Huntley resident Howard Turk wanted to find out about his lung health so he got a CT lung screening through Centegra Health System. The simple scan, which takes about 30 minutes, gave Turk peace of mind. “They saw mild signs of  COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) on the scans but they didn’t see any lesions that indicated cancer,” Turk said. “The screening was very easy and I was in and out.” “It was probably one of the best things I could do for my health because if they found something I would have been able to do something about it,” he said. “The results brought me peace of …

  National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is a time to educate oneself on ovarian cancer and Centegra Health System is offering a free lecture on the topic. “Take Action Against Ovarian Cancer” Women, along with their families, are encouraged to hear Dr. Leonard G. Hering, an obstetrician and gynecologist on staff at Centegra Physician Care, speak about risks of ovarian cancer, symptoms and more. The lecture will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Crystal Lake, 200 Congress Parkway. “Tapping out Foot Problems” This lecture will be from 6:30 to 7…

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has received its intranasal (FluMist) flu vaccine for children ages 2 to 18 years of age through the state-funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Appointments are required at 815-334-4536. For those who are Medicaid eligible and non-Medicaid children that meet VFC criteria (uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, Alaskan Native), an administrative cost of $15 is assessed. Parents must accompany children and bring up to date immunization records. Flu clinics are scheduled at the Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia St., on the following …

  Centegra Health System will host free wellness lectures in September about arthritis, sleep disorders and back pain.  Physicians who specialize in the areas will give the lectures. Space is limited. Call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347) to register.   Arthritis vs. Bursitis: Removing the Misconceptions Aches, pains, inflammation and more may be experienced by one who has arthritis or bursitis. Both conditions can lead to these discomforting symptoms, yet it may be hard to differentiate which is the exact cause. Join Dr. Ali Malick, rheumatologist on staff with Centegra Physician Care, as he …

  Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center reaches out to everyone in the community in August through physician lectures, membership discounts and spa specials. Learn the facts about concussion The public is invited to learn about concussions, which are traumatic brain injuries that alter the way the brain functions, at a free lecture called, “Concussion=Brain Injury. Know the Facts.” Join Barb Wasilk, program supervisor at the Centegra Neuro-Rehabilitation Center and Julia Szot, a case manager at the center. They will discuss symptoms of concussions, academic implications and resources for …

  The 22nd annual McHenry County Children’s Health and Safety Fair combines fun with back to school. This year’s theme is “Makin’ a Splash!” and will feature animal characters, a visit from Ronald McDonald, Flight for Life helicopter, Crystal Lake Fire Department’s smoke house and child ID system. School physicals, immunizations and dental exams will be available as children get ready to head back to school. There will also be over 40 interactive educational exhibits. Children are issued a card which will be stamped at each exhibitor’s booth.  A completed, stamped card can be turned in for a …

  Centegra Health System will host free wellness lectures in August. Community members are welcome to hear physicians speak about neck pain, carpal tunnel and concussion. Space is limited and light refreshments will be served during the free lectures, which will be held Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Crystal Lake, 200 Congress Parkway. Register by calling 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).   Crakin’ and Poppin’ – A Neck Pain Musical Neck pain can stem from poor posture to worn joints and muscle spasms. Although it is common, neck pain can be debilitating and affect daily activities. Join Dr…

  Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Centers in Huntley and Crystal Lake are busy places with lots of activity this month, including free fitness seminars, spa and membership specials and lots of camps for kids. To register, call 815-444-2900.   Fitness 101 This free seminar is an introduction to total body resistance training. The class teaches about various strength training equipment including resistance tubing, exercise balls, free weights and more. The exercises taught during this lecture can be performed at Health Bridge or at home, and many can be completed from a seated position. …

  The Centegra Weight-Loss Surgery Center has helped 1,100 patients receive life-changing weight-loss surgery since the first bariatric surgery was performed 10 years ago. “Patients always tell us their surgery date is either their second birthday or the day their new life started,” said Susie Dirkx, a nurse and the coordinator for Centegra’s Weight-Loss Surgery Center. Dirkx was in the operating room with Dr. Amir Heydari June 29, 2002 during Centegra’s first bariatric surgery. At the time, she was a team leader for general surgery at Centegra Hospital-McHenry. Later, after the center …

    Community members are welcome to hear physicians speak about migraines and foot and ankle pain durng Centegra Health System’s free wellness lectures this month.   Tired of Missing Out? Migraine 101 There seems to be more than just pain associated with migraines. Those who suffer from chronic migraines know how debilitating they can be. Events and family functions can often be pushed aside, resulting in days spent on the couch or in bed wishing the pain would go away. Join Dr. Paul L. Grindstaff, a neurologist on staff at Centegra Physician Care, as he discusses treatment options for …

  Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Centers welcome summer with membership specials, spa deals, aquatics programs and camps for kids.   Donate to Centegra Kids in Motion Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center’s aquatics team will complete a 12-hour swim-a-thon to raise awareness for Centegra’s Kids in Motion (KIM) program. KIM is a program designed to help the more than 16,000 obese children in McHenry County and their families tackle unhealthy lifestyle habits. Children and their families enjoy this multidisciplinary approach to nutrition education, education, behavioral therapy and physical …

      The Centegra Gavers Breast Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in all of the college’s voluntary, breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program. “The breast imaging services at the Centegra Gavers Breast Center are fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and …

  Centegra Health System will host several free wellness lectures in April. Community members are welcome to hear physicians speak about kidney health, arthritis, back pain and heart health. Space is limited and light refreshments will be served during the free lectures. Register by calling 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).   Is Your Pain Spiraling Out of Control? Most people experience back pain at some point in their life, but for some, it may be so severe they feel there are no more options? Spinal cord stimulation may be the answer. Join Dr. Shingo Yano, an independent physician on the medical…

  McHenry County residents will have improved access to coordinated, personalized treatment and management of acute and chronic back, neck pain and other spine related medical issues through non-surgical intervention at the new Centegra Back and Spine Center opening May 2. “We anticipate a rise in back and spine medical issues due to an increase in obesity and the aging population in McHenry County,” said Dr. Ted Lorenc, vice president of medical affairs at Centegra Health System. “By developing the Centegra Back and Spine Center, Centegra is responding to the community’s needs,” Lorenc said…

  When Centegra Health System’s Corporate Wellness team offered a weight-loss program where John McGillivray, 46, works, the Huntley resident took it as an opportunity to change his lifestyle. After seeing his father in the hospital, McGillivray decided it was time to reevaluate his diet and exercise habits. With his wife Aimee, 38, by his side, John participated in Couch to 5K (C25K), a program offered through Centegra’s Corporate Wellness Department. “In late August 2011, we heard of C25K and it really motivated us to take action toward a healthier life,” John said. Overall, he has lost …

  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has set its next clinic to screen for the risk of prostate cancer.  Through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the blood test is being offered, at no cost, to men aged 50 and over and those 40 years of age and over who are at higher risk due to family history.  Appointments for this 15-minute test are being scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, from 4pm-7:30pm, at MCDH’s Crystal Lake location, 100 N Virginia Street (intersection of Route 14 and Woodstock Street).  Call 815-334-4536 to schedule an appointment. Prostate cancer is the…

  It’s National Public Health Week. Health departments throughout the nation raising awareness this week of health issues. The Kane County Health Department joins with communities all across the United States to recognize National Public Health Week in an effort to raise awareness of issues important to improving the public's health. The theme for 2012, “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement,” is a broad vision to get across the message. “This year’s theme encourages us and our communities to take preventive measures to help improve all of our lives. Little steps can lead to big…

  Recognizing the importance of early detection, Centegra Health System’s nationally recognized breast health program continues to sponsor Mammo Monday events throughout McHenry County during the months of April and May. Women are encouraged to attend a Mammo Monday event on their own or bring their daughters, sisters and friends to a special, private setting to take control of their breast and bone health. Offerings include screening mammograms, bone density screenings, free expert bra fittings and light snacks. Earning full accreditation from the American College of Surgeons National …

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in McHenry County among men and women ages 45 to 75, the 2010 McHenry County Health Communtiy Study reported. Centegra Health System and the McHenry County Department of Health partner to provide “Freedom from Smoking” classes that teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction. “We know quitting isn’t easy. To be successful, people need to be aware of the challenges they will face and the different options available for getting help,” said Celine Pope, wellness manager with Centegra Health System. The classes offer group support and behavior …

  Centegra Health System will host several free wellness lectures in March. Community members are welcome to hear physicians speak about neck pain, back pain, epilepsy and kidney conditions. Space is limited and light refreshments will be served during the lectures. Register by calling 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).   “Is Your Crick More than a Pain?” Most people have had a crick in their neck or back at some point in their life. Join Dr. Carl Graf and Dr. Babak Lami, independent spinal orthopedic surgeons on the medical staff at Centegra Health System, as they discuss the causes of neck and …