Abdul Swied, MD , an advanced endoscopist in SIU’s Division of Gastroenterology, has begun using the world’s first single-use duodenoscope approved by the FDA. The Boston Scientific EXALT Model D is a disposable ErCp scope used to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts and treat severe, often life-threatening conditions. Dr. Swied is the first physician in Illinois and Missouri to use the revolutionary scope. Its single-use design eliminates the need for reprocessing and repairs, and minimizes infection risk to patients. “We have come to another technological crossroad in health care that will

Abdul Swied, MD , an advanced endoscopist in SIU’s Division of Gastroenterology, has begun using the world’s first single-use duodenoscope approved by the FDA. The Boston Scientific EXALT Model D is a disposable ErCp scope used to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts and treat severe, often life-threatening conditions. Dr. Swied is the first physician in Illinois and Missouri to use the revolutionary scope. Its single-use design eliminates the need for reprocessing and repairs, and minimizes infection risk to patients. “We have come to another technological crossroad in health care that will

SPRINGFIELD – Area farmers who need someone to talk to about the everyday stresses of farming and pandemic-related challenges now have a new resource. A new helpline ( 1-833-FARM-SOS ) will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative. In addition to the helpline, the initiative offers ongoing outreach, education and training to rural partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families. Free webinars and trainings on psychological signs of stress and Mental Health First Aid offer program participants skill-building tools to

SIU Medicine will continue regular COVID-19 testing for the Springfield community in November. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, the testing operation will continue to be hosted by Abundant Faith Christian Center located at 2525 Taylor Ave. Mondays: 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays: 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. Thursdays: 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26) On Fridays, the testing operation is hosted by other area congregations. November 6, 9 am – noon at Iglesia Yo Se Que Mi Redentor Vive, 3201 S Douglas Ave. November 13, 9 am – noon at Pleasant Grove Baptist

Neurons are the cells responsible for communicating important information to different areas of the brain. They use various chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, to pass information to one another. The most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain is glutamate, a chemical on-switch that allows neurons to generate activity in other neurons. The brain needs glutamate for many different functions, including learning and memory. Still, too much of a good thing can become harmful— as is the case with this neurotransmitter. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the brain accumulates too much glutamate

At SIU Medicine’s Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, we are committed to the care for our patients and their families – especially during the pandemic. We understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations. Our teams have worked tirelessly to stay safe for you. We incorporated telehealth and other virtual interactions for your visits and community programs, and have continued research efforts to find better treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. In this video Dr. Harry Lausen, chief medical officer, and Cindy Womack, nurse practitioner in the Center for Alzheimer’s Disease

Oct. 6, 2020 — SPRINGFIELD, IL - Family physicians in several Illinois communities are hosting students from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine through October 23. The students are participating in the school’s Family Medicine Preceptorship Program. The experience provides an opportunity for students to use their medical knowledge in a clinic setting under the supervision of an experienced physician. The students choose from more than 160 family practice physicians in Illinois for their preceptorship experience. They will graduate from medical school in May 2022, then pursue

SPRINGFIELD – Most people follow public health advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but many continue to ignore the warnings. As flu season approaches, taking precautions to prevent illness is more important than ever. Leaders with five local health organizations met Monday morning at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health to encourage the public to not avoid or delay getting their flu shots this season. “This year more than ever, we should all be aware of what we can do to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like influenza and COVID-19,” said Dr. Raj Govindaiah, senior