Long hours, market conditions and unpredictable weather can create stress for farmers and their families across central Illinois. “Farm life can be very rewarding, but it can also be very stressful, especially at times like planting and harvest,” said Kenny…
Cicadas may appear gross to some people, but the emerging insects are harmless to humans and even considered a delicacy for adventurous eaters. They won’t bite, sting or spread disease, and they aren’t venomous or poisonous. “Some cultures consider cicadas…
The fresh air and sunshine is intoxicating this spring season, but all the growing things can lead to allergies in children as they rush to play outside in the warmer weather. Allergies most often begin to appear in children between…
When the calendar turns to March, Americans love to celebrate Irish culture, often with St. Patrick’s Day parades, corned beef and cabbage and a frosty mug of green beer. The colorful brew is simply regular beer dyed green using food…
Before I load up my sleigh and get my reindeer ready for their international flight on Christmas Eve, I wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you grown-up boys and girls. Like many of the rest of you,…
It’s the season of giving! But did you know volunteering can boost your mental health during the busy holiday season? Maybe you buy presents for friends and family. Or bake cookies for neighbors or leave out gift cards for the…
Are you marveling at photos of holiday bliss flitting across your social media feeds this time of year? Remember Instagram doesn’t feature the frazzled vibe. The holidays are supposed to be about relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. Instead,…
It’s a triple threat this fall with flu, COVID-19 and RSV all potential health risks, especially for the very young, old and immune-compromised. The good news is that flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are updated, and there is a new RSV…
Those annual back-to-school physicals are kind of like measuring your child’s height on a door frame at home with a pencil – they help measure from year to year if your child is growing in a healthy manner, both physically…
Hydration is key to staying healthy during this summer’s extreme temperatures caused by a “Heat Dome” over much of the United States. “These high temperatures create dangerous conditions for children and adults alike,” said Anna Richie, MD, and clinical director…