Chicago Bears Players Visit Local Students

Bears School Outreach
Image: chicagobears.com

A physician with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Morris Kharasch serves as chief of emergency medicine for the NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois. In his free time, Dr. Morris Kharasch enjoys following Chicago’s professional sports teams, including the Chicago Bears.

Members of the Chicago Bears took time off the field recently to help launch a new season of Bears School Outreach. Now in its 19th year, Bears School Outreach is a youth development program that teaches positive values to students throughout the Chicago area. The Bears implement the program with the help of their community partner Youth Guidance, a Chicago-based nonprofit that oversees various programs to help at-risk children attain success in school and life.

To kick off the new season of Bears School Outreach, Bears tackle Charles Leno Jr., wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, and defensive back DeAndre Houston-Carson visited local schools and met with students who participate in Youth Guidance’s B.A.M (Becoming a Man) and W.O.W (Working on Womanhood) programs. During their visits, the players discussed some of the challenges they faced growing up and participated in team-building activities focused on core values such as leadership, accountability, and self-determination.

As part of Bears School Outreach, Chicago Bears players will meet with students in Chicago public schools every Tuesday throughout the 2016-17 season. For more information about the program, visit www.chicagobears.com/community.

Robert B. Parker’s Classic Spenser and Jesse Stone Detective Series

Rober B Parker
Image: robertbparker.net

A physician with the NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois, Dr. Morris Kharasch guides emergency patient care spanning four departments. An avid reader, Dr. Morris Kharasch particularly enjoys Tom Clancy’s thrillers and the Jesse Stone series. Written by Robert B. Parker, the Jesse Stone books are the work of a prolific author who penned approximately 70 books across four decades prior to his death in 2010.

Following a varied career that spanned military service and technical writing, Parker began writing fiction in earnest in his early 40s, with his first four books focusing on Spenser, who was considered by many as a throwback to an earlier era of crime novels. Passionate about the classic American detective story, Parker authored his doctoral dissertation on Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Ross MacDonald. In 1989, he had the honor of being selected to complete the last, unfinished Philip Marlowe novel Poodle Springs.

Parker conceptualized Jesse Stone late in his career, as a homicide detective from California who leaves behind an alcoholic past to create a new life as police chief in small-town New England. The character has proved a durable one and spawned an ongoing series of TV movies. The continued popularity of Parker’s novels has even led to new Spenser and Jesse Stone books being written after his passing.

Strong Posture for Golfers

Golf Posture
Image: golfdigest.com

As chief of emergency medicine for the NorthShore University HealthSystem, Dr. Morris Kharasch oversees four hospital emergency departments. Dr. Morris Kharasch balances his professional responsibilities with an active personal life, which includes frequent games of golf.

Correct posture plays a crucial role in establishing an effective golf swing. The body needs to lean forward at the proper angle, yet not round from the waist. The knees should be slightly flexed but not bent, and the shoulders blades should be flat to the torso.

Experts recommend that a golfer find his or her correct posture by standing tall with the golf club straight out in front of the navel. By then tilting forward at the hips, rather than at the waist, and keeping the lower back flat, the person finds a comfortable position. It may feel at first as if the person is sending his or her gluteus muscles backward.

The person should continue to lean forward until the club head touches the ground. He or she can then gently flex the knees, but without a bend that would change the angle of the club. The spine then serves as a relaxed but stable center column, and the swing rotates around it.

Parasailing Tips for Beginners

Parasailing
Image: traveltips.usatoday.com

Emergency medicine physician Dr. Morris Kharasch provides management in patient care for four emergency departments at NorthShore University HealthSystem. In his leisure time, Dr. Morris Kharasch enjoys various outdoor activities, including parasailing.

Parasailing can be an exhilarating experience, but those who aren’t familiar with the activity may have certain questions before deciding to take it up for themselves. In that vein, here are some important tips for parasailing beginners to keep in mind.

Before ever putting on a harness, perform a visual inspection of the parasail boat to ensure that it has been well maintained. If the boat looks old or weathered, or if the tow rope appears to be frayed, it may be best to find another operator.

It’s also important to find a parasail operator who does business from an established storefront, rather than someone who is simply operating on a beach, as they are more reputable. Additionally, make sure the operator explains all the risks to you before signing any release forms.

When in the air, remember that parasailing isn’t necessary a thrill-seeking experience. In fact, many parasailers take part in the activity because it is relaxing to steadily climb through the air. Just try to relax when in the air. There’s also no need to white-knuckle the straps, because you are secured to the parasail through a sturdy harness.

The last tip? Be sure to have fun!

Tillman Retires with Bears

Tillman Retires with Bears
Image: chicagotribune.com

A medical school graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Morris Kharasch serves as the chief of emergency medicine at NorthShore University HealthSystem. Outside his professional life, Dr. Morris Kharasch follows Chicago’s sports teams, and is especially a fan of the Bears.

Longtime Chicago cornerback Charles Tillman recently returned to the team on a one-day ceremonial contract, ensuring he will retire as a member of the Bears.

A second round draft choice in 2003, Tillman played 12 seasons in Chicago before departing last year as a free agent, signing with the Carolina Panthers, where he appeared in 12 games. Tillman is third in Bears team history with 36 interceptions, trailing only Gary Fencik and Richie Pettibon. He is also the all-time team leader in defensive touchdown, interception return yards, and interception return touchdowns.

Tillman retired during the offseason and will take a role as a pre-game analyst for FOX Sports, joining former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt, Colin Cowherd and host Clarissa Thompson for the Sunday morning broadcast.

A Brief Introduction to Choosing a Club on the Golf Course

 

Choosing a Club
Image: golftips.golfsmith.com

Dr. Morris Kharasch has served the Evanston, Illinois, community as a physician for more than 25 years. When he is not leading four emergency departments with NorthShore University HealthSystem, Dr. Morris Kharasch enjoys refining his game on the golf course.

Golfers can carry up to 14 unique clubs in their bag at a time. Each club has a different weight and design that allows it to serve golfers in specialized situations, such as a heavy driver to hit the ball from the tee down the fairway. As golfers become better accustomed to the game and their various clubs, they may opt to toggle between different clubs.

For instance, the putter is a lightweight club designed to help golfers gently control a ball from somewhere on the green into the hole. However, no rule states that golfers must use their putter when playing a shot from the green, or that any specific club must be used at any set location on the course. There are several light clubs to choose from, some of which may be better suited to the distance or condition of the green compared to the traditional putter.

Sand traps and rough, long grass are other areas on a course where golfers can select from a few options. When playing a shot from a trap or the rough, the primary goal is simply to chip the ball out of the bad terrain and back onto the fairway, a task that can be achieved using a variety of clubs. The pitching wedge is a popular option due to its consistency and versatility, but the 6, 7, 8, and 9 iron clubs are all workable possibilities.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness Applauds House Bill

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Image: nami.org

Board certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Morris Kharasch holds a faculty position at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Morris Kharasch’s philanthropic activities include support of the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is America’s largest advocacy organization for mental health. It offers educational programs in thousands of communities as well as a nationwide hotline, media contacts, and NAMI Walks to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Roughly one in five Americans has a mental illness, and half of that group does not receive treatment.

The organization has been lobbying Congress for improvements in mental health care. Its efforts paid off in the House of Representatives as its Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.

The bill, which awaits action by the whole House and the Senate, mandates new positions and agencies to deal with the problems. It also improves crisis response, early intervention, and the coordination of primary care, substance abuse care, and mental health care. The measure also calls for incorporating the best research into treatment and allows Medicaid to expand coverage under certain conditions.

Friends of the Green Bay Trail Bring Back Butterflies and Birds

Friends of the Green Bay Trail
Image: gbtrail.org

The chief of emergency medicine at the NorthShore University Health System, Dr. Morris Kharasch has practiced medicine for 25 years. Dr. Morris Kharasch also donates to local community groups, such as the Friends of the Green Bay Trail.

Based in Glencoe, Illinois, north of Chicago, the Friends of the Green Bay Trail (FGBT) began when residents started to explore the impact of invasive species, such as common buckthorn and garlic mustard, on the native biosphere. They learned how restoring native plants, such as milkweed, a food source for monarch butterflies, can bring back dwindling populations of insets and other species of animals, including birds such as goldfinches, which also thrive on native plants. The FGBT also urges residents to avoid using outdoor plants from Japan and China in their gardens.

Officials have praised the FGBT for its grassroots fundraising efforts and partnerships with other organizations. For example, ecology + vision, a firm that consults on ecosystem restoration, donated its services in creating an elaborate landscape plan. The University of Illinois at Chicago lent the services of seven students to devise ideas for good funding sources.

Also working with the FGBT is the Village of Glencoe, which has started a Trees for the Trail program. This initiative lets donors purchase native trees to be planted along the trail. Those interested in volunteering for this and other events can reach the FGBT at www.gbtrail.org.

American Board of Emergency Medicine Certificates for Diplomates

 

American Board of Emergency Medicine
Image: abem.org

A physician with over 24 years of experience, Morris Kharasch, MD, has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) since 1993. Those who would like to become a Diplomate like Dr. Morris Kharasch must achieve certain ABEM qualifications and adhere to the procedures put forth by the board.

In order to become an ABEM Diplomate, candidates must successfully complete the Qualifying Examination and the Oral Certification Examination. Following the passing of these exams, a certificate will be granted displaying the physician’s name, medical degree, and start date. All certifications expire ten years from their start dates unless their holders participate in the ABEM Maintenance of Certification Program, which includes extensive career development requirements.

The contact information of new Diplomates will be displayed in a directory operated by the American Board of Medical Specialties. In accordance with ABEM policies and procedures, certificates issued to Diplomates are subject to be revoked at any time.

The ACEP Scientific Assembly Helps Professionals Improve Their Skills

American College of Emergency Physicians
Image: acep.org

Morris Kharasch, MD, splits his time between serving as a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine and president of professional staff at NorthShore University HealthSystem. Possessing more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Morris Kharasch specializes in emergency medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) was founded in 1968 with the goal of providing emergency medicine physicians with a reliable source for continuing education and information. To this end, the organization hosts several professional events throughout the year, including the ACEP Scientific Assembly. As the organization’s flagship event, the Scientific Assembly welcomes emergency medical professionals from around the world. The event combines policy development, networking, education, and new technology to create an immersive experience that helps attendees enhance their clinical skills and stay abreast of advancements in the field.

The ACEP16 Scientific Assembly is scheduled for October 16 to 19, 2016, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. This year’s curriculum will focus on general and risk management tools, along with various clinical topics. Attendees can learn about everything from abdominal disorders and neurology to professional skills and health policy through educational courses, labs, and workshops. The event is open to any professional involved in emergency medicine, including medical students and residents.