SIU Center for Family Medicine Decatur

What Kind of Sunscreen Is Best? When buying sunscreen, there are three important things to look for. Check the label for a sunscreen that:
•Has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher
•Protects against both UVA and UVB rays (a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen)
•Is water-resistant (protects kids while in the water for 40–80 minutes)

Other things to keep in mind when picking a sunscreen:
•Don't use sunscreens with PABA, which can cause skin allergies.
•For sensitive skin, look for products with the active ingredient titanium dioxide.
•Teens or preteens who want to use a self-tanner sunscreen should get one that also has UV protection (many offer little or none).
•Some cosmetics contain sunscreen, but usually don't offer enough protection from the sun. Make sure you put sunscreen on before applying makeup.

Not sure if your student needs a school physicals? If they check off one of these, they are in need of a school physical for the next school year. School physicals are typically required for the following students:
1. New Students: Children enrolling in a school for the first time, regardless of grade level.
2. Kindergarten and Pre-K Students: Young children starting their education need a physical to ensure they are ready for school.
3. Students Entering Certain Grades: Children entering into kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade.
4. Student Athletes: Any student planning to participate in school sports needs a sports physical to ensure they are fit to play.
5. Students with Chronic Conditions: Those with ongoing health issues (e.g., asthma, diabetes) may need regular physicals to monitor their condition.
6. Students Returning After Extended Absence: Children returning to school after a prolonged absence due to illness or other reasons may need a physical to confirm they are fit to resume school activities.

Requirements can vary by state and school district, so it’s important to check local guidelines.

When was your last health screening?

Even if you feel fine, routine screenings can catch things like high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer early—before symptoms start. And what you need in your 20s looks different than your 40s, 50s or beyond.

Take a minute to check what’s recommended for your age: https://loom.ly/O66OzxM

SIU Medicine Clinics will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th. Please remember to reorder prescriptions ahead of any holiday closure.

Allergy symptoms depend on what allergen is involved. The symptoms can affect the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. So when should you see a doctor? We recommend seeing your primary care provider when over the counter (non prescription) allergy medications do not give you relief, or if you started a new medication and are experiencing allergy symptoms.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a good reminder: mental health is health.

At SIU Center for Family Medicine, we believe caring for the whole person means caring for your mind just as much as your body. If you're feeling stressed, anxious or not like yourself, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Happy Nurses Week to the nurses who make our community feel cared for every day.

At SIU Center for Family Medicine, our nurses do so much more than provide care. They build relationships, answer questions, calm worries and help patients feel seen and heard.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we’re proud to provide comprehensive, community-based health care for patients of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay. Our nurses are at the heart of that mission.

Help us celebrate them.
💜Share a comment about a nurse who made a difference for you or your family.
💜Tell us about a moment you’ll never forget.
💜Tag a nurse who deserves some extra appreciation this week.
Your words mean more than you know.

Experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion? These could be allergy symptoms. If these symptoms continue, talk to your primary care provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

Ever notice “DO” after a physician’s name and wonder what it means? 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are board-certified physicians who take a whole-person approach to care. At SIU Medicine, our DOs combine expert medical training with hands-on techniques and personalized care plans to help patients heal and thrive.

👉 Learn more about osteopathic medicine and what sets DOs apart: https://aspects.siumed.org/health-wellness/primary-care/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/

Each year, close to 3 million reports of suspected abuse are filed in the United States. Many more cases never get reported. One victim of child abuse is one too many! If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Illinois, call 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).