SPRINGFIELD, Il. - Douglas Carlson, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics, has been named an Immunization Champion for Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health Immunization Program presented the award to acknowledge outstanding efforts to ensure immunization access in Illinois' communities. Carlson was recognized for making a significant contribution to public health in Illinois through his work in childhood immunizations and COVID vaccination of children and their families. His efforts have helped improve the health of the community as he continues to advocate to

SPRINGFIELD, Il. - Douglas Carlson, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics, has been named an Immunization Champion for Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health Immunization Program presented the award to acknowledge outstanding efforts to ensure immunization access in Illinois' communities. Carlson was recognized for making a significant contribution to public health in Illinois through his work in childhood immunizations and COVID vaccination of children and their families. His efforts have helped improve the health of the community as he continues to advocate to

As the autumn air turns crisp during October, SIU Medicine is celebrating Healthy Lung Month . To help our entire community breathe easier, we're sharing five things you can do to protect your family's lung health and function. 1. Become or remain a nonsmoker. You guessed it: Quitting smoking—or never starting—is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your lung health. Smoking directly damages the lungs, including the small air sacs inside the lungs called alveoli. The alveoli is where oxygen from the air you breathe passes into your blood. Smoking is a leading cause of lung problems

Around 3.4 million people in America have epilepsy, a chronic health condition that causes seizures. If you or someone you love experiences epileptic seizures, it's important to know some basic safety strategies to help prevent seizure-related injuries, including injuries sustained if a person falls or chokes while having a seizure. Inside the home is the most common place for someone to experience a seizure-related accident, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. While seizures can be a little scary, preparing yourself and your loved ones is one of the best ways to feel more in control. Here

Around 3.4 million people in America have epilepsy, a chronic health condition that causes seizures. If you or someone you love experiences epileptic seizures, it's important to know some basic safety strategies to help prevent seizure-related injuries, including injuries sustained if a person falls or chokes while having a seizure. Inside the home is the most common place for someone to experience a seizure-related accident, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. While seizures can be a little scary, preparing yourself and your loved ones is one of the best ways to feel more in control. Here

Farming is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 410 farmers lost their lives in 2019 due to a work-related injury, and each day about 100 farmers and agricultural employees sustain some sort of injury or illness that causes them to miss work. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that farming is twice as deadly as law enforcement and five times as deadly as firefighting. While grim, these statistics aren't meant to cause fear nor discourage farmers from committing to their line of

Farming is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 410 farmers lost their lives in 2019 due to a work-related injury, and each day about 100 farmers and agricultural employees sustain some sort of injury or illness that causes them to miss work. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that farming is twice as deadly as law enforcement and five times as deadly as firefighting. While grim, these statistics aren't meant to cause fear nor discourage farmers from committing to their line of

If you're getting ready for your surgery to remove your gallbladder (cholecystectomy), it's normal to feel a little anxious. One of the best ways to ease your concerns and improve your surgical outcome is to know how to take good care of yourself following your procedure. Here are some important things you should know to help your recovery go smoothly. Going home after your surgery Whether you've had a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) or open cholecystectomy, your medical team will monitor you closely for a period of time immediately following your procedure. This is done to help make sure

If you're getting ready for your surgery to remove your gallbladder (cholecystectomy), it's normal to feel a little anxious. One of the best ways to ease your concerns and improve your surgical outcome is to know how to take good care of yourself following your procedure. Here are some important things you should know to help your recovery go smoothly. Going home after your surgery Whether you've had a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) or open cholecystectomy, your medical team will monitor you closely for a period of time immediately following your procedure. This is done to help make sure

One in 3 seniors die with dementia, more than breast and prostate cancers combined. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer’s Association projects it will affect about 13 million of us by 2050. Each September, the SIU Medicine community recognizes World Alzheimer's Month. This is an ideal time to help people learn more about Alzheimer's disease and dispel some myths about dementia. Want to get involved and broaden your understanding of Alzheimer’s? Here are some ideas to get you inspired. Share your experiences with Alzheimer's disease Having open and