The holiday season may not be the best time to attempt weight loss, with holiday parties and plentiful feasts, but it’s possible to maintain your weight and avoid spreading your waistline.

The holiday season may not be the best time to attempt weight loss, with holiday parties and plentiful feasts, but it’s possible to maintain your weight and avoid spreading your waistline.

If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), your doctor might have talked to you about the risks of stroke. For many people with AFib, this risk comes from blood clots forming in a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Traditionally, blood-thinning medications like warfarin or newer anticoagulants have been used to lower this risk. However, these medications aren’t suitable for everyone, especially if you’re at risk for bleeding complications. That’s where left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a degenerated aortic valve. The aortic valve helps blood flow out of your heart to the rest of your body. When this valve becomes narrowed or doesn't function properly, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Mitral regurgitation is a heart condition where the mitral valve doesn't close tightly, causing blood to flow backward into the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. If left untreated, mitral regurgitation can lead to serious heart problems. To address this issue, medical professionals may recommend the MitraClip procedure.

The holiday season is often joyful, but it can also bring stress and sadness for some. Feelings of "holiday blues" may stem from unrealistic expectations, missing loved ones, financial strain and seasonal changes like colder weather and less sunlight. With the right support and strategies, it's possible to rediscover holiday happiness.

The holiday season is often joyful, but it can also bring stress and sadness for some. Feelings of "holiday blues" may stem from unrealistic expectations, missing loved ones, financial strain and seasonal changes like colder weather and less sunlight. With the right support and strategies, it's possible to rediscover holiday happiness.

The holiday season is often joyful, but it can also bring stress and sadness for some. Feelings of "holiday blues" may stem from unrealistic expectations, missing loved ones, financial strain and seasonal changes like colder weather and less sunlight. With the right support and strategies, it's possible to rediscover holiday happiness.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.