Ease into a fitness routine Steps to get started and keep at it page 10 Moving freely again Spinal surgery helps active woman get her life back page 4 Stay safe in the sun Sunscreen is a must-have for summer fun page 12 the Journey SUMMER 2022 HEALTH IMPAC TS EVERY STEP HEALTHCARE
2 RiversideHealthcare.org Women: Are you getting the ZZZs you need? Sleep is the foundation for mental, physical and emotional well-being. On average, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than two-thirds of women get enough sleep. Women are also more likely to have sleep issues than men, and oftentimes these sleep issues go unreported. “Women tend to not admit anything is wrong with their sleep, or they may present sleep issues differently than men, which can lead to them not reporting these issues with their doctor,” says Kathleen Gallagher, BS, RPSGT, Manager of the Riverside Sleep Center. Insomnia One of the most common sleep disorders impacting women is insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that hinders a person’s ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is the most common sleep disorder, but women are 40% more likely to experience insomnia than men. Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life—including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause—can change circadian rhythms and negatively impact sleep patterns. “If you were to look at sleep for an entire month for a woman, there’s really not a whole lot of great sleep in that timeframe, due to hormonal surges at different times,” Gallagher says. Snoring and sleep apnea Women also tend to underreport snoring or sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep, which can lead to snoring and gasping that interrupt sleep. “There’s a stigma associated with snoring that it’s not very ladylike and that only men snore, so women don’t tend to realize that their snoring could be related to sleep apnea,” Gallagher says. Obesity and age contribute to the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. When women go through menopause, hormonal changes can cause an increase in abdominal fat and also result in lower progesterone levels. These factors can increase the risk for sleep apnea for women. “Over time, sleep issues can lead to bigger health problems, even memory loss,” Gallagher cautions. “Women—do not be afraid to report snoring or other sleep issues to your doctor.” Tired of counting sheep? If you are facing sleep issues, talk with your doctor to see if a sleep study may help you. To learn more about the Riverside Sleep Center, visit RiversideHealthcare.org/sleep. Women are 40% more likely to experience insomnia than men. Kathleen Gallagher, BS, RPSGT
Summer 2022 3 THE JOURNEY is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of RIVERSIDE HEALTHCARE, 350 N. Wall St., Kankakee, IL 60901, telephone (815) 933-1671, RiversideHealthcare.org. HEALTHCARE Information in THE JOURNEY comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow Us Helping you be the healthiest you Welcome to another issue of The Journey. We’re grateful for the positive response we have received as we showcase the amazing work being done by our great staff. Additionally, we hope to share engaging and valuable information about what you can do to be the healthiest you. Good health makes the journey better for all of us, and that has certainly been the case for Sharon Monson, featured in this issue’s cover story. Someone who had always been very active, Sharon’s life was interrupted by back pain. She spent years searching for relief to the pain that was causing her to miss out on the many things she enjoyed. Finally, Riverside neurosurgeon Juan Jimenez, MD, and his team were able to provide Sharon the relief she sought. It ’s rewarding to know Riverside could play a part in the work Sharon did to reclaim the life she wanted. We are in the midst of an active season. I do hope, however, that you are able to take a few minutes to read about Sharon’s journey to an improved life and about other ways to help you get the most out of your journey. Best of health, Phillip Kambic, President and CEO, Riverside Healthcare EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PROJECT Phase 1 is done! Riverside Healthcare entered the next generation of emergency medicine on June 8, with the completion of phase 1 of the emergency department (ED) renovation. The first major change patients will notice is the new patient-only entrance, located by the A Entrance (South Entrance) of the hospital. The ambulance canopy is now for ambulances only. This feature enhances safety and security. With 35 patient care areas, Riverside’s new ED is better equipped to meet the needs of the community. Patient privacy was a priority in the new design, and now each patient room is private. There are also two consult rooms for families awaiting news about their loved ones. The new layout features six rapid assessment rooms to address minor procedures such as blood draws and stitches, which improves efficiency. Improved care for treating survivors of sexual assault was also part of the new design. A special treatment room offers extra privacy, including a private bathroom and shower. Additionally, the new ED features two adjacent trauma rooms connected with a physician pass-thru, allowing for staff to efficiently go from one trauma room to the other. Technology in the new ED is also a focal point. Each patient room has an outer screen alerting ED staff members of any special concerns regarding care, such as fall risk or allergies. The new ED is also able to become a negative pressure space to prevent the spread of airborne diseases, like COVID-19 or the flu. In phase 2 of the ED project, expected to be completed later this year, behavioral health rooms will be added. These can be converted to a safer, more secure environment for patients needing mental health care. For when to go to the emergency room or immediate care, see the article on page 16.
4 RiversideHealthcare.org For nearly two decades, a bad back kept Sharon Monson on the sidelines. “I missed out on a lot of things,” says the 39-year-old from Wilmington. Monson had always been active, whether playing bass in a rock band, figure skating or working challenging jobs. But in 2003, she awoke to excruciating back pain, the start of a long struggle with pain that affected nearly every aspect of her life. Monson had many back problems, including sciatica that sent shock-like sensations down her legs, osteoarthritis and a degenerative spine. Over the years, she had tried many nonsurgical treatments but could never completely escape her pain. Last summer, she met with Riverside neurosurgeon Juan Jimenez, MD, in hopes of finally finding relief. with her life again Moving forward Spinal surgery relieves years of one woman’s debilitating back pain Juan Jimenez, MD
Summer 2022 5 “Sharon presented with significant back pain and impairments in her activities of daily living, with shooting pain in her legs,” Dr. Jimenez recalls. Goodbye old disk, hello new one Imaging tests revealed a badly degenerated L5, S-1 disk at the base of Monson’s lower (lumbar) spine where it meets the sacral spine. “When a disk is degenerated, you have a bone-on-bone effect,” Dr. Jimenez explains. “Think of it like worn-out brake pads. You have sur faces that shouldn’t be in contact with each other. The result is incapacitating back pain and leg pain.” Dr. Jimenez had a plan to help. He would replace Monson’s damaged disk with an artificial Centinel Spine disk implant, which replicates the body’s natural movement with its ball-and-socket design. This option allowed her to avoid spinal fusion, which fuses together two or more vertebrae. “Fusion is not a bad surgery, by any means,” Dr. Jimenez stresses. It can be a good option for some patients, but it can place more strain on nearby disks, which may accelerate their degeneration. “By preserving movement with the artificial disk and avoiding strain on her other disks, we can decrease the probability of Sharon needing additional surgery,” Dr. Jimenez says. “That’s important for the long-term.” Not everyone is eligible for an artificial disk, he adds. And it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to replace only up to two contiguous disks. But it was certainly the best choice for Monson. “Dr. Jimenez and Riverside listened to me,” she says. “I said I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve done the shots, therapy and medications. This isn’t working. He knew what to do for me.” Teaming up for success Monson’s surgery in December 2021 was a collaboration between Dr. Jimenez and general surgeon Kay Timbers, MD. The type of artificial disk Monson received cannot be implanted from the back. Instead, the team used a frontal (anterior) approach. “Because we came in at the front, we needed very good access to the spine provided by our vascular and general surgeons at Riverside,” Dr. Jimenez says. Dr. Timbers created access to the spine, meticulously moving abdominal organs and critical blood vessels aside. Dr. Jimenez then stepped in to remove the old disk and put the new one in. Other team members also played key roles during the surgery. Dr. Timbers was happy to help. “Any time I can provide a benefit to a patient, it’s gratifying,” she says. Feeling more like herself again Monson’s journey inspired her to change careers and become a certified personal trainer. “A healthy lifestyle improved my situation, but surgery helped me get the rest of the way back to having a normal life,” she says. “I couldn’t thank my medical team more.” After the surgery and a relatively quick recovery, Monson is enjoying her new life, free of pain and discomfort. She’s even trying new things—from golf to axe-throwing. Is pain holding you back? Riverside Orthopedic and Spine Center can help you be pain-free. To request an appointment, call (877) 776-7973, visit RiversideHealthcare.org/ orthopedics or use myRiverside MyChart.
6 Don’t neglect your emotional health We all know it’s important to take care of our physical health. But sometimes we forget that our emotional health needs just as much attention. When you’re emotionally healthy, you feel good about yourself. You have good relationships. You’re aware of your emotions and know how to deal with them. You can cope with stress, anger and sadness. And you’re not afraid to get help from a medical professional when you need it. Here are five tips for improving your emotional health: 1 Accentuate the positive. Try to keep negative emotions and thoughts to a minimum. Focus on what’s good in your life—and what’s good about you. Forgive yourself for your mistakes, and remember the good things you’ve done. 2 Lower your stress levels. Chronic stress is unhealthy for your mental and physical health. To help you manage your stress levels, try to: ● Get sufficient sleep—seven to nine hours a night for most adults. ● Get regular exercise. Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. ● Set priorities. Aim to find a healthy balance between work and play—and between activity and rest. ● Use relaxation methods, like yoga or deep breathing exercises. 3 Get good sleep. Getting sufficient amounts of quality sleep is vital for your mental health. When you don’t get enough sleep, it affects your mood, energy, concentration and ability to cope with stress. 4 Be mindful. This means being aware of what’s going on around you and accepting it without judgment. When you’re mindful, you live your life in the present. Being mindful takes practice. To get started: ● Inhale through your nose to a count of four, hold your breath for one second, then exhale through your mouth to a count of five. Repeat frequently. ● Go outside for a walk and take notice of all that’s around you. ● Read books or listen to podcasts on mindfulness. 5 Strengthen your social connections. Our connections with others may help us live longer and healthier lives. Make time to visit with friends and family, even if those visits are virtual. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; HelpGuide; National Institutes of Health You’re not alone Our mental health experts are here for you. Learn how our comprehensive, supportive services can help at RiversideHealthcare.org/ services/behavioral-medicine.
Summer 2022 7 A new way to manage AFib Implant offers a lifechanging alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners Atrial fibrillation (AFib) causes your heart to beat irregularly, which affects its ability to pump blood normally. When the heart doesn’t pump as it should, blood can collect and form clots. If a clot escapes, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain—causing a stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke. Strokes that are caused by complications from AFib tend to be more severe than strokes with other underlying causes. Nonvalvular AFib can mean a lifetime of taking blood thinners. It can also mean a lifetime of worry about bleeds from falls, other medical issues or an unexpected surgery. Riverside Heart & Vascular Institute can offer patients with nonvalvular AFib an alternative to a lifelong dependency on blood thinners— the Watchman implant. TheWatchman option The Watchman is a permanent device that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. The device is implanted into the heart in a one-time procedure. To implant the Watchman, your doctor makes a small cut in your upper leg and inserts a narrow tube, similar to a standard stent procedure. Your doctor then guides the Watchman into the left atrial appendage of your heart. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day. You could be a candidate for the Watchman procedure if your AFib is not caused by a heart valve problem, a doctor has recommended you take blood thinners and you are looking for an alternative because: ● You have a history of serious bleeding while taking blood thinners. ● You have an occupation or lifestyle that puts you at risk for serious bleeding. ● You have difficulties taking blood thinners as prescribed. Your heart, our expertise At Riverside Heart and Vascular Institute, every member of the team puts their heart into healing yours. To request an appointment, call (888) 368-8986. “The Watchman implant may be a life-changing alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners for those who need one. In a one-time procedure, the Watchman implant effectively reduces the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem.” —Vikas Patel, MD, an interventional cardiologist with the Riverside Heart and Vascular Institute
8 RiversideHealthcare.org A new chapter begins Tips for managing your life after cancer treatments end
Summer 2022 9 A day that seemed so far away is finally here: You’ve finished your last cancer treatment. You’re elated and eager to get back to your everyday life—one that doesn’t revolve around chemo, radiation or cancer itself. Still, you may have moments of intense uncertainty. In fact, along with relief, you may also wonder, “Will my cancer come back?” “We recognize that there are unique issues that cancer survivors deal with,” says Annabelle Veerapaneni, MD, Oncology Medical Director, an oncologist and hematologist at the Riverside Cancer Institute. It may help to know that worries like this are an entirely normal part of surviving cancer. Usually, these worries are most severe in the first year after treatment—but they get better as time passes. In the meantime, here are ways to feel less anxious and more in control. Get accurate information. No one can predict with absolute certainty what the future holds. Still, cancer often follows a predictable pattern of recurrence. So be sure to talk with your doctor about how likely it is that your cancer will return and what symptoms to watch for. You may be worrying unnecessarily. Having a wealth of information at our fingertips is both a blessing and a curse, however. “I always want to encourage patients to evaluate and vet out the reliability of a source,” Dr. Veerapaneni says. “I direct them to three websites that I give every patient: the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.” Practice letting go. When fears about cancer ’s return enter your mind, try not to let them linger. Some survivors picture their fears floating away—or even being vaporized. This might work for you. Others turn their worries over to a higher power. Reach out. Rather than bottling up your concerns, share them with a trusted friend, family member, or spiritual or mental health counselor. The simple act of talking openly can make worries less intense, especially when you’re comforted by a caring listener. You might also turn to a support group for cancer survivors, either one that’s nearby or one that’s online. The emotional support of people who know what you’re going through from firsthand experience can be tremendously helpful. Fellow survivors may also share practical information about what to expect after treatment and how to manage worries that cancer may return. Make positive lifestyle changes. Healthy habits can help you feel in control, and they’re especially important for cancer survivors. Regular exercise, for example, can help you feel less anxious and fatigued, while a nutritious diet can help you regain strength after treatment. And studies suggest that both may help prevent certain cancers from returning. Finally, do your best to celebrate and embrace this new chapter in your life as you join the nearly 17 million Americans alive today who’ve had cancer. “I always tell my patients that no matter what happens, they’re always fighting for the best outcome for themselves,” Dr. Veerapaneni says. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology “I always tell my patients that no matter what happens, they’re always fighting for the best outcome for themselves,” Dr. Veerapaneni says. We provide comprehensive cancer care The Riverside Cancer Institute is here for every step of your cancer journey, with all the care you need close to home. For more information, visit RiversideHealthcare.org/cancer. Annabelle Veerapaneni, MD
1 Set attainable goals for yourself. Goals like wanting to lose weight or getting in shape are great to have, but to stick to those goals you will need to be more specific. “I want to lose 5 pounds in three weeks,” for example, is a specific and attainable goal for most people. “When you have a specific goal, it’s easier to make a fitness routine based around that goal, and you can check in with yourself on that goal,” says Matt Grossman, MS, a personal trainer at the Riverside Health Fitness Center. 2 Know your current fitness level. When getting into a routine, it ’s important to know your starting point. For example, if you haven’t worked out in several years, a good starting point would be light physical activity, like walking or lifting light weights, for 30 minutes, three times a week—and build up from there. Committing yourself to too much in the beginning can lead to burnout. Ready, set…GO! Steps to starting a fitness routine and sticking with it Physical activity is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps reduce the risk for heart disease and obesity, improves self-esteem and sleep habits, and can even boost your overall mood. Getting into a fitness routine can seem daunting at first, but with a few simple strategies, you will be on your way to a successful fitness journey. 10 RiversideHealthcare.org Matthew Grossman, MS
Summer 2022 11 Strength training: Worth the weight Say the word exercise, and a lot of us automatically think of heart-pumping cardio workouts. But strength training also has major benefits you don’t want to miss out on. Just two or three quick muscle-building sessions every week can help you stay stronger, leaner and healthier. They can help: ● Slow the natural muscle loss that occurs with age. ● Speed up your metabolism. Added muscle makes it easier for your body to burn calories, even at rest. ● Strengthen your bones and help protect you from fractures. ● Boost your balance and reduce your risk of dangerous falls. ● Keep your joints flexible and ease arthritis pain. You can get these benefits at home or in the gym—with resistance bands, free weights or weight machines. Or just use your own body weight with moves like pushups, squats and lunges. Any exercise that makes your muscles work harder than usual counts. If you haven’t exercised in a while, get a doctor’s OK before you start. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Heart Association 3 Give yourself some grace. Missing one workout will not make or break your fitness routine. Leading a healthy lifestyle is part of a lifelong journey, and along the way you will face setbacks or unexpected events. Your fitness routine should have room for life too. “One misconception people have is that they think when they miss a workout or mess up, they can’t get back on track, but that’s not the case,” Grossman says. 4 Be proud of small accomplishments. Even the small goals are worth celebrating, so be proud of yourself for reaching milestones—and don’t forget to look back to see how far you’ve come. 5 Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. If you are able to, meeting with a personal trainer is a great option to make sure you are doing exercises correctly and in a way that you won’t injure yourself. “Meeting with a personal trainer is a great step in building personal confidence when working out,” Grossman says. Boost your fitness Interested in personal training? To find out more about Riverside’s medically centered services, visit RHFC.me or call (888) 901-3066.
12 RiversideHealthcare.org Everyone needs to wear sunscreen Are you going outside today? Then you should wear sunscreen. Why? Because sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are present even on cloudy days. These rays not only can cause skin cancer, they also can trigger wrinkles, skin sagging and age spots. What should you look for in a sunscreen? The AAD recommends using a sunscreen that: ● Offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. ● Has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. ● Is water-resistant. Does the type of sunscreen matter? Sunscreens come in many forms, from sprays to sticks to lotions. The best type to use is the one you’ll apply over and over again. Creams and lotions are best for dry skin and the face, according to the AAD. Sticks are good to use around the eyes. Sprays are convenient, especially for use on kids. But keep in mind that it can be hard to know if all areas of the skin have been covered when you use a spray. Sunscreens are sometimes sold as a mix of sunscreen and insect repellent. The AAD recommends against using these products. You want to use sunscreen generously and insect repellent sparingly, so it’s best to buy these products separately. Check your skin Keep an eye on any changes that might be a sign of skin cancer, and stay well by seeing your primary care provider regularly. Need a checkup? Request an appointment or find a provider online at RiversideHealthcare.org/ providers. How should you apply sunscreen? Most people don’t apply the correct amount of sunscreen, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). You should put on enough sunscreen to cover all of your skin not protected by clothing. Most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen, or 2 tablespoons, to fully cover their body. In addition: ● Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors. ● Be sure to apply it to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the part-line at the top of your head. ● Reapply about every two hours. You should also reapply after swimming or sweating. Follow the directions on the sunscreen bottle.
Summer 2022 13 Advancing the fight against cancer From the building itself and the healing garden to the advanced technology and compassionate programs inside, Riverside Cancer Institute is a true display of community donor support—and a beacon of hope for patients and families facing an unthinkable diagnosis. In 2014, philanthropic gifts helped Riverside Cancer Institute add a TrueBeam linear accelerator and treatment room. Today, the Foundation is raising dollars to purchase the latest TrueBeam technology and replace the original unit. This powerful, noninvasive radiosurgery system offers treatment for some of the most complex and challenging cancers like those of the lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, brain and spine. Treatments, lasting only a few minutes, target tumors with submillimeter accuracy, which minimizes negative side effects. Our patients deserve the highest quality cancer care, close to home. Philanthropic support will help us stand ready to help our co-workers, neighbors and loved ones. Join us in advancing the fight against cancer. Scan the QR code to learn more: Health care heroes saving the day The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a nationwide program that recognizes nursing excellence. It was created in memory of Patrick Barnes as an expression of gratitude for the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his eight-week hospitalization. The Barnes family wanted to say “thank you” to nurses everywhere by establishing the DAISY Foundation and its recognition program to honor the superhuman work nurses do every day for patients and their families. The program is the international leader in nurse recognition. Everyone who is involved with DAISY—whether they are presenting the awards, choosing honorees or coordinating the program—is an extension of the Barnes family and their appreciation. By honoring extraordinary nurses, DAISY reinforces the importance of compassion in health care. Recipients of a DAISY Award are recognized at a ceremony and receive a certificate, a DAISY Award signature lapel pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch.” Giving thanks To learn more about the DAISY Award or to nominate a Riverside nurse, please visit RiversideHealthcare.org/daisy. The DAISY Award is an expression of gratitude to our health care heroes. Pictured above are, from left, Christopher Kusy, Nurse Manager; August DAISY Award winner Melanie Bloomquist, Cardiac Telemetry RN; and LaTivia Carr, Riverside Chief Nursing Officer.
14 RiversideHealthcare.org Baja-style Ingredients 12 ounces salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions (3 ounces each) 4 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas For taco filling: 1 cup green cabbage (about 1/4 head), rinsed and shredded 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 teaspoon honey ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced (or substitute white onion) 1 medium jalapeño chile pepper, rinsed and split lengthwise—remove seeds and white membrane, and mince (about 2 tablespoons); for less spice, use green bell pepper 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, minced (or substitute 1 teaspoon ground coriander) For marinade: 1/ tablespoon corn oil or other vegetable oil 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/ teaspoon ground cumin 1/ teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon salt Directions ● Preheat grill or oven broiler (with the rack 3 inches from heat source) on high temperature. ● Prepare taco filling by combining all ingredients. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors. ● To prepare the marinade, combine the oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, coriander and salt in a bowl. ● Place salmon fillets in a flat dish with sides. Pour marinade evenly over fillets. ● Place salmon fillets on grill or broiler. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until fish flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part (minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees). Remove from the heat and set aside for 2 to 3 minutes. Cut into strips. ● To make each taco, fill one tortilla with 3/4 cup filling and one salmon fillet. Nutrition information Serving size: 1 taco. Amount per serving: 325 calories, 11g total fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 29g carbohydrates, 24g protein, 4g fiber, 395mg sodium. Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute salmon tacos Makes 4 servings.
Summer 2022 15 Pembroke Herscher Ashkum Coal City Peotone Monee Frankfort Chicago Heights 150 136 45 41 24 52 2 45 24 6 52 17 1 47 53 52 1 80 55 65 57 55 80 4 74 57 Northern Western Southern Kankakee Gilman Manhattan Healthcare Campuses Bourbonnais Campus Frankfort Campus Coal City Campus* Watseka Campus* Immediate Care Bradley/Atrium Monee Kankakee/Pavilion Ambulance Stations Ashkum Herscher Bradley Momence Chebanse St. Anne Limestone Watseka Outpatient Centers Kankakee East Court Pembroke Manteno Wilmington Momence Riverside Medical Center Senior Life Communities – Kankakee Senior Life Communities – Bourbonnais *These locations include Immediate Care services Well Is Always Within Reach…
Immediate Care has you covered Walk in or schedule a same-day appointment using the myRiverside app. Wait times and more information can be found at RiversideHealthcare.org/IC. HEALTHCARE 350 N. Wall St. Kankakee, IL 60901 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Know where to go Immediate Care is an option when you need care now When a medical issue arises, knowing the appropriate level of care for each situation can save you time and money. Go to the ER If your symptoms are severe or you suspect a potentially life-threatening medical issue, the emergency room is the place to go. Potentially life-threatening medical issues include chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion and slurred speech, severe abdominal pain, head trauma, visible bone breaks, profuse bleeding, and large lacerations. If you are dealing with a potentially life-threatening injury or illness, call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room. To ensure resources are available when needed in Riverside’s emergency department, we provide care for conditions that are not life-threatening at our Immediate Care locations. Choose a walk-in clinic If your situation is not life-threatening but requires attention as soon as possible, Immediate Care is for you. Immediate Care treats cold and flu symptoms, sinus and ear infections, UTIs, rashes, and many more minor injuries and illnesses. Riverside has five convenient Immediate Care locations, in Bradley, Kankakee, Monee, Watseka and Coal City. These locations see patients 18 months and older and are open seven days a week with extended hours. Remember—when a medical issue arises, it’s important to know your options and to choose the appropriate level of care for you. Hear for your health Listen to our podcast series, “Well Within Reach,” to get the latest health and wellness information from our team of experts. Visit: healthcurrents.com/podcasts.
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