I’m Dr. Celina Miller, a pediatrician with Centegra Physician Care. Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, is a serious respiratory infection that affects people of any age, but is especially dangerous for affected infants, who may suffer permanent disability or … Continue reading →

This year, national experts recommend everyone older than six months receives a flu vaccination. I’m Dr. Piush Patel, an internal medicine physician with Centegra Physician Care. This year’s flu vaccine consists of one H1N1 strain from last year’s vaccine, plus … Continue reading →

More than 2 million men in the United States are prostate cancer survivors. It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and prostate cancer screenings.Many doctors recommend men receive an annual blood test called a Prostate-Specific … Continue reading →

I’m Dr. Ann Dilla, a family practitioner with Centegra Primary Care. I talk to my patients about the importance of wearing helmets every time they get on their bicycles.Bike helmets are the most effective way to reduce head injuries and … Continue reading →

Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that is more treatable when caught early. The best way to catch skin cancer is to see a dermatologist for regular skin exams and to perform monthly self-exams to look for … Continue reading →

Women in greater McHenry County benefit from state-of-the-art robot-assisted hysterectomies available at Centegra Hospital-McHenry. During this advanced procedure, surgeons use the highly acclaimed da Vinci Surgical System to take minimally invasive surgery to the next level.The robot gives a surgeon … Continue reading →

It is estimated that 80 percent of all Americans will experience back pain sometime during their lifetimes and 90 percent of people who have back pain will recover within six weeks with non-surgical care. To help community members manage their … Continue reading →

Almost nine out of 10 cases of lung cancer are caused by tobacco smoke. The longer a person smokes and the more he or she smokes, the greater the risk for lung cancer. People who breathe secondhand smoke are also … Continue reading →

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is usually caused by a blow to the head or by violently shaking the head and upper body.Even if a person doesn’t lose consciousness from a concussion, the brain can still be … Continue reading →

In September Centegra Behavioral Health Services recognizes Recovery Month. Recovery Month promotes the community benefits of treatment for substance abuse and mental disorders. We celebrate people in recovery, and share the message that recovery in all its forms is possible.This … Continue reading →

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck that is in control of your metabolism. It is estimated that almost 60 million Americans have thyroid problems, but that only half of them are diagnosed.Whether a person’s thyroid is … Continue reading →

Colorectal cancer is a serious disease that is treatable when caught in its early stages. If you are older than 50, have a family history of cancer or if you smoke cigarettes, you should be screened for colon cancer.Talk to … Continue reading →

Memory loss can cause a person and his or her family to experience fear, concern, anger and grief. If you or your loved are having problems with memory, thinking, language, judgment or behavior, talk to a physician. Centegra Health System … Continue reading →

Help your family beat the heat and stay healthy while you enjoy outdoor activities this summer.To stay hydrated when you’re outside, drink water regularly. Encourage your kids to take water breaks so they stay cool.Use about a shot glass of … Continue reading →

If you suffer from back pain, neck pain, headaches or joint pain in the arms and legs, a chiropractor may be able to help. We use our extensive diagnostic skills and a drug-free approach to help restore the body’s mobility.During … Continue reading →

Do you have your eye on a fun time this Fourth of July? Keep in mind these tips to protect your eyes during the summer.Everyone who’s going outside should wear sunglasses. Choose shades that block 100 percent of UV-A and … Continue reading →

Are you a candidate for weight-loss surgery? The National Institutes of Health recommends surgery for people with a BMI greater than 40, or 35 if you have obesity-related problems. For most people, this means if you are about 100 pounds … Continue reading →

If you have ever felt an irregular heartbeat, you know it can be an upsetting experience. Many people have occasional irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias, but it is important to talk to your doctor if they occur frequently.Some people with irregular … Continue reading →

I’m a radiation oncologist, a cancer doctor who treats different forms of cancer with radiation. I work with a compassionate team right here at the Centegra Sage Cancer Center in Mchenry.I’m excited to discuss today, a state of the art … Continue reading →

We all like to believe that we can handle problems on our own. Though it usually begins as a solution to a problem, substance abuse often turns into a problem itself. As people spend more time, energy and money on … Continue reading →

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly. The National Stroke Association says the word FAST is an easy way to remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke.F is for face. Ask the … Continue reading →

Centegra Health System recognizes May as Mental Health Month. This year’s Mental Health Month theme is “Doing More for One on Four,” reflecting the reality that one in four American adults live with diagnosable and treatable mental health conditions.Too many … Continue reading →

Each year, 40 percent of U.S. heart attacks are fatal. A person has the best chance for a full recovery if he or she receives care within an hour from the start of a heart attack.I’m Dr. Irina Staicu, an … Continue reading →

The Centegra Wound and Hyperbaric Center specializes in treating chronic wounds that have failed to heal in one month or longer. Most of these involve the lower extremities and are associated with arterial or venous insufficiency or diabetes. Treatment options … Continue reading →

It is difficult to talk to your loved ones about dying, but the best time to discuss end-of-life care is when everyone is still healthy and well.I’m Paula Jackson, a critical care nurse at Centegra and chair of the Northwest … Continue reading →

There’s no place like home, especially when you’re recovering from an illness, injury or when dealing with chronic disease. Statistics show patients have improved healing in the comfort of their own homes. Centegra Home Health Care is dedicated to bringing … Continue reading →

With all the buzz about vitamin D, many people are confused about the importance of this vitamin. To raise community awareness about vitamin D and its role in the lives of people with cancer and chronic disease, Centegra Health System … Continue reading →

Centegra Health System and the new Centegra Gavers Breast Center use the latest technologies to detect and treat breast cancer. One of the medical imaging tools we use is magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, of the breast.MRI is a noninvasive … Continue reading →

If you have been bothered by frequent urination, the sudden and urgent need to urinate or you’ve suffered from the involuntary loss of urine, you may have an overactive bladder.Also called urge incontinence, this condition can seem to take over … Continue reading →