HealthLab

09/24/2026

What’s one thing orthopaedic and plastic surgeons would never do — or let their kids do? We asked them in the OR. 👀

09/23/2026

Moringa is gaining attention as a nutrient-rich plant that may support overall health.

Moringa, which is from the moringa oleifera tree, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, it’s commonly added as moringa powder in smoothies or taken as a supplement.

Potential health benefits:

• Reduces inflammation
• Supports blood sugar levels
• Provides anti-inflammatory support

While research is still evolving, moringa may be a helpful addition to a balanced routine when used thoughtfully.

Learn more about how moringa works, possible side effects and how to use it safely.

What to know about moringa.

09/23/2026

This is LeriAn Guillermo, RN, and Donna Guillermo, a mother and daughter starting new chapters in healthcare together.

About 15 years separate these two photos. In one, Donna is working as a physician in the Caribbean. In the other, she’s alongside her daughter on LeriAn’s first day as a nurse at Northwestern Medicine.

After practicing as a physician for many years, Donna decided to take a different path and recently joined Northwestern Medicine as a phlebotomist.

Please join us in welcoming LeriAn and Donna as they begin an exciting new chapter together.

09/21/2026

Bullying doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Today, it follows kids into their homes and onto their screens. In fact, 58% of teens report experiencing cyberbullying at some point.

Knowing the warning signs — and how to respond — can make a meaningful difference in your child’s safety and well-being. A Northwestern Medicine psychologist shares what to watch for and how to help.

Is your child being bullied?

09/21/2026

Help shape the health of your community. Tell us about your most important health issues.

Click here for the survey: https://bit.ly/4gZuFu3

09/21/2026

What if a different approach to hernia repair wasn't new at all?

When Chicago resident and retired infectious diseases physician Craig Conover was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a common condition that often requires surgery, he wanted a repair option that fit his active lifestyle.

Most groin hernia repairs in the United States use surgical mesh, a permanent implant that reinforces the abdominal wall. But the Shouldice technique, developed during World War II, offers a different option, which uses the patient’s own tissue to repair the hernia.

“There's only a handful of surgeons in the United States that do this,” says Craig.

Fortunately, he found that expertise close to home. Megan Melland-Smith, MD, a gastrointestinal surgeon at the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Institute, specializes in hernia care, including the tissue-based Shouldice repair.

“In the 1940s, there was no availability for surgeons to get a hold of any sort of plastic because all the plastic was being used for parachutes, so they couldn't use any mesh,” says Dr. Melland-Smith.

While most patients experience tenderness for about two weeks, they can typically walk, climb stairs and perform light cardio almost immediately after surgery.

“It's an excellent repair for young, fit athletes because it avoids putting a piece of mesh into these young people, and that’s a huge advantage for them,” says Dr. Melland-Smith.

Today, Craig is back to his normal activities.

“I feel great and I’m ready to go back to all my normal activities,” says Craig. “My wife's ready for me to start mowing the lawn again!”

09/20/2026

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than a century, but many risk factors are preventable.

Common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the “bad” cholesterol
• Lack of exercise
• Unhealthy diet

Daily habits — like how you eat, move, sleep and manage stress — can either protect your heart or increase your risk of heart disease.

Learn more about how to support your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.

Simple steps to reduce your risk of heart disease.

09/19/2026

Energy drinks can boost alertness, but they may also affect heart health, sleep and kidney function. What are the real risks behind the buzz? Learn what an expert at Northwestern Medicine wants people to know.

Are they safe for everyone?

09/18/2026

Meet Jessie, an occupational therapist at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. Learn how she helps patients regain independence and get back to the activities that matter most.

09/17/2026

Yoga is more than just the poses — it’s a full mind-and-body practice.

Research shows that a regular yoga practice can help with:

• Stress management and mental well-being
• Muscle strength and balance
• Blood pressure and heart health
• Sleep
• Quality of life

Even simple poses and breathing exercises, done consistently, can make a difference.
Learn more about the science-backed benefits of practicing yoga.

Why yoga is more than just the poses.