing to see patients at the OSF Medical Group office in Godfrey. The Godfrey office offers primary care for adults as well as pediatric care. Dr. Nauman will have access to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, a world-class facility in St. Louis, for emergency and specialty care, such as advanced pediatric diagnostic testing, surgical services and sports care.

“I’m excited to be part of this collaboration that will allow my patients greater access to timely and exceptional care from pediatric specialists who are at the top of their field,” said Dr. Nauman. “Parents can know all of their child’s medical needs are in the hands of well-equipped, premier health professionals.”

“Hospital and health care providers can no longer operate in silos and must be willing to embrace meaningful collaboration that will result in availability of high quality, sustainable health care across their communities,” said Jerry Rumph, president of OSF Saint Anthony’s. “Dr. Nauman will be supported by pediatric specialists in areas including cardiology, oncology, neurology and gastroenterology. This team will have access to the NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit] and a Level I [One] Pediatric Trauma Center at Cardinal Glennon Hospital, where providers are equipped to handle the most complicated and complex cases.”

Jeremy Fotheringham, region president of SSM Health St. Louis and Academics, said, “This collaboration will allow us to better meet the needs of this community while providing value and convenience to our patients. By working together, we further our Mission and Vision to ensure all people have access to the high-quality, personalized care they need.”

OSF Saint Anthony’s and SSM Health are excited about the new affiliation and are currently developing additional opportunities to bring more medical specialties to the greater Riverbend community to enhance and improve the health and wellness of residents. In April, the health systems announced enhanced heart care close to home through the addition of Sridhar Kumar, MD, a cardiologist at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, who became chief of Cardiology Services at OSF Saint Anthony’s.

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