Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the country, and the majority of these cancers are caused by sun exposure. Skin makes up the body’s largest organ and has two layers: the outer layer called the epidermis…
As the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rolled out at the end of 2020, Kristen and Josh Brown met with their obstetrician for their twelve-week visit and discussed pros and cons of vaccination. Kristen, 30, was eligible to schedule the vaccination because…
While summer insects are common in Illinois, not every year do we see and hear cicadas, sometimes incorrectly called 17-year “locusts.” (Locusts are actually a different species.) According to the University of Illinois Extension, the Great Eastern Brood X emerges…
Many of us are all too familiar with anxiety these days. Situational anxiety can occur during challenging times such as a worldwide pandemic—or during individual situations like a divorce, a new job, financial hardship or illness. But at times, the…
Four days before testing positive for COVID-19, Bill Jones walked half a mile to his deer stand, shot a deer and hauled the carcass back to his vehicle himself. “No problem,” the 59-year-old Taylorville man said. In the days that…
Fear of needles during an immunization or blood draw is not unique to children. Many adults experience a needle phobia as well. For some, the fear can be greater than mild anxiety. But don’t let a fear of needles keep…
Feeling stressed about all the changes taking place right now? You aren’t alone. “Just about the time we figured out how to take care of ourselves within the tight restrictions of a pandemic, the environment is changing yet again,” said…
If you are experiencing anxiety about returning to normalcy post-COVID and going back in public, you’re not alone. Taking step to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 helped to keep our families and communities safe, and as vaccination rates increase, an…
When you are vaccinated against COVID-19, it helps protect you from getting the illness. However, preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can potentially spread the virus to others. “Fully vaccinated” means…
You see the advertising for protein bars, shakes and supplements, and recognize how carbohydrates provide energy, but how do you accurately determine how much you need in your diet to perform your favorite activities? Carbohydrates are the main energy source…