This spring, hand sanitizer became one of the most sought-after products in the world. The spread of COVID-19 prompted the spike as consumers and health care workers alike looked for the germ-killing gel. But is it deserving of all the hype? An SIU School of Medicine microbiome expert weighs in with some pros and cons. Pros Hand sanitizer is convenient. It can be used anywhere, which makes it more likely to actually get used. It’s better than not washing your hands at all. Hand sanitizer can stop indirect transmission. In a hospital setting, it helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses

This spring, hand sanitizer became one of the most sought-after products in the world. The spread of COVID-19 prompted the spike as consumers and health care workers alike looked for the germ-killing gel. But is it deserving of all the hype? An SIU School of Medicine microbiome expert weighs in with some pros and cons. Pros Hand sanitizer is convenient. It can be used anywhere, which makes it more likely to actually get used. It’s better than not washing your hands at all. Hand sanitizer can stop indirect transmission. In a hospital setting, it helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS for short, is the leading cause of female infertility, according to the World Health Organization. This condition affects a surprising number of women of childbearing age—about 1 in 10. Even more alarming, up to 70% of affected women are undiagnosed, and the condition can lead to significant health issues such as type 3 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer. At SIU Medicine, our women's health team offers a variety of insightful and effective treatments and services to help women struggling with PCOS feel more in control of their

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS for short, is the leading cause of female infertility, according to the World Health Organization. This condition affects a surprising number of women of childbearing age—about 1 in 10. Even more alarming, up to 70% of affected women are undiagnosed, and the condition can lead to significant health issues such as type 3 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer. At SIU Medicine, our women's health team offers a variety of insightful and effective treatments and services to help women struggling with PCOS feel more in control of their

SIU Medicine attracts some of the area’s most highly trained physicians in a range of medical fields, including urology. Among the many services our urology staff provides, prostate health screenings are some of the most effective and potentially life-saving. We encourage men to talk to their doctors about when and how they should be screened for prostate cancer, prostatitis and other conditions affecting their prostate health. What is prostatitis? Prostatitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the prostate, a small walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder. It produces seminal

SIU Medicine attracts some of the area’s most highly trained physicians in a range of medical fields, including urology. Among the many services our urology staff provides, prostate health screenings are some of the most effective and potentially life-saving. We encourage men to talk to their doctors about when and how they should be screened for prostate cancer, prostatitis and other conditions affecting their prostate health. What is prostatitis? Prostatitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the prostate, a small walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder. It produces seminal

SIU Medicine attracts some of the area’s most highly trained physicians in a range of medical fields, including urology. Among the many services our urology staff provides, prostate health screenings are some of the most effective and potentially life-saving. We encourage men to talk to their doctors about when and how they should be screened for prostate cancer, prostatitis and other conditions affecting their prostate health. What is prostatitis? Prostatitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the prostate, a small walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder. It produces seminal

World Heart Day is September 29. SIU Medicine encourages you to celebrate World Heart Day with some simple but effective acts to improve your health. Schedule a check-up with your doctor, do something heart-healthy (such as exercising or making a whole foods, nutrient-dense meal), or talk to your loved ones about the warning signs and risk factors of unhealthy heart conditions, collectively known as cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer of men and women in most parts of the world. Sadly, one American dies of heart disease every 37 seconds, according to the

I honestly love all things fall, especially this year, when it means the long COVID-restricted summer of 2020 is over. When I was a student, fall was my favorite time of year because I knew I’d be learning something new – starting new classes, making new friends. I love the bonfires, football and colorful leaves and even the crisp, cool nights. Fall also makes me think of apples. With over 7,500 apple varieties grown in the world, it’s a potluck spread with crisp, tart, sweet or tangy varieties. Part of the fun is going to an apple orchard and learning about the different offerings. Sometimes

I honestly love all things fall, especially this year, when it means the long COVID-restricted summer of 2020 is over. When I was a student, fall was my favorite time of year because I knew I’d be learning something new – starting new classes, making new friends. I love the bonfires, football and colorful leaves and even the crisp, cool nights. Fall also makes me think of apples. With over 7,500 apple varieties grown in the world, it’s a potluck spread with crisp, tart, sweet or tangy varieties. Part of the fun is going to an apple orchard and learning about the different offerings. Sometimes