Radon is an invisible gas that can enter homes through cracks in the floors or walls. It causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. As part of SIU's autumn cancer prevention efforts, Simmons Cancer Institute staff distributed radon home test kits on November 30. There is no cost to area residents. Guests used the center's circular drive at 315 West Carpenter in Springfield for curbside pick-up.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, hosted by SIU Medicine, will be held on Thursday, December 8 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at 801 N. Rutledge St., on the second floor in the Bohn Nielsen Lobby. This networking event is free for all SIU Medicine employees, faculty and learners (badge required at check-in). The cost is $5 for Chamber members and $15 for non-Chamber members at the door. Hors d'oeuvres and bar service will be available for attendees. Please register online at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=lkdm6fiab&oeidk=a0… by Monday

After a farming accident, reconstructive surgeon Tim Daugherty saved a man's hand through "ectopic banking," a first in the Midwest.

After a farming accident, reconstructive surgeon Tim Daugherty saved a man's hand through "ectopic banking," a first in the Midwest.

After a farming accident, reconstructive surgeon Tim Daugherty saved a man's hand through "ectopic banking," a first in the Midwest.

After a farming accident, reconstructive surgeon Tim Daugherty saved a man's hand through "ectopic banking," a first in the Midwest.

After a farming accident, reconstructive surgeon Tim Daugherty saved a man's hand through "ectopic banking," a first in the Midwest.

Mel Kuntemeier is a caregiver and current volunteer at the Smith Alzheimer’s Center’s Beyond the Medical Center programs. If you would like to submit a question for the next column, please email care@siumed.edu.

The Smith Alzheimer's Center is excited to bring its Minds in Motion program, designed for persons experiencing memory loss or dementia and their caregivers, to the NAACP. From brain games, music, exercise, art and more, the goal of Minds in Motion is to have activities using all five senses to improve or maintain mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Stop by for light refreshments and an overview of the programs on Nov. 9. We're looking forward to meeting you and demonstrating this program firsthand! For more information about the event, please email care@siumed.edu or call 217.545