Patients with irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, or AFib, have an increased risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. A new device aims to help reduce that risk. Implanted into the heart in a one-time procedure, the Watchman™ Device is designed to close off an area of the heart known as the left atrial appendage, where blood tends to pool and cause clots in patients living with AFib. According to SIU Medicine structural heart experts Abdul Moiz Hafiz, MD , and Giselle Baquero, MD , most patients can stop taking warfarin, or similar blood thinning medications, within 45

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. The information, in whatever form, does not constitute medical advice, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for medical care and treatment. You should always contact your physician or qualified health care provider to determine what is appropriate for your health care needs and to answer questions that you may have regarding your health, medical condition or course of treatment. SIU internist Dr. Rexanne Caga-anan regularly sees new patients asking for refills of their

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. The information, in whatever form, does not constitute medical advice, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for medical care and treatment. You should always contact your physician or qualified health care provider to determine what is appropriate for your health care needs and to answer questions that you may have regarding your health, medical condition or course of treatment. SIU internist Dr. Rexanne Caga-anan regularly sees new patients asking for refills of their

Plastic surgeon Dr. Nicole Sommer to offer facial, nonsurgical procedures and cosmetic consults

Plastic surgeon Dr. Nicole Sommer to offer facial, nonsurgical procedures and cosmetic consults

Adults and children needing ear, nose and throat care will benefit from a new, state-of-the-art facility at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. The Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery has opened a renovated, 22,000 square-foot clinic at 720 Bond Street in Springfield.

Adults and children needing ear, nose and throat care will benefit from a new, state-of-the-art facility at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. The Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery has opened a renovated, 22,000 square-foot clinic at 720 Bond Street in Springfield.

Adults and children needing ear, nose and throat care will benefit from a new, state-of-the-art facility at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. The Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery has opened a renovated, 22,000 square-foot clinic at 720 Bond Street in Springfield.

Could changing the way you think for a few moments a day lead to a healthier you? SIU Medicine’s certified mindfulness-based stress reduction expert Ruta Kulys says yes! Mindfulness training influences health through stress reduction pathways, which, in turn, leads to improved health. What is mindfulness training? Kulys, LCSW, who is also certified Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), mindfulness, or the awareness of one’s thoughts and emotions, has the potential to help us respond rather than react . “Mindfulness training helps people develop their ability to concentrate and to be

SIU class series to teach techniques to pair with treatments for pain, chronic conditions Is stress affecting your health? Is pain causing you stress? A new class at Southern Illinois University Neuroscience Institute aims to use mindfulness-based meditation techniques to complement traditional medical and psychological treatments. SIU Psychiatry is offering an 8-week class on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, starting at 6 pm on Monday, January 22, at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU, 315 W. Carpenter St. in Springfield. The public is invited to attend a free orientation to learn more about