Emotional Choices
You can change your emotions – but it’s a 2‑step process that takes some effort Above Photo: You don’t need to be stuck on a negative feeling. | RealPeopleGroup/E+ via Getty Images By Christian Waugh, Wake Forest University Picture Gigi, having a chat with her boss, when the meeting takes a sharp turn. Gigi’s boss tells her […]
Where Have the Primary Care Doctors Gone?
Despite a record number of new doctors, primary care providers remain difficult to find Fact checked by Catherine Gianaro U.S. medical school enrollment hit an all-time high in 2025, topping 100,000 students for the first time, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Yet difficulty securing appointments with primary care providers persists. The percentage […]
Collaborative Oncogeneralist Training Program Strengthens Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Care
A unique and impactful training program focused on cancer prevention and survivorship, created by the University of Illinois Cancer Center for the next generation of leaders in preventive medicine and primary care, continues to grow in partnership with UI Health and Cook County Health. The Oncogeneralist Training Program equips clinicians to address the complex […]
The Checkup: How Fact Checking Fights Misinformation
Chicago Health and Caregiving have always prioritized fact checking. Our writers appreciate the verification, and our sources share that they do too. And today, with so much health mis- and disinformation flying around, fact checking is absolutely crucial. Here’s a look behind-the-scenes at our process, and discussion around why we value fact checking and what […]
From the Editor’s Desk
One of the best decisions I made for my career happened a few years after graduating from journalism school. At the time, I was writing the biography of a cancer geneticist named Janet Rowley. Writing a book can be lonely, so to counter that, I started freelancing for a local hospital. I didn’t do it […]
Orthopedics Roundtable
Orthopedics is one of the most technologically advanced, rapidly evolving areas of medicine. It also has a major impact on people’s daily lives, affecting how people move, whether they can go up and down stairs, lift a shirt over their head, or even walk. Here, four local experts share their unique perspectives on sports medicine, […]
Legal Updates
Addressing Drug Shortages Illinois Senate Bill 2672 Effective January 2026 Drug shortages have become a long-term problem throughout the United States, including Illinois. Of the 277 shortages reported nationwide in the fourth quarter of 2024, half have been in short supply for more than two years. From primary care to oncology, physicians have scrambled to […]
An Upside of Shorter Appointments?
People are increasingly noticing shorter primary care appointment times. And David Liss, PhD, a researcher at Northwestern University, has been studying the trend. Liss and colleagues compared outcomes among primary care physicians who scheduled 15- and 30-minute appointments with those who scheduled 20- and 40-minute appointments. The researchers found no significant differences in patients’ ability […]
Letter from the Publisher
Many people anticipate their 65th birthday with dread. Not my wife. The reason? Medicare. To be part of this national, single-payer, governmental healthcare system is a blessing and a milestone. In general, Medicare provides broader medical coverage, including mental health services. The cost: less than half of what my wife paid under the Affordable Care Act (including […]
Creating an Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace
Fact checked by Jim Lacy When news came out that the federal government would terminate Marketplace tax credits for 2026, millions of people panicked — including me, a freelance writer. I was already paying about $500 per month for health insurance; my premium would have skyrocketed to $1,600 monthly. Then, in November 2025, Illinois transitioned […]
5 Books on the Business of Healthcare
Fact checked by Jim Lacy From racism to the Magic Kingdom, these five books explore some of healthcare’s most pressing issues — including compassion, reproductive rights, and consolidation — while challenging the status quo. Each offers unique insights from the author’s lived experience. And one thing on which they all agree: Change is needed […]
Ask the Doc
Nervous Laughter By Esther Yoon, PhD Interview by Stephanie Bouchard Fact checked by Shannon Sparks Q: I snicker when I talk and when I feel nervous. I’m super embarrassed by it. How do I stop doing something that happens automatically? A: First, I want to emphasize that there’s nothing inherently wrong with nervous laughter. In […]
Your Health, Your Business
Fact checked by Jim Lacy Most of the world’s constitutions — 74%, according to the WORLD Policy Analysis Center — explicitly protect their citizens’ right to health. The U.S. Constitution does not. As it stands today, you — not the U.S. government — are the one who must prioritize and care for your health. Have […]
Train Like the Pros
Fitness tips from local orthopedic specialists Fact checked by Derick Wilder Whether you’re a serious weekend warrior or count a stroll around the block as exercise (no judgment — it is!), chances are your fitness routine could use some tweaking. And there are few better sources for advice than the doctors who help professional athletes […]
Rethinking Chemotherapy
New tools treat complex, late-stage cancers in targeted ways Fact checked by Jim Lacy When Dave Tolchin, then 39, began experiencing abdominal pain in 2024, he thought he had diverticulitis. As his symptoms worsened, he visited the emergency room, where a CT scan confirmed the condition and showed a perforation in his colon. His medical […]
Parkinson’s Care Coverage Gap
Despite the benefits of early, targeted exercise, insurance coverage lags behind the evidence Fact checked by Jim Lacy Three mornings a week, Lakeview resident Bob Stevenson (not his real name) joins a Parkinson’s-specific group exercise class at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports and Fitness Center. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010. He remained active […]
Out of Beat
What your heart rhythm is telling you about your health Fact checked by Shannon Sparks Arrhythmias — abnormal heart rhythms — are commonly associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that increases the risk of stroke. But AFib is just one of many arrhythmias that the heart can experience. In the United States, arrhythmias affect […]
Fertility and GLP-1 Medications
What to know about weight-loss drugs before trying to conceive Fact checked by Jim Lacy Many women are turning to popular injectable medications, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, to control blood sugar and body weight. But can they help with fertility, too? When an individual or couple struggles to conceive, the challenge can seep into all aspects of […]
Picky Eating or Eating Disorder?
When selective eating signals something more Fact checked by Derick Wilder For years, Julia Ramirez (not her real name), who lives in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood, suspected something was wrong with her daughter’s eating habits. As a baby, her daughter struggled with food, eating only a few baby food flavors and refusing mixed varieties. The selectivity […]
How to Navigate Medical Debt
Fact checked by Shannon Sparks When chest pains sent 30-year-old Kaylee Ament of Sandwich, Illinois, to the emergency room, she expected care, not financial turmoil. Four hours of blood work, an EKG, and what doctors ultimately determined was heartburn left her with a bill she never anticipated. “I just didn’t think about it,” Ament says. […]
How To Decipher Hospital Ratings and Find Real Quality
Fact checked by Derick Wilder Walk past any major medical center or scroll through a health system’s website, and you’ll see a barrage of badges: “Top 100 Hospital,” “Magnet Recognized,” “U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll,” and “CMS 5-Star.” For someone seeking a hip replacement or a place to give birth, these gold-leaf logos can […]
Private Equity in Healthcare
The expanding role of business in patient care Fact checked by Derick Wilder Private equity firms are increasingly investing in U.S. healthcare, acquiring physician practices, specialty groups, and hospital systems. Supporters say these investments bring vital capital and operational expertise at a time when independent practices face declining reimbursements and rising costs. Critics, however, link […]
Research in Retreat
Federal funding cuts continue to rattle Chicago’s scientific community Fact checked by Jim Lacy Michelle Birkett, PhD, a Northwestern University psychologist, wanted to find out how infectious diseases spread through under-resourced communities. Her vision was grand: She’d need to interview thousands of people across multiple cities to get a true picture of their realities. It’s not […]
From Discovery to Delivery
How drugs for rare diseases make it to the people who need them Fact checked by Shannon Sparks Known as “butterfly children,” their skin is so delicate it tears at the slightest friction. Everyday tasks — dressing, walking, even eating — can cause blisters and cuts. These children have a rare disorder called epidermolysis bullosa, […]
The Primary Care Divide
How direct and concierge care are reshaping American primary care Fact checked by Shannon Sparks Millions of Americans struggle to afford, let alone access, healthcare. In Illinois, individual plans through Get Covered Illinois were 28.8% more expensive than last year, with unpredictable out-of-pocket costs that can run into the thousands — an average of $1,514 […]
Healthcare Across Borders
How the U.S. health system compares to others around the world Fact checked by Jim Lacy More than half of the world’s countries guarantee a right to healthcare in their constitutions. The United States does not. No federal or state law explicitly safeguards citizens’ health or well-being as a guaranteed right. Countries worldwide take varying […]
When the Savers Need Saving
With federal Medicaid and SNAP cuts looming, safety-net hospitals brace for an uncertain future Fact checked by Jim Lacy Mount Sinai Hospital on Chicago’s West Side is bright and busy early on a Thursday morning. People stream through the entrance. Security guards greet regulars and hand out badges to visitors. This is not the Sinai that […]
A Lifetime of Medical Debt
Fact checked by Derick Wilder If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that healthcare costs too much, and something must be done about it. Okay, not all of us. Insurance companies would disagree, despite what their marketing campaigns tell us. Out-of-pocket healthcare spending per person reached $1,514 in 2023, according to health […]
Warm Up. Recover. Repeat.
The importance of movement and stretching before and after your workout Fact checked by Shannon Sparks There’s an adage that if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Although you may not truly be dehydrated, thirst signals that your body needs fluids. As a personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist, I use a modified version of this […]
More Than Flowers
How community gardens build community and fight food insecurity Fact checked by Shannon Sparks Behind nondescript county buildings in Wheaton, a “secret garden” blooms. The garden — a quality-of-lifeprogram for residents of the DuPage Care Center — is more than a place to gather. It highlights how gardens can offer therapy and provide healthy food. […]
Between Remission and Rent
Fact checked by Jim Lacy “Can I afford this”? I asked myself the question before dialing my oncologist’s office. Less than a year ago, my doctor told me I was “cancer-free” based oninitial blood work, but I needed to schedule a follow-up appointment. For many cancer patients, remission does not begin once they learn the […]
We Asked: What’s working or what isn’t working in healthcare
We asked readers on social media and in our weekly newsletter to share their thoughts about what’s working or what isn’t working in healthcare. Here’s what they said. “From my experience in the last 10 years of healthcare in the U.S., what’s working is the incredible level of medical innovation and expertise available, but what […]
The Women’s Board
How women’s volunteer work and fundraising have long supported hospitals Fact checked by Shannon Sparks Most hospitals rely on a fundraising board with an unassuming name that does powerful work: the Women’s Board. The title may sound quaint, but it masks generations of influence, energy, and financial impact. At Rush University Medical Center, Woman’s Board President […]
Smartwatches and Stroke Prevention
How wearable tech helps people monitor atrial fibrillation and other stroke risk factors Fact checked by Jim Lacy Picture this: You’re walking or jogging when your Fitbit buzzes on your wrist, your heart rhythm has gone irregular. Or maybe you’re grocery shopping after work, and your Apple Watch gives a similar warning. When your watch […]
Cranberry Overnight Oats
Fact checked by Derick Wilder When you have a busy day ahead or need to get down to business, having a quick, nutritious breakfast ready to go helps you set up for success. Enter: overnight oats. They have all the nutrition of regular oatmeal, but because you make them the night before, they’re ready to […]
Health Workers: Please Take Our Survey
I’m asking patient-facing health workers to share their perspectives about their own mental health. This survey is completely anonymous, unless you choose to leave your contact information at the end. If you indicate that you are open to an interview about your experience, I’ll be in touch soon. And because of the sensitivity of […]
Diagnosed at 37
A young patient’s journey reflects a troubling trend Jose Santos was just 37 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2022 — placing him among the growing number of younger adults facing the disease. The Chicago resident’s cancer journey began when he developed ulcerative colitis (UC) a decade and a half earlier. […]
In a Crowded Mental Health Marketplace, Expertise Still Matters
. The United States faces a mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, and substance use are rising, while suicide remains a leading cause of death. In response, the mental health workforce has expanded rapidly. More nurse practitioners, physician assistants, therapists, and telehealth services now help meet growing demand. This expansion has improved access — […]
The Checkup: Caregiver Burnout
Prolonged stress from caregiving can show up in a variety of ways: as headaches, body aches, insomnia, moodiness. It can lead to a lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, and create feelings of loneliness and isolation. About 63 million Americans are currently serving as family caregivers, which equates to about 1 in […]
Changing Guidelines
New federal nutrition guidelines spark confusion, concern for Chicagoland schools The new federal dietary guidelines, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled earlier this year, flip the 1992 food pyramid upside down — literally. Meat, whole milk, and “real food” steal the spotlight on the new pyramid, but the shift is raising concerns among […]
Health and Medical Trivia
We ask a trivia question each week in our newsletter (subscribe here!). Check out our latest question at the top, and scroll down for past weeks’ trivia. _____________________________________________________________ Which mineral is critical for transporting oxygen in the blood? Iron. In iron-deficiency anemia, which about 4 million Americans are diagnosed with every year, people experience extreme […]
Art as a Lifeline
Art show Brushes With Cancer returns to Chicago to celebrate survivorship When Jenna Benn Shersher was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer at age 29, she found herself in a world of clinical data and isolating silence. She says there were fewer than 300 cases of gray zone lymphoma like hers in the United States, […]
The Fight for Drug Discounts
How local health centers and safety-net hospitals are fighting to protect the 340B program Above photo: Sinai Chicago Pharmacist Anna Sandler checks a medication before filing it. Photo by Katie Scarlett Brandt Local healthcare providers are raising concerns that drug manufacturers are undermining the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program by restricting where and how providers […]
Measles Surge
U.S. at risk of losing elimination status after year of outbreaks, including in Illinois One year after a deadly measles outbreak in West Texas, cases continue to surface across the United States, including in Illinois. Ongoing transmission now puts the country at risk of losing its measles elimination status — the designation public health officials […]
Your Guide to the Best Sports Injury Recovery Programs in Chicago
Comprehensive sports injury recovery is essential for athletes and active individuals in Chicago who want to regain strength and mobility efficiently. The city offers a wide range of options, from large medical centers to specialized physical therapy clinics. This guide highlights top choices and key features to help you identify the best fit for your […]
The Checkup: The Composting Hospital
Episode 4 – The Composting Hospital How does composting impact human health? Well, it cuts methane emissions — a greenhouse gas — from landfills. And it improves soil health, which improves the health of the food we grow in that soil. Composting also saves water because using compost in agriculture helps the soil retain more […]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Chicago Health Magazine guidance and policies on using AI in our work Last updated: February 2, 2026 Generative artificial intelligence is the use of large language models to create something new, such as text, images, graphics, or interactive media. Although generative AI has the potential to improve news gathering, it also has the potential to […]
“We See Ourselves in Alex”
Chicago-area nurses, healthcare workers honor Alex Pretti with a candlelight vigil For many healthcare workers in Chicago and beyond, the recent killing of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Minneapolis, has become a moment for solidarity, pride, and profound grief. Hundreds of nurses and healthcare professionals gathered in […]
The Checkup: Nutrition and the Body
Episode 3 – Nutrition and the Body The foods we eat have a significant impact on how we live — from heart disease and cancer to brain and hormonal health. And our audience loves to learn about these connections. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with a look at how we decided on […]
Chicagoans Honor Nurse Alex Pretti
Thousands of Chicagoans marched across the city this past weekend, after federal agents in Minneapolis fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti. Pretti was an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at the veterans hospital in Minneapolis. A growing memorial to Pretti now stands outside the Jesse Brown VA in Chicago. Flowers, candles, and messages surround a photograph […]