Integrated Health Disparities

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, it’s important you don’t let the winter weather and holiday season keep you from healthy physical activity habits.However, that’s exactly what...

After a restful summer, you may find there's one thing your children are not happy about: waking up early for school again! Did you know that struggling to wake up in the morning could be a sign of a lack of sleep? Let's explore why having restful nights can bring several benefits to children....

It’s summertime! The days are hot, and the local swimming pool is jam packed with kids and adults alike making a splash and staying cool. While the pool can offer a fun summer day for the whole family, unfortunately, not everyone is comfortable at the pool or safe around the water. Disparities...

Many people have heard of the HPV vaccine or have been vaccinated, but may not know what it does and why it is important. Parents and adults can make informed decisions about their health by learning about this essential vaccine.   What is HPV? HPV stands for...

May is Mental Health Awareness MonthYou probably know that physical activity is important for improving your physical health and preventing or managing chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. But did you know that physical activity can also enhance your...

Strength training boasts an impressive list of health benefits, yet the group that stands to benefit the most – older women – is participating in strengthening activities the least. National guidelines recommend that adults and older adults engage in muscle strengthening activities at least 2 days...

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...

As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many people experience a dip in their mood. For some, this isn't just a passing phase but a serious condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression occurs during specific seasons—often in winter—when daylight hours...