“You’ll shoot your eye out!” is the famous response to 9-year-old Ralphie Parker’s air rifle request in the movie classic, “A Christmas Story” and right on trend with Safe Toys and Gifts Month in December. Hasan Othman, MD, a pediatrician…
If you are currently suffering from body aches, chills, fever and other flu symptoms, you are not alone. Influenza continues to increase at a rapid rate throughout Illinois and the nation. Central Illinois is no exception. Flu symptoms include fever,…
For some people, December brings too many opportunities for anxiety or depression – pressure to maintain busy social schedules, spend money, find perfect gifts, eat unhealthy foods and ignore normal sleep routines. Here are some early indicators that stress might…
All you want for Christmas is a picture-perfect photo of your child sitting on Santa’s lap to share with the world on social media, holiday cards and texts to grandparents. Unfortunately, your child won’t set foot near the bearded bearer…
It’s December — time for parties, baked goods and gatherings centered on large meals … and if you’re not careful, growing waistlines. Don’t let this season of indulgence run away with your good intentions. Here are some tips on how…
Keeping that beard after No-Shave November? No-Shave November originated as a fun way to raise awareness about men’s health issues, support cancer awareness and raise funds to support cancer prevention, research and education. If you are one of the many guys…
Back-to-back holiday parties on your schedule? Keep an eye on your alcohol intake in order to avoid “holiday heart syndrome,” which is the incidence of irregular heart rhythms (also known as atrial fibrillation) brought on by unusual and excessive alcohol…
When words fall short, there are many therapeutic benefits to creating art – no matter what form. Researchers have documented art’s power and potential to help people heal from traumatic circumstances. “When faced with trauma, it can often be difficult…
If your child complains of having “sand in my eyes” or wakes up with one or both eyes crusted shut, be prepared to cancel their normal schedule due to the contagious nature of pink eye. Pink eye is common in…
Memorial Holiday Fest, presented by the Springfield Memorial Foundation in partnership with Downtown Springfield, Inc., will feature a festive lineup of community events and family activities on Saturdays and Wednesday evenings between Nov. 26 and Dec. 21 in downtown Springfield. Most…