More than 50 million Americans serve as caregivers for a friend or family member who has a disability or illness. Whether you have cared for a stroke survivor for years or are new in your role, the experience can be…
Bonny Sexton, 49, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) when she was 19 years old. A common genetic disease, the key to controlling the disease’s progression is controlling the high blood pressure that comes with it. “At the time,…
Returning home from the hospital with your baby safely restrained in a car seat can be both a relief and a stress storm. Here’s what you need to know about the range of physical and emotional changes related to C-section…
Patrick Guinn doesn’t get stressed about much, but his wife Carrie does – especially when it comes to his health. They have been married for 28 years and tend to finish each other’s sentences. “She worries enough for both of…
For more than 17 years, Linda Johnson-Kabisch has made pulmonary rehab an important part of her life. Since she retired from teaching in 2001, she’s attended 1,700 sessions of rehab—something she credits with helping her maintain an active lifestyle. “Having…
A woman faces a deluge of decisions when she learns she’s expecting a baby, and deciding what and how to feed the baby is one of the biggies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for…
When the dizziness began, Ron Beck, 75, thought it was related to his surgery to remove a cancerous kidney. But when his head continued to feel “full,” his balance remained off, and he couldn’t drive or even ride comfortably in…
Hearing a song can trigger a memory or a feeling, and it can even provide motivation. If you have attended a sports event then you know that music helps to encourage the players and the fans. The tempo of the…
You and your newborn are returning home, but how do you introduce him or her to your pet? A new arrival is an exciting time for all members of the family, but it’s best to make the transition as easy…
Early in Rachel Kesler’s pregnancy, her physicians discovered that Rachel’s kidneys were beginning to fail. Kidney disease had been present but undetected until she began regular appointments and pregnancy testing. Jeffrey Olejnik, MD, at the SIU Center for Women’s Health,…