Flip-Flop Fans: The Hard, Cold Facts

Submitted by Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM, Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C. It’s easy to understand why we all love flip-flops: They’re cute and comfy, keep your feet cool in warm weather, and are great for showing off that fab pedicure you just got. No matter how much you adore your flip-flops, it’s important to […]
The Futility of Worry and How to Overcome It

By Phil Bachman, Pastor/Life Coach, Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community Recently, I was visiting a resident who made a striking statement. She said, “After all these years, I don’t worry anymore. It took me a long time, but I finally learned it just isn’t worth it!” Oh, that we all could learn that lesson sooner rather […]
Awake Spine Surgery: A Promising Option for Relieving Back Pain

By Becky Wiese Back surgery has a bad stigma for a good reason. It is often the last resort for patients who have chronic back pain and have tried a variety of non-surgical options in hopes of getting relief. Traditional “open” back surgery, used since the 1960s, involves gaining access to the spine to fix […]
Confused About Sunscreen?

Submitted by Doug Leone, MD, and Adrienne Schupbach, MD, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute Summer is here, which means it’s time for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, biking, playing ball, or gardening. All that fun in the sun also means practicing proper sun protection! The need for sun safety has become clearer over the past 30 years […]
Healthy Food = Healthy Pets

Submitted by Nilla’s Tub DIY Dog Wash and Health Food Store What you feed your dog or cat has a direct impact on their health. It’s difficult for consumers to know what’s really in their pet’s food. Labels are misleading or hard to understand, and companies often have slick marketing campaigns that can make it […]
Dangers of Opioid Dependency Opioid Legislation in Congress Part 2
By Alexander Germanis As one ambles about, engaging in the daily activities of life in Bloomington-Normal, one most likely does not realize how a doctor from our humble island in the sea of heartland farms is playing a vital role in the medical history of our nation. In February of this year, Dr. Ramsin Benyamin, […]
Varicose Veins: A Family Affair

Submitted by The Vein Specialists LLC We inherit many physical characteristics from our parents and grandparents, such as eye color or height. Some health issues are also inherited, including varicose veins. It’s a fact that if one of your parents has varicose veins, you have a 45 to 50 percent risk of developing them too. […]
Jeffery Jones DDS, On the Cutting Edge for 40 Years

By Becky Wiese Dr. Jeffrey Jones is passionate about his patients’ dental health. As a licensed general dentist, he offers a broad-based practice that includes the normal procedures patients need on a regular basis — exams, cleaning, filling the occasional cavity, and the ever-present reminder to floss every day — in addition to more complex […]
Helpful Tips for Dealing With Stress
By Jennie Pettett, Country Comfort Retirement Homes It is important to manage stress levels as it can cause havoc on your emotional and physical wellbeing. Stress can narrow your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and simply enjoy life. Practicing effective stress management can help you break the hold stress can have on your life, […]
Non-surgical Treatments for Arthritis
By Richard P. Driessnack, MD Ok, I know I have arthritis of the knee, but I really do not want surgery for it. What can I do to decrease the pain and help me function better?” This is a common scenario in my office. Here are some things that can help before considering surgical […]