“I encourage everybody. I don’t care who you are, I don’t care what letters you have behind your name—if you’re interested in learning about what I’m doing, I will teach you.” It’s that sort of egalitarian attitude that’s immediately striking about Sandra Ettema, who, despite not caring about the letters behind your name, has an alphabet behind hers: Sandra Ettema, MD, PhD, CCC/SLP. “Teaching my team and having them teach me is better overall for everybody,” says Dr. Ettema, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery who specializes in laryngology. “I want it to be more of a group

On Thursday, July 20, news broke that Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park, had committed suicide. Depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 14 million American adults every year, but the condition is treatable and help is available.

On Thursday, July 20, news broke that Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park, had committed suicide. Depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 14 million American adults every year, but the condition is treatable and help is available.

On Thursday, July 20, news broke that Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park, had committed suicide. Depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 14 million American adults every year, but the condition is treatable and help is available.

Nothing says summer fun like an outdoor party by the pool or fire pit. But if you decide to drink alcohol during these steamy days, take precaution. Nearly one-third of motor-vehicle deaths are related to alcohol impairment, according to the CDC. When it’s hot outside, our bodies become dehydrated more quickly. Drinking alcohol while dehydrated leads to a higher blood alcohol concentration. Studies also show that a higher blood alcohol concentration leads to a greater risk of injury from a traffic accident, and the injuries will be more significant too. While each person’s tolerance for

Nothing says summer fun like an outdoor party by the pool or fire pit. But if you decide to drink alcohol during these steamy days, take precaution. Nearly one-third of motor-vehicle deaths are related to alcohol impairment, according to the CDC. When it’s hot outside, our bodies become dehydrated more quickly. Drinking alcohol while dehydrated leads to a higher blood alcohol concentration. Studies also show that a higher blood alcohol concentration leads to a greater risk of injury from a traffic accident, and the injuries will be more significant too. While each person’s tolerance for

Have a child entering pre-k, kindergarten, sixth or ninth grade this year? Be sure you have an appointment set up for a back-to-school physical before school starts. Physicals are required for students entering pre-k, kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade and students who are new to Springfield Public Schools. Staying up-to-date on vaccines and having a routine physical helps families protect their children from the most serious illnesses. “When children enter kindergarten, they have to show proof of receiving the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or the Tdap, their final polio, their

Have a child entering pre-k, kindergarten, sixth or ninth grade this year? Be sure you have an appointment set up for a back-to-school physical before school starts. Physicals are required for students entering pre-k, kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade and students who are new to Springfield Public Schools. Staying up-to-date on vaccines and having a routine physical helps families protect their children from the most serious illnesses. “When children enter kindergarten, they have to show proof of receiving the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or the Tdap, their final polio, their

Written by Laura Bottom, SIU Center for Family Medicine Warm weather, barbeques and celebrating our independence is all a part of summer. One of the best parts of the 4th of July is watching the sky light up with a beautiful array of colors, sparkles and shapes. Even though the firework displays are stunning, they can be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. The Pyrotechnic Use Act (PUA) in Illinois bans the sale, possession, and use of all “consumer fireworks,” such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles. Violating the PUA can result in prison time and a hefty fine.

Written by Laura Bottom, SIU Center for Family Medicine Warm weather, barbeques and celebrating our independence is all a part of summer. One of the best parts of the 4th of July is watching the sky light up with a beautiful array of colors, sparkles and shapes. Even though the firework displays are stunning, they can be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. The Pyrotechnic Use Act (PUA) in Illinois bans the sale, possession, and use of all “consumer fireworks,” such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles. Violating the PUA can result in prison time and a hefty fine.