SSM Health Illinois

02/04/2026

Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women, yet symptoms are too often ignored or brushed aside. SSM Health nurse practitioner Ashley Hofer, NP, knows firsthand how easy that can be — and why it’s so dangerous.

“It felt like an elephant sitting on my chest,” she says when describing her heart attack at age 37.

This Friday, wear red to show your support, start conversations, and learn the symptoms that could save a life — maybe even your own. Read Ashley’s powerful story and learn what to watch for: https://www.ssmhealth.com/newsroom/blogs/ssm-health-matters/february-2026/nurse-practitioner-knows-heart-symptoms-should-never-be-ignored

❤️ Wear red

❤️ Know the signs

❤️ Take women’s heart health seriously

Wear Red Day takes on a new meaning for SSM Health cardiology provider Ashley Hofer

02/04/2026

Congratulations to Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, and SSM Health Rural Health Network, on being elected to his second term on the Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board of Trustees!

The IHA is the policymaking body representing more than 200 hospitals and nearly 40 health systems statewide, helping shape the future of healthcare in Illinois.

We are grateful for Damon’s service on the Finance & Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and the Executive Committee, and for his leadership across our SSM Health ministries.

02/04/2026

Taking melatonin regularly? You might want to read this.

Melatonin is one of the most commonly used sleep aids—but what happens when you take it long term? 🤔

Our blog breaks down what the science says, potential risks, and what to consider before making it part of your nightly routine.

Read more: https://www.ssmhealth.com/newsroom/blogs/ssm-health-matters/january-2026/long-term-melatonin-use-what-you-need-to-know

💬 Join the conversation:

Have you tried melatonin for sleep?

Did it help—or not so much?

Your experience could help others navigating sleep challenges.

Melatonin has been considered a safe and effective sleep aid for 30 years. But how safe is it for long-term use? Dr. Roopa Shah sheds light on a recent American Heart Association study.

02/03/2026

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, and we’re committed to making a difference. This Friday, February 6th, join us and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. Wear red and show your support for women’s heart health!

02/03/2026

Waking up stiff, sore, or feeling older than you should? 😣 You’re not alone — and the good news is, there are ways to start your day feeling better.

From simple morning stretches to small sleep and lifestyle tweaks, our latest blog breaks down why those morning aches and pains happen — and what you can do to ease them before they slow you down. 🌅💪

If mornings have been a struggle lately, this one’s for you:

https://www.ssmhealth.com/newsroom/blogs/ssm-health-matters/january-2026/morning-aches-and-pains-how-to-get-a-better-start-to-your-day

Your mornings deserve to feel a little lighter. 💙 What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

If you’re often waking up to a stiff neck or sore back, some small adjustments to your sleep position might make a big difference.

02/03/2026

In 1946, five brave women became the Sisters of St. Mary’s first Black postulants — at a time when very few congregations in the U.S. welcomed Black sisters.
They left their homes to follow their calling in St. Louis, dedicating their lives to faith, service, and caring for the sick and vulnerable. Their legacy continues to inspire us.

Read their powerful story in our Health Matters blog: https://www.ssmhealth.com/newsroom/blogs/ssm-health-matters/february-2019/meet-another-first-five

Photo courtesy of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary

02/02/2026

Women’s heart attack symptoms often don’t look like the movies.

Because women’s heart attack symptoms can mimic everyday issues like reflux, back pain, or exhaustion, they’re often overlooked or mistaken for something minor.

This National Wear Red Day, take a moment and check your risk with our quick Heart Health Assessment: https://www.ssmhealth.com/access/health-risk-assessments/heart-risk-assessment

Your heart is worth your attention. ❤️

02/02/2026

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
Yield: 1-2 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 tbsp finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 sweet apple, diced
- 2 tbsp crushed pecans
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate until serving.

Recipe from Bariatric Foodie

01/31/2026

Flu season is here, and a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping you and those around you healthy:

🧼 Wash your hands often

🤧 Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow

😷 Wear a mask to protect yourself and reduce the spread of germs

↔️ Give others space when you’re not feeling well

🌬️ Improve airflow by opening windows or using air purifiers

🏡 Stay home when sick to rest and prevent spreading illness

👩‍⚕️ Reach out to your doctor if you have flu‑like symptoms

💉 Get your flu shot — it’s not too late, and it can help reduce the severity of symptoms

🩺 Healthy habits make a big difference. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community well.

01/30/2026

Have a wound? Don’t delay care! Non-healing wounds can have serious health consequences, but hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy may help. For more information about SSM Health wound care services, call 618-436-6318-Centralia location and 618-899-3710-Mt. Vernon location!

01/29/2026

The Auxiliary at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital is accepting applications from students pursuing careers in health care. This program offers a total of ten (10) scholarships worth $1,500 each, as well as one (1) $1,500 Warren-Hollar Scholarship specifically designated for SSM Health employees or past employees’ children or grandchildren.

Applications are accepted from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026.

Learn more or apply today https://www.ssmhealth.com/access/global-forms/patient-resources/auxiliary-scholarship-application-for-southern-illinois

01/29/2026

Join us in welcoming Christanna Brown, APRN-CNP, to our vascular surgical services team. Christanna is passionate about providing evidence-based guidance and support throughout treatment. She has more than a decade of experience in surgical nursing and delivers comprehensive care for a range of vascular conditions. She is currently accepting patients 18 years of age or older.

• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Vascular health assessments
• Treatment for spider and varicose veins
• Leg swelling & venous ulcers
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• and more!

Learn more about Christanna at https://www.getcare.ssmhealth.com/find-a-doctor/doctor-details/christanna-m-brown-aprn-cnp