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Image of a mother and small child cooking together in a kitchen
Read article: Promoting child independence in the kitchen
Promoting child independence in the kitchen
As a parent of two kids ages six and nine, I sometimes have to remind myself to stop doing everything for them. Rather it is my job to teach them the...
water color background with Older Americans Month on it
Read article: How we can participate in Older Americans Month
How we can participate in Older Americans Month
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (...
Ligthening in the sky, stormy
Read article: Severe weather
Severe weather
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...
a family playing a board game
Read article: Take time for a "family night in" this April
Take time for a "family night in" this April
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...
A couple holding hands
Read article: Strong Couples program helps families build relationships that last
Strong Couples program helps families build relationships that last
Sustaining a healthy and supportive relationship can be difficult for many couples. The Strong...
suitcases
Read article: 5 money-saving tips for traveling on a budget
5 money-saving tips for traveling on a budget
I have wonderful memories of family vacations from when I was a child, but it wasn’t until I was a parent that I realized how expensive those special...
person holding dog
Read article: Ten suggestions for improved positivity and well-being
Ten suggestions for improved positivity and well-being
Our lives are bombarded with negativity, stress and countless threats to our emotional well-being. New research in neuroscience and positive...
adult hand holding baby hand
Read article: Illinois Extension FCS professionals help area residents to live well
Illinois Extension FCS professionals help area residents to live well
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...

News Releases

woman and child with photos for learning
Autism acceptance: A quest for answers, support
URBANA, Ill. – Katie Stafford and her husband struggled to understand their young daughter’s unfamiliar behavior, which seemed so unlike the usual tantrums and behavioral quirks of childhood. Julia barely slept. She refused to eat most foods. She was hyper-focused on specific topics. She...
family holding a wooden bridge model with signs saying Bridge Bust
4-H Bridge Bust returns, promoting STEM and life skills
After a three-year break, Bridge Bust returned in February to mark its ninth regional event; once again providing tri-county community members a way to put their ideas and skills to the test. “We were excited to bring it back after a pause due to the pandemic, and once again provide area...
Extension employees
Illinois Strong Couples program earns Extension Excellence Award
URBANA, Ill. – Unmitigated, chronic relationship distress can significantly impair the health and well-being of individuals, their families, and the broader community. A University of Illinois Extension program was recently honored for its innovative approach to offer education and coaching for...

Staff

Susan Sloop Headshot

Susan Sloop

Extension Specialist Youth Development Health & Wellness