West Suburban Medical Center Resources

Considering that there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors as reported by the American Cancer Society, most people are personally affected by breast cancer either directly or through association. Understanding the stages of breast cancer and prognosis for each stage can be extremely confusing. Thankfully, there is a wealth of information available for those who are dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis and for their families. The following can help you interpret these facts and better understand the stages of breast cancer and prognosis for each.

Musculoskeletal conditions are very common and affect an estimated 126.6 million people in the United States. These disorders involve the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bursae, and they can be painful and debilitating. Symptoms of a musculoskeletal condition may affect your daily activities, productivity, and overall quality of life. Common musculoskeletal and joint conditions include the following:

Women have varying individual needs at different ages and stages of their lives. But at every age, gynecological care is an essential component of routine health maintenance for all women—whether or not specific health concerns need to be addressed. 

Gastric bypass surgery is a medical weight loss option for many people. While it’s not right for everyone, knowing more about gastric bypass surgery can help you decide if it’s a way for you to achieve your weight loss goals.

When it comes to reproductive health, many women suffer from serious concerns. Your reproductive health can impact your fertility, your moods, and your energy levels. Understanding common reproductive health concerns can make it easier for you to approach your doctor about potential treatment--or even to simply understand the difference between what's "normal" and what you may need a little more help to manage.

If you have recently been diagnosed with an orthopedic injury or illness, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), roughly one in two Americans suffers from a musculoskeletal condition that is painful and debilitating. While some of these individuals are able to make long-term progress with the help of medication and rehabilitation, others fail to experience any relief from their symptoms through medication or exercise. In these treatment-resistant cases, orthopedic surgery is often recommended as a way to address the root cause of a patient's pain and discomfort. Below is a look at the benefits of orthopedic surgery and the best way to determine whether it could be a safe and helpful option for you.

When it comes to your health, there are a number of steps you can take to stave off illness and infection. Many medical issues can be avoided or minimized in severity by proactively addressing your concern before your health takes a turn for the worse. Even people who live the most active and healthy lifestyles are susceptible to common health ailments, germs and diseases.

The number of Americans seeking bariatric surgery continues to rise every year. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the number of bariatric surgeries increased from 158,000 to 228,000 between 2011 and 2017. And with the impressive results that weight loss surgery offers, it is no surprise that the global bariatric surgery market is projected to exceed $3.5 million by 2024. But the benefits of bariatric surgery extend far beyond weight loss. They include improved mobility, diabetes remission, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cancer, and a host of others. Below is a look at the top eight advantages of bariatric surgery.

If you’re like most women, you’re a multi-tasker balancing a full-time job, child care, and household tasks. With everything you have going on in life, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Studies have found that nearly half of women admit to neglecting their own health, and the number one reason is time. Women simply don’t feel comfortable taking time away from work and other obligations for medical appointments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports approximately 40 percent of adults in the United States struggle with obesity, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) estimates about a third of obese adults fall under the umbrella of severe, or morbid obesity. In cases of severe obesity where individuals haven't had success with diet, exercise, or medications for weight loss, bariatric surgery is the next step. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective approach for treating individuals who struggle with severe obesity.