Walking in Remembrance
By Veronica Meier My grandmother’s name was Dorothy Jane Verkler. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003, and she lost her battle with this terrible disease on September 21, 2012. She was 88 years old when she passed. Growing up with a single parent meant that my grandmother played a very active role in my […]
Recognizing the Signs of Liver-Related Dementia
Submitted by Reflections Memory Care Forgetfulness. Confusion. Difficulty doing math. Often, these experiences are shrugged off as a normal part of getting older. However, sometimes, these changes are actually the body signaling a more significant underlying problem — liver disease. In some cases, these symptoms can be signs of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). A serious, chronic […]
From Cancer Nurse to Cancer Patient: One Woman’s Story

Submitted by Mid-Illinois Hematology & Oncology LTD Throughout her career, Lindsay Norris had a close connection with cancer, helping others battle the disease. Then one day, it became even more personal. The 33-year-old oncology nurse still remembers the moment she heard the news of her own diagnosis — Stage 3 colorectal cancer. “I’ve been in […]
Dangers of Opioid Dependency Opioid Legislation in Congress Part 2
By Alexander Germanis As one ambles about, engaging in the daily activities of life in Bloomington-Normal, one most likely does not realize how a doctor from our humble island in the sea of heartland farms is playing a vital role in the medical history of our nation. In February of this year, Dr. Ramsin Benyamin, […]
Prostate Cancer What You Need to Know When Making Decisions About Treatment

By Shermian Woodhouse, M.D., M.P.H., Medical Director of Community Cancer Center As a radiation oncologist for the Community Cancer Center, I often get questions from patients about how to make the right decision regarding treatment after a prostate cancer diagnosis. The advice I often give is that it’s important to consider all your options before […]
Chronic Kidney Disease and My Lifestyle — Part 2 of 2

Information provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) In the 2016 January issue of Healthy Cells magazine, the first part of this series covered the basic questions in regards to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), such as ‘What causes CKD.’ Part two discusses ways to work with your lifestyle to […]
Diabetes Affects Your Vision Too!

Submitted by Eye Surgical Associates Many people are surprised by the ways diabetes affects overall health. Heart disease and nerve damage are two of the more serious complications that can result from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. But did you know that diabetes can also wreak havoc on your eyes? Diabetic retinopathy is […]
Arthritis: The Number-One Cause of Disability in America

By Brett L. Keller, DO, OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center Arthritis impacts the daily life of about 54 million adults, making it the number-one cause of disability in the U.S. The estimate of people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to climb to 78 million by the year 2040, according to The Arthritis Foundation. It’s […]
What is QOPI?

Submitted by Mid-Illinois Hematology Oncology Associates Our healthcare world is filled with acronyms which can confuse even the best of us. Now there is a new one to learn: QOPI, which stands for Quality Oncology Practice Initiative. QOPI was developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology to “promote excellence in cancer care.” There are […]
Safety and Driving Issues
Submitted by Reflections Memory Center Safety is an important issue in caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Even with the best-laid plans, accidents can happen. Checking the safety of your home, keeping the person from wandering, and preventing them from driving are some ways you can minimize hazardous situations. Changes in Home Management Skills […]