Live a healthier lifestyle with research-based tools.
Make informed decisions about health choices with cutting-edge research from University of Illinois. Find a session that's perfect for you.
The Community Seminar Series is a collaboration between Illinois Extension and Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Signing up is easy:
- Sessions are free, and registration is required.
- Choose as many sessions within the series as you wish to attend.
- Complete the registration process.
- CPDU and CEUs are available: CEUs are provided through the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois. Once you have registered for your desired sessions, please check your registration confirmation email for a link to purchase CEUs.
If you need a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, contact Dee Walls at walls1@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
Access previous sessions on health topics by visiting our recorded session archives.
Autumn Health Picks 2025
Nutrition and Caregiving: Challenges and Training Needs | Oct. 8
Family caregivers are vital in supporting older adults with diet-related chronic conditions, but struggle with nutrition guidance, cultural preferences, and daily care. This session shares study findings on caregivers’ nutrition challenges and their support preferences. Attendees will learn practical strategies and resources to help caregivers manage nutrition-related care effectively.
Protecting Your Heart and Metabolism: Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Conditions in Older Adults | Oct. 15
Adults should aim for ≥150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or PA to reduce cardiometabolic risks, but only 25% of Americans meet this guideline. This session will cover the extensive benefits of adhering to PA recommendations and share new research findings on the optimal PA dose for adults across age groups to prevent cardiometabolic conditions effectively.
Protein: More Than Muscles, Unlocking Its Role in Everyday Health | Oct. 22
Protein does more than build muscle — it promotes fullness, supports immune health, and prevents age-related muscle loss across all ages. This interactive session clarifies protein needs, identifies the best sources, and shows how to incorporate them into your diet without excess. You'll gain practical tools for personal wellness or to support clients and patients.
Perceptions of Digital Health Technology | Oct. 29
Older adults face unique physical, cognitive, and technological challenges affecting their ability to use digital health tools effectively. This session explores prior tech experience, health literacy, physical limitations like vision, dexterity, hearing, and perceived usefulness. It addresses barriers specific to older adults, beyond general technology use, to improve their engagement with digital health tools.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body: The Key to Total Wellness | Nov. 5
Healthy teeth, healthy body. This session dives into the critical connections between oral care and overall health, showing why what happens in your mouth matters for your entire body, and how simple steps can make a big difference.
How Your Environment Shapes Your Health: Understanding Obesogenic Environments and Practical Strategies to Thrive | Nov. 12
More than personal choices influence your health — your environment plays a key role. Food availability, safe sidewalks, and green spaces impact healthy habits. This interactive virtual session explores how environments shape eating and activity patterns, offering practical strategies to improve your health and support others. Learn actionable steps to thrive and foster healthier environments for all.