High Blood Pressure -- The incidence of high blood pressure is increasing in the U.S. and could in turn lead to more heart disease and strokes in Americans in the coming years. (text)

Older American’s Month -- Senior citizens can lead independent and active lives for a number of years. (text)

May 24

SIU School of Medicine Graduation -- The sixty-two new physicians graduating from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine heard remarks from the physician who leads a large clinic providing healthcare for working and uninsured people and the class chair. (text)

May 17

Skin Cancer -- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it can be prevented by avoiding over exposure to harmful ultraviolet light. (text)

Arthritis -- Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S. today. (text)

Stroke -- Each year about 700,000 Americans have a stroke and every three minutes someone dies of stroke. (text) 

Stress -- Stress is part of nearly everyone’s lives, but it can become chronic and cause health problems. (text)

Stuttering -- Parents should not panic if their preschool child is stuttering. (text)

Head and Neck Cancer -- Approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck area each year.  (text)

Nutrition -- An increasing number of Americans are being diagnosed with serious health conditions, some of which could be prevented or improved by eating a healthier diet. (text)

Teens and Alcohol -- Underage drinking is a serious problem in the U.S. and can be a threat to a teen’s health and development. (text)

Match -- Senior medical students graduating from SIU School of Medicine have again matched with competitive residency training programs for the next stage of their training. (text)

Bladder Problems -- Urinary incontinence is a common health problem for women of all ages, but many women are reluctant to discuss with their physician. (text)

Poison Prevention -- Each year, more than a million young children in the U.S. swallow or have contact with a poisonous substance. (text)

Colon Cancer Screening -- Colon cancer is the fastest growing type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., but it can be prevented. (text)

Infertility -- Infertility affects about every nine to ten couples in the U.S. (text) 

Minority Health -- Black Americans have more problems with disease than do other ethnic groups. (text) 

Cancer Screenings -- Deaths from the major types of cancer have declined in recent years, primarily because more people are being screened. (text)   

Tonsillitis -- Tonsillitis is one of the most common illnesses affecting children and teenagers and can cause a lot of pain and suffering. (text) 

Gestational Diabetes -- Diabetes is on the rise among all age groups in the U.S. including young pregnant women. (text) 

Cold Weather and Senior Citizens -- Cold temperatures can be dangerous for senior if precautions are not taken. (text) 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) -- If this winter you are feeling blue, gaining weight and waking up tired even though you might be sleeping more, you may have seasonal affective disorder. (text)

January 4

Tips for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions -- January is the time for making New Year’s resolutions, but some people struggle to be successful with them. (text)

Alcohol and Driving -- Driving under the influence of alcohol kills more than 13,000 people in the United States annually. (text) 

Helping Kids Get Through the Holidays -- All the excitement of the holiday brings interruptions in a child’s routine and can add stress for children and sometimes cause behavioral problems. (text)

Holiday Blues -- The holiday season can be a stressful and even sad time for some people, which may be caused by unrealistic expectations. (text)

Children’s Winter Safety Tips -- Winter weather causes safety concerns for infants and children, so special precautions should be taken to protect them from the elements. (text)

Pancreatic Cancer -- Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women and it is the fourth most leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. (text) 

Exercise and Cancer Survivors -- The effect of exercise in breast cancer survivors is being studied at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine as part of a nationally funded project. (text)

Healthy Eating for the Holidays -- Holiday gatherings mean good times with family and friends, but for many people with dietary concerns, these parties can play havoc with good eating intentions. (text)

Alzheimer’s Disease -- More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.  (text)

Lung Cancer -- Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer and the leading cancer killer in the United States. (text)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- Carpal tunnel syndrome in one’s wrist can cause much discomfort, and if not treated it may become so painful that it prevents people from performing even simple tasks at work or home. (text)

Stuttering -- Parents should not panic if their preschool child is stuttering. (text)

Flu Shots -- Influenza is more than just an inconvenience.  Flu can be a significant health threat for individuals of all ages, especially seniors and children who have other medical conditions. (text)

Breast Cancer -- Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in American women. (text)

New Depression Therapy --A new device for treating major depression is now available in Springfield. (text)

Prostate Cancer--Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, but it often can be successfully treated if caught early. (text)

Cholesterol Education--High blood cholesterol can increase a person’s risk for coronary heart disease, but a few lifestyle changes can lower one’s cholesterol level and improve health. (text)

Childhood Cancer--Because of better treatment methods, outcomes for childhood cancer patients have improved. (text)

Healthy Aging--Americans are now living longer.  For seniors to live longer and have a good quality of life, it is important that they maintain a healthy lifestyle and take some preventive measures. (text)

Bullying--Bullying can have harmful emotional, psychological and academic effects for children which could last a lifetime. (text)

Mary Dobbins, M.D., Psychiatry

Psoriasis -- Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that can cause some concern because some people believe it is contagious.  But it is NOT contagious and can be treated. (text)

Breastfeeding -- New parents always want to give their babies the very best.  When it comes to nutrition, the best first food for babies is breast milk. (text)

Pre-diabetes -- Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people, but it can be prevented. (text)