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Growing minds all summer long

As the last day of school ends, children begin the transition from school to home-based learning. They trade in their backpacks and schoolbooks for swimsuits, camping gear, games, and more. Family, friends, babysitters, and camp leaders facilitate activities that support literacy, mathematics, and...
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doctor talking to patient

When Medical Tests Spark Anxiety

You may have heard the phrase, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Attributed to Benjamin Franklin, this saying highlights an important truth: taking small, proactive steps now can help prevent much larger challenges in the future. Prevention is often easier, less...
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Celebrate Mental Health Month in May

May is Mental Health Month, and University of Illinois Extension is joining Mental Health America (MHA) to focus on a simple, shared goal: helping people have more good days, together. MHA’s More Good Days, Together campaign is about meeting people where they are and recognizing that “good” looks...
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hand holding pen and lightly holding down pages of book

Improve your overall wellness by writing your own story

Think about a fond memory you have. Think about how you felt, the excitement or happiness you may have felt. Think about how this memory smells or tastes. It could be the smell of your family home or the taste of a particular food. Think about what you heard during this memory. It could be a...
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bulletin board with notes pinned up and one note says Make Things Happen

Establishing healthy habits

Habits are repeated — and often subconscious — actions that are triggered in response to contextual cues. Wearing a seat belt is an example of a habit. For many people, the action of buckling a seat belt is triggered by the contextual cue of shutting the vehicle door after you get in. Research...
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Family cooking together

The importance of rituals and routines during trying times

Stress can be caused by normal life changes such as the addition of a baby or pet into the family or moving. Major family events or community disruptions like divorce or natural disasters can also cause a great deal of stress. Despite the cause of stress, all family members can benefit from special...
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Text that says New Year's Resolutions with sticky notes that have resolutions on them.

New Year's resolutions for mental health

According to Google’s English Dictionary, the word “resolution” means a firm decision to do or not do something. So many of us feel that the beginning of a new year is a great time to set resolutions or goals to work on, but how successful are we? A recent study on New Year’s resolutions found that...
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child making a christmas tree shaped cookie

The power of holiday traditions and rituals

Growing up, I had two distinctive impressions of pumpkin pie. Both of my grandmothers made homemade pies each year, but each was a different experience. One created a delectable homemade crust with a light, pumpkin filling. My grandma on the other side made a pie that was equally flavorful but...
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