Nobody wants to fall down, but for seniors, it can be especially dangerous. Fortunately, there are common sense precautions you can take to decrease risk. “Proactive steps like removing tripping hazards or improving lighting can help reduce fall risk,” said…
When it comes to lung cancer, finding an issue early can make a big difference. But screening is just one piece of the puzzle. If a scan reveals a suspicious spot or lung nodule, patients need access to specialists who…
When you’re sick, waiting to see a provider can add frustration to an already difficult day. For Suzanne VanDerSlik, 27, of Chatham, virtual care (also known as telehealth) has consistently offered a convenient alternative. “I’ve been using telehealth services for…
Lori Wemple, 52, of Taylorville, hadn’t been to see a doctor since 2019. But when troubling abdominal pain grew worse, her family didn’t take no for an answer. Especially her nephew, Nicholas Lavin, a surgery RN at Taylorville Memorial Hospital…
Flu season brings a mix of fever, chills, cough, body aches and fatigue that can knock even healthy people into bed. For some, however, influenza can lead to more serious complications. One of the most important steps you can take…
When Anjna Gupta arrived at Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s Swing Bed unit, her family wasn’t sure what to expect. Anjna had spent nearly two weeks hospitalized at Springfield Memorial Hospital before transferring to Taylorville for additional care and rehabilitation. For her…
An extra hour of sleep! But less sunlight. It’s a tough compromise. Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, when clocks “fall back” one hour. While many of us welcome the extra hour of sleep, the earlier sunset can make…
Zeke Mahkovtz was born Dec. 18, 2023, and lived for 18 minutes, surrounded by his parents and siblings who showered him with love. Diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type II, Zeke’s life was brief, but his impact was profound. For his…
At 48, Breanna Flanagan considered herself in the best physical shape of her life. The Riverton mail carrier was busy with the things that mattered most to her: her wife, four daughters and 1-year-old grandson. Her youngest daughter is just…
When Kari McClain looks in the mirror, she still sees reminders of what she’s been through. But today, at 50, the Decatur native is cancer-free, feeling good and enjoying life with her husband, three grown sons and nearly 2-year-old granddaughter.…