ThinkFirst SIU School of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine Core P.O. Box 19604 Springfield, IL 62794-9604 Telephone Number: 217-545-0878 Email: thinkfirst@siumed.edu Click the icons to follow us on social!

ThinkFirst SIU School of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine Core P.O. Box 19604 Springfield, IL 62794-9604 Telephone Number: 217-545-0878 Email: thinkfirst@siumed.edu Click the icons to follow us on social!

If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact our office at (217) 545-9112 or thinkfirst@siumed.edu .

Carlinville Area Hospital 20733 N Broad St. Carlinville, IL 62626 (217) 854-3141 Ext: 250 or 251 Carrolton- Boyd Hospital 800 School St. Carrollton, IL 62016 (217)942-3600 Carthage- Memorial Hospital 1454 N Co Rd 2050 Carthage, IL 62321 (217)357-2173 Carthage Area Health - La Harpe 501 E. Main St. LaHarpe, IL 61450 (217)357-2173 Carthage Area Health - Bowen 209 E. 5th St. Bowen, IL 62316 (217) 357-8500 Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) 2300 N. Edward St. Decatur, IL 62526 (217)876-8121 DMH 5100 Surgery 2300 N. Edward St. Decatur, IL 62526 (217) 876-8121 DMH 4100 Medical 2300 N. Edward St

Parenting is a minefield, one littered with harmless myths and lethal falsehoods that could blow up spectacularly without warning. One of the most pervasive and deadly is the idea that vaccines cause autism. No matter how many experts debunk the myth, well-intentioned parents continue to step on this landmine in higher numbers than we’ve seen in our lifetimes. And when that happens? Boom.

Parenting is a minefield, one littered with harmless myths and lethal falsehoods that could blow up spectacularly without warning. One of the most pervasive and deadly is the idea that vaccines cause autism. No matter how many experts debunk the myth, well-intentioned parents continue to step on this landmine in higher numbers than we’ve seen in our lifetimes. And when that happens? Boom.

written by Rebecca Budde - Dec. 20, 2016 The holiday season can be a stressful and even sad time for some people, which may be caused by unrealistic expectations. Some people experience the "holiday blues" during this time of year. In addition to some people missing loved ones and dealing with financial stresses, bad weather, shortened daylight hours and lack of sleep can lead to holiday blues. Dr. Kathy Bottum, assistant professor of psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine explains. "The holidays are often very, very difficult for people. Memories of past holidays with loved ones who are gone

written by Rebecca Buddy - Dec. 22, 2016 Did you know that the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is three to five pounds? Don’t let your belly turn into “a bowl full of jelly.” The holiday season may not be the best time to attempt weight loss with holiday parties and plentiful feasts, but it is possible to maintain your weight and not spread your waistline. With some planning, fitting holiday treats into a healthful eating plan is easy. All foods can fit into healthy eating plan if you choose smaller portions of high fat and calorie foods that are popular this time of