Through Smith Alzheimer's Center outreach programs, participants have found camaraderie, compassion It didn’t take Chris Burns long to realize he found something special. Looking for more resources to help with caregiving, Chris searched high and low around Springfield. He took a caregiver class that helped provide some information, but that only made him hungrier for more knowledge. At one of the visits to the Smith Alzheimer’s Center with his partner, Mary Ann, their clinician suggested trying some of the Center’s year-round outreach programs. Minds in Motion hooked in Chris. He and Mary Ann

Lindsey Teefey leads Stepping Up, an exercise-based program from the Smith Alzheimer's Center. After growing up in Anna, Ill., and graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Lindsey joined the Smith Alzheimer's Center this past spring. What interested you about physical therapy? A friend encouraged me to job shadow a physical therapist in college, and from that day forward, I knew I would really enjoy the field because it was a practical way of helping people through exercise and physical activity. I finished the excellent physical therapist assistant program at SIUC and went on

Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins that can appear like blue or purple cords just below the skin. Usually found in the legs, varicose veins arise when valves inside the veins become weak and unable to close properly, causing blood to pool inside the veins. For most people, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern rather than a health issue. But sometimes varicose veins can cause significant symptoms. A diagnostic test is the first step. During this initial evaluation, you will likely undergo a specific ultrasound test referred to as a “venous reflux study” that will evaluate the

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common health condition affecting around 6.5 million people older than 40 in the United States. It develops when arteries in the limbs become narrowed or blocked, which is usually due to a build-up of fatty, cholesterol plaque deposits inside the arteries. This prevents blood from flowing properly and can cause tissue damage in affected limbs. PAD most often affects arteries in the legs. For the majority of people, PAD does not cause any symptoms. However, in severe cases, PAD can cause uncomfortable symptoms that impair a person's quality of life

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common health condition affecting around 6.5 million people older than 40 in the United States. It develops when arteries in the limbs become narrowed or blocked, which is usually due to a build-up of fatty, cholesterol plaque deposits inside the arteries. This prevents blood from flowing properly and can cause tissue damage in affected limbs. PAD most often affects arteries in the legs. For the majority of people, PAD does not cause any symptoms. However, in severe cases, PAD can cause uncomfortable symptoms that impair a person's quality of life

We are honored that so many members of the military have chosen SIU Medicine as their provider of choice. We are also aware that many of our military families are covered by TriCare insurance. Unfortunately, TriCare made the decision to end its contract with our Federally Qualified Health Center, including the SIU Center for Family Medicine and Division of General Internal Medicine, earlier this year. Specific plans affected include TriCare Select and TriCare Prime. Recognizing how important it is for our patients to continue being able to see their family medicine doctors, we are diligently

We are honored that so many members of the military have chosen SIU Medicine as their provider of choice. We are also aware that many of our military families are covered by TriCare insurance. Unfortunately, TriCare made the decision to end its contract with our Federally Qualified Health Center, including the SIU Center for Family Medicine and Division of General Internal Medicine, earlier this year. Specific plans affected include TriCare Select and TriCare Prime. Recognizing how important it is for our patients to continue being able to see their family medicine doctors, we are diligently

We are honored that so many members of the military have chosen SIU Medicine as their provider of choice. We are also aware that many of our military families are covered by TriCare insurance. Unfortunately, TriCare made the decision to end its contract with our Federally Qualified Health Center, including the SIU Center for Family Medicine and Division of General Internal Medicine, earlier this year. Specific plans affected include TriCare Select and TriCare Prime. Recognizing how important it is for our patients to continue being able to see their family medicine doctors, we are diligently

Want to improve your health outcomes and quality of life if you have epilepsy? Getting the right treatment, creating a safe environment and having a clear seizure action plan can all help you live well while living with seizure-related disorders like epilepsy. Something else that can help is utilizing the many resources available to you! Living with a chronic health condition like epilepsy can be challenging at times. Reaching out for help is a smart move that can allow you to take better care of yourself and your family. Here are some helpful resources and ideas that may help you and your