Events

Blog Posts

adult and child using cookie cutters with dough
Read article: The power of holiday traditions and rituals
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...
Parents with child looking at phone
Read article: Alternatives to screen time
Alternatives to screen time
Like many things, there are positive and negative effects of screen time for all of us, and it can be hard to come up with that magic amount of time...
individuals, couples, families, and friends ice skating at an outdoor ice rink
Read article: Deck the halls with healthy habits: Add physical activity to your holiday traditions
Deck the halls with healthy habits: Add physical activity to your holiday traditions
Across Illinois many of us recently saw the season’s first snow fall. While it can be tempting to hunker down as the evenings grow darker and colder...
Woman completing a plank exercise
Read article: Is isometric exercise beneficial?
Is isometric exercise beneficial?
Have you ever wondered why someone may take on the challenge of a plank hold? Or do a prolonged wall sit? Well, these are called isometric exercises...

News Releases

Lessons for Living
Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...
older adults smiling at a holiday party
Join the party at Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. — Come and have some fun at the last Diabetes Clinic for the year! Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Jenna Smith for a festive holiday party filled with fun and learning! Enjoy delicious appetizers, engage in an interactive educational game, and...
open air hous for indoor air quality
Breathe Easier This October: 7 Steps to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
October is Healthy Lung Month, a timely reminder to prioritize lung health and early detection. With most people spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, the air inside our homes plays a critical role in overall well-being. Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or heart disease...

Videos

Enjoying the Outdoors and Staying Safe in the Sun

Illinois Extension 4-H Educator Melissa Wilson explores how to stay safe in the sun while playing outdoors. Learn about different types of UV rays, what SPF means, and how to protect yourself from a sunburn. This video includes a hands-on learning activity you can do at home by purchasing UV...

Staff

Melissa Schumacher staff photo

Melissa Schumacher

Family and Consumer Sciences Digital Nutrition Education Outreach Associate