Mayo Clinic Q&A: Understanding and Treating Pectus Excavatum
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Our son has pectus excavatum, and although he always struggled some to keep up with his friends, he has been involved in athletics since childhood. His pediatrician had said that the pectus was nothing to worry about and he would be fine. Now, at only age 22, he complains of his heart […]
5 Things to Do Before Breakfast to Kick-Start a Great Day
We’ve all been there — hitting the snooze button several times before rolling out of bed, rushing out of the house, skipping breakfast — and still not starting work on time. You may not realize this, but your morning routine can determine the mood of your entire day. Luckily, there are five easy things that […]
Down and Out in Chicago
Is it winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? The days are short, the nights are long, and the cloudy skies seem like they will never go away. Yes, Chicago’s gray winter can actually make you feel blue. Sunlight regulates our appetite, mood, and sleep. During the long winter months, the absence of sunlight can […]
Health Benefits of Nutritional Yeast — and How to Use It
Nutritional yeast could be one of the tastiest and healthiest ingredients missing from your pantry. Though it is a great food for vegans and vegetarians, all people can gain health benefits from adding it to their diet. Read on for the what, why, and how on nutritional yeast. What is nutritional yeast? This cheesy-tasting powder […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Pregnancy and Prolapse Concerns
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am seven months pregnant with my first child. My obstetrician said I have ureterocele. He also mentioned bladder prolapse. I am not having incontinence at the moment, but I have a lot of pain and always feel like I’m on the verge of an accident. I am trying to understand the […]
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 […]
How Can I Know If My Penicillin Allergy Is Real?
People with a penicillin allergy on their medical record are not given penicillins (or often their relatives, the cephalosporins) when they have infections. Instead, the antibiotics prescribed may be broader-spectrum, less effective, and/or more toxic. One national study from more than 100 US hospitals with almost 11,000 patients demonstrated that if you have a reported […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Lower Back Pain Issues
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 45 and relatively healthy. But about a year ago, I hurt my lower back while working in the yard. I felt a sharp pain and could barely walk. It took about a month to heal. Then about a month ago, I hurt my back again — this time while lifting […]
The Beef on Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Just look at grocery store shelves, and you’ll see an abundance of plant-based meat alternatives. As more people cut back on animal products, companies are offering a greater variety of plant-based foods that mimic the taste of meat. The population of non-meat eaters is growing, with 63% of respondents in a recent U.S. consumer survey […]
Op-Ed: Physician-Assisted Suicide Is Not Death with Dignity
Chicago Health is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. The opinions expressed in this op-ed article are the author’s own. As a physician who works primarily with patients with disability, that is, with those who are at greatest risk to be pushed toward physician-assisted suicide, I feel compelled to respond to the article “Death with […]
Advancing Anesthesia Excellence Through Strong, Stable Leadership
Anesthesia programs today face countless challenges inside and outside the operating room. From the unforeseen trials of the Covid-19 pandemic to effective collaboration with surgical teams and everything between, it takes a strong anesthesia team to ensure a facility’s success. Leading TeamHealth’s partnership with Advocate Sherman Hospital, Fritz-Jose E. Chandler, MD, knows the value of […]
Even Health Nuts Make These 5 Mistakes
No matter how much of a healthy food or exercise nut you think you may be, no one is perfect. If you can admit that, you’ll be on the right track to making positive changes in your daily routine. After you’ve figured out your nutrition or exercise holes, set small weekly goals to keep yourself […]
As Omicron Surges, Here’s What You Need to Know About Covid-19 Testing and Precautions
As omicron transmission soars, it seems like Covid-19 cases are all around us. We can’t get away from them. We spoke to Mia Taormina, DO, chair of the department of infectious disease at Duly Health and Care, formerly named DuPage Medical Group, to ask her about the best precaution and testing strategies to use now. […]
Fritz-Jose E. Chandler, MD
TeamHealth Anesthesiology Fritz-Jose E. Chandler, MD, MSHM, MBA, FASA, serves as facility medical director of TeamHealth’s anesthesiology program at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Illinois. As a dedicated leader, Dr. Chandler consistently champions improved clinical and patient experiences and the growth of surgical volumes and efficiencies through teamwork and alignment. Dr. Chandler’s leadership philosophy stems […]
6 Smart Snacking Tips That Will Help You Stave Off ‘Hanger’
As with anything, there is an art to smart snacking, meaning finding foods that will cure your hunger, leave you satisfied, and give you the motivation you need to tackle your to-do list. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with snacking,” says Amy Lee, MD, a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, member of the National […]
Healthy Headphone Use: How Loud and How Long?
As our society and culture become more connected through technology, the use of headphones has increased. Headphones allow people to enjoy music and have conversations from anywhere at any time. The ease of headphone use and the mobility that they afford cannot be overstated. This is particularly true as our society spends more time with […]
Hospital Visitor Restrictions Contribute to Patient and Provider Burnout
Above photo Barbara Creed. Courtesy of Northwestern Memorial Hospital Barbara Creed walked into Northwestern Memorial Hospital on April 29, 2020, expecting a three-day stay for a minor surgical procedure. Thirty-five years prior, she was diagnosed with progressive scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that can damage the lungs; now, she was on the waiting list for a […]
Can a Daily Pill Lighten Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Caused by Fibroids?
Fibroids are generally benign (not cancerous) tumors that form within the tissues of the uterus. They are very common in reproductive-age women: Studies report that up to 70% of white women and 80% of Black women may develop fibroids by age 50. And research suggests Black women are more likely to experience severe or very […]
Building Strong Anesthesia Teams, Delivering Exceptional Patient Care
Covid-19 has forever changed how clinicians deliver quality care. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, one thing is certain: Clinicians across the country have risen to this seemingly insurmountable challenge and continue to provide life-saving care in the face of incredible adversity. Anesthesia clinicians are no exception. Adapting anesthesia when it mattered most “The […]
Respite Care Offers Double the Good Feelings
Tired caregivers may not always know where to turn when it comes to supporting a beloved older family member. Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. The program allows you a couple weeks (or more) of relief if you find yourself in need of a little you time. Knowing that care is available for […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: How to Reverse Prediabetes
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m a 36-year-old man recently diagnosed with prediabetes. Is there a way to reverse this, or am I destined to eventually get diabetes? My healthcare provider says I’ve likely been in the prediabetes stage for a year or more. ANSWER: There are steps you can take to slow the progression of prediabetes […]
Digestive Woes? Try These 5 Easy Eating Habits for a Healthy Gut
A healthy gut is the foundation of overall health and wellness, regulating immune health, supporting mental well-being, and encouraging the body’s natural detoxification functions. And yet, many people struggle with digestive issues. For many gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, medical intervention is necessary, and if you experience chronic distress you should see your doctor immediately. But for […]
A Review of the Raw Food Diet
Raw foodism has been circulating for more than a century but has seen surging popularity in recent times. This movement defines “raw food” as food that is not “cooked” to temperatures over 118 degrees F. Instead, the diet allows several “no-cook” alternative preparation methods, including juicing, fermenting, dehydrating, soaking, and sprouting. Not surprisingly, raw foodists […]
Resolving Medical Billing Errors Can Save You Money
In March 2020, at the dawn of the Covid-19 pandemic, Chicagoan Sandra Washington felt ill, and the extreme fatigue she was experiencing continued to worsen. “I was just literally a body. I didn’t have any feelings. My whole system was drained and depleted,” Washington says. Her husband took her to the emergency room, where she […]
Epinephrine Is the Only Effective Treatment for Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can potentially lead to death if not promptly treated. Allergic reactions typically begin suddenly after exposure to an allergen, which may be a food, medication, insect sting, or another trigger. Anaphylaxis can occur in anyone at any time; it can sometimes be triggered by allergens that a person […]
Driving Rehabilitation Strategies for People with Low Visual Acuity
Grabbing your car keys to run a quick errand is something many people take for granted. That’s why losing the ability to drive can have such a profound impact on your sense of self and independence. The aging process brings changes in visual acuity and mental agility that can impact the ability to drive safely. […]
6 Foods to Ditch for Less Stress — and What to Eat Instead
Stressing out? You’re not alone; in fact, stress affects all of us. Over the long term, it can increase inflammation in your body and mess with your mood, sleep, eating habits, and overall well-being. Fortunately, there are some small things you can do that might help. Getting outside, moving your body, taking a screen break, […]
10 Foods You Should Eat Every Week to Lose Weight
Plenty of foods can support your weight-loss efforts when included as part of a healthy diet. Eating these 10 foods regularly is a simple way to make the most of your meals. 1. Chia seeds Fiber slows digestion and keeps us feeling fuller longer. This is super important when we’re cutting back on calories, a […]
Functional Dyspepsia: Causes, Treatments and New Directions
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common condition, loosely defined by some physicians as a stomachache without a clear cause. More specifically, it is characterized by the feeling of fullness during or after a meal, or a burning sensation in the mid-upper abdomen, just below the rib cage (not necessarily associated with meals). The symptoms can […]
Op-Ed, Part 2: How to Take a Dire Cancer Diagnosis and Make the Best of It
Chicago Health is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. The opinions expressed in this op-ed article are the author’s own. This op-ed is part 2 of a two-part series. Find part 1 here. As I’ve faced my cancer diagnosis, I’ve learned more about myself in the past 11 months than I learned in my first […]
Probiotics, Even Inactive Ones, May Relieve IBS Symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gut-brain disorder that can cause a variety of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of the two. IBS can reduce quality of life, often results in missed school or work, and can have a substantial economic impact. Physicians diagnose IBS by identifying […]
Op-Ed: I Have Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma, and I’m Surprisingly Content
Chicago Health is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. The opinions expressed in this op-ed article are the author’s own. This op-ed is part one of a two-part series. I am addicted to playing tennis. I play with 18-year-old kids and adults 60 and above in USTA mixed leagues. However, as I get older, […]
Deep Freeze: Does Whole-Body Cryotherapy Benefit Muscle Recovery?
As we know all too well, it can get pretty cold in Chicago. But some Chicagoans seek even colder temperatures, paying to stand in their shorts for three minutes in temperatures as low as 300 degrees below zero. They’re doing so for the potential healing purposes of whole-body cryotherapy. Whole-body cryotherapy is a therapeutic technique […]
Looking for a Powerful Low-Vision Device? Turn to Your Smartphone
Have you ever found yourself in a dark restaurant, unable to read the menu? Maybe you forgot your glasses. Maybe it’s too dark. Now what? You could ask your companions to read the menu out loud, order something you think the restaurant has, or pull out a trusty low-vision aid: your smartphone. Smartphones are accessibility […]
Seeing a Sparkly Visual Disturbance? It Could Be an Ocular Migraine
One December day, as I sat in front of my computer, a sparkling, glittery object took over my sight. A large crescent moon with shimmering silver sequins appeared in my eyes for about 20 minutes. I put my head down in my arms because I couldn’t continue to work. And then, worried it was a […]
Reckoning with Racial Trauma
Bias, discrimination, and abuse are culminating in a heightened sense of stress Every Sunday afternoon for more than a year, Tiana Coleman has stood near the intersection of Sheridan Road and Wilson Avenue in Uptown, holding up a stark poster bearing a single hand-lettered name. The name changes, but the cause is the same. Sometimes, she’ll […]
Beyond Covid-19
mRNA vaccines get ready for their next act: fighting cancer When you look at the trajectory of the Covid-19 pandemic in the U.S., one turning point stands out: the availability of vaccines, predominantly the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Both use mRNA to send messages to cells about how to fight the deadly virus with incredible efficacy. […]
Time is Brain
When treating stroke, every minute counts. Local hospitals are speeding up access Andy Streiter, 49, a Chicago executive and father of three, always starts his day off with a ride on his Peloton bike. One August day in 2020, he did his usual ride. “I felt good. It was a good ride,” he recalls. Then […]
Slow Down and Rest, for Your Best Life and for Humanity
“You need a nap,” was a phrase my mother impatiently slapped at us as kids, which meant (or felt like it did) that we were demandingly interrupting her busy-busy, overscheduled day. Yet, she probably needed a nap as much as we did. Today, I am choosing to heed the whisper to nap, walk meanderingly, listen […]
In Appreciation of Us All
“I appreciate you,” my friend Joan Gordon often said. Well, Joan wasn’t just my friend. She was our friend, here at Chicago Health. Joan was this magazine’s proofreader for a number of years before retiring, putting a very deliberate period on a very diversified career. Joan was a geologist, a symphonic bassist, a ballet dancer, an inventor, […]
Recovery Without Opioids
Orthopedic specialists look to control pain without dangerous drugs Naperville resident Steve Bruebach found himself in a quandary as he prepared for a double hip-replacement surgery in August 2020. Typically, Bruebach doesn’t like to take medication unless it’s absolutely required. But a medical technician warned him: Don’t wait until you start hurting to take medication […]
Gender-Affirming Surgery
For transgender people in Illinois, solid access to healthcare offers relief Thirty years ago, when he was just 3 years old, Tristan Connor knew he didn’t identify as a girl, even though he was assigned female at birth. He didn’t have the words to say it then or even later in his teens. Growing up […]
The Skin You’re In
A lack of representation in dermatology is impacting people of color Whether for acne, hives, or psoriasis, millions of Americans require routine skin care annually. But not all skin is the same. Some dermatology issues vary depending on the skin you’re in. Some skin conditions — such as acne scars, eczema, and keloids — occur more […]
Advocating to Fight ALS
Families and researchers press for new treatments Tim Paust loved life. At work, he was an aircraft maintenance manager for Motorola, but it was his family and friends who made up his heart. “Tim was the love of my life and just a great guy,” says his widow, Deb Paust, 58, who lives in Grayslake. The […]
‘Zombie’ Brain Cells Keep on Kicking After Death
While some brain cells disintegrate moments after we die, others actually grow, report researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago. The findings, published in March 2021 in the journal Scientific Reports, could impact brain tissue research on certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. “Our discovery could lead to new treatments for these diseases,” says Jeffrey […]
A Robust Blend: Coffee and Hope
When patrons at the Sip of Hope Community Coffee Bar order a cup of coffee, they get a signature blend: coffee with a side of mental health resources. The shop, in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, serves lattes and “destigmatizing decaf.” Along one brick wall, a large sign reads, “it’s ok not to be ok.” It’s all […]
The Army at UChicago
In a tactical maneuver, active-duty Army medical personnel are now embedded at the University of Chicago Medicine. They’re stationed not for battle but for training. It’s a military-civilian exchange of best practices, as Army physicians, nurses, and medics are sharpening their skills ahead of their deployments while providing healthcare in the city. “We’re joining forces […]
Book Beat
We asked local physicians for their health-related book recommendations. Here’s what they said: The Mind-Gut Connection By Emeran Mayer, MD “This book reviews how important it is to respect your gut with better food choices and how that can translate to feeling better both physically and mentally. This has been particularly relevant during this […]
Men and Mental Health
More men are seeking help, but roadblocks to treatment remain Through college, graduate school, and into an active and successful professional life in healthcare administration, Earnest Davis had grown accustomed to pushing aside emotional issues that impacted his productivity. From a stressed relationship with his mother to the challenges of fatherhood, Davis shoved unease away, […]
Drinking Age
With the pandemic and an increase in wine culture, more women are drinking — to excessive levels Women drink. A lot. Search “women drinking memes,” and you’ll see hundreds, with images of women downing wine and captions such as, “I wish I could get another liver … so I could drink more and care less,” […]
