Working with the community... for a healthier community.

East Coast Artist Legacy Lives On

Story told by Mark Nickerson Transcribed by Cliodhna Joyce-Daly, Content Production Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter She was truly a captivating artist,” Peoria resident Mark Nickerson said as he highlighted his mother’s artistic passion and flare. “Her colors, textures, and style completely enthralled viewers into her work.” The New York native’s mother, Juliet Holland, was […]

What If – Could This Happen to Me?

By Steven Buttice, Founder and President, Living By Your Design, Inc. It’s late at night, you’re alone and driving home. You’re tired, but still have a couple miles to go. At last, you’re about a half mile from home. You relax and fall asleep at the wheel. You go off the road, waking up as […]

Does Age Matter? When Sleep Apnea Doesn’t Follow the Norm

Submitted by Koala Center for Sleep Disorders Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA is a sleep disorder that, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) affects approximately 18 million adults in America alone. OSA occurs when a person stops breathing during sleep due to obstruction of the airway, which takes place when the tongue and muscles […]

Protect Your Pet From Contaminated Food

While millions of pets eat their food every day without a problem, news of pet food recalls and contamination can worry pet owners. Reports of dogs and cats becoming ill from food and treat-related salmonella outbreaks and artificial contaminants getting into pet food can leave pet owners wondering what they can do to protect their […]

The Mississippi: Servant or Master?

By Jan Rittmer, Ridgecrest Village resident Here at Ridgecrest Village where I live, one resident calls herself, “A river rat from down by Muscatine,” and doubts she could sleep without the river flowing nearby. One man learned to sail on Lake Davenport above Lock and Dam 15, and remembers those days with great joy. Another […]

Chronic Kidney Disease and My Lifestyle — Part 2 of 2

Information provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) In the 2016 January issue of Healthy Cells magazine, the first part of this series covered the basic questions in regards to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), such as ‘What causes CKD.’  Part two discusses ways to work with your lifestyle to […]

Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance

By Bookwork Sez You need a shave. It’s been awhile and, though you’ve been grooming and growing, you’re long overdue — so, maybe just a little off the top. You’ll feel a lot better when you do, and in the new book Endure by Alex Hutchinson, you’ll see how your body will adapt on track, […]

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

By Ellen Verlo, M.A., CCC-A, Audiology Consultants This question is asked more than any other. The answer is no. There is no simple explanation. A quick overview of Medicare and coverage reveals some complicated answers. Hearing aids are considered to be elective. They are Class I medical devices, not durable medical devices. They are not […]

What Can People With Gout do to Stay Healthy? Part 4 of a 4-Part Series

Information provided by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease Fortunately, gout can be controlled. People with gout can decrease the severity of attacks and reduce their risk of future attacks by taking their medications as prescribed. Acute gout is best controlled if medications are taken at the first sign of pain […]

Advocate for Your Health

By Amanda Geffre Tips on how you can improve your healthcare experience by preparing for exams and appointments. Doctor appointments, medical exams, and laboratory tests are nerve-wracking. Whether you plan to meet with a new healthcare provider for the first time or you have a diagnostic imaging exam to complete, it is important to prepare […]