Too many people and their loved ones were caught unprepared when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe. People of all ages were fighting for their lives in hospitals. Often their loved ones had no idea what their wishes were when…
If you’ve ever been prescribed an antibiotic for an infection, you know how effective these medications can be. But they don’t work for every illness—including COVID-19. “Patients with COVID-19 sometimes ask us to prescribe antibiotics because they believe this will…
While there isn’t enough data to show that people with diabetes are more likely to contract COVID-19, the evidence does show they are likely to suffer worse complications that tend to deteriorate more rapidly. The American Diabetes Association notes the…
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and about 14,000 women will die from the disease. All women should be aware of their risk for ovarian…
Ron Spencer remembers his mom’s passion for travel—she took bus trips all over the United States. But one of her favorite destinations was Disney World, especially with her family. She went four times with her son Ron and his family.…
Christy White, 41, assumed the Emergency Department (ED) at Springfield Memorial Hospital would be packed when she was admitted on an August Saturday afternoon. But when ambulance after ambulance pulled up to drop patients off outside her room, she was…
For two weeks, Erica Smith struggled with chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness. Her immediate family medical history includes those who died of cardiac arrest. But she put off going to the Emergency Department (ED) for two simple reasons:…
Kids across the area are heading back to the classroom. Wearing masks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks that could shut down schools and put students and staff at risk. In this Q&A, Memorial…
Thanks to a laser focus to address the regional nursing shortage, Tracy Madonia and other area nursing students will enjoy a new Nursing Education Center this fall on the campus of Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC). Tracy Madonia, entering her…
If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 in the past, you may be wondering if it’s really necessary to get vaccinated. Compelling new research suggests the answer is “yes.” While being sick with COVID-19 creates antibodies that protect against future illness, it’s…