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…
If you experience chronic pain, pain that lasts for weeks, months or even years after an injury, you are not alone. One in five Americans suffers from chronic pain according to a CDC study. “Chronic pain can inhibit your day-to-day…
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:…
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…
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…
For 31 years, Ruth Kapik dedicated her life to teaching elementary school in Lincoln. As an educator, Kapik developed a passion for helping those in her community. After retirement, she searched for another way to fill that void. “When I…
Brian Su, 55, a Springfield businessman, never quite believed COVID-19 would reach the United States. Once the pandemic took hold here, he questioned the safety of vaccines until the virus nearly took his life and threatened to rob his wife…
The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has prompted new warnings from health officials and renewed lockdowns in parts of the world. It’s now the dominant COVID-19 strain, accounting for more than 83% of new cases in the United States. Infection prevention experts at Memorial…
Sprains, strains, back or shoulder pain and even knee injuries can afflict those taking advantage of sports activities during the balmy days of summer. It may be easy to ignore or “work around” an injury, but that decision may extend…