Health Quarterly October 2020
Special Supplement to the
October 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY
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COVID-19 VS. INFLUENZA: ARE YOU READY FOR COLD, FLU AND COVID SEASON? Article Submitted By: SIU Medicine October 01, 2020 | Vidhya Prakash, MD, FACP Did you know cold and flu season in America could last as long as October through May? With the season’s arrival, it is clear that the coronavirus pandemic has made things quite a bit different this time around. Read on to learn about similarities and differences between COVID-19 and the flu. It will help you know what to do if you or a loved one starts to feel ill.
COVID-19 and seasonal flu: how are they similar and
different? 1. The virus that causes COVID-19 is different from the virus that causes the seasonal flu. COVID-19 and the seasonal flu (also called influenza¬¬) are both contagious respiratory illnesses. But different types of viruses cause them. The influenza virus is made of many segments of genetic information (called RNA), which can get jumbled up and rearranged as the virus spreads. This can lead to new strains of the flu, which is generally what we see year to year. In comparison, the novel coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) has a sin-
gle segment of RNA, so it doesn’t have the chance to become a new strain every season. The coronavirus also gets into cells differently than the way the influenza virus does, which helps explain why popular flu drugs like Tamiflu don’t work against coronavirus. Check out this two-minute video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/embed/im28j7XcKPM 2. COVID-19 and the seasonal flu can be present with similar symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other experts believe both COVID-19 and the seasonal flu will both spread this fall and winter. Because the signs and symptoms of both of
these illnesses are so similar, it can be difficult to tell which type of illness a person has unless a doctor diagnoses them. According to the CDC, COVID-19 and flu symptoms include: • Fever • Chills • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fatigue • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle pain or body aches • Headache • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) Some people with COVID-19 also
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temporarily lose their sense of taste or smell. For both types of viral infections, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people may have no symptoms at all. Most people who get the flu and COVID-19 have mild cases and recover within a few weeks. People more likely to get severely ill with either illness tend to be older, have weak immune systems, and/ or have other underlying health conditions (called co-morbidities). And while a severe case of the flu or COVID-19 can lead to problems like pneumonia and respiratory failure, COVID-19 seems to be unique in that can also increase the risk of blood clots. 3. It can take longer for symptoms of COVID-19 to develop than it does for the flu—but in both cases, you can still be contagious even before you know you’re sick. According to the CDC, it usually takes about 1 to 4 days after becoming infected by the flu virus for a person to show symptoms. In comparison, it can take anywhere from 2 to 14 days after initial infection with SARS-CoV-2 to show signs of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 also appear to remain contagious for a bit longer than they would with the flu. It’s important to realize that for both the flu and COVID-19, a person can be contagious even while not showing any symptoms. 4. Vaccination for flu is available, not for COVID. Getting a flu vaccine every year is one of the best ways to avoid getting the flu. Even if you
contract influenza, your symptoms will likely be mild if you’ve had a flu shot. Because the coronavirus is new, there is no vaccine to protect us from it. While a vaccine is still being developed for COVID-19, we already have a vaccine for influenza. And there are no FDAapproved medicines specifically designed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Many are being investigated. 5. Keeping your immune system healthy may reduce your risk of both COVID-19 and the flu. Until then, wearing your mask, maintaining healthy hand hygiene, and practicing social distancing will help limit community spread, since both the flu and SARS-CoV-2 viruses spread the same way – in respiratory droplets created when an infected person talks, breathes or sneezes. You can also reduce your chances of getting sick by getting adequate sleep, exercising, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco products and managing your stress.
Are you ready for cold, flu and COVID Season? SIU Medicine is here to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this fall and winter and reduce your chances of falling ill. We prioritize peer-reviewed medical research, advanced clinical skills and patient-centered care to help us serve our community and help future generations of clinicians thrive. Contact us at 800.342.5748 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
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October 2020
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Article & Photo Submitted By: SIU Medicine October 21, 2019 | Swati Pathak, MD Breast cancer is the most prevalent kind of cancer affecting women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in females. One of every eight women will get this disease in her lifetime. Thankfully, most women can survive breast cancer if it is found early. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to stress the importance of detecting breast cancer to protect yourself and those you love. Talk with the women you know about the value of getting screened, and encourage them to get regular mammograms.
Breast Cancer Symptoms Every woman should know some basic information about breast cancer. The signs of it can vary. In fact, some people don’t notice any symptoms at all. Some of the more common ones are: • A new lump in the breast or underarm • Dimpling or irritation of breast skin • Swelling or thickening of an area of the breast • Nipple pain • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area • Pulling in of the nipple • Nipple discharge that isn’t breast milk • Pain in an area of the breast • Any change in the shape or size of the breast While these signs can occur with breast cancer, they can also happen with other problems.
Mammograms A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. It’s used to look for the early signs of breast cancer. These crucial tests can detect breast cancer up to three years before you can feel it, according to the CDC. After reaching a certain age, all women need to get mammograms. The American Cancer Society suggests screening mammograms for women
between 40-44 years of age and recommends women aged 45 to 54 to get them annually. Women 55 and older are encouraged to get them done each year or every other year. Screening should be maintained as long as you’re in good health and are expected to live for 10 more years or longer. The American Cancer Society suggests women aged 40 to 44 begin getting a mammogram every year. Women who are deemed high risk for breast cancer based on specific factors are encouraged to start getting a mammogram and MRI every year beginning at age 30. Finding breast cancer early and obtaining the best treatment are the most crucial strategies to prevent breast cancer deaths. Cancer is easier to treat successfully when it’s small and hasn’t spread. If you think you might have breast cancer or want to know more about screenings, contact the Breast Center at SIU Medicine. Our experienced doctors create customized, innovative treatment plans based on the latest cancer research from around the world.
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October 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY
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Suggestions for Family and Friends of Persons with Hearing Loss Article & Photo Submitted By: Central Illinois Hearing In my practice I hear from spouses and from hearing aid users that they still have difficulty understanding what people were saying. They are frustrated and blame the hearing devices for their inability to hear. When you have a hearing loss, listening is hard. Using hearing devices makes hearing easier, but not perfect. In counselling my patients, I explain hearing is a two-way street. There is a communicator and a receiver. Even though the receiver may
have helped themselves by getting hearing devices, they are not going to help understand the person who mumbles, speaks too soft for others to hear, the person who wants to talk and walk away in mid-sentence of the person who wants to have a discussion from another room. Hearing devices were not designed to assist in those type of situations and puts the hearing impaired person at a disadvantage in which they are blamed for not hearing what was spoken. Here are some tips for communicating with the hearing impaired, with or without hearing devices
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Be Polite, get my attention. Hearing impaired persons have to focus on what they are trying to listen to and cannot attend to voices out of the blue. Calling their name first will divert their attention and allows them to get ready to listen to what you have to say.
meant to be best understood one to one and in the same room.
Please be in the same room. Do not try to converse with a hearing impaired person from another room. It hinders persons even with normal hearing and even more from the hearing impaired. Conversation was
Reduce background noise. Reducing background noise can effectively improve speech understanding of those with hearing impairment. TV’s Motor noises, open car windows and appliances can add to the
Face Me. Hearing impaired can understand more easily if they can see your face as many read lips. Chewing gum, smoking or covering you mouth makes this difficult.
comprehension ability of the hearing impaired. Don’t talk fast. Hearing impaired person can understand best when a person speaks at a normal tone of voice at a slower rate of speech. Get their attention, take pauses after phrases, give them time to digest what was spoken, rephrase if necessary. It takes more time for a hearing impaired person to process auditory information and the slower the rate of speech, the better. The bottom line. Hearing
aids can greatly improve a hearing impaired persons ability to understand speech but it takes an effort on the person communicating to the hearing impaired person to maximize their understanding ability. It can be frustrating but remember “communication is a twoway street.” Dr David Groesch Central Illinois Hearing Jacksonville IL
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October 2020
UNDERSTANDING PCOS: SIGNS, CAUSES, AND TREATMENT Article Submitted By: SIU Medicine September 14, 2020 | Terah Holland, MD Have you heard of polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS for short? This condition affects a surprising number of women of childbearing age—about 1 in 10, in fact. However, even younger girls can be diagnosed. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and it can cause a number of other troubling issues for women and girls affected by it. At SIU Medicine, our women’s health team offers a variety of insightful and effective treatments and services to help women struggling with PCOS feel more in control of their reproductive health and family planning.
What Is PCOS? There’s no single test used to diagnose PCOS. Instead, doctors use a variety of tests and measures to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis. The condition is generally considered an endocrine disorder. It’s believed to be caused by hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body. Hormones at play may include:
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Estrogen and progester- The most common ones one, made by the ovary include:
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Luteinizing hormone, made by the pituitary gland
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Hirsutism (excessive hair growth in areas where men typically grow hair, including the upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen and/or back)
called androgens) Women with PCOS also appear more likely to be diagnosed with other health conditions including sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. As you can imagine, seeking proper medical care as soon as you notice any signs and symptoms of PCOS is important! It could save you or your loved one’s life.
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Insulin, made by the pancreas
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Testosterone, made by the ovaries and adrenal glands
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Hair loss on the scalp
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If these and other hormones in a woman’s body become imbalanced, PCOS can develop. This can cause a woman’s menstrual cycle to become abnormal and prevent an egg from developing or releasing properly during ovulation.
Skin darkening/hyperpigmentation (often around the groin, in the creases of the neck, and beneath the breasts)
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Moderate to severe acne
Treating PCOS at SIU Medicine
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Skin tags (especially around the neck and armpits)
Who Gets PCOS?
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Any woman who has gone through puberty can develop PCOS, no matter what her age. It’s not always clear what causes PCOS or why it happens, but research indicates certain women are at a greater risk of developing the condition if they:
Irregular menstruation cycles (e.g., unusually long or sporadically missing periods, or no periods)
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On ultrasound imaging the ovaries may be enlarged and have multiple cysts, which is how PCOS gets its name polycystic ovarian syndrome
The best treatment for PCOS is one that is individualized to meet the specific goals and needs of the woman diagnosed with the condition. Certain factors may affect a woman’s plan of care, including whether she wants to have children or not. Common treatment options include:
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Are obese
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Have diabetes
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Have a family history of PCOS
Common PCOS Signs and Symptoms Women with PCOS may present with a variety of unique symptoms and signs.
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Infertility
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Obesity
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Depression
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Lowered sex drive
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Abnormal lab tests (including elevated levels of certain hormones
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Medications to alleviate symptoms, restore hormonal balance (e.g., hormonal birth control), and improve blood sugar levels and other related issues Lifestyle modifications (exercise, diet, stress management, smoking cessation, etc.) to improve overall health, help manage
symptoms, promote a healthy weight, and avoid long-term health complications It’s possible for women with PCOS to get pregnant, though it may be more difficult. Having PCOS also increases the risk of complications like miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, macrosomia (unusually large baby). Working closely with an OB/GYN is important for expecting moms
who have PCOS.
Are You Concerned About PCOS Signs and Symptoms? Right now, there’s no cure for PCOS. But with the right treatment from a medical team you trust, you can live a full and fulfilling life! Call SIU Medicine today at 800.342.5748 to schedule an appointment with a women’s health specialist and gain back control over your reproductive health.
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October 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY
CEDARHURST of JACKSONVILLE Article Submitted By: Cedarhurst of Jacksonville Rest assured, we’re here to help. At Cedarhurst of Jacksonville we provide truly person-directed care, working hard to know each resident as an individual and providing them with care that’s as unique as they are. Our experienced and dedicated staff, firstrate amenities, beautiful environment and welcoming, supportive atmosphere make Cedarhurst a secure, enriching place to live. Here, individual attention informs almost everything we do. You can see it in the wide array of tailored activities and programs, designed to engage and delight. Hear it in the warm interactions between our compassionate staff and our residents. Taste it in a special dish prepared by our chef from a resident’s favorite recipe. And feel it in every apartment and every lively gathering space.
Assisted Living
Life Enrichment
Our approach to Assisted Living is shaped by respect and understanding of the unique lives of our residents. Together, we work with you, your family and your physicians to determine what aspects of your life you want or need additional assistance with. Our trained healthcare professionals use their expertise and genuine respect for our residents to serve you in ways that encourage independence, dignity and individuality.
At Cedarhurst, we provide an active, thriving lifestyle that keeps our residents engaged— physically, cognitively and emotionally. Everything on the schedule is driven by what our residents enjoy doing, and we’ve seen that residents who are actively engaged retain healthy cognitive skills, have higher self-esteem and even stronger immune systems. At Cedarhurst, active, joyful moments are part of the daily routine.
Memory Care
Proactive, Preventive Steps
As a Memory Care community, we not only take care of each resident’s needs, we provide important resources to treat memory loss. Only Cedarhurst cares for the memory of each resident with inclusive, custom-tailored programming versus traditional memory care. A physician and nurse practitioner see our residents every week and get to know them personally. Our staff is specially trained by a Certified Dementia Practitioner and takes continuing education modules focused on dementia.
At Cedarhurst of Jacksonville, our first priority continues to be constant protection of the health and wellbeing of our residents, families and employees. We realize that during these uncertain times, seniors and their families are looking for reassurance if they are considering making a move. We can help. We have secured on-site testing kits through our partnership with three private labs. Along with symptom screening residents twice a day and our employees when they arrive for work, we administer testing to residents or
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employees that show symptoms. And results are known within 24-72 hours. In addition to this important access to testing and our ongoing preventive measures, we are closely monitoring CDC and federal, state and local Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines for health and safety. Other Steps to Protect and Support our Residents: · Outdoor Family Visits: Practicing safe social distancing, we are hosting outdoor resident visits with friends and families · Connective Technology: Assures families and residents stay connected and informed about their loved ones’ ongoing care and wellness · Therapy Continues: Important therapy services are continuing, with adjustments designed to protect our residents. Through in-room therapy and social distancing practices, we are helping residents maintain their strength and wellbeing · Exceptional, Compassionate Staff: Our warm, welcoming staff values first names and personal relationships with residents
and their families too · Dining: Our meals continue to be fresh, healthy and delicious, but we have changed our dining practices to align with CDC guidelines regarding social distancing. Activities have been adjusted as well.
We’re Here to Help With exceptional staff, amenities, comfort and care, you can rest assured that Cedarhurst of Jacksonville will provide all life’s necessities, and more. If you have questions, we’re always here to help. Just call for more information. Signoff:
Cedarhurst of Jacksonville / Assisted Living & Memory Care / 2225 West Morton Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650 / 217-387-8685 / CedarhurstJacksonville.com
When it’s your loved one, decisions about assisted living or memory care are a challenge. That’s where we can help. Committed to your contentment, we offer you:
WORRY MEETS ITS MATCH.
• Our patient, undivided attention and straight talk; • An invitation to join your loved one in their new apartment for their first days after move-in; and • If all our efforts to satisfy fail you, a complete refund after 60 days should you decide to move out. JUST AHEAD: PEACE OF MIND. Schedule a confidential conversation or a Q&A Zoom meeting with our Executive Director – and make contentment happen. (217) 387-8685
WE PROMISE.
(217) 387-8685
2225 W. Morton Ave. • Jacksonville, IL 62650
If you’re not satisfied and decide to move out within your first 60 days, we’ll give you a complete refund.*
* Cedarhurst Promise™ program is only available at advertised community. Not applicable for respite or other short-term stays. Refund is available only if move out is a result of dissatisfaction with Cedarhurst community as documented throughout stay. Complete refund includes base rent, level of care charges, and community fee. Ancillary services fees (ex. additional transportation, pet fees and laundry charges) do not qualify for refund. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please contact community for additional details. Void where prohibited.
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October 2020
SIU WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER - JACKSONVILLE At SIU Medicine, we are moving women’s health care forward.
We offer more than routine care at a convenient location. We combine the expertise of our nationally recognized obstetricians and gynecologists with the compassionate, attentive care you deserve.
SERVICES OFFERED Gynecology
Comprehensive pregnancy Pregnancy care Care
Annual exams
Genetic testing
STI testing
Gestational diabetes management
Birth control
Sonography
Pelvic pain Menopause Minimally Minimally Invasive invasive Surgery surgery Urogynecological Care Urogynocological care
610 North Westgate, Jacksonville, IL | To make an appointment, please call 217.243.8455
October 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY
FOUR WAYS PETS CAN IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH Article & Photo Submitted By: Memori- your mental health: al Behavorial Health 1. More physical activity. Owning a pet Many people who have dogs, cats or other animal companions will tell you how much joy their pet brings them. There is also research that backs up the benefits of having a pet on mental health. “Many people are familiar with the benefits of therapy dogs that are trained to provide comfort and support at hospitals, schools and senior living communities,” said Kathy Burnet, LCPC Memorial Behavioral Health Counseling Associates. “But you may not be aware of the mental health benefits of having a pet at home. Owning a pet can improve your mood, reduce social isolation and help you to stay more active.” Here are some ways that a pet can improve
often means regular physical activity, particularly when walking a dog. Regular physical exercise can improve your physical health and your mental health. 2. Reduced stress. Interacting with and petting an animal produces a physiological response that reduces stress levels. 3. Build relationships. A pet can help you with relational development and increase your social network by interacting with other pet owners and your neighbors. 4. Alleviate depression. For people who have depression or a mood disorder, animal-assisted therapy is a treatment option.
™
Thank you for your patience during the pandemic. We’re still here for you, so please call us today for therapy and care information.
RESTORE THERAPY: Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy Easy Transitions from Hospital to Heritage, to Home Long-Term Skilled Nursing Medicare/Medicaid-Certified Respite Options Available
For our latest Covid-19 updates please visit our New Website or Like Us on Facebook!
873 Grove Street • Jacksonville, IL • (217) 479-3400 HeritageOfCare.com/Jacksonville
/HeritageHealthJacksonville
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October 2020
MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIES WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING Article & Photo Submitted By: Memorial Behavorial Health
increase in symptoms, which can be compounded by the addition of COVID-19 related factors.”
Social distancing and limits on social activities create new challenges for individuals struggling with existing or new mental health issues.
Those wrestling with newly diagnosed mental health issues and those experiencing mental health symptoms directly related to COVID-19 are faced with the challenge of a more socially closed-off world.
Previous interventions often recommended by mental health providers to combat depression or anxiety included reaching out to family or friends, engaging in social activities and other forms of self-care that aren’t as readily available in today’s COVID-19 world.
Gutierrez has found it helpful to encourage patients to adjust expectations of what self-care looks like today. He brainstorms ideas with patients and has found that previous “rainy day goals” provide a valuable tool.
end goal in sight.” Gutierrez stressed that for those with a history of suicidal ideation or attempts, it is vitally important to maintain scheduled contact with others whether on the phone, social media or within social distance guidelines. “Scheduled contacts benefit the individual who is assured that someone is concerned and available if help is needed,” he said. “The supportive individual benefits from monitoring the individual to identify issues before they reach a crisis state. Those having depression, anxiety or other symptoms are not weak or flawed. They just have difficulty coping with extraordinary circumstances.”
“These individuals discover that what was once a vital part of their recovery is now limited or unavailable,” said Jesse Gutierrez, LCSW, behavioral health consultant with Memorial Behavioral Health. “As a result, the individual may experience an
“Rainy day goals are those things people never found time to do pre-COVID-19,” he said. “This could include home improvement projects, putting together a family photo album or returning to a hobby or trying new hobbies. Often rainy day goals provide structure and purpose with an
PRAIRIE COUNCIL ON AGING has a few items of interest. For information on any of them call us at 217-479-4619 or visit our new website www. pcaging.com.
book, Instagram and Newspaper ads for the sponsors wanting you to call them directly or Grant Wilson 217-479-4619 ext 1106 for information.
Prairie Council on Aging or emailing bambir@pcaging.com You will learn stress management, relaxation, and coping techniques and strategies.
Stress Buster Class for Caregivers of those with dementia. Runs on Tuesdays from 2-3:30pm and is roughly 8 weeks long, FREE and at Prairie Council on Aging’s office, 800 W State Street, Jacksonville. Register by October 18 by calling
Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D starts Thursday, October 15, and we are now taking appointments – at no charge to you – to help you enroll with the best drug insurance. Call us to set up an appointment by phone or in person at the Prairie Council
Senior Day UN-Event, where we Don’t have to gather but still get information to the seniors of Morgan, Cass, Scott, Greene, and Jersey Counties. This year look on our brand New Website, Face-
If you or a loved one are considering suicide, please use the resources below. Call the National Suicide Pre-
vention Lifeline, 800-273-TALK (8255). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7, is free and confidential and provides support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved one. Take an online screening. Memorial Behavioral Health offers an anonymous, free mental health self-assessment. You’ll receive immediate, customized feedback as well as the opportunity to schedule an appointment for further evaluation if necessary. Contact a provider at Memorial Behavioral Health. Memorial Behavioral Health is providing telehealth and phone appointments with their patients. In addition, MBH has established an emotional support hotline, available at 217588-5509, to provide support to individuals who are experiencing anxiety or stress, even if they are not MBH patients. on Aging office in Jacksonville or at the Beardstown Senior Center. www.pcaging.com will give you local resources, volunteer and career opportunities, upcoming events, ways to donate, and more! Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ prairiecouncilonaging or Instagram page as well.
October 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY
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CELEBRATING BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS MONTH Article & Photo Submitted By: SIU Medicine August 27, 2020 | E. Ramsey Unal, MD, MSCR Every year in the first week of August, more than 120 countries around the world honor World Breastfeeding Week. If you’re a new mom or know a new mom, we invite you to spend this time learning more about this natural, nourishing, and important bonding opportunity between mothers and their infants. Supporting women and their breastfeeding goals promotes the health and well-being of our future generations, so the more
we all know about it, the better!
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Digestive enzymes
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Antibodies (immune cells) from mom
foods.
Every mom and baby are different, and feeding schedules (frequency Prenatal and pediatric health experts and duration) can vary. On average, agree: breast milk is the best nutrition Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the a woman who has reached full milk for infants in their first year of life. American College of Obstetricians and production will generally produce It’s packed with essential nutrients about 25 to 35 fluid ounces of breast that a young child needs to grow and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that infants are fed only breastmilk in milk every 24 hours, and newborns develop properly, including: their first six months. This is especially will feed every 2 to 3 hours. Generally speaking, the more a baby breast• Carbohydrates critical so babies have access to their feeds, the more breastmilk a mom’s moms’ extra-nutritious “colostrum,” • Fat the early milk produced during preg- body will make. Pumping (the use • Protein of a mechanical device used by a nancy and right after birth. Women • Vitamins new mom to extract milk from her should continue breastfeeding their • Minerals babies at least through their first year, breasts) can help ensure all the milk is produced; pumped milk can be even as they get introduced to new • Hormones
Breastfeeding: An Overview
stored in bottles and given later to an infant. For many reasons, some women are unable or choose not to breastfeed. Deciding whether to breastfeed involves highly personal decisions between mom and doctor. Our celebration of breastfeeding should never be misconstrued as a judgment against non-breast feeding mothers. While our team at SIU Medicine recommends that all new moms who can breastfeed do breastfeed, we understand in some cases a mom needs to make a different choice for herself and her family.
Dedicated to Keeping Families Connected • Private Suites • Private Dining • Separate Entrance • Long Term Care
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• Memory Care • Outpatient Therapy • Medical Transportation
620 W. Bridgeport St. • White Hall, IL 62092 Tel: 217.374.2144 • WhiteHallRehabCenter.com
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Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies (And Moms!) Aside from delivering essential nutrients, breastfeeding offers young babies a range of surprising health benefits, including: •
Increased rate of survival in first year of life
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Decreased risk of infections and illnesses, both in infancy and later in life (including infections, obesity, asthma, allergies, sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes and even certain types of cancer)
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Improved digestion (breastmilk is easier to digest than formula)
These beneficial effects are found in babies who are born prematurely or with special needs, in addition to babies who are born in typical health. By the way: moms benefit, too! Breastfeeding helps moms bond with their babies, recover from birth-related trauma, and even lower their risk of health conditions like type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer (breast, ovarian).
Common Challenges Faced by Breastfeeding Women We know how beneficial breastfeeding is. But it’s important to know breastfeeding comes with certain challenges, too. These
October 2020
include: •
Sore nipples
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Engorged breasts (breasts feel full and painful)
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Clogged ducts (this can feel like a tender lump in the breast)
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Mastitis (painful breast tissue infection, related to clogged milk ducts)
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Difficulty in getting a baby to latch
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Low milk supply
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Exhaustion and mental or emotional strain
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Stigma, judgment, or not having a private place to pump or breastfeed while at work or out in the community
These challenges are normal. No mom should ever feel that she’s “failing” if something isn’t going well with her breastfeeding. Working with a lactation specialist or doctor can be incredibly helpful for addressing any of the above challenges.
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Are You a Breastfeeding Mom? Our team at SIU Medicine is honored to be a part of a woman’s journey through motherhood. Contact us at 217-545-8000 to connect with an experienced team of OB/GYNs and other specialists who can help you and your baby thrive during this special time.
306A N. Westgate Ave. | Jacksonville, IL 62650 800–582–8667 | MemorialHomeServices.com THE JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITED AND LICENSED IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
For heart, stroke and emergency care: We’re Ready If you suddenly feel seriously ill or you’re experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, don’t wait. Go. At Passavant, our on-site team of doctors and specialists are equipped to provide seamless care when seconds matter. And we’re following the strictest protocols so you can feel safe seeking care.
Learn how we’re keeping you safe: 217-588-6200 • SafeWithMemorial.com