Research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness.
by Tim Ditman OSF Healthcare
ALTON - Sore throats: they’re pesky. They’re not just a winter thing (hello, spring allergies). And they can turn serious, such as strep throat.
Isha McConkey, DO
Do a web search for at-home remedies, and you’ll get a lot of results. Which ones work? Which ones might feel good in the moment but don’t get the job done? Isha McConkey, DO, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has your checklist:
Ice cream: Dr. McConkey doesn’t recommend it.
“I know it feels good. But it will increase mucus production in most people. That’s going to exacerbate the [throat] irritation,” she explains. “We also don’t want a lot of sugar,” which could lead to cavities.
In fact, Dr. McConkey says this logic applies to dairy foods overall. Skip them come sore throat time.
Popsicles: These are OK, Dr. McConkey says. Just go for a sugar free or fruit juice-infused option.
Cough drops: Choose cough drops with xylitol, a sugar alternative, Dr. McConkey says.
Honey: “It’s excellent,” Dr. McConkey says. You’re still getting sugar, though, so don’t guzzle it. Try making a drink with hot water, honey and lemon. Or incorporate honey into your tea.
“You can even add a little cayenne pepper. In some types of sore throats, it may make it worse. But most people find it can be very soothing. It has some numbing properties,” Dr. McConkey adds. But don’t take that as a license to eat spicy food. The acidity in tacos, for example, might cause throat irritation.
Soups: Pop that chicken noodle soup in the microwave, Dr. McConkey says. She says research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness. Opt for a low sodium can.
Salt water: You’ve probably seen online videos or heard the tactic passed down by family members. Yes, it can help, Dr. McConkey says. Gargling salt water can decrease swelling, she says. Try it before you drink your tea or before you go to bed to help get a restful night.
More stories worth reading ~
A fourth-place finisher at Tokyo 2020, Garrett Scantling joins the Illinois track staff under longtime coach Petros Kyprianou.
CHAMPAIGN - The University of Illinois has added an Olympian to its coaching roster as director of track, field and cross country Petros Kyprianou announced the hiring of Garrett Scantling as an assistant coach Tuesday. Scantling will work closely with Kyprianou, focusing on the jumps and combined events squads.
A fourth-place finisher in the decathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Scantling brings a wealth of high-level competitive and coaching experience to the Illini program. His Olympic run was highlighted by a score of 8,611 points, which included personal bests in the 400-meter dash (48.25) and 1500-meter run (4:35.54). He qualified for Tokyo by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, with 8,647 points.
“Garrett is an ultra-positive person who brings world-class Olympic experience,” said Kyprianou, who has coached Scantling since 2011. “He has a special ability to relate to student-athletes because he’s walked in their shoes. I believe his impact will be felt immediately.”
Scantling’s collegiate career at Georgia, where he was coached by Kyprianou, was marked by steady excellence. He medaled three times at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the heptathlon, earning bronze as a freshman in 2013, silver in 2015, and another bronze in 2016. His top collegiate mark came in 2015 with 6,068 points in the heptathlon.
After his NCAA career, Scantling continued to compete at the highest level. In 2022, he claimed two national titles, winning the U.S. Indoor Championships in the heptathlon with 6,382 points and later dominating the USA Combined Events Championships with a personal-best 8,867 points in the decathlon.
His coaching background includes a stint as an assistant coach at Georgia under Kyprianou from 2019 to 2021. Most recently, he returned to his alma mater, the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, where he served as the strength and conditioning coach while also leading football, girls weightlifting, and track and field.
Now, Scantling brings that experience to Champaign.
“I’m super excited to be a part of what Petros has built here for the Illini,” said Scantling. “I can’t wait to share my experience and expertise with all the different student-athletes I’ll get to work with.”
The addition of Scantling comes as Illinois continues building depth across its program. His arrival strengthens an already ambitious push to elevate the Illini’s performance in multi-events and jumps on the Big Ten and national stages.
More stories worth reading ~
Tags: Garrett Scantling Illinois track and field coach, University of Illinois hires Olympic decathlete coach, Illinois track and field jumps and combined events coaching staff, Petros Kyprianou reunites with Garrett Scantling at Illinois, Garrett Scantling coaching career after Tokyo Olympics
Avoiding holiday acid reflux is a cinch; Dr. Greg Ward explains how
The advice from Greg Ward, MD, is sure to raise some eyebrows.
But he’s serious. It’s one way to prevent reflux, an ailment that’s painful and annoying in mild cases and can necessitate surgery in advanced instances. And it's something to be aware of during holiday eating.
Learning by leading: Building teen entrepreneurship and real-world business know-how
Already on Tiktok or Instagram? Teens can get real-world skills by blending business and their social media platforms into a unique venture this summer where they can learn valuable business experience as entrepreneurs.
Rybak wins state track title, next stop Notre Dame
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Father McGivney's Elena Rybak and St. Anthony's Isabella Keller embrace after running in the Class 1A 1600m Run on Saturday at the Illinois High School Association's Girls Track & Field State Finals.
by Tim Ditman
