A mental health crisis is frightening. Often it can be difficult to determine the right course of action—will an appointment with a behavioral health professional help or does the crisis require a trip to the Emergency Department (ED)? First, if…
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…
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…
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…
You may only be aware of immunizations, or vaccinations, in children, but on-time vaccination is important in children and adults. You can protect yourself and your family against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, cancers caused by HPV and influenza. Speak with…
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…
Family nurse practitioner Gina White, DNP, had concerns when the COVID-19 vaccine was released under Emergency Authorization. But when evidence showed the Delta variant was targeting children and sparking rapid respiratory decline, she and her husband made the decision to…
How reliable is the latest viral post? Just because it shows up on your feed a dozen times in the last 24 hours doesn’t make it accurate. As the Delta variant targets the unvaccinated and patient admissions overcrowd healthcare facilities,…