Late last year, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology unveiled new guidelines that lowered the definition of high blood pressure. Now, patients with blood pressure readings of 130/80 mm Hg are considered to have hypertension, down from…
Luscious romaine lettuce, the base of a classic Caesar salad, is always a healthy food choice, right? Usually, the answer is “yes.” However, since November, more than 60 cases of E. coli, and two deaths, have been documented in 13…
It’s hard to believe Linda Klauber suffered a stroke only a few months ago—or that the stroke came right on the heels of a cancer diagnosis. Today, the 73-year-old is in good health and good spirits. “Two of the worst…
The decision to drink and drive was not a smart way to start 2017 for Taylorville teenager Carter Sinkhorn. Early New Year’s morning, Carter, then 17, crashed his truck into a tree, less than a mile from home. Thanks to…
Since June 2017, most newborns at Memorial Health System hospitals have waited about 24 hours to receive their first bath. But, trust us, that’s a good thing. Three of the four MHS hospitals have maternity units–Memorial Medical Center in Springfield,…
Tick bites are on the rise. And the type of ticks that carry illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, can be found in central Illinois. The three major ticks to watch out for in our area…
Registered nurse John Oaks has experienced Memorial’s culture of care from two different angles: as a provider and as a patient. A video featuring Oaks, who works in Memorial’s Infusion unit, was recently shown at employee meetings. He told his…
It’s hard for 37-year-old Malia Smith to imagine how she will feel after undergoing a kidney transplant. Having battled Lupus for more than half her life, health struggles are part of Malia’s normal routine. At age 12, Malia was treated…
There’s life before your heart attack, and then there’s life after. Those first days and weeks as you start “life after” can be difficult physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s one reason the earlier you start going to cardiac rehab, the…
Ringing in the New Year often means responsibly enjoying a few adult beverages. Expecting mothers don’t have to feel left out—it just takes a little creativity to incorporate some healthy, alcohol-free options into your party planning. “It can be tough…