At the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health, we encourage women to take charge of their health.  By partnering  with their doctors, finding out their family medical history, educating themselves on health issues, and paying close attention to their bodies, women can live healthier lives.

Many major health conditions stem from lack of control over cholesterol, blood pressure & blood sugar. Management of these factors is vital to prevent Diabetes & Heart Disease, the two biggest conditions women should be concerned about for thier health.

Diabetes  affects over 8% of Americans each year, that’s 12.6 million women aged 20 years or older who have diabetes in the United States.  What’s worse, over 70 million people in the United States have prediabetes (according to the American Diabetes Association) This means an astronomical number of people are at a high risk for Diabetes and have no clue.   Get proactive about your health and regulary check your blood sugar, maintain a healthy diet, and stay physically active to reduce your risk.

Heart Disease is a leading killer in women.Women account for nearly half all heart attack deaths.  And although many women still think that breast disease is their greatest health threat, in reality, over a lifetime, heart disease kills five times as many women as breast cancer. A large factor of heart disease is cholesterol & blood pressure. Abnormal cholesterol levels such as high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Watch what Dr. Kathleen Drinan, cardiologist, shares about controlling your bad cholesterol.

Women and men are both likely to get affected by high blood pressure in their lifetimes.  For persons 65 & older, high blood pressure symptoms in women are seen to be more than in men.It is always recommended that by the time you touch 18 years of age you should get your blood pressure checked every two years. High blood pressure in women or men means having a pressure 140/90 or more. Hypertension can result in heart attack, stroke, eye and kidney problems and even heart failure.

To help women boost thier health,we’re offering free health screenings on Monday, May 23 at the Silver Cross Health Center in Homer Glen. Register today for a free cholesterol, blood pressure & diabetes screening.

If you’ve been sidelined by back pain, you’re not alone. Four out of five people experience back pain at some point, making it the fifth most common reason for visiting the doctor. Try these simple tips to help alleviate your back pain:

 1. Get more exercise. If your back is hurting, you may think the best way to get relief is to limit exercise and to rest. A day or two of rest may help, but more than that may actually increase your pain. Experts now know that physical activity helps ease inflammation and muscle tension by keeping blood and nutrients flowing to the affected area. When you exercise, always start and end with stretches.

2. Watch your weight. Extra pounds, especially in your midsection, can make back pain worse by shifting your center of gravity and putting strain on your lower back. Staying within 10 pounds of your ideal weight will help control back pain. Click here for tips on weightloss.

3. If you smoke, stop. Because nicotine restricts the flow of nutrient-containing blood to spinal discs, smokers are especially vulnerable to back pain. 

4. Sleeping position.  Sleeping on your side with your knees pulled up slightly toward your chest is sometimes suggested. Prefer to sleep on your back? Put one pillow under your knees and another under your lower back. Sleeping on your stomach can be especially hard on your back. If you can’t sleep any other way, place a pillow under your hips. No matter how you sleep, a firm mattress is probably best. To firm up a soft mattress, you can place a half-inch-thick plywood board underneath.

5. Pay attention to your posture. The best chair for preventing back pain is one with a straight back or low-back support. Keep your knees a bit higher than your hips while seated. Prop your feet on a stool if you need to. If you must stand for a prolonged period, keep your head up and your stomach pulled in. If possible, rest one foot on a stool — and switch feet every five to 15 minutes. 

6. Be careful how you lift. Don’t bend over to lift heavy objects. Bend your knees and squat, pulling in your stomach muscles and holding the object close to your body as you stand up. Don’t twist your body while lifting. If you can, push rather than pull heavy objects. Pushing is easier on the back.

7. Avoid high heels. They can shift your center of gravity and strain your lower back. Stick to a one-inch heel. If you have to go higher, bring along a pair of low-heeled shoes and slip into them if you become uncomfortable.

8. Stash the skinny jeans. Clothing so tight that it interferes with bending, sitting, or walking can aggravate back pain by causing poor posture and misalignment of the spine.

9. Pick the right handbag or briefcase. Buy a bag or briefcase with a wide, adjustable strap that’s long enough to reach over your head. A messenger bag (like the ones bike messengers wear) is made to wear this way. Having the strap on the opposite shoulder of the bag distributes the weight more evenly and helps keep your shoulders even and your back pain-free. When carrying a heavy bag or case without straps, switch hands frequently to avoid putting all the stress on one side of the body. To lighten the load, periodically purge bags, cases, backpacks, and other carriers of things you don’t need.

10. Learn More. Join Dr. Chintan Sampat, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon, for a free discussion on Banishing Back Pain on Monday, May 16  from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1200 Maple Rd., Joliet. To register, click here.

Warmer weather usually reminds us that it’s time for summer. For some of us, it can be hard to be excited for all that summer has to offer if you are struggling with losing weight and staying healthy. Don’t fret, you can achieve your goals and take control.

In the video below, you’ll meet an inspirational husband and wife team who restored their marriage and transformed their lives by deciding to undergo bariatric surgery in 2009 with Dr. Joyce & Dr. Lahmann of BMI Surgery. Together they have lost over 295 lbs and have rejuvenated their love for life. Visit bmisurgery to learn more about how you can transform your life too.

Register today to attend a FREE seminar on Weightloss Surgery. Seminars are held every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in the Brown Cardiovascular Institute Lobby, which is located inside the Specialty Care Pavilion on the Silver Cross Hospital campus, 1300 Copperfield Ave., Joliet, IL 60432. Click here to sign up.

Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook for more videos on how weightloss surgery can transform your life!

RIC @ Silver Cross offers FREE pediatric speech and adult swallowing screenings throughout May. Call 815-740-7110 for your free appointment.

Swallowing, speech and hearing disorders affect 14 million Americans each year.     If you are experiencing Coughing during or right after eating/drinking, a wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating/drinking or are making an extra effort to chew or swallow,  a screening may help identify your problem.

“Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be helped,” says Kris Peters, Senior Speech Language Pathologist with RIC at Silver Cross Hospital. “Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, we can teach people strategies to help them cope and live more independently.”

Speech-Language Pathologists also provide services to those with speech-language disorders.  Speech and language disorders can take many forms and can limit academic achievement, social adjustment, and career advancement.   An individual may be born with a speech or language disorder, or it may be caused by accidental injury or illness.

 Children who suffer from any language delays according to basic development guidelines or due to hearing loss, mental retardation, speech or articulation delays, cleft lip and/or palate, voice disorders in which medical treatment has been attempted and residual voice training is needed or fluency disorders  such as stuttering should be treated. Individuals who are experiencing difficulty in swallowing due to neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke or surgery should schedule an appointment to be screened.

In honor of Better Speech and Hearing Month, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital will offer free pediatric speech and adult swallowing screenings throughout the month of May.  Call (815)740-7110 to make an appointment.

By: Tracy DeGraaf, The Laugh Anyway Mom

This morning, I got my second mammogram EVER (2 years overdue). Unfortunately, it was NOT at the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health!  Next time I will know better! I wish that there was an official “U.S. Department of Mammography” to which I could make a few suggestions. I should Google it.  If anyone asked me for my advice on how to improve the mammo experience, these would be my top 10………..

1. ASK if she has put on any deodorant BEFORE gripping her breasts in a vice, four times (front and side view on each side). Repeating this process once a year is bad enough! Repeating immediately because there is deodorant smearing the image should be actionable in court.
2. Provide mood music. Something from the Smashing Pumpkins would be great!
3. Place foil wrapped chocolate coins on the gown provided.
4. Roll out a red carpet leading to the screening room with a sign painted on the door, “Nude Photo Shoot In Session.”
5. Offer a large glass of wine and CARD HER!
6. Decorate the room with helium balloons and instruct the woman to inhale deeply and sing “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.”
7. When it is over, flash an “Applause” sign to those in the waiting area to thank her for coming.
8. Put fringe tassels on the little sticker things they put on each nipple.
9. Offer a “boobie prize” if she schedules next year’s appointment as she leaves.
10. Remind her that breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women and that mammography can increase survival rates by 50% in some cases. Early detection is the best chance a woman has for overcoming breast cancer. If you are reading this and are over 40 and have not had a mammo in the last 12 months, don’t wait another minute to call your doctor and get it done.

Request your appointment at the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health today!  Take advantage of getting your mammography screening for just $100 if you call (815) 740-7076 before June 30 to schedule your appointment.  Just mention SPECIAL MAMMOGRAM to receive the discounted price.  Please note that your insurance will not be billed.  Cash, check or credit card will be accepted at the time of your visit.

The odds of developing skin cancer increase with age. Other risk factors include having fair skin that freckles, a family history of skin cancer, and more than 50 moles. However, the most preventable cause of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure (both natural and artificial) has been proven to be the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. To help minimize your risk of skin cancer, try the following tips.

• Generously apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” sunscreen provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, whenever possible. 
• Seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade. 
• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen. 
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn. 

Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements.

Avoid tanning. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, try an alternative method such as spray tans.

Check yourself. A change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole or an unusual new mole is often the first sign of melanoma, the rarest but deadliest form of skin cancer. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

In honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness month, Silver Cross Hospital will offer free skin cancer screenings on Thursdays, May 5 from 4-5 p.m. and May 12 from 11a.m.-1p.m. at the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health. Register to attend here or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

• Real hair color
• $$$ spent shopping
• Current dress size
• LEAKY BLADDER—INCONTINENCE!

It’s the best kept secret between 13 million women across the country. And although common, many find it embarrassing especially when they cough, sneeze or exercise. Others find it uncomfortable or painful.

So why put up with a leaky bladder when help is available right here in Will County?  In fact, Silver Cross Hospital has several doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence, prolapse, and other pelvic floor disorders. There’s no need to suffer in silence any longer.

Click here for a free referral to a pelvic medicine specialist at Silver Cross Hospital OR take a FREE INCONTINENCE RISK ASSESSMENT today.

You’ll be glad you did tomorrow!

Lately, everywhere you turn people are telling you to be more “green”, but did anyone mention you should eat more green?? Most green vegetables, such as asaparagus, broccoli, or spinach, are low in calories, fat, sodium and contain healthy nutrients such as Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Fiber!

It’s easy to incorporate green veggies into your meals with these simple (and sneaky) tips:

Add asparagus and broccoli to your favorite stir-fry. Toss into a hot pan with olive oil and add other vegetables and rice.

• Lightly coat trimmed asparagus and broccoli stems with olive oil, sprinkle black pepper and sea salt and roast at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until tender-crisp. Serve this instead of chips or french-fries with your next meal.
• Skewer squash, zuchini, asparagus, and broccoli and brush on your favorite marinade. Grill for a few minutes and enjoy.

Try this yummy Asparagus Salad Recipe. Your family will love it!

Ingredients:

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

Place asparagus in 1 quart of boiling water for a minute. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. . In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to coat. Serve cold. Feel free to add other green veggies such as cucumber and spinach, or other ingredients such as walnuts, feta cheese, or sunflower seeds.

Serves 8.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 40                         Saturdated Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 3g           Cholesterol: 0mg

Protein: 2g                          Sodium: 90mg

Total Fat: 2.5 g

Our I Matter Partner, FSZ Contracting is offering a completely revolutionary service!  Take down and remove your above ground swimming pool, remove pool decks, fill-in pool areas with dirt or add sod over the old pool area for only $400.00!!!

Call Frank at FSZ Contracting (815) 478-5066 to schedule your consultation today. Hurry, this offer will end soon!

The start of warmer weather and longer days is a great time to renew not only yourself, but your home as well. Here are some tips to make Spring Cleaning your home quick and easy!

1. Deep-Clean Carpets, Rugs & Curtains