When the seasons shift from summer to fall, many people feel excited, refreshed and eager for a change. But for some people, the changing season can bring on unexpected feelings of despair that go well beyond the occasional "winter blues." At SIU Medicine, we want people to be aware of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. If left untreated, this condition can make it extremely difficult for a person to function throughout the fall and winter months. Keep reading to learn more and discover how we can help you or a loved one who may be struggling. What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Keeping your hands clean is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy, but it’s also a habit that many of us don’t think about often enough. Hand hygiene has come a long way since the mid-1800s, when people first recognized its role in preventing the spread of germs and reducing the rates of infection from communicable diseases. But it may surprise you to know that medical professionals in the United States didn't have any formal hand hygiene guidelines until the 1980s. 6 things to know about hand washing 1. Wash your hands often Washing your hands is not just limited to after

Keeping your hands clean is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy, but it’s also a habit that many of us don’t think about often enough. Hand hygiene has come a long way since the mid-1800s, when people first recognized its role in preventing the spread of germs and reducing the rates of infection from communicable diseases. But it may surprise you to know that medical professionals in the United States didn't have any formal hand hygiene guidelines until the 1980s. 6 things to know about hand washing 1. Wash your hands often Washing your hands is not just limited to after

Gastroparesis isn't one of the most common health conditions around—about 10 men and 40 women out of 100,000 people have it. But it can be life-altering to anyone who has it. The gastroenterology team at SIU Medicine encourages you to spend a little time learning about gastroparesis, so you can talk to a doctor if you have concerns about this or any digestive health problems. A brief overview of gastroparesis The word gastroparesis comes from "gastro," meaning stomach, and "paresis," meaning weakness. Gastroparesis is also called delayed gastric emptying. It happens when a person's stomach

Gastroparesis isn't one of the most common health conditions around—about 10 men and 40 women out of 100,000 people have it. But it can be life-altering to anyone who has it. The gastroenterology team at SIU Medicine encourages you to spend a little time learning about gastroparesis, so you can talk to a doctor if you have concerns about this or any digestive health problems. A brief overview of gastroparesis The word gastroparesis comes from "gastro," meaning stomach, and "paresis," meaning weakness. Gastroparesis is also called delayed gastric emptying. It happens when a person's stomach

Some patients may bristle at the suggestion of a doctor’s visit through a video screen, but not Sergio “Satch” Pecori. When his SIU Medicine cardiologist, Dr. Abhishek Kulkarni , suggested a televisit to review test results from a recent procedure, there was no hesitation. Pecori looked forward to the opportunity to connect with his doctor in an efficient way. His morning video visit lasted only 10 minutes, but it was enough time to connect with his doctor and thoroughly understand his test results in a relaxed setting. Neither the brevity of the televisit or the physical distance from the

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, also called glucose. There are two major types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes fail to make insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from blood into tissues where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, patients make some insulin, but not enough to overcome resistance to effects of the hormone in key organs such as muscle, liver and fat. Diabetes is one of the most common health problems in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2020, more

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, also called glucose. There are two major types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes fail to make insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from blood into tissues where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, patients make some insulin, but not enough to overcome resistance to effects of the hormone in key organs such as muscle, liver and fat. Diabetes is one of the most common health problems in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2020, more

Someone once said “Time is funny stuff…you save it by spending it wisely.” Spend your time wisely by making sure your resolutions have purpose. The kind that offers you happiness, success, and fulfillment are going to be more realistic and obtainable for you. When thinking about changes to make for the New Year, focus on the behavior, rather than the outcome itself. Many people want to lose weight, but putting the effort into how to make that happen will have a better outcome. Resolutions should be actions that you are willing and able to change. Here are some ideas to help you make

Amputations are more common than you may think. The Amputee Coalition of America estimates that there are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year within the United States and an estimated population of 2 million American amputees. That number is projected to increase to more than 4 million by the year 2050. The most common reasons for limb loss include wound-healing issues related to diabetes, traumatic accidents and cancers. SIU Medicine has experienced board-certified physiatrists who can help people facing these health issues. These specialists can help you or your loved one avoid