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...

We all know breastfeeding is best for babies. It's like a superpower shield, boosting their immune systems and protecting them from illnesses. For families in underserved communities, these benefits are even more crucial. But here's the catch: breastfeeding isn't always easy, especially for these...

You know exercise is good for your heart, lungs, muscles, and bones, but recently experts are finding increasing evidence showing that exercise is good for your brain too – including reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. What is Alzheimer's disease?Whether choosing what to eat, discussing...

As a society, we are starting to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. Events in recent years have led stakeholders to prioritize mental health awareness and support for their communities. At the University of Illinois Extension, our Integrated Health Disparities (...

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...

Spring has sprung and now that the days are longer and the temperatures are warmer, there is one simple thing we should all be doing – walking! Walking is a simple habit with big benefits. Whether you’re walking the dog, walking during your break at work, walking your kid to school, or walking in...

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...

Mental health illness is a prominent issue that affects millions of individuals. According to the CDC, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts our decision-making processes, affecting how we think,...