Media Coverage
The work done by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine faculty members (and even some students) is regularly highlighted in newspapers, online media outlets and more. Below you’ll find links to articles and videos of Feinberg in the news.
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WGN Chicago
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Narcan: The new CPR? Local pharmacist wants to teach people how to use the life-saving nasal spray
In the midst of the national opioid crisis, access to Narcan, the nasal form of the opioid overdose antidote, is easier than ever. But would you know how to use it? Northwestern Medicine clinical pharmacist and assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Sterling Elliott, PharmD, always has Narcan nasal spray on hand, because someone might need a life-saving opioid overdose reversal at any moment. “I’ve actually got two of these that I carry in the bag at any one time,” Elliott says. “If the need comes on, I know what I’m doing.” According to Elliott, “This is the new CPR, this is yet another way you could be a Good Samaritan and save somebody’s life.” Elliott noted, the Food and Drug Administration made the decision to let Narcan become an over-the-counter medication due to its non-harming nature. Administering it during an opioid overdose has little risk of harming the patient, but not giving it is a huge risk that could result in death. Bystanders who act in good faith in helping to administer Narcan are protected by Good Samaritan laws. If you want to have it on hand, Narcan nasal spray can be purchased at most pharmacies.
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Fox 32 Chicago
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Northwestern Medicine giving Illinois patients ability to choose ‘X’ as sex designation
Patients at Northwestern Medicine’s hospitals and outpatients locations in Illinois will be able to choose “X” as a sex designation starting next week. Beginning December 8, people who are nonbinary, intersex or transgender can use “X,” instead of “M” or “F” as a sex designation on identification documents. The medical record will include designations for sexual orientation and gender identity to create a plan that will match a patient’s individual health needs. “Northwestern Medicine hospitals and outpatient centers affirm every patient’s gender identity,” said Sumanas Jordan, MD, PhD, director of the Gender Pathways Program at Northwestern Medicine and assistant professor of plastic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “The new medical record designation will enhance communication with patients, align with best practices and help our staff better meet the needs of the diverse population we serve.”
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NBC 5 Chicago
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‘COVID’ toes:’ Is the mysterious skin condition actually connected to the virus? Here’s what doctors say
With an uptick in COVID cases reported across Illinois this respiratory season, you might be on the lookout for certain symptoms in case you become ill. While people who’ve contracted the virus have reported a variety of symptoms, a fever, chills and a sore throat, other less common ones are possible. That includes “COVID toes,” a phenomenon that surfaced toward the onset of the pandemic. The mysterious skin condition that causes purple, blue or red discoloration in toes and occasionally fingers began popping up around the country early on during the pandemic, doctors with Northwestern Medicine previously said, leading some dermatologists to wonder if it may be connected to coronavirus. The swelling and discoloration can begin on one or several toes or fingers, Amy Paller, MD, chair of dermatology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, said in an article published by the American Academy of Dermatology. If you’re concerned that you have “COVID toes,” first you’ll want to take a COVID test to determine if you have contracted the virus. If you test positive, you’re encouraged to isolate and follow current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
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Yahoo! News
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6 Expert Strategies to Outsmart the ‘Smiling Sadness’ That Weights Women Down During the Holidays
Though not a clinical psychological term, the concept of smiling depression immediately resonates with many people when they first hear it, says clinical psychologist Jessica L. Schleider, PhD, Founding Director of the Lab for Scalable Mental Health and associate professor of medical social sciences, pediatrics and psychology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.” Smiling depression often affects high-functioning people who don’t want to ‘bother’ others with their symptoms, like sadness and fatigue, particularly during the holidays. But underneath that surface there is often a lot of anxiety.” There are so many cultural and internalized pressures on women, especially during the holiday season, observes Schleider. We’re supposed to be there for others, but depression undermines our capacity to live up to these expectations.” And when we believe we’re falling short, guilt and shame often hide behind our carefully cultivated smile. If we don’t challenge these distortions and ask ourselves if we’re being realistic or fair to ourselves, this guilt can transform into shame. The best way to overcome the toxic self-criticism that often underpins “smiling sadness” is to talk to someone you trust.
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USA Today
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Do cold temperatures really make you sick? Experts debunk winter weather myths
Jeffrey Linder, MD, MPH is professor, a primary care physician at Northwestern Medicine and chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Northwestern University. He said the reason for so many cold weather myths may be due to factors such as proximity. “We are more susceptible to bugs like the flu because of low humidity and we’re all together inside more,” he said. “These things are associated so when it gets cold, we do get sick more often but it’s actually not directly the cold itself. It’s sort of an indirect cause of us getting sick more.” One myth includes the idea of dressing in layers to help stay warm. This is true! Linder said, “I actually bike to work year-round in Chicago. Layers, particularly something that’s insulating and can trap warm air near your body that’s a nice warm fabric or wool, is good. An outer layer that’s windproof and waterproof will help you keep warm.” Another myth is that it’s not necessary to stay hydrated in cold weather. Linder de-bunked this one stating You can very much get dehydrated in cold weather. In fact, because the air is usually so dry when it’s cold, you have to be careful to not get dehydrated when it’s cold out. If you’re doing stuff that’s over an hour, you’re probably going to be sweating and/or breathing off enough fluid that you do need to be thinking about drinking fluid and keeping yourself hydrated.”
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Fox 32 Chicago
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Illinois experiencing ‘surge’ in respiratory viruses: Covid, flu and RSV
Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses are on the rise across Illinois as the holiday season ramps up through the new year. Statewide, more than 1000 hospitalizations have been reported, which is an increase of 20% since last week. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine found that among those tested, 85% reported decrease quality of life, 51% had cognitive impairment, almost half had altered lung function, majority had abnormal CT chest scans and some had heart rate abnormalities. Marc Sala, MD shares that people are coming back as third or fourth time patients, still with issues from long-COVID that are altering how they used to live their lives. The IDPH says to protect others, practice good hand hygiene, cover any sneeze or cough, and make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccine shots.
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HealthDay
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Women With Very Early Breast Cancer May Safely Skip Radiation Rx: Study
Some women with a very early form of breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can safely skip follow-up radiation therapy after surgery, new research suggests. Results from a sophisticated genetic test are key to the decision to either undergo or skip radiotherapy, say researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago. “Using [these] personalized diagnostic tools to predict the risk of recurrence or progression may prevent excessive treatment for some patients,” said study lead author and professor of surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Seema Khan, MD. She’s a professor of surgery and cancer research practicing at the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Follow-up radiation treatments are often ordered after surgery, but as Khan noted in a meeting news release, “there is an increasing realization that DCIS carries an unnecessary treatment burden for many women.” Further, “Women who skipped radiation based on this score did not experience an excess risk of recurrence in the same breast during the five-year follow-up period,” Khan concluded. “These findings reveal a new approach to guide treatment decisions by determining which patients may benefit from radiotherapy and which patients may safely forego it.”
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Yahoo! News
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An at-home insemination kit just got FDA clearance. But how do they work?
Is it possible to get pregnant using a kit you picked up at your local drugstore? A home kit designed to help people conceive has been given Class II clearance by the Food and Drug Administration. The Mosie Baby Kit is now the only FDA-cleared over-the-counter kit for intravaginal insemination (IVI). The Mosie Baby Kit, which costs $129, includes two collection cups for semen, two “insemination syringes” and “supportive instructions” for use. The company advertises its syringe design on its website, noting that it has a rounded nub “that ensures maximum release and minimizes waste.” “You hear people talk about getting pregnant with a turkey baster, but that’s enormous and sperm would get lost,” Lauren Streicher, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. “These kits involve a little plastic syringe and semen is injected into the vagina.” Experts are mixed on how necessary these kits are. “Some of these kits are very expensive,” Streicher points out. “All you need is a clean receptacle for sperm and a plastic syringe. You can get a 20-cent syringe from your local drugstore and Amazon.”
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Chicago Tribune
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Sterling Elliott: Is the overdose-reversing drug Narcan the new CPR?
It’s one thing for emergency responders to know how to use Narcan, or the generic nalaxone, but now, we all have access to it. So, who knows how to use it? Not always many people. After all, if you don’t use drugs or know anyone who does, maybe you think, “I don’t need to know.” But the harsh reality is overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. and the fourth-leading cause of death overall in the country. If you get on public transportation, walk through a store or go to a concert venue, there’s a chance you might witness someone going through an overdose. You might be the person who saves a life and gives someone a second chance, but only if you know how to use the drug that can reverse the overdose, shares Sterling Elliott, PharmD, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. For those who might be afraid of doing something wrong in an emergency, Narcan can’t hurt someone if they’re not overdosing. The FDA cited this as a strong reason for OTC approval. Not to mention, many states have good Samaritan laws that shield nobly intentioned citizens from liability when they try to help save a life. Don’t be afraid. This is the ultimate team effort.
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Yahoo! News
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Libido lessons: Everything you need to know about your sex drive
Libido, or sex drive, may seem like something people are just born with — either you have a high sex drive, or you don’t. Yet many things can have an impact on one’s libido, from physical issues to mental health. Here’s a guide to the terms you need to know. Not everyone feels spontaneous desire, however. While some people may assume that a lack of spontaneous desire means they have a low sex drive, it’s possible they may simply need to take a different route to feeling ready for sex. Medical intervention can sometimes help women who are concerned about their lower libido. Flibanserin, the brand name for which is Addyi, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration only for premenopausal women. Clinical studies show that after eight to 12 weeks it does boost the desire to have sex, according to Lauren Streicher, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. The medication must be taken daily and works by addressing the neurotransmitters that play a role in sexual desire; it’s not an instant fix.
