Family Files

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Tips for a fun family night in July

June 25, 2023

It’s hard to think about the 4th of July without visions of flags and fireworks appearing. The holiday event is rich with traditions that help us celebrate our country’s heritage with pride and a sense of belonging. Families also have a wealth of traditions that help us feel special and...

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How we can participate in Older Americans Month

May 11, 2023

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our...

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Be ready for severe weather

April 13, 2023

Spring is the time of year that we pay more attention to the weather. Whether we are watching the television, listening to the radio, checking our weather App, or getting alerts from the radio, severe weather can impact our lives. Planning as a family is an excellent way of not getting caught off...

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Take time for a "family night in" this April

April 11, 2023

April is here and brings many changes. The temperature. The clock. Even our clothing. Why not add one more change to the list? Get out your calendars and pick a night for a “family night in” to relax and spend time together. What children really want is more time with friends and family...

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Ten suggestions for improved positivity and well-being

March 23, 2023

Our lives are bombarded with negativity, stress and countless threats to our emotional well-being. New research in neuroscience and positive psychology show that when we experience happiness and positivity, it turns on all the learning centers in the brain and fuels positive outcomes in all aspects...

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Illinois Extension FCS professionals help area residents to live well

February 28, 2023

Health is a lot more than how one looks and feels. Conversations about health should include all eight dimensions or areas of wellness—that is mental, social, emotional, spiritual, financial, occupational, environmental, and intellectual. That’s the focus of...

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How to manage the winter blues

January 25, 2023

Winter is upon us and those longer hours of darkness coupled with the colder temperatures can make many people experience those “winter blues.” I have become much more aware of the signs of mental health issues since becoming a facilitator for Mental...

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Online vs in-person classes: Is one method better than the other?

December 16, 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all students had to get used to learning in alternative ways since in-person classes were not an option. Now that we are in a transition state of still having some online options and in-person classes, it might be a good time to weigh the pros and cons of each...

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How to make difficult decisions

December 8, 2022

Most of us make minor decisions every day. What do I want for lunch? What should I drink for breakfast? Coffee, tea, juice, or milk? There are more complex decisions that we make as well. These decisions weigh more heavily because they impact our lives in many ways. As we transition into 2023,...

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How to deal with academic burnout and stress

November 30, 2022

With finals around the corner many students are feeling unmotivated or stressed. It can be hard to finish off the semester strong with such stress and pressure. Sometimes the constant buildup of projects, papers, exams, presentations, etc. can be too overwhelming and cause burnout. There seems to...

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