Colorectal cancer screening for precancerous polyps is important to prevent cancer and is recommended every 10 years after age 45. Each year, thousands of Illinoisans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and early detection through screening is key. Colorectal cancer is…
At what pivotal time will you or a loved one need blood? January is National Blood Donor Month, and every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. In fact, millions of patients nationwide need lifesaving blood products—including many within our…
A special partnership this school year between Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) and Hope Academy brings the smiles and makes a difference for students and families. Hope Academy serves about 575 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Each month, representatives of…
Judi McDowell-Humphrey, 69, of Mt. Zion, survived tonsil cancer more than 20 years ago. Today, with help from Memorial Specialty Care surgeon Ranjodh Singh, MD, the avid scuba diver is beating colorectal cancer and planning a scuba trip with her…
September is National Food Safety Education Month. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States each year. At Memorial Health, our five hospitals follow the FDA Food…
Sarah Lacox’s family history provided a few warning signs for the registered nurse from Decatur. Her brother was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer while her sister had a laparoscopic procedure for a hiatal hernia. Sarah herself had a history…
Ever had to wrestle a digital screen from your screaming child? Controlling screen time can be a monumental challenge—screens are everywhere, and young (and old) brains are easily addicted. “Screen time poses a larger challenge than the negative impact of…
John Steven Taylor, 53, of Decatur, has survived numerous ischemic strokes and is able to quickly recognize stroke symptoms. Passionate about the importance of stroke awareness, he shares his story with anyone who will listen. “I’m just blessed because I…
As if daily stress isn’t enough of a potential obstacle to a solid night’s sleep, there are many other physical symptoms that can prevent quality sleep. If you suffer from loud snoring, silent pauses in breathing, abrupt awakenings, dry mouth…
When Edmund Raycraft, MD, performs knee or hip replacement surgery, he has a little help from a special assistant: a robot named Mako. Dr. Raycraft, of DMH Orthopaedic Associates, has been performing procedures using the Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery…