Vitals at SIU Medicine

Imagine you’re chatting with your spouse over breakfast when they pause mid-conversation, look a little puzzled and ask a question they should already know the answer to—something simple, like “Why is the orange juice sitting here?” You answer, thinking it’s just a moment of distraction. But a few minutes later, they ask again. Then again. They seem calm but clearly confused, unable to remember that you just retrieved the juice from the fridge.

When you first learn you’re pregnant, it’s natural to begin thinking about baby names, decorating the nursery and sharing the good news. As time goes on, your focus may shift to labor, delivery and the kind of birthing experience you’d like.

If your neck feels stiff and your back is tight by the end of the day, you're not alone. Long hours at a desk or excessive scrolling can leave your muscles tense and your posture slouched. The good news? You don’t need a full workout or yoga session to feel better. Just a few simple stretches, done consistently, can help relieve tension, improve mobility and boost your posture. (But we do recommend full workouts for all the other health benefits too.)

The best gift you can give your child isn’t what you provide, it’s how you connect. Being emotionally present helps build their confidence and identity while strengthening your own sense of purpose and well-being.

If you have a toddler, you probably know this scene all too well: Your child’s nose is running like a faucet, and every time you reach for a tissue, they turn their head, swipe at their face with their sleeve or worse – just sniff the mess right back in. It’s not a skill that comes naturally, and most little ones have no idea how to make air come out of their nose on purpose. Teaching nose-blowing is one of those small parenting challenges that pays off in a big way. With the right tools, tricks and a little patience, your toddler can master this milestone.

As summer temperatures soar, it’s important to be aware of how hot weather can interact with your mental health medications—particularly if you’re managing anxiety. While most people know to drink more water or apply sunscreen when the heat hits, fewer realize that certain anxiety medications can actually make it harder for your body to cope with high temperatures.

Despite decades of medical advancements and increased awareness, misinformation about women’s health continues to circulate. These myths can lead to confusion, influence health care decisions and even prevent women from seeking the care they need, causing unnecessary suffering.

The smells of deep-fried goodness, sizzling meats, and sweet treats in the air can only mean one thing: The Illinois State Fair is back! Maybe you’re team corn dog, funnel cake or chocolate shake — or

If you’re a caregiver for someone with dementia, you may notice a pattern that’s as frustrating as it is heartbreaking: as the sun sets, your loved one becomes more confused, anxious or agitated. This