Alexander L. Lin, MD

04/17/2026

Imagine brain surgery without a single incision to treat essential tremor. We’re breaking down MRI-guided focused ultrasound in under a minute.

04/16/2026

Eating more protein? Don’t forget the fiber!

A high-protein diet without enough fiber can upset digestion and harm gut health. Learn why fiber matters and how to add high-fiber foods like beans, lentils and chia seeds to your meals. Plus, learn tips for balancing protein and fiber for overall health, and how a registered dietitian can help.

Fiber tips for protein diets.

04/15/2026

Have you thought about trying a “parasite cleanse”? Get the facts first. A Northwestern Medicine infectious disease expert explains how human parasites are accurately diagnosed and treated, and why medical testing matters.

Symptoms, testing, diagnosis and treatment.

04/12/2026

Should you add sea moss to your daily routine?

Sea moss is a red algae found along the Atlantic coast that’s used in several foods — from ice cream to soups, and in many supplements in gel, powder and capsule forms. It’s a cousin to seaweed, and many claim it’s good for your heart and your gut.

But the amount of iodine and heavy metals in sea moss can vary depending on the source. Learn why people with thyroid problems, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those taking certain medications should be cautious before trying it. Plus, get other evidence-based tips before adding sea moss to your diet.

Talk to your doctor before trying sea moss.

04/10/2026

Bowel movements come in all shapes and sizes. Certain characteristics of your stool can tell you a lot about your health and give you a heads up about any potential issues.

What Your Stool Says About Your Health

04/09/2026

Dementia and memory disorders can now be evaluated and treated from the comfort of home.

04/08/2026

Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog and va**nal dryness can disrupt your sleep and daily life. Updated guidelines show most healthy women can safely manage moderate to severe menopause symptoms with hormone therapy when started within 10 years of menopause or before age 60. Northwestern Medicine Gynecologist Kristin A. Dolling, MD, weighs in.

Understand updated guidelines.

04/08/2026

A huge congratulations to nurses Gwen and Caryl on their 25 years of service to the Neurology, Orthopaedics and Spine Floor at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. They have mentored so many of our nurses and given countless patients exceptional care!

We are so grateful to you both!

04/07/2026

Living with hand tremors can make everyday tasks harder than they should be.

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an incisionless surgical option that uses ultrasound waves guided by MRI to help manage tremors.

Learn the basics, including benefits, risks and who may be eligible.

04/06/2026

A gastroenterologist weighs in on the symptoms to never ignore when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disorder.

04/05/2026

One month before her 15th birthday, Liliana “Lili” Castaneda was diagnosed with a rare va**nal cancer called clear cell carcinoma. Clear cell carcinoma of the va**na is not a childhood cancer. Because of this, pediatric hospitals in Chicago would not accept Liliana as a patient. Northwestern Medicine welcomed Liliana as a patient.

Liliana responded exceptionally well to treatment and was declared cancer‑free in March 2021.

04/04/2026

The surprising effects menopause may have on the heart.