Juggling appointments, insurance details and medical advice can already be stressful without dealing with a medical condition or concern. According to a recent study , it’s a common feeling for Americans as more than 60% are stressed and confused when navigating the health care system. Taking control of your health care journey starts with being proactive and having open communication with your health care clinicians. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or just following up with your primary care provider, here are 9 tips to empower you when handling your health. 1. Educate yourself

Join us for Specialty Medicine for Primary Care Providers on Wednesday, April 30, at the Memorial Learning Center. This conference will feature presentations from experts across internal medicine specialties, offering primary care providers valuable updates and advanced insights. This event has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ . Register by April 23. For more information, please call 217.545.7711 or email ocpd@siumed.edu .

Session 2: Cultivating Communications This is the second session of the Farm Succession Virtual Series, designed to help farmers and farm families plan for their farm’s future. The series addresses key aspects of creating a succession plan, effective communication, and preparing the next generation for leadership. In this session, "Cultivating Communications," we’ll explore how to hold effective farm meetings. Topics include the types and purpose of meetings, who should be involved, and strategies for navigating differences within the family. About the series More than 70% of farmland in

Session 2: Cultivating Communications This is the second session of the Farm Succession Virtual Series, designed to help farmers and farm families plan for their farm’s future. The series addresses key aspects of creating a succession plan, effective communication, and preparing the next generation for leadership. In this session, "Cultivating Communications," we’ll explore how to hold effective farm meetings. Topics include the types and purpose of meetings, who should be involved, and strategies for navigating differences within the family. About the series More than 70% of farmland in

Session 2: Cultivating Communications This is the second session of the Farm Succession Virtual Series, designed to help farmers and farm families plan for their farm’s future. The series addresses key aspects of creating a succession plan, effective communication, and preparing the next generation for leadership. In this session, "Cultivating Communications," we’ll explore how to hold effective farm meetings. Topics include the types and purpose of meetings, who should be involved, and strategies for navigating differences within the family. About the series More than 70% of farmland in

Session 2: Cultivating Communications This is the second session of the Farm Succession Virtual Series, designed to help farmers and farm families plan for their farm’s future. The series addresses key aspects of creating a succession plan, effective communication, and preparing the next generation for leadership. In this session, "Cultivating Communications," we’ll explore how to hold effective farm meetings. Topics include the types and purpose of meetings, who should be involved, and strategies for navigating differences within the family. About the series More than 70% of farmland in

Session 1: Planting the Seeds This is the first session of the Farm Succession Virtual Series, designed to help farmers and farm families plan for their farm’s future. The series addresses key aspects of creating a succession plan, effective communication, and preparing the next generation for leadership. In this session, "Planting the Seeds," you’ll learn the basic steps to creating a succession plan and the key considerations to guide your family and farm toward a successful transition. About the series More than 70% of farmland in America is expected to transfer ownership in the next 15–20

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant aims to support long-term success

For more than two years, Frank Vala endured excruciating back pain that interrupted his life, making even simple activities feel impossible. After two surgeries and multiple injections that failed to bring him relief, his hope was dwindling. But Vala’s journey took a positive turn when he found SIU Medicine and surgeon Dr. Bruce Frankel, whose advanced techniques offered a new path to recovery.

For more than two years, Frank Vala endured excruciating back pain that interrupted his life, making even simple activities feel impossible. After two surgeries and multiple injections that failed to bring him relief, his hope was dwindling. But Vala’s journey took a positive turn when he found SIU Medicine and surgeon Dr. Bruce Frankel, whose advanced techniques offered a new path to recovery.