Events

Blog Posts

bulletin board with notes pinned up and one note says Make Things Happen
Read article: Establishing healthy habits
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...
Women filling a blue pot with water at kitchen sink
Read article: Save water while cooking in a drought
Save water while cooking in a drought
Many areas of Illinois are experiencing effects of little...
a mouse emerging from the sill of a wall
Read article: Mouse in the house?
Mouse in the house?
Rustling in the walls. The patter of little feet racing through the attic. Cereal spilling out of a hole chewed in the box. These are all signs you...
child making a christmas tree shaped cookie
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...

News Releases

A man with a back pain
Explore techniques to take charge of chronic pain
URBANA, Ill. — Pain is one of the body’s most important warning systems, signaling when something needs care or attention. But when pain becomes persistent, it can interfere with daily routines, limit mobility, and affect emotional well-being. In the United States, chronic pain affects more than...
man and woman bundeled up, walking with two dogs
January Wellness: Focus on Circulation
As we ring in the New Year, January offers an important reminder to take care of our circulation during the coldest months. Blood is the body’s lifeline, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every organ, and winter can make that job a little harder. When temperatures drop, blood vessels naturally...
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...

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