Masks are here to stay for a while. Even with increased vaccinations, new variants of COVID-19 have been identified in the United States, and there is no strong evidence that vaccination prevents people from spreading the virus to others. Best…
First – the good news about the multiple variant strains of COVID-19 coming at us from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil: so far, studies suggest antibodies in the currently authorized vaccines recognize and can counteract the effects of…
Polly Pulley, 63, has a heart for the Jacksonville community. The trailblazer has directed programming for the Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen since 2012, supported the Healthy Jacksonville initiative and recently joined the Passavant Area Hospital Board of Directors. She’s…
While student athletes are anxious to resume their competitive schedules for school and/or travel teams, there are important guidelines to respect following a COVID-19 infection. “People need to understand that healthcare professionals want to see these athletes back competing on…
History was made when young Black physician Edwin A. Lee was admitted into the Sangamon County Medical Society in 1949. The local medical establishment had never allowed a Black physician into the society before, and both local hospitals enforced unofficial…
Just because the COVID-19 illness creates antibodies that help your body fight the virus doesn’t mean people who have already been infected should pass on vaccination. Cases of reinfection are being documented around the world, including central Illinois. Chris Einspahr,…
Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, fiction writer and playwright whose African American themes made him a primary contributor to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. While his life and work are most closely associated with New York City,…
The COVID-19 vaccination should not be a concern for women hoping to become pregnant in the future. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its position on COVID-19 vaccination to say that the group “strongly recommends” that all…
We’re kicking off Black History Month, which celebrates the achievements and success of our Black community members. As it’s often stated, “Black history is American history.” Dr. Jeanelle Norman is making history while blazing a trail in Decatur. She is…
Across the country, Black communities have disproportionately been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccination offers an opportunity to protect these communities, many Black Americans say they are hesitant to receive the vaccine. “Unfortunately, Black Americans have valid reasons to…