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What is gastroparesis? Things you didn't know about this digestive condition

Gastroparesis isn't one of the most common health conditions around—about 10 men and 40 women out of 100,000 people have it. But it can be life-altering to anyone who has it. The gastroenterology team at SIU Medicine encourages you to spend a little time learning about gastroparesis, so you can talk to a doctor if you have concerns about this or any digestive health problems. A brief overview of gastroparesis The word gastroparesis comes from "gastro," meaning stomach, and "paresis," meaning weakness. Gastroparesis is also called delayed gastric emptying. It happens when a person's stomach
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Patient spotlight: using telehealth to review test results

Some patients may bristle at the suggestion of a doctor’s visit through a video screen, but not Sergio “Satch” Pecori. When his SIU Medicine cardiologist, Dr. Abhishek Kulkarni , suggested a televisit to review test results from a recent procedure, there was no hesitation. Pecori looked forward to the opportunity to connect with his doctor in an efficient way. His morning video visit lasted only 10 minutes, but it was enough time to connect with his doctor and thoroughly understand his test results in a relaxed setting. Neither the brevity of the televisit or the physical distance from the
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Diabetes causes, complications, symptoms & treatment

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, also called glucose. There are two major types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes fail to make insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from blood into tissues where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, patients make some insulin, but not enough to overcome resistance to effects of the hormone in key organs such as muscle, liver and fat. Diabetes is one of the most common health problems in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2020, more
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Diabetes causes, complications, symptoms & treatment

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, also called glucose. There are two major types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes fail to make insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from blood into tissues where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, patients make some insulin, but not enough to overcome resistance to effects of the hormone in key organs such as muscle, liver and fat. Diabetes is one of the most common health problems in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2020, more
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Healthy ideas for a happy new year

Someone once said “Time is funny stuff…you save it by spending it wisely.” Spend your time wisely by making sure your resolutions have purpose. The kind that offers you happiness, success, and fulfillment are going to be more realistic and obtainable for you. When thinking about changes to make for the New Year, focus on the behavior, rather than the outcome itself. Many people want to lose weight, but putting the effort into how to make that happen will have a better outcome. Resolutions should be actions that you are willing and able to change. Here are some ideas to help you make
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Treating phantom limb pain

Amputations are more common than you may think. The Amputee Coalition of America estimates that there are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year within the United States and an estimated population of 2 million American amputees. That number is projected to increase to more than 4 million by the year 2050. The most common reasons for limb loss include wound-healing issues related to diabetes, traumatic accidents and cancers. SIU Medicine has experienced board-certified physiatrists who can help people facing these health issues. These specialists can help you or your loved one avoid
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Treating phantom limb pain

Amputations are more common than you may think. The Amputee Coalition of America estimates that there are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year within the United States and an estimated population of 2 million American amputees. That number is projected to increase to more than 4 million by the year 2050. The most common reasons for limb loss include wound-healing issues related to diabetes, traumatic accidents and cancers. SIU Medicine has experienced board-certified physiatrists who can help people facing these health issues. These specialists can help you or your loved one avoid
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New depression treatments show promise

More than 17 million Americans ─ about 3 of every 20 U.S. adults ─ experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes depression one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The good news is depression is treatable, and most people diagnosed with this condition see significant improvements in their mood, function and quality of life after receiving evidence-based treatments, which typically include psychotherapy and medications. For some individuals, however
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New depression treatments show promise

More than 17 million Americans ─ about 3 of every 20 U.S. adults ─ experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes depression one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The good news is depression is treatable, and most people diagnosed with this condition see significant improvements in their mood, function and quality of life after receiving evidence-based treatments, which typically include psychotherapy and medications. For some individuals, however
News

New depression treatments show promise

More than 17 million Americans ─ about 3 of every 20 U.S. adults ─ experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes depression one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The good news is depression is treatable, and most people diagnosed with this condition see significant improvements in their mood, function and quality of life after receiving evidence-based treatments, which typically include psychotherapy and medications. For some individuals, however
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