SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new report describes the impact of COVID-19 on the existing rural opioid epidemic and identified opportunities to treat opioid addiction and reduce fatalities in rural Illinois. “The opioid epidemic continues to hurt rural regions in Illinois and the pandemic has worsened the economic and social factors that lead to opioid misuse,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Chair, SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy. “We need to invest in new strategies and resources that prevent, treat and build appropriate systems of recovery for those struggling from the opioid epidemic

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new report describes the impact of COVID-19 on the existing rural opioid epidemic and identified opportunities to treat opioid addiction and reduce fatalities in rural Illinois. “The opioid epidemic continues to hurt rural regions in Illinois and the pandemic has worsened the economic and social factors that lead to opioid misuse,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Chair, SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy. “We need to invest in new strategies and resources that prevent, treat and build appropriate systems of recovery for those struggling from the opioid epidemic

Beginning the week of Nov. 8, current SIU Medicine patients five years and older are eligible to receive a vaccine to protect them against COVID-19. SIU Center for Family Medicine will be vaccinating community children as well as SIU Medicine patients. Appointments for your child to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be available at the following days and times: SIU Pediatrics in Springfield (400 N. 9th) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays SIU Center for Family Medicine in Springfield (4th and Carpenter) 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon Fridays SIU Pediatrics in Decatur (400 W. Hay) Normal business

It’s flu season . Now more than ever, it is important to take good care of your health and avoid getting sick. Here are 6 common-sense tips for reducing your risk of flu, helping your entire family and community stay well during the months ahead. 1. Wash your hands. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is the best way to remove viruses, bacteria and other germs from your hands that could make you or other people sick. Handwashing with soap and water is best. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer will work when soap and water aren't available. Get in the habit

It’s flu season . Now more than ever, it is important to take good care of your health and avoid getting sick. Here are 6 common-sense tips for reducing your risk of flu, helping your entire family and community stay well during the months ahead. 1. Wash your hands. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is the best way to remove viruses, bacteria and other germs from your hands that could make you or other people sick. Handwashing with soap and water is best. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer will work when soap and water aren't available. Get in the habit

Most people who get infected with COVID-19 get better within weeks of the illness. Yet studies indicate about 1 in 4 experience lingering post-COVID symptoms. For these individuals, post-COVID issues extend a month or longer, and can include a wide range of new, returning or ongoing health problems. SIU Medicine has created a Post-COVID Recovery Clinic to support these “long haulers.” The patients can receive customized care from multidisciplinary specialists. Clinicians will help identify achievable health goals as a way to optimize patients’ quality of life and function. COVID-19 can affect

Most people who get infected with COVID-19 get better within weeks of the illness. Yet studies indicate about 1 in 4 experience lingering post-COVID symptoms. For these individuals, post-COVID issues extend a month or longer, and can include a wide range of new, returning or ongoing health problems. SIU Medicine has created a Post-COVID Recovery Clinic to support these “long haulers.” The patients can receive customized care from multidisciplinary specialists. Clinicians will help identify achievable health goals as a way to optimize patients’ quality of life and function. COVID-19 can affect

February was National Cancer Prevention Month. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, more than 40 percent of cancers in the U.S. can be attributed to preventable causes. There is no better time to start taking the following steps to protect your health for the long haul. Drastically reduce your risk of developing cancer with these 10 tips from SIU Medicine. Don’t use tobacco and avoid secondhand smoke Smoking is the number one preventable cause of both cancer and cancer-related deaths. Besides lung cancers, this bad habit is linked to 17 other types of cancers. Cigarettes

February was National Cancer Prevention Month. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, more than 40 percent of cancers in the U.S. can be attributed to preventable causes. There is no better time to start taking the following steps to protect your health for the long haul. Drastically reduce your risk of developing cancer with these 10 tips from SIU Medicine. Don’t use tobacco and avoid secondhand smoke Smoking is the number one preventable cause of both cancer and cancer-related deaths. Besides lung cancers, this bad habit is linked to 17 other types of cancers. Cigarettes

February was National Cancer Prevention Month. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, more than 40 percent of cancers in the U.S. can be attributed to preventable causes. There is no better time to start taking the following steps to protect your health for the long haul. Drastically reduce your risk of developing cancer with these 10 tips from SIU Medicine. Don’t use tobacco and avoid secondhand smoke Smoking is the number one preventable cause of both cancer and cancer-related deaths. Besides lung cancers, this bad habit is linked to 17 other types of cancers. Cigarettes