When Gordon Ramsay raises his voice, it’s usually about an undercooked dish.

But in 2024, the celebrity chef was calling for help after a scary bicycle accident.

“It really shook me,” says the avid cyclist in a June 15, 2024, Instagram post. “Honestly, I’m lucky to be here.”

Ramsay says he didn’t suffer any major injuries, but he’s bruised and on the mend. And he’s again joining health care professionals in stressing the importance of wearing a helmet and biking within your means.

“I don’t care how short the journey is,” Ramsay says.

Biking accidents in the emergency department

Kurt Bloomstrand, MD, an emergency medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare, has treated people who have fallen off a moving object. It could be a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle. Sometimes it’s a child who’s learning their way. Or it could be an adult who didn’t hit the brakes in time.

“A lot of times what happens is they fall off the bike, put their arm out to protect themselves and injure their arm,” Dr. Bloomstrand says.

“But most importantly, we also see head injuries. We know that people who get in a bike accident have better outcomes if they’re wearing a helmet. People that are not have a higher risk of head injuries and traumatic brain injuries,” he adds.

Those head injuries are not something to take lightly, Dr. Bloomstrand says. Traumatic brain injuries can result in lifelong complications or death.

“When we see people in the emergency department who have suffered from a bicycle accident, we’re going to do a rapid trauma assessment,” Dr. Bloomstrand explains. “We’re going to pay special attention to the head. We’re going to make sure there are no signs of skull fracture or neurological abnormality. Depending on the severity of the injury, we may do a CAT scan [also called a CT scan] to make sure there’s no internal injury like bleeding on the brain. Those internal injuries are life-threatening emergencies that need to be addressed quickly.”

Advice

Check these off your list the next time you get on a bicycle or something similar:

• People of all ages should wear a helmet while biking. Young kids who are learning to ride should also wear knee elbow pads.
   
• Long shirts and pants and closed toe shoes (not sandals) are better than bare skin if you fall and skid on pavement (commonly called “road rash”).
   
• Be alert when riding. Don’t ride while tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re listening to music, consider having one ear free so you can hear your surroundings.
   
• Don’t ride above your means. Choose a speed and terrain that fits your skills.
   
• Keep your bike in good condition and configured to match your height. Your feet should touch the ground when seated. This should be true for all ages. A child should not “grow into” a bike. 
  
  At night, a headlight, reflectors, flag and a horn help you to be seen and heard. Bright-colored clothing also helps your visibility at night.
   
• Look closely before crossing an intersection, and obey all traffic laws. This typically includes riding on the right side of the road. Use universal hand signals: left arm straight for a left turn, left arm bent up for a right turn and left arm bent down for a stop. Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle before passing in front of them.
   
• One person should ride a bike at a time, and keep both hands on the handlebars. Put items like books in a backpack or basket. Don’t try to carry items and ride.
   
• If you or someone you’re with suffers a bike injury, call 9-1-1 immediately.

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But inside these new and exciting things also lie dangerous pieces parents and caregivers need to keep an eye on. Things such as batteries and magnets, both small and shiny, are potentially life-threatening objects.

Guidance for gift-giving

"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," says Tinsley Anderson, MD, a pediatric surgeon with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. "That way you're not changing the battery, and, in a year from now, your kid probably won't want the toy anyway." 

The small, round batteries that come in kids’ toys are particularly problematic, Dr. Anderson says. She adds they can easily get stuck in the esophagus and cause a burn injury. When a kid swallows a battery like this, surgery is needed.

"Your mucus and moisture in your body completes the battery's circuit, so the battery is activated, causing an alkaline burn," Dr. Anderson says. “It causes a coagulative necrosis, which is when your tissue starts to dissolve. It can create holes, and when it heals, it can create narrowing that causes lifelong problems.”

Warning signs to look for

• Drooling
• Unable to swallow
• Unable to eat 
• Belly pain 
• If an item is missing and you think your child might have eaten it

"Things that are particularly concerning are if they're drooling, they can't swallow or eat. There can be items lodged in the airways that can be a surgical emergency. If they're having trouble swallowing, there can be things stuck in their esophagus that aren't getting past," Dr. Anderson says. 

Another potentially life-threatening danger in toys is magnets. They're shiny and can come in all sorts of colors, but Dr. Anderson says they can stick to each other once inside the abdomen and create holes from one side to the other. This can lead to surgery where a child can lose part of their intestine. 

When considering what to buy for a younger child, pay attention to the warning labels, which should indicate what ages are appropriate to play with the toy. A 2018 study by The Toy Association showed many parents ignore age labels on toys and for those who do read them, about 97% ignore them. The study points out crucial age labels are important for child safety and are based on a child’s developmental abilities.

If a child is choking, do the Heimlich maneuver to try and dislodge the item. Dr. Anderson still recommends taking your child to the emergency department afterward in case a piece of the item is still located in the body. Never just sweep your finger around in the child's mouth, as this can get the item stuck even more.

Water beads: Another concern

Over the last few years, Dr. Anderson says her colleagues across the country have come in contact with a newer toy that’s causing quite the commotion: water beads. They’re colorful, tiny and expand when exposed to water. If a water bead expands once it’s inside someone’s body, it can cause bowel obstruction, which leads to needing surgery as well.

If a child swallows a lithium or button battery, it’s best to call the nearest emergency department and let them know you’re taking your child there for a life-threatening emergency. All OSF HealthCare emergency departments offer X-ray services that will tell the medical team exactly what the item is and where it’s located. “A coin is much different than a button battery,” Dr. Anderson points out.

Read this patient story about how a child required life-saving surgery after swallowing a button battery.

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Growing up on a farm a couple miles from the clinic where she works, Bethany Huelskoetter, APRN, knows the importance of playing it safe in a rural setting, whether you’re young or old. With National Farm Health and Safety Week coming up, Huelskoetter, a nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare, says now is the time to review the basics of farm safety.

• Heavy machinery: For big equipment like a tractor or auger, know how to use it before you get in the driver’s seat. Know how to shut the machine off quickly in an emergency. When behind the wheel, know your surroundings. Go slowly and be very cautious in places like driveways where kids run around. Wear fitted, not loose, clothing.

“Machines have shafts and moving parts,” Huelskoetter explains. “You don’t want to have loose sleeves or something that can get caught in that mechanism and cause a catastrophic injury.”

• Driving smaller vehicles: Children and young adults are often found whizzing around a rural property on an all-terrain vehicle or motorbike. That can go south quickly, Huelskoetter warns. A passenger could be flung from the vehicle and get injured or killed.

              Wear a helmet and buckle the seatbelt. Don’t drive too fast, and don’t make sharp turns, especially on loose gravel. Sit in the vehicles the way they are intended. Don’t hang off the back or side. And never operate after drinking alcohol.

• Toxic materials: Farmers and homeowners often handle chemicals like pesticides. Huelskoetter advises reading the label so you know what you’re touching. The label should also tell you what protective equipment to wear and whether the product is toxic to pets.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers website has a national hotline and state-by-state resources for exposure to or ingestion of toxic materials. Huelskoetter says to have that phone number in your cell phone. When you call, someone will ask you basic questions about what happened and tell you what to do. You may be able to treat the issue at home, or the hotline may advise you to go to the nearest emergency department.

• Animal bites: Kids playing in nature may encounter “all kinds of crazy things,” Huelskoetter says. Bites from spiders, snakes and raccoons can happen. The first step, she says: clean the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Then, cover it with a band aid or clean cloth and go to the hospital.

“You never want to mess around with an animal bite,” Huelskoetter says. “Animals’ mouths are very dirty. So you want to start the bitten person on antibiotics quickly.”

Huelskoetter adds that while we view dogs and cats as domesticated, you never know if they have not been vaccinated and are carrying diseases like rabies.

• Heat: Two common heat illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Huelskoetter says heat exhaustion generally describes when you overheat. Experts advise to move to a cool place, sip water and put cool, wet cloths on your body. If symptoms don’t improve or you start vomiting, call 9-1-1. Symptoms of the more serious heat stroke include hot, red, dry or damp skin, a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion. Call 9-1-1 right away. Untreated cases of heat stroke can cause permanent damage to organs or death.

                Some tips to avoid heat illness: Avoid being outside in the middle of the day. Take breaks in a cool area during the day. Keep a cooler full of water and drinks with electrolytes, like Gatorade. Sugar-free sports drinks are a healthier choice                     than the regular ones. Have some healthy snacks, too, like popcorn, pretzels or nuts.

“Whenever your body is sweating, it’s depleting its calories and energy,” Huelskoetter says. “So your body doesn’t just need water. It also needs nutrients to help you keep going throughout the day.”

• Be prepared: Work or play with a buddy. That way, someone is there if you get hurt. If you must go alone, let people know your plans before you leave for the day. Where on the property will you be? When are you expected back? If you don’t return at the right time, that’s a sign for your loved ones to look for you. Keep your phone charged in case you need to make an emergency call. Take a mobile charger with you. And if an emergency happens, call 9-1-1 and take an ambulance to the hospital. Don’t drive yourself or have someone drive you.

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Previous coverage

Summer wound care
Keeping summer swimming safe
Water safety tips to keep your kids safe this summer
Make sure your summer cookout stays fun and safe

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

One common virus in school-age children is RSV.

What is RSV?

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

How is RSV spread?

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

How do we protect ourselves from RSV?

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

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

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

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

How can kids build immunity against viruses?

Two main ways: Healthy sleeping and healthy eating.

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

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

Who else is at higher risk of RSV?

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

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

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

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

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Icy roads? Gym too far away? Or are you just not a people person? Cozy cardio may be right for you.

What is cozy cardio?

Clare Spires, an exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare, says cozy cardio, in simple terms, is a way to make exercise comfortable in your home. It’s wise to talk to a health care provider about what workout is right for you. But generally, cozy cardio offers some freedom. For example, you can work up a sweat with an instructional video or app. Or you can just find a routine that works for you.

Equipment

Spires says you don’t have to rush out and buy equipment. But if you like having something to hold or press your feet to, there are options.

Walking pads have become popular. These are miniature treadmills with just the bottom structure. There are no rails and monitor at eye level like a traditional treadmill.

“Some can do inclines,” Spires says. “You can put it under a desk if you’re a remote worker. It’s just another way to get those steps in during the day without leaving your house.”

A small set of weights can be a welcome addition. Skip the 50 or 100-pound weights, Spires says. Two to five pounders are a good start.

“If you’re doing some bigger muscle groups like biceps and quads, you could add more weight,” Spires says. “But typically, those at-home workouts are made that you can lift weights with something like a soup can or a water bottle.”

Keep that water bottle handy for hydration, too. And a mat can help with balance.

Safety

Gyms typically have safety measures and employees watching out for injuries or emergencies. During cozy cardio, you could be alone in an environment that wasn’t meant for exercise. Think of a cluttered living room.

So, Spires says to do a safety check before each workout. Remove trip hazards like cords and rugs.

“If you could use a little extra stability, maybe work out next to a counter that you can hold onto. Avoid something that’s going to move on you quickly,” Spires advises.

Exercise with someone, if possible. Have a phone nearby in case you need to call 9-1-1. Start slow, and work up to your goals.

How much?

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, spread out over several days. For those with that goal in mind, many do 30 minutes of sweat-building for five days per week. Others do 50 minutes per day for three days. Spires says you can have some cardio days and some weightlifting days. She says it’s good to mix it up.

Spires says when defining “moderate intensity,” think about singing a song while working out. If the strain of the workout means you can’t sing without running out of breath, you’re at moderate intensity. “Vigorous” would be an activity above that, like running.

It’s a process, but Spires says the benefits are worth it. Regular exercise means lower blood pressure, cholesterol, chance of diabetes and chance of heart disease. You might also see improved mood and sleep.

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It’s caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports test positivity for walking pneumonia increased in late spring of 2024 and remained high.

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

“They're walking around school and they're not feeling that sick. They do have pneumonia but it's not putting them in the hospital typically,” says Keith Hanson, MD, the medical director of the General Pediatrics Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

Dr. Hanson says every year some strains of illness, or a particular virus, are more common than others. Right now, it’s pneumonia.

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

Tracking cases nationally and across the region

The CDC is tracking the rise in cases, which have been seen both nationwide and locally in central Illinois.

Data from OSF HealthCare show a major increase in overall pneumonia cases for patients younger than 18 years of age this year over last, looking at the dates from August 1 through October 22.

In 2023, there were 171 patients with pneumonia and only three cases were reported to have come from the M. pneumoniae bacterium. In 2024, overall cases jumped to 641 with 143 having pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae. 81 of the cases in the 2024 range were reported from the hospital.

Signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia

"It's that cough, a prolonged cough especially, fevers and difficulty breathing in more severe cases," Dr. Hanson says. “They might be dehydrated and not able to drink as much, so they're not urinating as much. They can be sleepier and more fatigued, which is pretty common.”

Dr. Hanson says as is the case with bacterial infections, there are antibiotics to treat walking pneumonia. The hope of the antibiotics is to shorten the illness and make it less severe, while decreasing the chance of spreading the infection to others.

“This is one that would need antibiotics. Other respiratory infections like RSV or COVID-19 are viruses, where there's no particular medication to treat it," Dr. Hanson says. "So, if it is this Mycoplasma pneumonia, there is an antibiotic that can treat it. We want to make sure kids are staying hydrated and getting enough rest. You can do fever control with Tylenol and ibuprofen." 

While most pneumonia cases don’t send kids to the hospital, it is possible for children with other medical conditions to be hospitalized. If they are admitted, they may need IV fluids for dehydration or oxygen to help with breathing. This is another reason Dr. Hanson recommends starting antibiotics right away, because if pneumonia goes untreated, there’s a higher chance you could end up in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

When pneumonia is connected to a viral infection

"We start thinking about bacterial infections after times that you're sick, you get better, then you get worse a few days later. That's because the virus was going on first, with a runny nose, low grade fever and some coughing. Then you feel better for a couple of days, and then it comes back. That's when we think there was a bacterial infection on top of the virus,” Dr. Hanson says. “That's because when we have the virus, we get mucus and secretions and we're not coughing things up very well. Things are settling there in the lungs and you're not very active. That increased inflammation and mucus is a setup for bacterial infections.”

Pneumonia prevention tips

-          If you’re sick, stay home

-          Make sure kids blow their nose

-          Cough or sneeze in your elbow

-          Wear a mask in the community if you’re sick. It could prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.

-          Wash your hands

-          Hydrate well

-          Focus on good sleep

Video Interview Clips

John Bednar, MD, has seen it all when it comes to hunting accidents. Broken bones, injured backs, heart attacks, you name it.

“Common hunting injuries include falls, whether that's a fall while you're hiking, carrying, hauling or whether it's a fall out of the tree stand,” says Dr. Bednar, an emergency room physician with OSF HealthCare. “Other injuries that we see in the emergency department are accidental shootings, whether it's self-inflicted or somebody else in your party.” 

Fortunately, those visits to the ER are not common because many hunters are well educated when it comes to their safety, Dr. Bednar says. Still, accidents happen, especially during the fall hunting season.

And many of the injuries, such as tripping or falling from a tree stand, are the result of alcohol and drug use. “The biggest rule when you’re hunting is no intoxication of any sort, whether it's alcohol or drugs or any combination thereof,” Dr. Bednar says. “Those are the most frequent things we see, people who fall when they're hunting because they're intoxicated.”

Another important tip is to remember to pack your prescription drugs – especially if you’re traveling long distances to hunt. Dr. Bednar says if you forget to take blood pressure medicine, for example, it could lead to a potential health problem during your outing.

And it’s essential to be in good health if you’re planning on hunting. That’s because of the hiking, walking and climbing you do – all while carrying gear or dragging an animal carcass. Dr. Bednar says it’s an especially important reminder for people in their 60s who don’t have the stamina they used to. In fact, he recommends older hunters let the younger people in the group do the heavy lifting. And take several rest breaks if you’re not used to strenuous hikes.

Dr. Bednar has treated several hunters who have suffered a heart attack due to excess exertion. “They have to know what their fitness level is when they are out hunting,” he says. “Whether you're hauling gear or hauling deer, you have to know what your limits are.”

And then there’s the matter of the tree stand. The average fall from a tree stand is about 15 feet. Just another reason to steer clear of the booze.

“If you are in a tree stand, make sure you have your harness and tether appropriately working,” says Dr. Bednar. “If you don't have a harness and you don't have a short tether, you could be in trouble, because if you fall off, even with a harness, you might have too long of a harness lead. So, make sure you have a short tether. If you're going to fall off, you don't fall off very far, and you can get back on again.”

Other helpful tips include being familiar with the area where you’re hunting. Let others know exactly where you’re going to be and when you plan on calling it a day, especially if you have weak cell service. Consider using a two-way radio or loud whistle in case you need help.

It’s never a bad idea to pack a first aid kit, including tourniquets – learn CPR and be prepared for any injuries. “Take a course on basic first aid and tourniquet use,” says Dr. Bednar. “Because if you have an accidental gunshot wound or a fall with a compromised arm or leg extremity, tourniquets can be lifesaving in the field.”

And now that cooler weather is here, make sure to dress appropriately. Hunters are more likely to suffer frostbite and hypothermia if they’ve been drinking. Cover your ears, nose, fingers and toes. And wear blaze orange instead of camouflage so that you’re visible to other hunters. Wear safety glasses and ear protection. And if you’re bringing your hunting dog, keep him safe by tying a brightly colored bandana around his neck or buy a brightly colored vest for your four-legged friend.

If you or another member of your party suffers a serious or life-threatening injury, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Interview Clips 

Story update, BrucePac recalls: 

Nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products made by BrucePac have been recalled, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The recall, with impacts nationwide, are due to concern the meat and poultry products are contaminated with listeria. 

"The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024. These products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide then distributed to restaurants and institutions. Information regarding product labels and the list of products will be provided when available," the USDA wrote in a release. "The products subject to recall bear establishment numbers "51205 or P-51205" inside or under the USDA mark of inspection." 

Original story, Boar's Head recall:

Approximately 7 million pounds of deli meat sold by Boar’s Head Provisions Co., one of the most well-known deli meat brands in America, have been recalled due to a listeria outbreak.

The outbreak has reached 13 states, including Illinois, and has resulted in the hospitalization of over 30 people. Two people have died after being infected.

The recall of ready-to-eat liverwurst includes 71 products under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names, distributed across the United States and to Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republican and the Cayman Islands, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). 

Stay informed

Doug Kasper, MD, is an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. He says listeria outbreaks are nothing new, and recalls aren’t meant to scare people. He says you don’t have to completely change your diet or stop eating certain foods because of a recall, rather just stay informed with recalls from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or USDA.

“These recalls help you audit what you’ve purchased, where you’ve eaten recently, and potentially adjust, for a short amount of time, before the quality has improved,” Dr. Kasper says.

Dr. Kasper says during a recall, the CDC and USDA perform tests on the food while notifying manufacturers and consumers.

What is listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a series of disease-causing bacteria. When eaten, people can develop a disease called listeriosis.

“It’s a bacterium that can normally be found in the environment. It can be found as part of agriculture where food is produced and then as it’s handled, it can become contaminated,” Dr. Kasper says. “Bacteria is present throughout our world, and we have measures in place to wash food, and ensure food is handled safely. The rates of listeria are consistently monitored, audited and then retroactively checked in fields where there were higher rates detected in the past.”

Who is most at risk?

The CDC says listeriosis can be dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies, alongside those 65 and older or people with a weakened immune system.

“Pregnant women are frequently advised to stay away from products that could potentially be infected with listeria. These could be deli meats, unpasteurized dairy and raw milk,” Dr. Kasper says. “The risk is relatively higher. Some other patients on chemotherapy or those with other significant conditions may choose to stay away from those products.”

What do symptoms look like?

The USDA says listeriosis symptoms are very similar to flu-like symptoms. It can cause fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. It can also give a person gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like upset stomach or diarrhea.

Unlike viruses, listeria cannot be passed from person to person. It can only infect a person when they consume a decent portion of the infected product.

“These are not transmissible by touch or sharing common dining utensils,” Dr. Kasper says. “It’s based off of the product you were exposed to.”

What to do if you’re feeling sick

If you’re feeling sick and it may have been from a food product you’ve eaten recently, Dr. Kasper recommends seeking medical attention immediately, whether it’s your primary care provider or an OSF OnCall Urgent Care or OSF PromptCare.

“If a person develops a fever or sustained illness that lasts more than a day, then it becomes in their best interest to notify their medical provider,” Dr. Kasper says. “For most people that are exposed, the risk is very minimal. It’s unlikely to have a severe outcome, unless the food is repetitively eaten or if the person has an underlying issue.”

In addition to avoiding recalled deli meats entirely and contacting your medical provider, the CDC says to clean your refrigerator and containers and surfaces that may have touched any recalled sliced deli meats. Businesses affected by the recall are advised to thoroughly clean and sanitize all non-food surfaces and throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli. Taking this a step further, the USDA-FSIS recommends delis to not use any opened deli products because recalled products can cross-contaminate other deli products.

Video Interview Clips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Is my child too tall? What weight should they be? What’s the safer option? 

These questions run through parents’ minds when it comes to their child’s car seats. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Cindy Hamilton, the Child Passenger Safety program coordinator at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, has some consistent guidelines parents can follow.

Pay attention to the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines

"The child wants to max out the height and weight for the seat they are using, which is going to be different for every seat based on the manufacturer. So, if this seat goes 40 pounds rear-facing; when they're 40 pounds, we want to turn them around then,” Hamilton says.

How do height and weight play a role?

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

Illinois state law requires infants to remain rear facing until at least two years old. But Hamilton says, “rear facing longer is always best,” which is also advised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which recommends keeping kids rear facing until they’re three.

"When you're in a crash, the shell of the body of a rear-facing seat will absorb the shock. It protects the head, neck and spine more than when you are forward facing," Hamilton points out. 

When it comes to forward facing, Hamilton says you want to make sure your kids have full control of their head and neck. This is another “milestone” you can add to your list when you consider making the switch.

Steps to safely secure car seat

When you install the car seat rear facing, install with the seat belt or the seat’s anchors, but not both. Always check both the manufacturer guidelines and the vehicle owner’s manual which lists the locations of the car’s anchors and tethers for car seats.          

Make sure the harness is fitted to the child securely.

Clip the chest clip at armpit level. The lower clip should be snug across the area where the diaper is.

You don’t want to be able to pinch any fabric around the child’s neck and shoulders, Hamilton says.

The rear-facing seat should have a recline angle indicator. You want to make sure that whatever the indicator is, it’s aligned and level with the seat.

If your child has made the switch to forward facing, make sure they can hold their head up and they’re sitting more upright. Connect the top tether to hold the seatback to the seat and install with either lower anchors or seat belt. If you do choose the seat belt, Hamilton says make sure the seat belt is properly locked, which can be done by pulling all the webbing out from the retractor. You can find these locations in the owner’s manual as well.

“We don't put coats or blankets under (the straps) for safety. With a child that's rear facing, we want the straps at or below (the child's shoulders) because that's how they're crash tested,” Hamilton says. “With forward facing, all the same with the harness, but we want the strap at or above (the child's shoulders).”

OSF HealthCare offers a low-cost car seat program. Families who need a car seat can call 1-877-277-6543. There are also community car seat checks and free car seat installation checks held throughout central Illinois.

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B-ROLL

“You’re never going to be stronger than the ocean.”

A wave of caution from Jon Gehlbach, MD, the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports around 30,000 swimmers have to be saved from rip currents by lifeguards each year, while about 100 people drown after encountering them.

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. Many summer vacationers travel to the East, West and Gulf Coasts in the summer, where rip currents are prevalent. But some may not know that rip currents are also known to occur on the shores of the Great Lakes. Rip currents are when the waves hit the beach in a certain way, creating a current that flows away from the beach, according to NOAA.

Dr. Gehlbach says whatever you do, don’t try to swim against the rip current.

“Familiarize yourself with where the rip currents are. They’re usually well-marked (with signs on the beach),” Dr. Gehlbach says. “You don’t have to worry about currents or underwater debris in pools, but in oceans, most drownings are related to rip currents. It’s an invisible current pulling people away from the shore. The urge is to swim against it, but if you find yourself in that situation, try to swim parallel to the shore and get out of that rip current as safely as you can.”

“Break the grip of the rip”

“Wave, yell, swim parallel” is another slogan NOAA has. Make sure to continue to breathe, keep your head above water and don’t spend your energy fighting against the current. While rip currents typically flow at one to two feet per second, they can reach up to eight feet per second, or five miles per hour.

While waves or storms can change the shape of the ocean bottom, NOAA reports rip currents are actually the strongest at low tide.

Maybe the beach isn’t your thing, but the lake is. Similar messaging applies. Dr. Gehlbach says there are many unknown factors in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers that make them more dangerous.

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

Rip currents aren’t the same as undertow

Rip currents are much more dangerous, NOAA says. They flow on the surface of water, are usually very strong and can go far out from the shore. Undertow happens when water sinks downhill into the sea after a wave carried it uphill, which is mostly the case at beaches with steep inclines.

When in doubt, don’t go out!

NOAA has the following tips to remain safe on your beach vacations this summer.

-          Swim with a buddy

-          Swim near a lifeguard

-          Learn how to spot a rip current

-          Be prepared

Keep an eye on the local National Weather Service (NWS) Surf Zone Forecasts and Rip Current Statements online and on social media. This can give you a good gauge of what the water’s like before heading to the beach.

Swimsuit color safety

While some parents spend more time than others picking out their kids’ swim outfits, Dr. Gehlbach says the color of their swimsuit could be extremely important in dangerous situations.

“With those blue hues or lighter colors, you might be able to see them well on the surface of the water, but they don’t contrast well with the color of the water, especially pool water, once they go below the surface. Look for things that are brightly colored. Your pinks, reds, oranges, and even black can contrast well against the water,” Dr. Gehlbach says.

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After decades of decline, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Over 4,500 people died each year from drowning from 2020-2022, reported in the CDC’s Vital Signs study. The study shows drowning to be the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4. The research points out that 55% of American adults have never taken a swimming lesson, and that drowning death rates for Black people were 28% higher in 2021 than 2019.

Jon Gehlbach, MD, is the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. He says swim lessons and adult supervision are two of the most important things for kids getting in the water.

“The best thing we can do to keep kids safe around the water is getting them comfortable with swim lessons. A common misconception among young, pre-swim lesson kids is that some type of flotation device is replacement for either swim lessons or adult supervision. Unfortunately, those devices aren’t really designed to keep kids safe in the water without those two other elements,” Dr. Gehlbach says.

Know CPR

In the unfortunate event your child loses consciousness underwater, Dr. Gehlbach says knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is of the utmost importance.

“The first thing is to make sure you’re safe getting in the water. If you can’t swim, don’t turn a single-person drowning into a 2-person drowning by trying to be a hero. Instead, get help as soon as possible. If the drowning was unwitnessed, a quick glimpse around the pool will make sure there’s not an accident like a downed powerline that provides a route for electrocution. Ensure your own safety first,” Dr. Gehlbach says. “If you can exclude that, get the child out. I strongly feel that anyone who is going to be in a scenario where there are children swimming and there’s no lifeguard present, someone needs to be CPR certified. The best chance for a drowned child to recover is fast, effective CPR.”

Time is brain

“Time is of the essence. There’s a statement in critical care that ‘time is brain.’ The longer that brain is going without oxygen, the lower chance of a meaningful neurologic recovery,” Dr. Gehlbach says. “Ten seconds is far better than thirty seconds, which is far better than a minute.”

One of the most common reasons for child drowning, Dr. Gehlbach says, is when a child enters the pool without adults even knowing.

“A lot of those are family home pools where the kid gets outside and the family is not aware, they go to look for the child, and they’re at the bottom of the pool and who knows how long they’ve been down there,” Dr. Gehlbach adds.

Drowning isn’t what it looks like on TV

“I think many people are under the false impression that when a child begins to drown that it’s a noisy event with a lot of splashing, that’s how it looks on TV,” Dr. Gehlbach says. “Unfortunately, the realistic picture is that it’s a much more quiet and non-chaotic event. They slip below the surface, they inhale a lung full of water, and there’s no splashing just a quiet sinking to the bottom.”

Dr. Gehlbach recommends swimming lessons for anyone, especially young kids. If you have a pool at home, he recommends having a four-sided fence around the pool, and having an alarm system on your door which is closest to the pool in case a child gets outside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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But they're completely harmless. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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