LITCHFIELD — Individuals diagnosed with lymphedema now have local experts to turn to at HSHS St. Francis Hospital. Members of the hospital’s physical therapy team became certified in complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This state-of-the-art treatment recommended by the International Society of Lymphology helps patients suffering from symptoms brought on by lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a condition resulting in the swelling of one or more limbs and often the corresponding quadrant of the trunk, face, neck and/or genitals, caused by the disruption of the lymphatic system. If untreated, swelling will worsen, the tissue can become harder and more painful, and there is an increased risk of infection.

“We are delighted to bring these treatment options to the Litchfield community,” said Blake McAfee, director of rehabilitation services at St. Francis Hospital. “Our therapists were trained by some of the top experts in the field and are ready to help those in our community with lymphedema benefit from this new treatment.”

CDT often includes two to four weeks of treatment and the independent use of compression garments at home. Key treatment components include:

• Manual lymph drainage
• Compression bandaging
• Skin care
• Exercise
• Compression garment fitting

With treatment adherence and use of compression garments, results may include:

• Maintained reduction of swelling
• Wound healing and reduced risk of infection
• Softened skin texture and improved skin health
• Improved quality of life through effective swelling control

Treatment is available at HSHS St. Francis Hospital with a referral from your physician. For more information on lymphedema treatment or any other type of therapy, please contact St. Francis Hospital Outpatient Therapy Services at 217-324-8780.

For more information about HSHS St. Francis Hospital, visit stfrancis-litchfield.org.

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Beth L. (Heyen) Rull, 44 of Bunker Hill, died at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at 5:30 a.m. She was born on October 14, 1977, in Litchfield.

She married Brandon Rull on July 16, 2005, in Alton. She was a guidance counselor for BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie. Beth was a member of the First Congregational Church in Bunker Hill. She loved camping, gardening, watching her kids’ ball games, and attending other family events.

She is survived by her husband, Brandon Rull of Bunker Hill; children, Sophie Rull and Nick Rull, both of Bunker Hill; parents, Mike and Debbie Heyen of Gillespie; sister, Kim (Bobby) Segarra of Dorchester; grandmothers, Mary Ceney of Hillsboro and Lynn Heyen of Gillespie; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Judy Rull of Bunker Hill; sister-in-law, Kimberly (Efrem) Tate of Edwardsville; sister-in-law, Shelle (Paul) Markel of Collinsville; brother-in-law, Gary M. Rull of Springfield; nieces and nephews, Trenton Segarra, Chloe Segarra, Rylie Segarra, Jordan (Olivia) Markel, Shelby Markel, and Will Tate; great nephew, Rowan Maddox; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Per Beth’s request, private family services will be held.

Memorials are suggested to Bunker Hill Schools or The Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7. Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill is in charge of the arrangements.

Blackburn College has announced its Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester. Students named to the Dean’s list must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. 

Area students include Mallory Beechler and Emalee Sorbie, both of Gillespie.

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only nine federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation fully managed by students.