Welcome to our online resource that aims to educate the public about a variety of health topics. As part of our mission, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers believes one way to improve the health of area residents is to keep you informed about the multitude of health issues you may face on a daily basis. In addition to being caregivers, we are also teachers of maintaining health, avoiding preventable illnesses, and identifying the onset of significant health events. Please read our growing collection of health articles featuring experts from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers.
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Morris Hospital Cardiologist Talks About Women and Heart Disease
Read moreBoard-certified cardiologist Dr. Mary Menz with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists encourages women to think about their hearts. While it should…
Morris Hospital Welcomes New Cardiologist
Read moreMorris Hospital has expanded its cardiology services with the addition of Mostafa Ghanim, M.D., a fellowship trained interventional cardiologist.
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Paul Perona Joins Morris Hospital Network
Read moreMorris Hospital & Healthcare Centers has announced that Dr. Paul Perona, an established and well-respected orthopedic surgeon in Spring Valley,…
Morris Hospital Brings Advanced Mammography System to Ottawa
Read moreMorris Hospital & Healthcare Centers has added an advanced mammography system to its Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists office at 1300…
Morris Hospital Cardiology Practice Expands Services
Read moreMorris Hospital & Healthcare Centers has expanded its cardiology services with the addition of two new providers and the enhancement…
Radiation Oncologist Shares Prostate Cancer Awareness
Read moreThe importance of raising awareness for prostate cancer cannot be overstated. Approximately 1 in 8 men will have prostate cancer…
Senior Fitness Class Still Active After 20 Years
Read moreFor 20 years, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers has been keeping community members ages 55 and up active through its…
Dr. Pearson Offers Options For Persistent Ankle Pain
Read moreBoard-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon Dr. Kyle Pearson knows that some ankle conditions can’t be cured with just ice and…
After 40 years of hearing loss, Morris man receives cochlear implant
Read moreAt 84 years old, Gerald Bernetzke decided it was time to do something significant about his hearing. Battling gradual hearing…
Local Physician Earns Board Certification in Addiction Medicine
Read moreDr. Jennifer Thomas, a family medicine physician with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, has received certification in addiction medicine, signifying…
Radiation Oncologist Shares Reminder About Skin Cancer
Read moreIt’s that time of the year when we plan all sorts of fun in the sun, but please don’t forget…
Family Medicine Physician Explains Integrated Behavioral Health
Read moreAs part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Jennifer Thomas explains in this interview how Morris Hospital’s Integrated Behavioral Health…
The Road to Recovery after Surgery
Read moreChuck Phillips will never regret the years he spent playing sports as a youth. A former high school football, basketball,…
Orthopedic Surgeon Touts Advancements in Knee, Hip Surgeries
Read moreThe world of knee and hip replacements is in a new age, according to Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Keith Rezin. Advancements…
Help for Neck and Back Pain
Read moreIf you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you’re going to experience neck or back pain at some point…
Husband and Wife Feeling Miraculously Improved Following Spine Surgery
Read moreAt 80 years old, George Belcher was understandably frustrated that his lower back was limiting his life. Having worked his…
Morris Hospital Addressing Mental Health Needs in Primary Care Setting
Read moreBehavioral health is the connection between the health and well-being of the mind and body. This involves several aspects of…
Do You Have a Primary Care Provider?
Read moreA primary care provider is a physician – or sometimes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant – who specializes in…
There’s never a time to ignore warning signs of heart problems
Read moreChest discomfort. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath. Cold…
Grateful for Lifesaving Heart Care
Read moreAs Craig and Beth Walsh reflect on their journey since Craig’s heart disease diagnosis, there are two things they want…
Registered Dietitian Shares Nutrition Advice
Read moreMorris Hospital Registered Dietitian Tara Pentoney shared some insightful nutritional advice with the community. Tara explains how to build a…
Four Simple Ways to Care for Your Back/Spine
Read moreAs a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Mir Ali recommends four steps to people who are trying to minimize…
Radiation Oncologist: Prevention is key with Colorectal Cancer
Read moreNot only do an estimated 151,000 people project to be diagnosed this year with colorectal cancer, but it is also…
Spine Surgeon Solves Coal City Woman’s Migraine Mystery
Read moreFor nearly 30 years, Cheryl Masching reached out to countless medical professionals for help with her chronic migraines.
Vaccine, Booster Making Difference in COVID Patients
Read moreEven with the increase in breakthrough COVID infections, there isn’t any doubt in Dr. John Bolden’s mind: when it comes…
Foot & Ankle Surgeon Discusses Common Foot Issues
Read moreDr. Kyle Pearson, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, explains in this interview a variety of common foot issues that…
Allergist Says Year-Round Symptoms Becoming More Common
Read moreAccording to Morris Hospital Allergist Dr. Hetal Amin, allergy seasons in the Midwest have been extended approximately 25 days a…
Spine Surgeon Explains When To Seek Help For Back, Neck Pain
Read moreIf you suffer from back or neck pain, please take a moment to listen to Dr. Ali’s advice about when…
Rezin Orthopedics and Morris Hospital Complete Practice Affiliation
Read moreRezin Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (ROSM), an independent orthopedic practice with locations in Morris, Joliet and Ottawa, has completed an…
Neurologist explains neurologic impacts of COVID-19
Read moreAccording to neurologist Dr. Isaac Mezo, up to 40 percent of people who contracted COVID-19 experienced some degree of neurologic…
Former Morris Hospital Board Chair Expresses Appreciation for Radiation Therapy Team
Read moreAt age 79, Leon Residori wasn’t too alarmed when he started losing weight last fall. An avid golfer, the former…
Cardiologist reminds women about heart health
Read moreAttention, ladies! February is women’s heart month, so board-certified cardiologist Dr. Mary Gordon offered some important reminders to women in…
Physical Therapy Makes a Difference
Read moreAt age 63, Maureen Kerr had no advance warning that she had an underlying neurological problem affecting her left foot.…
Doctor: Children’s Mental Health Especially Important During Pandemic
Read moreNo matter your age, we have all felt the mental stress that has weighed on us over the past 11…
To stay safe on snow or ice, walk like a penguin
Read moreWalk like a penguin. Sounds funny right? But think about it — Penguins are seasoned veterans walking on snow and…
Morris Hospital Physician Shares Expertise About COVID-19 Vaccine
Read moreNow as we move into Phase 1B, the COVID-19 vaccine is starting to make its way into the arms of…
Slowing the Spread of COVID-19: We All Have to Do Our Part
Read moreWhile there are still a lot of unknowns about COVID-19, one thing is certain. ALL of us play a role…
There’s never a time to ignore warning signs of a medical emergency
Read moreSome alarming statistics have been published since the onset of the COVID pandemic that show a decline in the use…
Where to Go When You Need Medical Care
Read moreWhen you have an illness or injury that requires medical attention, it may not always be clear where to go…
Senior Health Insurance Counseling Service Available at Morris Hospital
Read moreVolunteer counselors from the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) are available by telephone to provide free health insurance counseling for…
Morris Hospital Launches Concussion Management Program
Read moreMorris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is striving to improve the outcomes for individuals diagnosed with concussions through its new Concussion…
Unique treatment takes the pain out of chronic migraine
Read moreSince 2013, Dr. Mezo has successfully treated scores of patients suffering from chronic migraine using Botox injections with the goal…
Social Worker: COVID-19 Pandemic Increasing Mental Health Concerns
Read moreAs the stay-at-home order continues, some are experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression and other altered mental states. Leaving home to work…
Infection Preventionist: Stop Touching Your Face
Read moreWhen it comes to avoiding illness during the cold and flu season, Morris Hospital’s Infection Preventionist Kerry Gerding offers two…
Morris Hospital Financial Assistance Program: Easing the Financial Burden of Medical Care
Read moreMorris Hospital is trying to change some misconceptions about its financial assistance program. While the program has been in place…
It’s time to put those sleepless nights to rest
Read moreNot only do people suffering from sleep disorders endure long, restless nights, but they then push through perpetual drowsiness and…
Chronic sleep issues shouldn’t be ignored
Read moreEvery person has at least occasional struggles with sleep. Whether it’s a night of tossing and turning in bed, waking…
Infectious Disease Physician: Antibiotics aren’t always the best medicine
Read moreAntibiotics are one of the most useful medicines available, but they might not be for long if not used properly.…
Vaccination is best defense against pertussis outbreaks
Read moreOutbreaks of the highly contagious disease pertussis, or whooping cough, occur every few years and should be taken seriously. The…
Help Is Here For People Living With Epilepsy
Read moreEpilepsy can manifest itself in so many forms that some people have the condition and don’t even know it, according…
Safety Should Come First on Fourth of July
Read moreThe Fourth of July can be one of the most enjoyable of holidays, but it also is one when safety…
Summer is the Time For Sun, Fun and Safety
Read moreWhen you head outside for some fun activities this summer, keeping safe might not be on the top of your…
Obesity Can Sometimes Signal Endocrine Issues
Read moreAre you losing your fight against weight loss? While weight gain may often be the result of eating too much…
Understanding The Latest Blood Pressure Guidelines
Read moreIf you thought your blood pressure was in the acceptable range, make sure you are using the latest standards as…
What Every Parent Needs To Know About Vaping
Read moreAlthough e-cigarettes have been around for about a decade, their use among teens is escalating with new delivery systems that…
How well do you know your health insurance coverage?
Read moreWhile navigating the healthcare landscape can sometimes feel complicated, it can turn downright stressful if you don’t understand your health…
Local Cardiologist Says Be Aware of Heart Attack Warning Signs
Read morePhysical activity done outside on a cold day, like shoveling snow, can literally be a killer for those at risk…
Your exercise plan should be about commitment
Read moreEvery January, millions of Americans make a renewed New Year’s resolution to start exercising. They hit the gyms with gusto,…
Signs of a thyroid disorder are often hard to spot
Read moreThe signs of a thyroid problem can be subtle. Many people often mistake their symptoms for being stressed, overworked, not…
Physical Therapy: The Safe and Effective Alternative to Opioids
Read moreOctober is National Physical Therapy month, and we are spotlighting the American Physical Therapy Association’s initiative to promote physical therapy…
Is heart disease in your genes? Why it’s important to know
Read moreDid your father have a heart attack or stroke? Does your mother have high blood pressure, or do your siblings…
Neurologist says don’t wait to get treatment for migraines
Read moreThe pain of a migraine headache can be distressing at best and excruciating at its worst. Each episode can last…
Dr. Bolden offers tips for preventing West Nile Virus
Read moreThe time of year has arrived for area resident to protect themselves against West Nile Virus. Dr. John Bolden, infectious…
Is it GERD?
Read moreHeartburn, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing are all symptoms commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD. Yet…
Managing Parkinson’s Disease
Read moreIt all starts with a light tremor in a finger or thumb or even the chin, or perhaps a vague…
The Rewards of Volunteering
Read moreIn past years, Morris resident Janine Petric spent many hours in hospital surgical waiting areas while her daughter underwent surgeries…
Caution: Please Stay Safe This Construction Season
Read moreIt’s been said that Illinois is a land of two seasons: winter and road construction. Road construction can be extremely…
Foster Care Support Begins With Supporting Foster Parents
Read morePediatrician Dr. Melissa Hill’s heart broke at the thought of delivering bad news to one of her brand new patients.…
Trauma Director Warns About Dangers of Distracted Driving
Read moreAs part of Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week, Morris Hospital Trauma Director Dr. Kristopher Oswalt shared some important advice to…
Morris Hospital Cardiologist Says Leg Pain Could Mean Blocked Arteries
Read morePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition in which arteries become clogged with fatty deposits called plaque, reducing blood…
Allergist Can Help Alleviate The Impact Of Fall Allergies
Read moreSneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat and cough can be symptoms of fall allergies. Related sinus and nasal…
Specialized Treatment Manages Lymphedema Symptoms
Read morePatients with lymphedema suffer from a disruption of the lymphatic system that causes swelling in one or more limbs, the…
Prevention Is Key To Peripheral Artery Disease
Read morePAD is a circulatory condition in which arteries become clogged with fatty deposits called plaque, reducing blood flow to the…
Immediate Care vs. the Emergency Room
Read moreWhen a loved one feels ill or gets hurt, you have to quickly decide where to take them for medical…
Is It A Cold Or Spring Allergies?
Read moreDuring spring, certain symptoms can cause you to question whether you have allergies or a cold.
What To Do If You Have A Stroke
Read moreA stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is cut off or severely reduced. After several minutes without blood and…
The Path to Diabetes Starts with Pre-Diabetes
Read morePre-diabetes is the stage before type 2 diabetes, where your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high…
Relief from Food Allergies is Within Reach
Read moreFor someone who has food allergies, eating may require extensive education and planning. While annoying symptoms such as itchy skin,…
PCOS is Common, but Under-Diagnosed
Read morePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects 10 to 20 percent of women in the United States, but…
Neurologist on Leading Edge of Parkinson’s Disease
Read moreIf you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, it’s important to understand your options for the treatment and management of your…
Morris Hospital Offers Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Read morePulmonary Rehabilitation can be a life-changer for patients with chronic or genetic lung disease, or for those recovering from lung…
Morris Hospital Offers Lifeline for Peace of Mind
Read moreWouldn’t it be great to have a way to contact help immediately if you fell or unexpectedly became ill?
Medication Dispensing Program Helps Avoid Dosing Errors
Read moreMorris Hospital offers a medication dispensing program to help with medication management. Missing a dose, taking too much, or taking…
Help Is Available For Frequent Headaches
Read moreIf you get headaches fairly frequently, it helps to understand why they occur and what can be done to relieve…
Are You Mistaking That Fall Allergy for a Cold?
Read moreIf you currently have symptoms of hay fever, including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, a scratchy throat and…
Morris Hospital Rheumatologist Offers Relief for Arthritis Pain
Read moreA rheumatologist is a specialist who can determine if a patient suffers from arthritis, and then recommend treatment and lifestyle…