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Fall is a busy time of year, and nobody knows this better than farmers. As harvest season draws to a close, remember these simple strategies that can help you manage the stress that may follow. 1. Make the most of your healthy lifestyle choices (but don't expect perfection). Sleep is hard to come by during harvest season, when weather, moisture, equipment malfunctions and other uncontrollable factors play a major role in whether you can get a solid 8 hours of rest. So, focus on the things you can control, including your diet, alcohol intake and activity level—all of which have a direct impact

Kidney stones are small, pebble-like deposits made of salts and minerals that form inside the kidneys. Sometimes called nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, these irritants are more common than you might think, affecting about 11 percent of men and 6 percent of women in the United States at least once in their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Did you know that kidney stones are actually more prevalent during certain times of the year? Keep reading to find out why and to learn what you should do if you think you or a loved one

Effects are unique between males and females A recent study from the Hascup labs at SIU Medicine has shown how riluzole, a drug compound typically used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), showed different effects on models with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) depending on whether they were male or female. Published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease , the study reports male mouse models with Alzheimer’s and healthy models showed improved glucose tolerance with riluzole treatment. However, female mouse models with Alzheimer's disease did not show significant improvements in metabolism

No one wants to hear the words, “you have cancer.” For women, receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be especially hard. The experienced doctors at SIU Medicine understand the deeply personal and complicated decisions breast cancer patients encounter. SIU Medicine’s physicians are experts in helping you through this process. If you choose breast reconstruction, you’ll receive the best collaborative care, based on scientific research. What are the benefits of breast reconstruction? If you choose to have breast reconstruction surgery, your chest should look balanced when you wear a bra or

When it comes to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, medication matters. But supporting your loved one with dementia requires more than just pharmacological interventions. Our professional multidisciplinary team at the Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment at SIU Medicine is proud to incorporate non-medical care that can improve overall health and enhance brain function for men and women living with Alzheimer’s. Our “Beyond the Medical Center” Programs offer additional support for our patients and their caregivers. Therapy through art, music

Because of COVID-19, people are using face masks more than ever. The intention is good—to prevent people from unknowingly passing the virus to others and to prevent people from getting sick. But there’s one unexpected consequence of the face mask trend: skin irritation, rashes and breakouts. The problem's become so common it already has its own nickname, “maskne.” If you are frustrated by “maskne” or other skin problems caused by a surgical mask, N95 respirator or homemade face covering, you do have options. Our dermatology team at SIU Medicine explains why “maskne” happens and what you can do

If you snore, you may assume it's really only a problem for your partner and not you. The truth is, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to poor sleep for both yourself and your loved one, which can lead to long-term health consequences. Not everyone who snores has OSA, but a sleep study can help determine if you have it. People with OSA are more likely to not feel rested after sleep, have daytime sleepiness (and increased risk of motor vehicle collisions), cardiovascular complications (including stroke), shorter lifespan, poor sleep for partners, and trouble with intimacy. If

With few exceptions, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the American Medical Association and other organizations recommend all individuals 6 months and older to get a flu shot every year. Here's why: Flu shots have been shown to reduce the likelihood of getting sick with the flu by as much as 40% to 60%. Flu vaccines also reduce the risk of severe symptoms, hospitalization or death if a person becomes infected with the influenza virus. To help raise awareness about the flu shot and the benefits of getting vaccinated, SIU Medicine is celebrating National Influenza

Throughout March, SIU Medicine is promoting multiple sclerosis (MS) education and awareness. Here are some facts about this common health condition. 1. MS is a chronic disorder affecting the nervous and immune system. When someone has MS, their immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues within their central nervous system. Specifically, MS causes inflammation and damage to tissues called the myelin sheaths, which surround nerve fibers and acts as insulation to help signals and information move about the brain and spinal cord. 2. MS is one of the most common neurological diseases in young