Bringing the Wild In
I recently was contemplating the title of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers’ new book Bewilderment. Do you see it? Be wild. Be wilder. Yes! Be your true wild — immersed in your senses, grounded, present, and vibrantly alive, thriving, and connected. Can you feel, taste, hear, see, and smell nature’s abundance — fresh air scented […]
Ask the Doc
Your embarrassing questions answered! By Nicole E. Williams, MD Q: Why is my vagina so itchy? A: Vaginal itching is more common than a cold, and it usually means nothing. While most of the time an itchy vagina is transient and not necessarily anything to worry about, some conditions warrant extra attention. I tell my patients that […]
Understanding Seizures
New treatments give hope to people with epilepsy When Chicagoan Bobbi Packer, an interior designer and architect, started having episodes of unusual behavior — nausea, a blank look in her eyes, babbling mid-sentence — she dismissed them. She had no idea the episodes were short seizures and a form of epilepsy. “They only lasted 15 […]
Multiple Myeloma
Advancements improve outlook for people with blood cancer affecting the bone marrow Human resources manager Valarie Traynham was standing in front of a group of new hires when her nose started bleeding. She stepped away briefly, but when the nosebleed lasted for more than an hour, she grew concerned and went home sick. “I had […]
Millennial Movement
Despite a tendency to put off healthcare, younger generations can benefit from addressing joint pain now As a former high school volleyball player and competitive dancer, Evanston resident Stephanie Smith-Schellhorn has always been an active individual. Even now, the 37-year-old spends much of her time on the go, whether taking care of her teenage son, […]
ADHD & Adults
As diagnoses skyrocket, adults with attention disorders learn to cope Kristiana Jorge calls her North Side home “ADHD friendly.” She places sticky notes in strategic spots as reminders to clean the refrigerator or buy cereal. And she relies on timers to keep her on track, limiting video game play to an hour before she moves […]
Silent Scarring
Controlling fatty liver disease starts with losing weight Danielle Dawson, 44, was shocked to learn in July 2020 that she had fatty liver disease. The hairstylist and married mother of three in Sandwich, Illinois, had expected her doctor to tell her the right-side pain she’d been having was due to gallbladder or digestive system problems. […]
Tough Transplants
Covid-19 has caused a dramatic shift in organ transplants, with rising demand and more complex surgeries — all to prolong lives Al Brown lay in a hospital bed at the Center for Care & Discovery at the University of Chicago Medicine, in disbelief. He had contracted Covid-19 in May 2020, during the early days of […]
Stretch Yourself
Regular stretching improves flexibility and minimizes injuries If stretching is one of the good-for-you habits that you know you’re “supposed” to do but usually don’t — like flossing or applying sunscreen — it’s time to rethink your position. Stretching has numerous benefits and few drawbacks. “Regular stretching that is done properly and effectively can potentially prevent injuries,” […]
Go for Yogurt
Packed with probiotics and protein, yogurt is a stealth star in recipes Packed with protein, naturally low in sugar, and full of probiotic goodness, yogurt is one of those delicious yet super nutritious foods that has a multitude of benefits. Yogurt is tasty when served alongside fruit or granola, but it can also serve as a nutrition-packed stealth […]
Not Too Sweet
Eating excess sugar may be linked to cancer, arthritis, and other ills Not all is sweet about sugar. Sugar — the craveable substance that ignites our taste buds, brain, and cells with quick energy — causes inflammation in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. […]
Advancements in Orthopedic Surgery
Whether stemming from a disease or an injury, many of us have orthopedic conditions that affect our joints, bones, and ligaments. Fortunately, recent advances in orthopedic care are making a difference for many Chicagoans. Orthopedic surgeons are innovators, constantly adopting new technologies — whether robotic-assisted surgery or 3D motion-analysis technology — to refine their approach, giving […]
Anthony A. Romeo, MD
At the Center for Reproductive Care, our mission is to provide you the best opportunity to create the family you dreamed of. Each patient is different and we do our best – using advanced science – to understand the unique circumstances of each patient and develop an individualized treatment plan suited to a patient’s needs.
Ready for Another Pandemic Malady? It’s Called ‘Decision Fatigue’
Most all of us have felt the exhaustion of pandemic-era decision-making. Should I travel to see an elderly relative? Can I see my friends and, if so, is inside OK? Mask or no mask? Test or no test? What day? Which brand? Is it safe to send my child to day care? Questions that once […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: What is the Best Diet for Hypothyroidism?
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have been getting conflicting information what I should eat and drink. I love yogurt and ice cream, for instance, but one source said a calcium-rich diet was fine, whereas another said I should limit dairy. I’ve also read that I should avoid soy and iodine. […]
6 Reasons Spring Is the Best Time of Year to Lose Weight
You’ve heard the expression timing is everything, right? That’s never truer than when it comes to losing weight. And with spring underway and summer on the horizon, you’re smack in the middle of the best time of the year to drop pounds. Longer days and sunnier skies prompt changes to your brain and body that […]
Helping Sick Kids Get Their Magic Back
There’s magic in the air in Chicago. Open Heart Magic, a local nonprofit organization, brings interactive bedside magic to children at 11 local hospitals. “Wherever there are kids who are struggling to turn the corner, our goal is to give them hope and some laughter and make them feel better,” says Mike Walton, founder and […]
Immersive Therapy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The process of creating — whether through art or cooking — helps people process grief and other pain Everyone copes with grief and pain differently. For some, therapy comes in the form of using the arts. And for others, it comes through the kitchen. Don’t expect to sit on a couch during a therapy […]
The Need for Screening
While men may be reluctant to see the doctor, they should consider these important preventive tests How do you think most men would rather spend their day: doing household chores, like cleaning the bathroom, or visiting the doctor? Survey says: Most men (72%) would rather do a chore like scrubbing the floor than see their […]
Sunscreens at a Glance
When it comes to preventing skin cancer, sunscreen is essential. There are two main types of sunscreen — chemical and physical (or mineral). Both are effective, says Tahl Humes, DO, medical director of VITAHL Medical Aesthetics in Chicago. But what’s the difference between the two? “Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that absorb the UV rays […]
Creating Friendship and Combating Isolation
Friendship is essential for all of us. But during the pandemic, children with intellectual disabilities have needed friends more than ever. The Friendship Circle of Illinois, based in Northbrook, pairs children with special needs with teen volunteers to create lasting bonds. The volunteers enjoy being mentors and the children, mainly ages 4 to 12, are […]
Over-the-Counter Birth Control
People in Illinois can now access birth control via a consultation with a trained pharmacist, rather than a prescription from a doctor, thanks to a new state law that went into effect in January. The law applies to all forms of hormonal birth control, including the oral contraceptive pill, skin patch, and vaginal ring. Trained pharmacists […]
Menstrual Health Equity
Being unable to access menstrual products takes a mental and physical toll on students, says Em Rabelais, PhD, RN, a health ethicist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Some students experience period poverty — when they can’t afford products such as pads and tampons. Other Chicago teens face anxiety about managing their periods […]
Drifting Away
If your child dislikes reading, vision convergence insufficiency could be to blame When a child dislikes reading, parents may brush it off, or they may think their child has attention issues or a learning disorder. But a vision problem called convergence insufficiency may be to blame. The condition, which can cause reading problems, eye strain, or headaches, […]
‘Oh, My Aging Feet’
Addressing foot problems in older adults Our feet take a pounding every day. But for many older adults, aging feet can quickly become aching feet. “Our feet change as we get older. For example, the tissues stretch out, losing strength and support,” says Lowell Weil Jr., DPM, chief executive officer of the Weil Foot & […]
The Power of Prevention
When it comes to our health, we tend to treat disease instead of warding it off in the first place. We wait to take care of our body until it demands attention through pain or another avenue we can’t ignore. Because we can’t afford the cost of healthcare, we don’t go to the doctor or […]
Food as Medicine
Chicago groups find creative ways to provide fresh food and build healthy communities On an unseasonably warm December morning, volunteers and staff from Advocate Aurora Health pull open cardboard boxes teeming with cauliflower, peppers, apples, greens, and string beans. The boxes are stacked in the Bethany Lutheran Evangelical Church parking lot in Chicago’s Calumet Heights […]
How to Be Heart Smart
Give your heart a head start by knowing — and reducing — your risks Preventive medical advice sometimes feels like it’s changing as fast as the weather whirling outside your window. And that’s especially true when it comes to preventing heart attacks. Are eggs healthy to eat, or are they too cholesterol-laden to indulge in? […]
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Making lifestyle changes now can help stop or reverse the disorder It was a few weeks before Christmas 2019, and I was nervous. I had just been to the doctor, who told me I was 50 pounds overweight for my height. I was not looking forward to getting my lab results. My fear: a diabetes […]
Weight-Loss Success
Initiatives — whether surgery, medication, or diet — help people conquer obesity and improve their health Weight loss is a personal journey. Whether the goal is to lose weight or look and feel better, everyone’s motivation differs. Amber Cornelius’ motivation: a fear of contracting Covid-19. “I was hearing that people who were significantly overweight were […]
Breathing Easy
Preventing asthma starts by understanding triggers and, perhaps, by changing the way we eat A few months ago, I discovered I could no longer walk up the stairs. I live on the second floor of a Chicago three-flat, so this discovery was particularly troublesome. I’d been getting tired on the stairs more easily, but I […]
Preventing Overdose Deaths
Now, more medications treat opioid use disorder Drug-related deaths hit an all-time high in the United States recently, with most of those fatalities due to opioid overdoses. New medical treatments can help respond to overdoses and opioid use disorder, preventing some deaths. In Illinois, 2,944 people died from opioid overdoses in 2020, which was a […]
Eliminating Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer in Chicago occurs 39% more often and has a 60% higher death rate than the national average, according to Equal Hope Initiative, a women’s health-equity nonprofit. Latina women have the highest cervical cancer rate in Chicago. Cervical cancer, which the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes, is up to 93% preventable, according to the Centers […]
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Everyone knows that brushing your teeth prevents cavities and tooth decay. But many people don’t realize dental care is an essential part of overall healthcare. Dental care may help prevent conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. With poor oral health, bacteria can grow and spread through the body. Inflammation in the gums may […]
Genetic Testing Informs Medical Choices
Genetic testing for everything from rare disorders to common cancers empowers people to make informed medical decisions — possibly preventing serious health conditions in the future. Based on test results, people may choose to undergo more frequent screenings, reproductive treatments, or preventive surgery. Nadim Ilbawi, MD, a family medicine physician at NorthShore University HealthSystem, offers […]
What You Should Know About Low-Carbon Dieting
There is a strong argument to be made that more of us should follow a low-carbon diet. Food production and dietary preferences are linked to climate change by altering the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. A recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that food production (including post-harvest activities like […]
The Best Healthy Canned Foods, According to a Dietitian
Whether you’re trying to eat healthy on a budget or consolidate trips to the grocery store, canned foods are pantry essentials. If you know what to look for, canned foods can make for nutritious additions to meals and snacks. As a bonus, canned foods are typically much cheaper and last longer than their fresh or […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Bunion Treatment and Surgery
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I developed bunions in my teens, and they have grown over the years. Now I cannot wear shoes without some discomfort. Over the past few months, I’ve noticed throbbing from the bunion on my left foot, although the one on my right foot is fine. My friend who had a bunion surgery […]
Love Those Lentils!
Lentils are a good source of fiber and many powerful plant compounds. The folklore Lentils are the oldest cultivated legume, dating as far back as 8,000 B.C. Not only have they have been biblically and historically referenced, they have sustained ancient cultures all over the globe and are now hugely popular in the U.S. High […]
Environmental Nutrition: A Tough Pill to Swallow: Are Supplements Safe?
The dietary supplement industry brings in billions of dollars each year, with an estimated 90,000 products on the market, including vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, probiotics, or other substances in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form. About half of American adults take at least one dietary supplement for health or wellness, or […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Hypothyroidism and Dietary Challenges
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have been getting conflicting information what I should eat and drink. I love yogurt and ice cream, for instance, but one source said a calcium-rich diet was fine, whereas another said I should limit dairy. I’ve also read that I should avoid soy and iodine. […]
Mental Health Concerns? There’s an App for That
Here’s what you need to know about therapy apps If you’ve tried to book a therapy session lately, you may have noticed that it’s more and more difficult to find one. It’s not a fluke. Demand for mental health has been increasing. First, there’s the issue of availability. Many parts of the country don’t have […]
The Better Side of Bitter Foods
As a flavor, bitter often gets a bad rap, however, bitter foods like arugula, frisee, rapini, and their respective bitter edges are showing up on menus and the vegetable aisle of supermarkets. We are starting to “get it” — bitter flavors are important to our sense of taste. They help balance sweet, salty, and sour […]
Tiny Homes Provide More Than Just a Roof to People Experiencing Homelessness
Above photo: Gene Cox speaks with Brenda Konkel, president of Occupy Madison and executive director of Madison Area Care for the Homeless OneHealth in Wisconsin. Cox lives in Occupy Madison Village, one of the oldest tiny home villages in the country for people who have been homeless and among the few in a residential neighborhood. […]
Confronting Perfectionism: It’s Okay to Be Perfectly Imperfect
Clarissa Donnelly-DeRoven, 27, has accomplished many things. She’s a rural health and Medicaid news reporter, spin class enthusiast, amateur cross-stitcher, master’s degree holder, and … a self-proclaimed perfectionist. “Perfectionism makes me procrastinate a lot,” Donnelly-DeRoven says. “I spiral about how I’ll never do something as good as I want it to be, and then I […]
I Can’t Tolerate CPAP, What Can I Do?
Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, is the most common treatment prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP involves wearing a mask that fits into the nostrils, underneath or over the nose, or over the nose and mouth, through which pressurized air is delivered via tubing from a machine to keep the upper airway open during […]
Does Diet Really Matter When It Comes to Adult Acne?
When I was a teenager, the advice I got about acne was clear and consistent: Avoid oily foods and chocolate because they trigger breakouts and make existing acne worse. Wash your face often. Try a topical, over-the-counter remedy such as those containing benzoyl peroxide (Clearasil) or salicylic acid (Stridex). By the time I got to […]
4 Ways Fiber Helps Protect Your Heart
As part of a healthy diet, fiber is a nutrient most associated with keeping the digestive tract regular and — thanks to the marketing on the oatmeal container — lowering cholesterol. But fiber’s role in the body goes way beyond regularity, and one of fiber’s most important roles stems from the influence that gut health […]
Who, When, Why: Navigating Complex Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
If you are confused about breast cancer screening guidelines — how often to get mammograms and when to start — your instinct might be to head to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for some clarification. But you may not get the answers you seek because there you will see a matrix with […]
Polio, Chickenpox, Measles, Now Covid. It’s Time to Consult History on School Vaccine Mandates
The rapid spread of omicron across the nation — and the finding that vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe disease — brings Covid-19 one step closer, perhaps, to truly earning its place on the list of diseases that have been tamed by vaccines. These include polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, all of […]
