February is American Heart Month. SIU Medicine physicians care for a wide range of heart issues, and know that basic knowledge of heart concerns can help prevent certain symptoms from beginning. Check out these five important things to know about heart health. 1. Heart disease is the leading killer Did you know that 1 in 4 annual deaths in America is caused by heart disease ? Heart disease includes conditions like coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Both men and women can be affected. Risk factors for heart disease that you can control include smoking

In these unprecedented times, many of us are turning to our kitchens — both as our primary source of food, and to embrace the soothing ritual of baking and cooking. I know I take great comfort in making bread now more than ever — it makes me feel grounded in the present, and it makes me feel strong and empowered to be able to feed my family and myself. I make my pizza crust from scratch too – it literally takes minutes in a food processor or a stand mixer. With my turning-brown-bananas, last week I made banana muffins, and took a few to the neighbors (keeping my social distance, of course). It

In these unprecedented times, many of us are turning to our kitchens — both as our primary source of food, and to embrace the soothing ritual of baking and cooking. I know I take great comfort in making bread now more than ever — it makes me feel grounded in the present, and it makes me feel strong and empowered to be able to feed my family and myself. I make my pizza crust from scratch too – it literally takes minutes in a food processor or a stand mixer. With my turning-brown-bananas, last week I made banana muffins, and took a few to the neighbors (keeping my social distance, of course). It

In these unprecedented times, many of us are turning to our kitchens — both as our primary source of food, and to embrace the soothing ritual of baking and cooking. I know I take great comfort in making bread now more than ever — it makes me feel grounded in the present, and it makes me feel strong and empowered to be able to feed my family and myself. I make my pizza crust from scratch too – it literally takes minutes in a food processor or a stand mixer. With my turning-brown-bananas, last week I made banana muffins, and took a few to the neighbors (keeping my social distance, of course). It

In these unprecedented times, many of us are turning to our kitchens — both as our primary source of food, and to embrace the soothing ritual of baking and cooking. I know I take great comfort in making bread now more than ever — it makes me feel grounded in the present, and it makes me feel strong and empowered to be able to feed my family and myself. I make my pizza crust from scratch too – it literally takes minutes in a food processor or a stand mixer. With my turning-brown-bananas, last week I made banana muffins, and took a few to the neighbors (keeping my social distance, of course). It

When was the last time you had a wellness exam with your primary care provider? If you're not sure, now is the perfect time to schedule one at SIU Medicine.

Weight loss: It’s the number one New Year’s resolution people make. SIU Medicine registered dietitians say it may be the wrong resolution to choose. While losing weight for your overall health is a great goal to have, most people go about it the wrong way. As losing weight is the result of a behavior change, it is not enough to proclaim that you are going to lose weight in 2020. Instead it takes preparation, accountability, structure and focus to eat healthier. The first step in this process is acknowledging that making these shifts in mindset is the first step to weight loss. The process of

Weight loss: It’s the number one New Year’s resolution people make. SIU Medicine registered dietitians say it may be the wrong resolution to choose. While losing weight for your overall health is a great goal to have, most people go about it the wrong way. As losing weight is the result of a behavior change, it is not enough to proclaim that you are going to lose weight in 2020. Instead it takes preparation, accountability, structure and focus to eat healthier. The first step in this process is acknowledging that making these shifts in mindset is the first step to weight loss. The process of

Weight loss: It’s the number one New Year’s resolution people make. SIU Medicine registered dietitians say it may be the wrong resolution to choose. While losing weight for your overall health is a great goal to have, most people go about it the wrong way. As losing weight is the result of a behavior change, it is not enough to proclaim that you are going to lose weight in 2020. Instead it takes preparation, accountability, structure and focus to eat healthier. The first step in this process is acknowledging that making these shifts in mindset is the first step to weight loss. The process of

Weight loss: It’s the number one New Year’s resolution people make. SIU Medicine registered dietitians say it may be the wrong resolution to choose. While losing weight for your overall health is a great goal to have, most people go about it the wrong way. As losing weight is the result of a behavior change, it is not enough to proclaim that you are going to lose weight in 2020. Instead it takes preparation, accountability, structure and focus to eat healthier. The first step in this process is acknowledging that making these shifts in mindset is the first step to weight loss. The process of