Vitals at SIU Medicine

OK, going to the gynecologist for the first time sounds... weird. Maybe even scary. You might be wondering: Are they going to look at my privates? Am I going to have to talk about sex? Do I have to go with my mom? Let’s clear some of this up so you know exactly what’s going to happen and what’s not.

Talking about reproductive health can feel awkward. Whether you’re a teen, a mom of a teen or an adult who has been avoiding the OB-GYN, it’s time to talk about when to make that first visit and why it’s not nearly as scary as you might think.

When we talk about sleep, we often think about how it affects our energy, mood or ability to focus. But sleep does more than help us feel rested – it plays a major role in protecting the heart.

Let’s talk about a topic that doesn’t exactly come up at dinner parties (and maybe shouldn’t): tonsil stones.

When your little one is sick, even the simplest things can feel like a big deal, especially figuring out how much medicine to give. You’re tired. They’re fussy. You stare at the dosage instructions like it’s a calculus math problem. Whether you’re holding a feverish baby or trying to catch a squirmy toddler, the questions pile up: “Is this the right amount? Is it safe? And how on earth do I get them to take it without a total meltdown?”

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.