Health and Fitness
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On fifth anniversary, St. Alexius doctors recall fear, anxiety of treating nation’s 2nd COVID patientJan 26, 2025 9:16 am - Five years ago Friday, staff at Ascension St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates became part of history when they announced they were treating a patient with the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States.
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What is healthspan, and how can you maximize yours?Jan 26, 2025 9:15 am - Much attention has been paid in recent years to life expectancy in the U.S. Health experts are turning their focus to not just how long people manage to stay alive but the number of years they can expect to do so free of disease. That's what's called a healthspan.
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Keeping blood pressure under control is critical. There’s a new option for tough cases
Jan 26, 2025 9:15 am - Nothing doctors prescribed controlled Michael Garrity’s dangerously high blood pressure — until they zapped away some nerves on his kidneys. If that sounds weird, well, kidneys help regulate blood pressure in part through signals from certain nerves. The new treatment disrupts overactive renal nerves.
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Grief & healing: Dealing with extreme coldJan 25, 2025 6:00 am - There are many, many triggers that bring us back in time to both happy and sad times. Sometimes they take us by surprise.
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Cucumbers are trendy, but how healthy are they?Jan 24, 2025 3:54 am - Cucumbers have always been cool. Now, thanks to social media, they're also hot. Viral cucumber recipes racked up millions of views in the past year. Which might leave you wondering: Healthwise, can cukes endure the glare?
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Do you wear gloves in the cold? There’s a better way to keep hands warm.
Jan 24, 2025 3:08 am - Cold injuries from chilly temperatures most commonly occur on your feet and hands. While many of us protect the feet with bulky socks and boots, we often fail to keep our hands as toasty. Science tells us the best way to keep your digits warm.
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Keep your kids injury-free this winterJan 23, 2025 11:56 pm - Cold weather and snow can mean quite a bit of winter fun for children of all ages. But unfortunately, orthopedic injuries are common occurrences at this time of year. Find out what a pediatric orthopedic surgeon suggests to keep your children safe.
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Lifestyle changes helpful for gut microbiomeJan 23, 2025 11:41 pm - Life stresses, a change in diet and routine, plus a course of antibiotics can throw off your gut microbiome. Here are some natural ways to restore order in your digestive tract.
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Nicotine and surgery: a bad combinationJan 23, 2025 11:05 pm - Nancy desperately needed a hip replacement, but there was a problem: Her doctor said he wouldn’t perform the procedure unless she quit smoking. There’s evidence that smokers have more postsurgical complications, particularly the time it takes for a surgical would to heal.
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Nurse opens college in Mount Prospect to train next generation of health care workersJan 22, 2025 12:43 pm - If you’re interested in entering the healthcare field, Marie Fenelon can point you in the right direction. The Round Lake resident and R.N. recently opened Fenelon College of Healthcare Careers in Mount Prospect.