Did you know there are more than 100 different types of arthritis? Arthritis can affect people of all ages—even children—although it's most common in older adults. And as our population gets older, medical providers and public health officials anticipate that more people will be living with arthritis every year. You can't prevent arthritis. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing it in the future or help to manage your condition if you're ever diagnosed. What is arthritis? Arthritis refers to conditions that cause joint pain and dysfunction. About 1 in 4 adults

Epilepsy is a common yet frequently misunderstood neurological disorder. SIU Medicine would like to help our community become more educated about the condition. Read on to discover five key things about epilepsy—including what to do if someone has a seizure in front of you. 5 things you may not know about epilepsy 1. Epilepsy is a condition that affects the central nervous system. The brain sends messages throughout the body using chemicals and electrical energy. When a person has epilepsy, they periodically experience over-activity or "misfiring" in the brain's electrical activity. These

Annual well-woman visits provide an opportunity to speak with a knowledgeable physician about your health and lifestyle. There's no need to be embarrassed discussing intimate topics like reproductive health or sexual activity with your doctor. These issues are hugely relevant to your overall well-being—and our Gynecologist/Women's health providers are highly trained professionals here to help you feel informed and at ease. In addition to helping you learn more about your health, gynecological exams are also beneficial because they can help identify early detection of treatable conditions and

We know you value your child's health. We also know that back-to-school time can be a chaotic and sometimes stressful time of year. Optimize your child's well-being by practicing these five simple yet effective health tips from our team at SIU Medicine. 1. Establish a great sleep routine Kids usually need more sleep than adults, so making sure your child gets enough sleep every night is essential for their overall well-being. According to research, good sleep can even boost academic performance—while inadequate sleep increases the risk of mood problems and sports injury. Does your child get

At SIU Medicine, highly trained and experienced teams of neurology specialists work with children, adults and seniors affected by neurological conditions. Care is provided in the Department of Neurology’s Neuroscience Institute, Parkinson’s Disease Center, and Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment. Neurologists also collaborate with physicians and staff in the departments of psychiatry and neurosurgery. Read how this important field of medicine can potentially help you or a loved one who is experiencing a problem within the nervous system. What is neurology

At SIU Medicine, highly trained and experienced teams of neurology specialists work with children, adults and seniors affected by neurological conditions. Care is provided in the Department of Neurology’s Neuroscience Institute, Parkinson’s Disease Center, and Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment. Neurologists also collaborate with physicians and staff in the departments of psychiatry and neurosurgery. Read how this important field of medicine can potentially help you or a loved one who is experiencing a problem within the nervous system. What is neurology

At SIU Medicine, highly trained and experienced teams of neurology specialists work with children, adults and seniors affected by neurological conditions. Care is provided in the Department of Neurology’s Neuroscience Institute, Parkinson’s Disease Center, and Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment. Neurologists also collaborate with physicians and staff in the departments of psychiatry and neurosurgery. Read how this important field of medicine can potentially help you or a loved one who is experiencing a problem within the nervous system. What is neurology

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The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has presented SIU School of Medicine (SIU SOM) its Skin Smart Campus Award in recognition of the school’s efforts to educate and protect against the disease. Medical school students and staff have pledged to promote skin cancer prevention and sun safety education and not allow indoor tanning devices on its the campus and in its affiliated buildings. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., with melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—as one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young adults. The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart

by Aaron Peach and Mary Dickerson The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has recognized SIU School of Medicine as a Skin Smart Campus. A 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s call to action to prevent skin cancer prompted the Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative, which drew a strong associations between indoor tanning use and skin cancer. As a Skin Smart Campus, SIU School of Medicine supports public health efforts to inform the general public of skin cancer prevention strategies and to improve community access to sun protection materials. SIU is committed to skin cancer prevention and