Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is as much as 4.3 percent in the general population and higher if you have a family history of the disease. Colon cancer can be curable if detected early, as pre-cancerous lesions can be removed during a colonoscopy. David Henkhaus of Alton is one who knows about this, from both a positive and negative point of view.

Beth Rull saw some positives in COVID-19, which is quite remarkable considering that the past year has been the most challenging health year of her life – and very little of it had to do with the pandemic. She went through a double mastectomy and followed up with radiation oncology treatment at Alton Memorial Hospital -- and was very pleased with the care she received.

A machine in the Alton Memorial Hospital café stands ready to help satisfy the hunger of employees, physicians and visitors during the hours when the café’s serving line is not open. The Byte machine holds a limited amount of items but can be accessed by the use of a credit card.

Mary Norman began Jan. 18 as the new coordinator of Miss Eunice’s Hat Box, the Alton Memorial Hospital gift shop. Miss Eunice’s Hat Box is currently open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is located on the ground floor of the AMH Beeby Wing across from the café. Because of the pandemic, only three visitors are allowed inside the gift shop at one time and all visitors must wear a mask.For more information, call the gift shop at 618-463-7493 or Mary’s office at 618-433-6684.

Kelly Currie, MD, is a Washington University Physicians of Illinois Inc. plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has recently joined the Alton Memorial Hospital medical staff. Dr. Currie specializes in hand/upper extremity surgery and general reconstructive plastic surgery.  She is located in Suite 101 of Medical Office Building A on the Alton Memorial Hospital campus along with Dr. John Felder and Lorraine Seiffert, NP. To schedule an appointment, please call 618-433-6006.