Savory, Satisfying Ideas for Lunch and Dinner

When the lingering cool weather calls for savory and satisfying meals, skip the same old soups and stews, and level up your comfort food cache with the flavor and versatility of pearl couscous. Distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger and rounder shape, plus its less dense, firmer consistency, pearl couscous is thoroughly […]
A Healthy Romantic Relationship

Love is one of the most powerful human experiences. When we fall in love, the world seems brighter. We feel energized, hopeful, and deeply connected. Biologically, our brains release feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, which increase pleasure, bonding, and motivation. Life feels exciting and meaningful. But beyond the emotions and chemistry, an important question […]
7 Steps to Start Growing Produce at Home

Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet. Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project even a beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to start growing your at-home garden: […]
45th Annual St. Jude Runs

By Amy McCoy For 45 years, a single bold vision has carried runners across highways, through small towns, and into the hearts of thousands of supporters. What began as a modest grassroots effort has grown into one of the most inspiring endurance fundraisers in the Midwest: the St. Jude Runs. At the center of […]
The Secret Life of Varicose Veins

Submitted by Drs. Bohn, Nielsen, Castillo, Grieco, and Couture, The Vein Specialists, LLC Oh my, varicose veins. Those twisty, bluish-purple roadmaps that appear on your legs. They pop up like rebellious teenagers, rolling their eyes at your skincare routine and yelling, “We don’t follow circulation laws!” Some people hide them with long pants or […]
Spring Into Wellness After a Long Winter

Submitted by The Carriages of Bloomington By the time March rolls around, most of us in Central Illinois are ready to trade snow boots for sunshine. Yet the reality is that March can still bring gray skies, cold winds, and even the occasional snow flurry. Just when we think winter is behind us, another […]
Refreshing Your Website for the New Year

Submitted by SPARK Business Works Think of your website as your 24/7 salesperson; it’s constantly making a first impression, building trust, and qualifying leads. If your current site is outdated, slow, or confusing to navigate, it can cost you opportunities and credibility. Even if it feels like you “just redid the website” or think […]
A Canopy of Care

By Alexander Germanis When a seed is planted, it is difficult to realize the grand potential contained within such a small vessel. Only after time and nourishment does the seed sprout, grow, and branch out into something that can fulfill not one but multiple purposes. In 1973, when Chestnut Health Systems™ was first established […]
Recognizing the Signs of Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency

How Early Recognition and Advocacy Helped One Family Find Answers “Our concerns about Alex’s growth began around the age of 7,” said his mother, Diane Benke. Though Alex measured around the 50th percentile for weight, his height consistently hovered around the 20th percentile. Benke’s instincts told her something wasn’t quite right. “I kept asking […]
Navigating Norovirus: Insights Into Stomach Bug Outbreaks

Outbreaks of a contagious “stomach bug” called norovirus can spread quickly. It often crops up in cruise ships, nursing homes, and other crowded places. People of any age can become infected with a norovirus. But the very old and young children are more likely to become very sick. Noroviruses can affect your stomach and intestines. […]