Health

National Kidney Month is in March! Let’s learn about kidney health, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and steps we can take to take care of our kidneys. What are our Kidneys? The kidneys are in our lower back, right below our rib cage. Their main function is to filter out waste, toxins,...

Strength training boasts an impressive list of health benefits, especially as you age, but most U.S. adults, and even fewer older adults, don’t meet the federal recommendations for strength training.What happens to our body as we age?Starting in your thirties, muscle mass begins to...

December is here and it has brought shorter days and colder temperatures. Have you noticed any changes to your exercise routine or the amount of time you spend outside? Research shows that once it falls below 60 degrees, any further decrease in temperature is associated with people engaging in...

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In the United States, about 1 in every 5 children have obesity. This rate increases with age, and many children with obesity continue to have obesity as adults. Obesity is measured differently in children compared to adults. For children...

Summer is the best time to enjoy sunlight through outdoor activities. Enjoying a swim at the beach, going on a hike, and outdoor sports are a few fun activities! While it is a great idea to enjoy time outside, there is one thing to be cautious about: UV rays. July is UV Safety Month, so let's learn...

What is measles?  Measles is a severe respiratory infection that causes rashes and fever. It is very contagious. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children under 5. Adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are also more...

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Illinois saw nearly 66,000 new cases among adults in 2020 for all cancer types. Let's learn about what cancer is, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention. What is cancer? It is a...

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of sadness that often manifests itself in the late autumn and early winter. This is because the reduced quantity of daylight at certain times of the year influences the body's circadian clock and, in turn, serotonin production. Depression, fatigue,...

Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in Illinois and in the U.S. It also doubles an individual’s risk of heart disease or stroke, the first and fifth leading causes of death respectively. November is national diabetes month, and chances are, you or someone you love has diabetes or...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of death among all cancers in women. Are you or a loved one at risk of breast cancer? Let's learn about the symptoms, risks, screening...