Living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. With more than 60% of Americans living with at least one chronic condition and 40% managing two or more, it is more important than ever that you take proactive steps for your health.

Take charge of your health and discover how to live a longer, healthier life with the University of Illinois Extension! Join us for our Finding Balance winter healthy living webinar series, where we focus on lifestyle tips and strategies to help you achieve wellness and balance. Don't miss the upcoming webinars with practical advice to support your wellness journey and help you find a healthier you. We hope you can attend!

Webinars will be on Thursday evenings, February 6 and March 6, from 6-8 p.m., and April 10, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Understanding How Diet and Lifestyle Impact Inflammation – February 6, 6-8 p.m.

Inflammation is the body's natural response to stressors. Understanding what causes inflammation and how to manage it better is the first step to improving your overall health. Many lifestyle choices contribute to the inflammation response. However, making small changes in our everyday lives can decrease the risk of inflammation and to better manage it. During this workshop, we will discuss inflammation and the impact lifestyle (diet, physical activity, and stress management) has on the inflammation process. 

Building a Strong Immune System – March 6, 6-8 p.m.

We all want to protect ourselves from getting sick, and our immune system is our body's first line of defense. This complex network works to keep us healthy, but did you know that your lifestyle plays a significant role in how well your immune system functions?

During this session, we will explore how the immune system works, the different types of immunity, and the impact of lifestyle choices on immune health. And while no single food or behavior can completely prevent illness, you can boost your immunity by maintaining a healthy balance of nutrient-rich foods, getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and managing stress effectively. Join us to learn actionable steps to build and support a strong immune system. Let's take charge of our health together!

Building a Healthy Dietary Foundation – April 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

The scientific connection between food and health has been well-documented for decades. Yet, diet-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, continue to impact millions of Americans, as poor diet is a major contributing factor to the development of these chronic health conditions. 

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans help prevent diet-related health conditions by providing food-based recommendations to promote health while meeting your unique nutritional needs. Join us for an engaging session where we will explore the dietary guidelines and discuss the importance of customizing dietary patterns based on personal preferences and selecting foods that align with your calorie needs. We will help you build a solid nutritional foundation to make informed choices so you can follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage. The first step toward better health is developing a dietary pattern that works for you!

Register for the Finding Balance Webinar Series by calling the Extension office at (815) 858-2273 or online at https://go.illinois.edu/Healthy-Living-Webinars. Each webinar has a $5 fee, and pre-registration is required. 

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call (815) 858-2273.