Higher education alliances are key to Illinois’ economic engine
Public universities, colleges and their partners are driving unprecedented growth and development in the state
Seka Palikuca
A way with words. I'm Seka, an editor, writer and content strategist with a passion for storytelling. I honed my writing, research and editing chops as a journalist for over two decades before diving into brand and content marketing.
Today, my focus is on healthcare with a background in professional services, fundraising and development, food + drink, and personal finance.
Review some of my most recent and relevant work below.
Recent Thought Leadership
Distressed transactions and finding opportunity in uncertainty
Levenfeld Pearlstein panel discussion offers legal and financial insights on realms of risk and reward.
Executive Insights: Developing a smart corporate AI policy
Benesch AI Commission attorneys and in-house counsels provide their guidance on steps every company should take to establish and maintain clear and relevant governance of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Creative business financing solutions for any rate environment
Here's how Illinois Small and Minority-Owned Businesses can benefit from a customized mix of unique lending options.
Chief Enrollment Management Officers in a Time of Change, Challenge and Opportunity
Dynamic and disruptive times in higher education call for transformative leadership in enrollment management. In WittKieffer’s most recent comprehensive survey of chief enrollment management officers (CEMOs), respondents show their continued commitment to the profession while expressing trepidation for the challenges that lie ahead.
Healthcare profiles
Perspectives on living and dying from best-selling author's widow
Physician Lucy Kalanithi is the widow of Paul Kalanithi, MD, who wrote the New York Times best-selling memoir “When Breath Becomes Air.” The book was published after Paul Kalanithi’s death from lung cancer, with an epilogue written by his wife.
Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, who is a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine, will offer the keynote address Jan. 25 at the LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy & Development) conference in Austin, Texas.
We spok
Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, who is a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine, will offer the keynote address Jan. 25 at the LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy & Development) conference in Austin, Texas.
We spok
NASA's top doc: A DO is helping launch the first human journey to Mars
As NASA’s chief health and medical officer, J.D. Polk, DO, has had a totally cosmic career trajectory.
Dr. Polk wears multiple hats at the space agency, where he is in charge of the health of all NASA employees—including its astronauts, who are monitored for life. Dr. Polk is also the health and medical technical authority for the agency, overseeing a team that serves as experts on the health specifications for new vehicle development at NASA.
“We have to make sure each vehicle is built to med
Dr. Polk wears multiple hats at the space agency, where he is in charge of the health of all NASA employees—including its astronauts, who are monitored for life. Dr. Polk is also the health and medical technical authority for the agency, overseeing a team that serves as experts on the health specifications for new vehicle development at NASA.
“We have to make sure each vehicle is built to med
Just what is functional medicine and why do some DOs gravitate to it?
Aunna Herbst, DO, was in her early 30s when she decided to go to medical school. The former lifestyle and health coach had gotten into nutrition for personal reasons. But when her business became so successful that it grew too big, she decided to sell it.
Her love of biochemistry coupled with her natural affinity for healing led her to Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM).
“During residency training, I wondered how I was going to incorporate the two worlds of ost
Her love of biochemistry coupled with her natural affinity for healing led her to Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM).
“During residency training, I wondered how I was going to incorporate the two worlds of ost
'We have an opportunity to close this chapter': HHS official on ending the HIV epidemic
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions are currently top-of-mind concerns for health care professionals in the U.S., but it’s critical that we keep children’s health in mind as well, says Admiral Brett P. Giroir, MD, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Assistant Secretary for Health.
“The big threat at the highest level is forgetting about children,” says Dr. Giroir, who’s also a pediatric critical care specialist. “Children always have to be at the forefron
“The big threat at the highest level is forgetting about children,” says Dr. Giroir, who’s also a pediatric critical care specialist. “Children always have to be at the forefron
Documentary puts spotlight on physician depression, suicide
When osteopathic medical student Kevin Dietl took his life in 2015, he brought the crisis of depression and suicide within the medical community into sharper focus.
Though there are, sadly, many cases of doctor, resident and medical student suicide in the U.S., Dietl’s tragedy sparked a push for mental health advocacy by his parents, who agreed to be part of the documentary film titled “Do No Harm: Exposing the Hippocratic Hoax,” by filmmaker Robyn Symon, a two-time Emmy-award winner.
The docu
Though there are, sadly, many cases of doctor, resident and medical student suicide in the U.S., Dietl’s tragedy sparked a push for mental health advocacy by his parents, who agreed to be part of the documentary film titled “Do No Harm: Exposing the Hippocratic Hoax,” by filmmaker Robyn Symon, a two-time Emmy-award winner.
The docu
A career in medical cannabis: DO treats children with epilepsy, cancer patients and others
Junella Chin, DO, was a patient first.
At 17, she was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a condition that grew progressively worse during her college years, leaving her body stiff and painful. She tried a series of failed treatments—from physical therapy to muscle relaxers, epidurals to opioids—but nothing worked.
As a medical student at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM) in California, she was introduced to CBD, or cannabidiol, as a possible salve for her pain.
At 17, she was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a condition that grew progressively worse during her college years, leaving her body stiff and painful. She tried a series of failed treatments—from physical therapy to muscle relaxers, epidurals to opioids—but nothing worked.
As a medical student at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM) in California, she was introduced to CBD, or cannabidiol, as a possible salve for her pain.
Fearing license issues, depressed doctors don't get help
In an essay last year in the New York Times, Aaron E. Carroll, MD, wrote about his depression during residency and his reluctance to acknowledge it, even after peers and loved ones told him he needed help.
Why the hesitancy? Dr. Carroll asserts that the problem with physician depression is made worse by “a profession in which admitting a problem carries a stigma that can have more impact than in others.”
In fact, a recent survey of 2,100 female physicians on a closed Facebook group found that
Why the hesitancy? Dr. Carroll asserts that the problem with physician depression is made worse by “a profession in which admitting a problem carries a stigma that can have more impact than in others.”
In fact, a recent survey of 2,100 female physicians on a closed Facebook group found that
American Indian DO shares insights on working with Cherokee Nation patients
For Amanda Bighorse, DO, being named medical director of Vinita Health Center in Vinita, Oklahoma, was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
Ever since she was a little girl in rural Oklahoma, Dr. Bighorse knew she wanted to be a doctor. Growing up listening to her grandmother share stories of her father, who was a medicine man, and then watching her own father suffer through a fatal leukemia diagnosis, only served to strengthen her resolve to pursue a career in which she could help others heal.
Ever since she was a little girl in rural Oklahoma, Dr. Bighorse knew she wanted to be a doctor. Growing up listening to her grandmother share stories of her father, who was a medicine man, and then watching her own father suffer through a fatal leukemia diagnosis, only served to strengthen her resolve to pursue a career in which she could help others heal.
Residency and the social media dilemma: Advice from the trenches
First-year resident Amanda Ly, DO, is also a blogger who has over 50,000 followers on Instagram. But in the fall of 2017 when she was interviewing for residency spots, the social media influencer put all her accounts on hiatus or made them private.
Though Dr. Ly is careful to keep her social media posts positive and professional, she—like so many medical students going through the rigors of securing a residency—practiced extreme caution with her social media presence because she didn’t want to
Though Dr. Ly is careful to keep her social media posts positive and professional, she—like so many medical students going through the rigors of securing a residency—practiced extreme caution with her social media presence because she didn’t want to
Skipping class is the new normal. What does it mean for med school today?
As a second-year medical student, Brittney Kolb skips class sometimes—and her school is OK with that.
Kolb, who attends Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM), is part of a growing demographic of medical students who choose to watch recorded classroom lectures remotely, at their own pace, instead of attending class in-person.
Nearly a quarter (23.5 percent) of second-year medical students reported in 2017 that they “almost never” attended cla
Kolb, who attends Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM), is part of a growing demographic of medical students who choose to watch recorded classroom lectures remotely, at their own pace, instead of attending class in-person.
Nearly a quarter (23.5 percent) of second-year medical students reported in 2017 that they “almost never” attended cla
5 things to know about direct primary care
As a pre-med student, Matthew Abinante, DO, MPH, shadowed 10-12 physicians and each told him to not go into medicine due to their disillusionment with the profession.
For Dr. Abinante, who was passionate about his career choice, this level of burnout was disheartening. But the last physician he shadowed had a different story to tell. He loved what he did and told Dr. Abinante to definitely go into medicine. That physician practiced a version of concierge medicine for which he charged patients a
For Dr. Abinante, who was passionate about his career choice, this level of burnout was disheartening. But the last physician he shadowed had a different story to tell. He loved what he did and told Dr. Abinante to definitely go into medicine. That physician practiced a version of concierge medicine for which he charged patients a
How Simone De La Rue Conquered COVID Anxiety and Kept Her Fitness Empire Intact
Celebrity trainer Simone De La Rue, founder of Body By Simone, knows a thing or two about surviving.
Aledade thinks it can help your primary care practice save money - The DO
A mix of propriety tech, field ambassadors and upfront capital help to make Aledade more than an ACO-driven business.
Content editing - Personal finance for physicians and medical students
Money tips for each step of your medical journey
Making sense of your finances while in medical school and beyond can be daunting. Whether it’s advice on paying back loans, buying a new home or car, or basic money management, The DO has helpful money tips for doctors to provide assistance on each step of the way.
Here is a roundup of our top financial advice for physicians, residents and medical students alike.
1. Is a physician mortgage right for you?
DOs should consider the pros and cons of a doctor loan, a specialized home loan financin
Here is a roundup of our top financial advice for physicians, residents and medical students alike.
1. Is a physician mortgage right for you?
DOs should consider the pros and cons of a doctor loan, a specialized home loan financin
Buying a car? What new DOs should know before splurging on a set of wheels
Medical students and residents toil for years, learning their profession and delaying gratification. So, it’s no surprise that many newly minted DOs can’t wait to spend a buck or two.
“New doctors have a lot of pent-up consumption, so it’s natural that they would want to splurge a little,” says Chris Chen, a certified financial planner with Insight Financial Strategists in Waltham, Massachusetts.
A sparkling new luxury car often tops the list. Not only can a set of hot wheels feel like a well-
“New doctors have a lot of pent-up consumption, so it’s natural that they would want to splurge a little,” says Chris Chen, a certified financial planner with Insight Financial Strategists in Waltham, Massachusetts.
A sparkling new luxury car often tops the list. Not only can a set of hot wheels feel like a well-
6 smart ways to manage your student loans during residency
This story initially ran in The DO on Oct. 6, 2017, and was updated in June 2018.
When it comes to handling student debt during residency, flexible payment plans provide the option of paying now or later, but it’s important to factor in the trade-offs to determine what’s best for your situation.
In 2016, about 86 percent of new osteopathic medical school graduates were burdened by education debt, according to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Among gradu
When it comes to handling student debt during residency, flexible payment plans provide the option of paying now or later, but it’s important to factor in the trade-offs to determine what’s best for your situation.
In 2016, about 86 percent of new osteopathic medical school graduates were burdened by education debt, according to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Among gradu
Navigating the costs of OMS IV
The last year of medical school might seem like a time to exhale. After all, you’ll soon be out of school and into the real world, living out your dream of life as a doctor.
But some challenges still lie ahead, including years of residency, where you won’t make much money and will see your medical school debt continue to accrue interest.
The fourth year of medical school is also filled with hurdles. During this time, you need to take some key—and expensive—tests. You also might have to pay for
But some challenges still lie ahead, including years of residency, where you won’t make much money and will see your medical school debt continue to accrue interest.
The fourth year of medical school is also filled with hurdles. During this time, you need to take some key—and expensive—tests. You also might have to pay for
How to finish medical school with less debt
Paying for medical school is one of the biggest challenges medical students face. The costs can be astronomical, leaving new graduates hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.
Fortunately, there are many options for trimming the bill. Some of the best include the following:
Scholarships can be a game-changer for medical students who are hoping to keep the cost of DO schooling reasonable.
To learn more about available scholarships, check with your school’s financial aid office. Schools typi
Fortunately, there are many options for trimming the bill. Some of the best include the following:
Scholarships can be a game-changer for medical students who are hoping to keep the cost of DO schooling reasonable.
To learn more about available scholarships, check with your school’s financial aid office. Schools typi
Why your FICO credit score matters so much
For thousands of new doctors of osteopathic medicine, student loan debt is a heavy burden.
In 2016, new osteopathic physicians who borrowed to pay for school carried roughly $240,000 in debt into their careers, according to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
If handled badly, that mountain of debt can severely hurt your credit score. This matters because you need a solid credit score to get the best rates on a mortgage or car loan.
By far the most commonly used cred
In 2016, new osteopathic physicians who borrowed to pay for school carried roughly $240,000 in debt into their careers, according to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
If handled badly, that mountain of debt can severely hurt your credit score. This matters because you need a solid credit score to get the best rates on a mortgage or car loan.
By far the most commonly used cred
Budgeting after your first doctor paycheck
Getting that first big paycheck after your residency is rightfully a cause for celebration. You might even want to treat yourself for a job well done. But managing your money and mapping financial goals should take priority over instant gratification.
“The initial reaction when you get your first paycheck is to want to reward yourself, but it’s important to stay modest,” says Roozehra Khan, DO, critical care attending physician at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
“The initial reaction when you get your first paycheck is to want to reward yourself, but it’s important to stay modest,” says Roozehra Khan, DO, critical care attending physician at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Is a physician mortgage right for you?
For a new doctor eager to buy a home but carrying the weight of student debt, a physician mortgage can be a springboard for entering the housing market.
With such a mortgage, also known as a doctor loan, the underwriting process is more lenient compared with a conventional loan. But consider the pros and cons before signing on the dotted line to make sure this option is right for you.
“The main advantages of doctor loans are access to financing with little to no money down and no required priv
With such a mortgage, also known as a doctor loan, the underwriting process is more lenient compared with a conventional loan. But consider the pros and cons before signing on the dotted line to make sure this option is right for you.
“The main advantages of doctor loans are access to financing with little to no money down and no required priv
Nutrition content
Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.
Why Sourdough Bread Is Secretly Healthy
Keri Says: Though it’s comparable to a regular slice of white bread in the amount of calories, carbs and fiber, sourdough is lower in sugar and higher in protein, which gives it a leg up.
Traditional white bread is usually made with sugar, canola oil, and dried, preserved yeast to leaven the dough.
Sourdough bread, on the other hand, is typically made with no sweeteners or oils. Instead of using baker’s yeast, it relies on a starter, which is a combination of water and flour that ultimately po...
Traditional white bread is usually made with sugar, canola oil, and dried, preserved yeast to leaven the dough.
Sourdough bread, on the other hand, is typically made with no sweeteners or oils. Instead of using baker’s yeast, it relies on a starter, which is a combination of water and flour that ultimately po...
The anti-inflammatory diet: 5 things to know - The DO
Treat low-grade chronic inflammation with the right foods. Help your patients improve their health and well-being while reducing the risk of disease
Intermittent fasting: Can we fast our way to better health? - The DO
Our ancestors practiced intermittent fasting due to food scarcity, but this ancient survival adaptation might also serve as a tool for improving patient health.
The keto diet: 5 fast facts - The DO
This popular diet has been used to treat epilepsy and may improve insulin sensitivity, but it has its downsides, too.
5 myths about whole-food plant-based diets debunked - The DO
Do you think plant-based diets are unsatisfying and short on protein? You’re not alone–and you’re also incorrect, says lifestyle medicine doctor Colin Zhu, DO.
A chronic disease epidemic is plaguing the health of Americans. Many of these illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be prevented or alleviated with lifestyle changes.
A chronic disease epidemic is plaguing the health of Americans. Many of these illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be prevented or alleviated with lifestyle changes.
Thyroid Disease and Diet: Managing Symptoms With the Right Nutrients
As a health practitioner, you likely often hear from clients that they’re having a tough time losing weight due to what they think is an issue with their thyroid. That’s certainly a possibility since the thyroid plays a profound role in regulating our metabolism by secreting important hormones that control it and thereby nearly every cell and organ in our body.
And since 12 of every 100 U.S. adults develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime—with 60% of them undiagnosed—it’s worth versing
And since 12 of every 100 U.S. adults develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime—with 60% of them undiagnosed—it’s worth versing
Healthy Eating for Diabetes: The Best Nutritious Snacks and Tasty Breakfast Ideas
If you’re living with diabetes, the biggest hurdle is often knowing what to eat and what not to eat—especially when it comes to snack time and breakfast.
Choosing foods that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats is essential. These foods will work hard to help keep blood sugar levels where they need to be.
Read up on what diabetes is, how to help control it with healthy snacks, and some delicious breakfast ideas to start the day off right.
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes (
Choosing foods that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats is essential. These foods will work hard to help keep blood sugar levels where they need to be.
Read up on what diabetes is, how to help control it with healthy snacks, and some delicious breakfast ideas to start the day off right.
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes (
UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence
Abbott sponsors these global awards honoring excellence in laboratory medicine. I led content creation and print and digital production for Modern Healthcare's Custom Content Studio.
UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence: Celebrating the 2024 Winners
The UNIVANTS awards are a prestigious global program created by Abbott in partnership with leading healthcare organizations across the globe with a common vision to inspire and celebrate healthcare excellence.
Early diagnosis of maternal cytomegalovirus for improved management and reduced risk of fetal transmission and complications
Babies born with a CMV infection or congenital CMV can be at higher risk for serious complications. Congenital CMV is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disabilities in children. Despite this, congenital CMV is often under-recognized by many health authorities and remains relatively unknown to the public.
Innovation and the evolving role of lab medicine are driving measurably better healthcare
Modern Healthcare President Dan Peres talks with Dr. Alexander Carterson of Abbott about the importance of innovation in healthcare, the evolving role of laboratory medicine, and the need for collaboration.
Getting to zero harm in controlled substance prescribing: Increasing the accuracy of prescription compliance monitoring through enhanced drug testing support
An innovative prescription compliance monitoring program was created as part of a larger statewide strategy to combat opioid addiction in Ohio.
Enhanced Resource Utilization, Reduced Waste, and Expedited Transplantation Through Real-Time Donor Screening for Infectious Disease
Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) have a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in facilitating organ and tissue transplantation. Transplantation can be a life-saving intervention for individuals with organ failure or severe organ dysfunction.
Checking In with Dan Peres featuring Dr. Alex Carterson
Healthcare innovation is critical to addressing care gaps and maximizing health delivery and outcomes. In this webcast, Abbott’s Dr. Alexander Carterson and Modern Healthcare’s Dan Peres discuss recent examples of innovation in healthcare excellence – including the multidisciplinary approach needed to make it happen.
Passion, Perseverance and the Power of Bold Diagnostics
Each year, the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence awards recognize exemplary teams who reach across disciplines to boldly transform healthcare. This year’s winners include experts spanning the globe – from the U.K. to Malaysia to the U.S. – who tackled the challenges before them with passion, perseverance and partnerships.
Branded consumer health content
The Mediterranean diet: 5 fast facts
The Mediterranean diet, part of a category known as heart-healthy diets, derives from culinary cultures of Greece, Spain and Italy. It is also a model for healthy, balanced and communal eating. Below are five things to know before diving in.
• Increase heart-healthy foods: This diet emphasizes increased intake of legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and olive oil. It also allows for moderate consumption of fish and poultry, with very limited red meat, processed foods and salt.
• Drink
• Increase heart-healthy foods: This diet emphasizes increased intake of legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and olive oil. It also allows for moderate consumption of fish and poultry, with very limited red meat, processed foods and salt.
• Drink
Intermittent fasting: Can we fast our way to better health?
Diet trends come and go, but the newest dietary craze—intermittent fasting—can actually trace its roots to the days of the caveman.
Our ancestors practiced intermittent fasting (IF) due to food scarcity, but this ancient survival adaptation might also serve as a tool for improving health. Recent short-term studies have shown intermittent fasting’s potential for improving many critical health markers.
“Intermittent fasting can be an e
Our ancestors practiced intermittent fasting (IF) due to food scarcity, but this ancient survival adaptation might also serve as a tool for improving health. Recent short-term studies have shown intermittent fasting’s potential for improving many critical health markers.
“Intermittent fasting can be an e
The keto diet: 5 fast facts you should know
The ketogenic diet is an ultra-low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has been in use for decades to treat certain medical conditions. Today, adherents claim that it will help you drop pounds while boosting your energy levels and controlling your blood sugar. Its promise of fast and aggressive weight loss is a compelling one in our world of quick fixes, but the ketogenic diet can be complicated in its execution and the research of its long-term benefits
5 myths of whole-food plant-based diets debunked
As chronic illnesses increasingly affect more Americans’ health, the link between dietary habits and disease prevention is gaining traction in the U.S. health care arsenal.
For Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, an osteopathic family physician who practices lifestyle medicine, the path forward is clear. Dr. Zhu is a bold advocate for teaching healthier eating, exercise and stress management to patients.
“We’re living in an age of chronic disease that is plaguing our nation and contributing to diabetes, hypert
For Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, an osteopathic family physician who practices lifestyle medicine, the path forward is clear. Dr. Zhu is a bold advocate for teaching healthier eating, exercise and stress management to patients.
“We’re living in an age of chronic disease that is plaguing our nation and contributing to diabetes, hypert
Transgender youth: A parents' guide to helping their child transition
Since a very young age your son has played dress-up in his sister’s clothes. He always preferred playing with girls over boys and has repeatedly told you that he wants to be a girl. Lately, he’s begun insisting that he is a girl. What is going on? Your son may have gender dysphoria.
Gender dysphoria is broadly defined as a conflict between a person’s gender identity and their sex or anatomy assigned at birth.
“Gender dysphoria is emotional turmoil that transgender people feel,” says Dr. Laura
Gender dysphoria is broadly defined as a conflict between a person’s gender identity and their sex or anatomy assigned at birth.
“Gender dysphoria is emotional turmoil that transgender people feel,” says Dr. Laura
Infectious mono: More than the 'kissing disease'
Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is often called the “kissing disease” because the virus can be easily transmitted by kissing.
While the most common way for the virus to spread is, indeed, through saliva, you don’t have to kiss someone with an active strain of it in order to contract it. It can also be transmitted by activities like sharing drinks and using another person’s utensils, or through blood and other bodily fluids.
Being exposed to
While the most common way for the virus to spread is, indeed, through saliva, you don’t have to kiss someone with an active strain of it in order to contract it. It can also be transmitted by activities like sharing drinks and using another person’s utensils, or through blood and other bodily fluids.
Being exposed to
Perimenopause: A call to recognize 'reverse puberty' in women
The slow reduction of estrogen and progesterone that leads to the end of menstruation and beginning of menopause marks a significant mental, physical and emotional shift for women.
Perimenopause, which comprises the decline and end of a woman’s ability to reproduce, may extend for years. The transition often causes irregular cycles, extreme bleeding, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, migraine headaches, brain fog, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), night sweats and more.
“We downplay how m
Perimenopause, which comprises the decline and end of a woman’s ability to reproduce, may extend for years. The transition often causes irregular cycles, extreme bleeding, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, migraine headaches, brain fog, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), night sweats and more.
“We downplay how m
Tick season: Practice vigilance in the fight against tick-borne illnesses
Warm weather means more time spent outdoors making memories. But if your adventures include time hiking in the woods or tall grass, you should be wary of ticks and their highly infectious bites, which can cause illnesses including Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S.
Lyme disease cases exploded in the U.S. over the last two decades and experts warn that this year could shape up to be a bitter on
Lyme disease cases exploded in the U.S. over the last two decades and experts warn that this year could shape up to be a bitter on
Water safety: Drowning prevention strategies that could save a life
When a powerful riptide swept away six members of a Florida family plus four other swimmers, beach goers formed a human chain and rescued them.
The incident in Panama City Beach, Florida, where no lifeguard was on duty, made news around the country thanks to its feel-good vibe of strangers helping save the lives of other strangers. But it also serves as a cautionary tale on the risks associated with large bodies of water and mistakes people make in them.
“Never enter the water to save someone
The incident in Panama City Beach, Florida, where no lifeguard was on duty, made news around the country thanks to its feel-good vibe of strangers helping save the lives of other strangers. But it also serves as a cautionary tale on the risks associated with large bodies of water and mistakes people make in them.
“Never enter the water to save someone
A heart transplant survivor, ER doctor champions awareness
Alin Gragossian, DO, nearly died last December at the age of 30. An osteopathic physician in an emergency medicine residency program, she knew the signs of heart failure. Yet she mistook her own for common ailments.
Dr. Gragossian had always been active and healthy. When a cough continued for more than a month and she became easily winded, she attributed these changes to high levels of stress and a common cold. But after symptoms persisted beyond the two-month mark, she requested a chest X-ray.
Dr. Gragossian had always been active and healthy. When a cough continued for more than a month and she became easily winded, she attributed these changes to high levels of stress and a common cold. But after symptoms persisted beyond the two-month mark, she requested a chest X-ray.
5 things to know about sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect any organ. Most people who have sarcoidosis have few signs of the disease. It is most often diagnosed when a chest x-ray is done for another reason, and is found to be abnormal. However, because sarcoidosis can affect the entire body, a wide variety of symptoms may be seen with the disease, including fatigue, night sweats, headaches, joint pain and more.
Sarcoidosis is no longer considered a rare disease
Sarcoidosis is no longer considered a rare disease
4 ways to spring into better health
Baseball players aren’t the only ones getting their groove back during spring training. For the rest of us, spring provides an opportunity to reassess, restructure and revitalize our lives—often after a season of hibernation. Below are four tips from osteopathic physicians to help you emerge from winter healthier in mind, body and spirit.
Cabin fever has you ready to hit the tennis courts and running trails but it’s important to ease into new exercise routin
Cabin fever has you ready to hit the tennis courts and running trails but it’s important to ease into new exercise routin
Treating chronic pain the osteopathic way
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans each year. Managing chronic pain without the use of opioids and other painkillers is possible for some patients.
William Welches, DO, a family physician at Cleveland Clinic’s Pain Management Clinic, helps his patients manage their pain through lifestyle modifications and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) with the goal of leaving their medications behind.
“Chronic pain is a huge problem and it’s getting worse due to the aging population,” Dr. We
William Welches, DO, a family physician at Cleveland Clinic’s Pain Management Clinic, helps his patients manage their pain through lifestyle modifications and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) with the goal of leaving their medications behind.
“Chronic pain is a huge problem and it’s getting worse due to the aging population,” Dr. We
Lupus and you: What you need to know
Lupus affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans though most people know very little about the disease, which can be difficult to diagnose.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), known simply as lupus, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems—including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
“Most people
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), known simply as lupus, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems—including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
“Most people
Knowledge is power: 5 things to know about diabetes
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and World Diabetes Day has been recognized on Nov. 14 every year since 1991. It was created by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. The campaign’s theme for 2017 is Women and Diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too
Prom prep: Health and safety tips for your teen
Prom season means glamorous attire, limousines and late curfews for many high school students. It’s also the perfect opportunity to talk with teens about health and safety concerns around this big night.
Jennifer Caudle, DO, an osteopathic family physician and associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, has advice on the health hazards associated with this traditional rite of passag
Jennifer Caudle, DO, an osteopathic family physician and associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, has advice on the health hazards associated with this traditional rite of passag