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

Folate and folic acid (vitamin B9) are necessary for optimal human health. Neither folate nor folic acid are stored within the body. Excess amounts are excreted out through urine, so we must obtain it from the foods in our diet or take supplements. It is especially important for women to get enough folate and folic acid in their diet. Read on to learn why and to find out how you can make sure you're consuming the right amount of this important nutrient. Folate vs. folic acid: What's the difference? Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 and is found in foods like leafy green vegetables

If there's something about your physical appearance that you'd like to change, plastic surgery may be a great option for you. However, one of the most common reasons why people end up seeking plastic surgery—to look younger—can also be addressed by taking better care of your skin in your day-to-day life. If you're still in your 20s or 30s, now is the perfect time to start building those healthy skin habits and slow the skin aging process. Prioritizing these seven strategies will help your skin look and stay more youthful, radiant and healthy. 1. Quit bad skin habits now When we're young adults

August is Back-to-School Month, and not coincidentally, it’s also Kids Eat Right Month. To help your kids continue to eat healthy while at school, SIU School of Medicine registered dietitian Cheryl Burns answered some common questions parents have about packing their kids’ lunches. How do I prep a lunch for a picky eater? Involve your child in the choices. Have your kids pick the fruit and vegetables for lunches while at the grocery store, then when packing the meal, offer a couple choices. This lets them have some control of the meal. Try to include one item they like when you’re adding a new

SIU Medicine supports and encourages all breastfeeding mothers and nursing parents in our communities. As we honor National Breastfeeding Awareness Month , we encourage you to learn more about this important topic and find out how you can support a loved one who is currently breastfeeding. Here are four useful facts about breastfeeding we’d like to share. 1. Experts recommend breast milk during the first six months of a baby's life. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies are fed exclusively breast milk for the first six

SIU Medicine supports and encourages all breastfeeding mothers and nursing parents in our communities. As we honor National Breastfeeding Awareness Month , we encourage you to learn more about this important topic and find out how you can support a loved one who is currently breastfeeding. Here are four useful facts about breastfeeding we’d like to share. 1. Experts recommend breast milk during the first six months of a baby's life. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies are fed exclusively breast milk for the first six

SIU Medicine supports and encourages all breastfeeding mothers and nursing parents in our communities. As we honor National Breastfeeding Awareness Month , we encourage you to learn more about this important topic and find out how you can support a loved one who is currently breastfeeding. Here are four useful facts about breastfeeding we’d like to share. 1. Experts recommend breast milk during the first six months of a baby's life. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies are fed exclusively breast milk for the first six

SIU Medicine supports and encourages all breastfeeding mothers and nursing parents in our communities. As we honor National Breastfeeding Awareness Month , we encourage you to learn more about this important topic and find out how you can support a loved one who is currently breastfeeding. Here are four useful facts about breastfeeding we’d like to share. 1. Experts recommend breast milk during the first six months of a baby's life. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies are fed exclusively breast milk for the first six