Vitals

Did you know 1 in 20 people in the United States develop hemorrhoids, and that roughly half of all people over the age of 50 have them? Despite being so common, many people are embarrassed to talk to their doctors about hemorrhoids, even though they are treatable. Indeed, hemorrhoids should be treated in some cases to alleviate symptoms and avoid rare but possible complications. 

SIU Medicine is home to a team of colon and rectal specialists who have access to the latest advances and research in gastrointestinal care. Our academic medicine facility bridges the gap between evidence-based practice and real-world application, and we'd be happy to help you or your loved one get the discreet and personalized care you need to find relief from hemorrhoids. 

More than 17 million Americans ─ about 3 of every 20 U.S. adults ─ experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes depression one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Amputations are more common than you may think. The Amputee Coalition of America estimates that there are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year within the United States and an estimated population of 2 million American amputees. That number is projected to increase to more than 4 million by the year 2050.

Someone once said “Time is funny stuff…you save it by spending it wisely.” Spend your time wisely by making sure your resolutions have purpose. The kind that offers you happiness, success, and fulfillment are going to be more realistic and obtainable for you. When thinking about changes to make for the New Year, focus on the behavior, rather than the outcome itself. Many people want to lose weight, but putting the effort into how to make that happen will have a better outcome. Resolutions should be actions that you are willing and able to change.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, also called glucose. There are two major types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes fail to make insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from blood into tissues where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, patients make some insulin, but not enough to overcome resistance to effects of the hormone in key organs such as muscle, liver and fat.

Some patients may bristle at the suggestion of a doctor’s visit through a video screen, but not Sergio “Satch” Pecori. When his SIU Medicine cardiologist, Dr. Abhishek Kulkarni, suggested a televisit to review test results from a recent procedure, there was no hesitation.

Gastroparesis isn't one of the most common health conditions around—about 10 men and 40 women out of 100,000 people have it. But it can be life-altering to anyone who has it. The gastroenterology team at SIU Medicine encourages you to spend a little time learning about gastroparesis, so you can talk to a doctor if you have concerns about this or any digestive health problems.