Ashwagandha: A Stress-Relieving Herb
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small evergreen shrub found in areas of India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The plant has small, green flowers and fruit that turn orange-red when ripe. In Sanskrit, “ashwagandha” translates to “smell of the horse,” which is thought to be a result of its strong, “horse-like” odor, or […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Colic, Though Often Stressful for New Parents, Will Subside
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Our newborn daughter is often inconsolable and sometimes cries for six hours a day. Is there anything that can be done to help a colicky baby? It’s difficult to see her so upset. ANSWER: While it can be very stressful for parents, colic doesn’t have any long-term effects on the baby’s health […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Central Sleep Apnea Often Triggered by Underlying Condition, Medication
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am a 47-year-old man, in good health and not overweight, but I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea. Since I don’t need to lose weight, what could be causing my sleep apnea? I’m using a CPAP machine, but it’s not helping much. Is there something else I can try? ANSWER: There […]
Kwame Raoul Discusses Importance of Prostate Cancer Screenings
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul knew that he was at risk of developing prostate cancer. His family history seemed inescapable. He lost his father, as well as his paternal and maternal grandfathers, to the disease. Raoul also knew he had additional risk factors: He is Black and of Caribbean ancestry. His father, who was a […]
The Deep Freeze: Is Low-Calorie Ice Cream Healthy?
When it comes to frosty treats, ice cream reigns supreme and remains one of America’s favorite desserts, whether as a cool ending to an outdoor cookout or the perfect topping for a slice of apple pie. These days, you may have noticed that low-calorie options ranging in flavors from Birthday S’mores to Cookie Dough are […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Dietary Supplements Useful in Some Situations, but Also Can Be Harmful
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Why does my doctor want to know what supplements I’m taking, even if I don’t have any health problems and don’t take more than the recommended amounts? ANSWER: It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any dietary supplements you take. Although you don’t need a prescription for most supplements, that doesn’t […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Evaluate Hoarseness that Doesn’t Go Away
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: For the past few weeks, I have had a hoarse voice, even though I don’t have a cold. Is this something I should be concerned about? ANSWER: It’s not uncommon to experience hoarseness once in a while, especially with a cold or even after cheering loudly at a sporting event. But when […]
Chicago Health’s Top 10 Stories of 2020
What a year it’s been. We looked back at Chicago Health’s most-read stories of 2020, based on the number of visits to each story on our website. Not surprisingly, a trip through our top stories of 2020 is like taking a journey through Covid-19’s progression in our city. Many of our most-read stories were from […]
Fitness Classes Create Connection During Pandemic
Fitness instructor Courtney Aronson couldn’t believe her eyes. On a chilly day on the cusp of winter, Aronson watched as 24 of her students gathered at Studio Three’s outdoor exercise facility in Lincoln Park for a full-body workout class. Bundled up in outdoor gear, her students took their socially distant place on the turf and […]
Cutting Down on Alcohol Helps if You Have Atrial Fibrillation
In medical school, there are lots of cutesy names that help us learn and remember things. “Holiday heart” is one of these — it reminds doctors-in-training that binge drinking alcohol can lead to an episode of atrial fibrillation (afib). The association is a real one; I have met a number of patients who suffered an […]
With Few Takers for Covid Vaccine, Howard University Hospital CEO Takes ‘One for the Team’
Administrators at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., were thrilled to be among the city’s first hospitals to get a Covid-19 vaccine, but they knew it could be a tough sell to get staffers to take the shot. They were right. The hospital, located on the campus of one the nation’s oldest historically Black colleges, […]
Inside the First Chaotic Days of the Effort to Vaccinate America
One tray of Covid-19 vaccine from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer contains 975 doses — way too many for a rural hospital in Arkansas. But with the logistical gymnastics required to safely get the Pfizer vaccine to rural healthcare workers, splitting the trays into smaller shipments has its own dangers. Once out of the freezer that keeps […]
Celebrating 10 Years: Top Chicago Health Stories of Each Year
Chicago Health turned 10 this year, and while other major events took a priority over our planned celebration, we’re proud to have reached this milestone. Here’s a look back at some of our favorite stories through the years. And here’s to a new decade of bringing you important, in-depth health stories that engage and inform. […]
Op-Ed: Overwhelmed Hospitals Face a Covid Surge
These days, the majority of patients I see on my shifts in the emergency department are Covid-19 patients. In the ER, these patients range from people with mild fevers and slight Covid cough to people who are struggling to breathe, some of whom we put into a medically induced coma, intubate, and place on a […]
Why Covid-19 Affects Kids’ Mental Health — and How You Can Help
While adults have been the hardest hit by Covid-19 infections, children of all ages remain vulnerable to the pandemic’s many social consequences. In Illinois, the recent uptick in newly diagnosed cases has families buckling down for a long winter without outdoor activities and traditional holiday gatherings, leaving children particularly at risk to the adverse effects […]
Eat to Glow: Skin Health Starts with Diet
The old axiom “you are what you eat” holds true. What we eat can play a huge role in the health of various areas of our bodies, including the brain and heart. And that list includes the skin. A trip to the supermarket or farmers market offers up a bounty of vanity fare as certain […]
Supply Is Limited and Distribution Uncertain as Covid Vaccine Rolls Out
High stakes and big challenges await as the U.S. prepares to roll out vaccines against Covid-19, with front-line healthcare workers and vulnerable nursing home residents recommended as the top priority. Doses could be on their way very soon. An independent advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 10 gave a green light […]
Using Meditation to Achieve Mindfulness
The holiday season can be a paradox. We celebrate miracles that could only have existed because people were guided by their listening, witnessing, sensing, believing, and willingness to come together and be aware. Yet, in our personal here and now, with holidays imminent, we are apt to turn away from community and away from ourselves […]
Demand for Covid Vaccines Expected to Get Heated
Americans have made no secret of their skepticism of Covid-19 vaccines this year, with fears of political interference and a “warp speed” timeline blunting confidence in the shots. As recently as September, nearly half of U.S. adults said they didn’t intend to be inoculated. But with two promising vaccines primed for release, likely within weeks, […]
Opt for Low-Mercury Fish Choices
We know fish is important for health — high in protein, low in saturated fat, a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins, such as vitamins D and B2, and minerals, including iron, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Research shows that eating fish once or twice a week may reduce risk of […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Thyroid Nodules Generally Don’t Cause Signs or Symptoms
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Are thyroid nodules common? What causes them to develop, and should I be concerned if I have one? ANSWER: Lumps in the thyroid — called thyroid nodules — are common. The likelihood of having one is higher in women and increases with age. It’s estimated that up to half of adults over 50 […]
Spotlight on Supplements: Cinnamon
You undoubtedly know the familiar aroma and flavor of cinnamon. This popular spice is used in cuisines around the world for its warm and distinct flavor. But does cinnamon have therapeutic value? Environmental Nutrition examines this well-known ingredient. Overview Cinnamon is sourced from the inner bark of various species of cinnamon trees. Strips of the […]
Eating Well: 7 Ways to Make Your Thanksgiving Healthier
The average American eats between 3,000 and 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving. That can make a big dent in your health goals. But, fear not. Rather than erasing creamy casseroles and classic desserts from the menu, dietitians suggest taking a more moderate approach and recommend making tiny tweaks to tradition. “I like to offer the traditional […]
As Food Insecurity Reaches New Highs, Local Organizations Are Expanding Efforts
Feeding the hungry across the country is a top priority — and now it’s all hands on deck. As Covid-19 continues to cripple the economy and many people’s livelihoods, an increasing number of Americans are going hungry. In the U.S., food insecurity has doubled overall and tripled in households with children during the ongoing pandemic, […]
Op-Ed: On Thanksgiving, Let’s Cherish the Holiday, and Each Other, at a Distance
It’s nine months into the pandemic, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, we must stay vigilant to enjoy this treasured holiday. Covid-19 cases have reached record highs in Illinois, and in some states, hospitals are already stretched to their capacity. The news about current case numbers and hospitalizations is — quite frankly — just a […]
Homeless Shelters Grapple With Covid Safety as Cold Creeps In
Above photo: A sign at a homeless encampment near a Chicago expressway memorializes a man who reportedly died there from exposure to the cold. (Giles Bruce for KHN) Ben Barnes has slept in abandoned buildings, hallways and alleys. For the past year or so, he’s been staying at Chicago’s largest homeless shelter, Pacific Garden Mission, […]
7 Health Benefits of Tomatoes
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You might be surprised to learn that the tomato on your kitchen counter is a low-calorie package chock-full of nutrients. To reap the benefits, you can incorporate tomatoes into your diet in a number of ways, such as fresh, dried or as sauce, salsa, or paste. Try adding fresh tomatoes to omelets and salads, or […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Complications that Result in Loss of Vision after LASIK are Rare
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What are the risks of LASIK surgery, and will my vision deteriorate again over time, even after surgery? ANSWER: It is not typical for a person’s vision to regress after LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, and complications that result in a loss of vision after LASIK are rare. Although the procedure may […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: A Look at Binge Eating Disorder
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is binge eating disorder? I’ve heard of anorexia and bulimia. But I’d never heard binge eating described as a disorder until my nephew was diagnosed with it. How is it treated? ANSWER: Binge eating disorder is a serious health problem that involves eating unusually large amounts of food in a distinct […]
Health Disinformation Abounds Online, with Content Created to Deceive
One of the most viral conspiracy news stories in 2019 accused a coordinated group of physicians, federal organizations, and pharmaceutical companies of hiding the cure for cancer. The article appeared on NaturalNews, a website owned by Mike Adams, who also goes by The Health Ranger. Adams traffics in conspiracies and supplements, and his sites tout […]
Hungry for Hemp Seeds
Hemp is back! This variety of the cannabis plant, not to be confused with its intoxicating cousin (marijuana), is one of the most significant crops in history. The folklore Hemp dates back to 8,000 B.C. in present-day Iran and Iraq. It was among the first crops to be cultivated as a textile fiber, in things […]
6 Ways to Fight a Sugar Binge
You didn’t just eat one piece of candy, you ate all the candy (or at least that’s what it felt like). You know it’s not the best move for your body — but now that it’s done, is there anything you can do to counteract its effects? While you can’t erase those calories, there are […]
For Each Critically Ill Covid Patient, a Family Is Suffering, Too
Above photo: Tisha Holt lives about 10 minutes by car from her parents, Pam and Paul Alexander, who are concerned about her well-being. Tisha says she keeps her cellphone nearby “because if they call and I don’t answer, it sends them into a panic and they are apt to drive over here to make sure […]
Telemedicine or In-Person Visit? Pros and Cons
(Illustration: iStock / Getty Images) As Covid-19 took hold in March, U.S. doctors limited in-person appointments — and many patients avoided them — for fear of infection. The result was a huge increase in the volume of remote medical and behavioral health visits. Doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers across the country reported a 50- […]
Coping with the Coronavirus Pandemic for People with Anxiety Disorders
These days, we all have to accept the anxiety inherent in living in the time of the coronavirus pandemic and Covid-19. If there were a way to dispel all anxious feelings, I’d tell you, but there isn’t. The one exception might be someone who could summon such a degree of denial that they carry on […]
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer? Answers to Common Questions About Radiation
Physicians have used radiation therapy to treat breast cancer for well over a century. But even though it’s safe, some people facing the treatment have concerns. The first breast radiation treatment took place in Chicago in 1896, when an enterprising medical student irradiated an older woman in an X-ray tube factory on Halsted Street, according […]
Musicians Improvise Masks for Wind Instruments to Keep the Band Together
Above photo: Solomon Keim wears a custom-designed mask during rehearsal at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. (Chris Bergin for KHN) Trombonist Jerrell Charleston loves the give-and-take of jazz, the creativity of riffing off other musicians. But as he looked toward his sophomore year at Indiana University, he feared that steps to […]
This year’s benefits open enrollment period is an opportunity you don’t want to miss
With Covid-19 expected to be a part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future, many Americans are expecting that they could get sick. In fact, Voya research shows that more than half of Americans (52%) believe someone close to them will be infected with the virus. At the same time, many are also discovering […]
Using Nicotine to Puff Away Sadness
Ask a smoker what they get out of cigarettes and they are likely to talk about pleasure, contentment, and an overall good feeling. Nicotine, the active ingredient in cigarettes, is a stimulant. Used in low doses like those delivered by combustible cigarettes, stimulants activate the nervous system, resulting in enhanced arousal and alertness. Nicotine binding […]
9 Ways to Make Healthier Food Choices, Even When You’re Exhausted
Eating well regularly can be a challenge — especially after an exhausting day. And while it may be harder to make smart choices when you’re tired, it’s not impossible. Here’s how to get started. 1. Stash grab-and-go snacks. Keeping nonperishable snacks in your desk and car (weather permitting) can curb the temptation to reach for […]
Hands or Feet Asleep? What to Do About Peripheral Neuropathy
We’ve all been there. You awaken in the morning and one of your hands is completely numb. It feels dead, heavy, and simply won’t work. Perhaps there’s some tingling as well. Or, you arise from a long dinner or movie and one of your legs feels that way. Then over a few minutes — maybe […]
Spotlight on Supplements: Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Lipoic acid, often called alpha-lipoic acid or a-lipoic acid (ALA), is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized by plants, animals, and humans. It is also available as a dietary supplement. But, do you need it, and how much should you take? Environmental Nutrition reviews the research on this compound to help you learn more. […]
Correcting Common Flu Shot Myths
Bottom line: Get your flu vaccine now More than ever before, it’s important to get a flu vaccine this year. Health officials warn of the possibility of a twindemic — with co-occurring spikes of the flu and Covid-19 that will put a huge burden on the healthcare system. While there’s not yet a Covid-19 vaccine, […]
Easier-to-Use Coronavirus Saliva Tests Start to Catch on
As the coronavirus pandemic broke out across the country, healthcare providers and scientists relied on the standard method for detecting respiratory viruses: sticking a long swab deep into the nose to get a sample. The obstacles to implementing such testing on a mass scale quickly became clear. Among them: Many people were wary of the […]
10 Everyday Superfoods
“Superfoods” are nutrition multitaskers — foods brimming with various disease-fighting nutrients and delivered in a delicious form (think: blueberries). But the best thing about them? Some of the best superfoods are easy to find and easy to eat, making healthy eating simple. Here are 10 to try. 1. Berries All berries are great sources of […]
Campus Dorm Resident Assistants Adjust to a New Role: Covid Cop
Breaking up parties, confiscating booze, and answering noise complaints — being a resident adviser has always required a willingness to be the “bad guy” and uphold university policy despite the protests of friends and peers. Now there’s a new element to the job description: Covid cop. The worst part of his job as a resident […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: For Most People, Plain Water Is Just Fine
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve heard that alkaline water is better at rehydrating your body than nonalkaline, or plain, water. Is this true? ANSWER: In short, for most people, plain water is better. But first, it’s important to understand the definition of alkaline water. Scientists use pH to describe how acidic or basic a substance is, […]
Good News for Those with Type 2 Diabetes: Healthy Lifestyle Matters
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder of insulin resistance — a reduced sensitivity to the action of insulin — which leads to high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. Approximately 12% of American adults have type 2 diabetes, and more than one-third of Americans have prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This is a major […]
The Role of Zinc; Is Gum Safe for my Teeth?
Q: What role does zinc play in the body? A: Zinc is an essential nutrient (meaning that your body can’t produce zinc, so it must be consumed daily through food or supplements). This vital nutrient is used by the body in many ways. Zinc is second only to iron in its abundance in the body […]
Facing Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and After-Effects of Covid-19
Of all his years, 2020 was exceptionally challenging for Vietnam veteran Matthew Thomas. After the 75-year-old Aurora resident tested positive for Covid-19 in mid-May, doctors had to intubate him for 33 days so he didn’t go into respiratory failure. While Thomas survived, his 33-year-old son, diagnosed with Covid-19 shortly before his father was hospitalized, passed […]
