The FDA approved the first oral contraceptive called Enovid in1960. Since then, the birth control pill has been improved and there are two main types; those with estrogen and progestin and those with just progestins. There is a lot of controversy regarding oral contraceptive, one being how it affects a woman’s overall quality of life. A recent study from Spain of almost 1,000 young women showed higher quality of life scores for women on hormonal contraception than those that did not. Areas investigated were social, menstrual and breast symptoms, psychological and sexual. All showed higher

Did you know that your heart beats more than 115,000 times per day? This incredible organ is responsible for pumping blood throughout your body and making sure your tissues and organs get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Understandably, problems with the heart can affect all aspects of your health and well-being. Cardiac arrhythmia is one example of a heart condition that impacts the way a person feels and functions. The cardiology team at SIU Medicine encourages you to learn more about this condition and seek individualized screening and support if you have concerns about your heart health

Did you know that your heart beats more than 115,000 times per day? This incredible organ is responsible for pumping blood throughout your body and making sure your tissues and organs get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Understandably, problems with the heart can affect all aspects of your health and well-being. Cardiac arrhythmia is one example of a heart condition that impacts the way a person feels and functions. The cardiology team at SIU Medicine encourages you to learn more about this condition and seek individualized screening and support if you have concerns about your heart health

For many women, starting a family is the most exciting time in their lives. Sadly, for some, the road to motherhood is a long, uncertain one. Infertility is a more common women’s health issue than you might think. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 10 percent of women struggle to get pregnant or stay that way. Infertility is not being able to conceive after having frequent intercourse for a year. If you’re having problems getting pregnant, one of the following issues might be to blame. Hypothyroidism If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland can’t

For many women, starting a family is the most exciting time in their lives. Sadly, for some, the road to motherhood is a long, uncertain one. Infertility is a more common women’s health issue than you might think. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 10 percent of women struggle to get pregnant or stay that way. Infertility is not being able to conceive after having frequent intercourse for a year. If you’re having problems getting pregnant, one of the following issues might be to blame. Hypothyroidism If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland can’t

For many women, starting a family is the most exciting time in their lives. Sadly, for some, the road to motherhood is a long, uncertain one. Infertility is a more common women’s health issue than you might think. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 10 percent of women struggle to get pregnant or stay that way. Infertility is not being able to conceive after having frequent intercourse for a year. If you’re having problems getting pregnant, one of the following issues might be to blame. Hypothyroidism If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland can’t

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