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

Caring for a Parent — Do You Need Time to Catch Your Breath?

By Steven Buttice, Founder and President, Living By Your Design, Inc. Your children are back in school. Whew, now it feels good to sit back and catch your breath. Now there is a bit of time to read, time for a casual cup of coffee, time to think about projects that you could not get […]

Food, Flowers, and Fond Memories

Submitted by Lutheran Hillside Village A garden started as a hobby by former Lutheran Hillside Village resident, Merwyn French, in 2003 has been named in his honor. This garden produces food used in the kitchen at Lutheran Hillside Village (LHV) and is a source of great joy for the dozens of residents who cultivate it. […]

Establishing Healthy Nutrition Habits During Pregnancy for You and Your Baby

By Karen Collins, DNP, FNP, CNM, WHNP & Ashley Frerichs, CNM We know that healthy women and children are the foundation of a healthy community. Did you know that your nutritional status, even before you conceive, can affect your baby’s health well into your child’s future? Good nutrition is one of the most important factors […]

Autism Spectrum Disorder — Symptoms and Treatment

By Luke Dalfiume, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Co-Owner, John R. Day & Associates, Christian Psychological Associates Autism Spectrum Disorder is sometimes hard to diagnose. Many with Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses today would have simply been thought of as “characters” or as “eccentric” in the past. Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a pattern of social deficits […]

Building Self-Esteem Through Self-Defense

By Craig W. Armstrong Growing up can be tough, and most young people could use a boost when it comes to self-esteem. There are many ways to improve self-esteem, and one is through learning the martial arts. In June, young people participating in Goodwill’s GoodGuides® Youth Mentoring program learned that the martial arts can teach […]

Using EMDR to Overcome Difficult Life Events

By Kristen Leman, LCSW, Agape Counseling LTD Everyone faces difficult life events; from the youngest child born pre-maturely to the elderly man who has big regrets in life. A lot of times, these difficult life events are dealt with and the person adapts and continues to live a life that is considered normal for that […]

Healthy Vision After 65

By Roger C. Croland, OD You should have seen your eye doctor around age three and again as you were entering school. If you needed glasses, then you would have come back at least once every two years. Those who don’t need glasses many times forgo visiting their eye doctor unless they have a problem. […]

Diabetes — How to Not Become a Part of the Statistics

Submitted by Essential Wellness Pharmacy “Sugars are inflammatory,” said Bill Kalman, RPH., owner of Essential Wellness Pharmacy, at one of his recent free monthly seminars at Unity Point-North Conference Center. His talk centered on the importance of understanding the impact of sugar in those who are diagnosed with diabetes and key factors to be aware […]

Meet Dr. Ramavaram the Community’s Newest Gastroenterologist

Submitted by Mississippi Valley Endoscopy Center Our overall wellbeing is greatly affected by how well our digestive system functions. Since 70 percent of our body’s immune system dwells in the digestive system, it is important to know and trust a doctor whose medical specialty is devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of […]

Dinner Is Solved With Advanced Meal Prep

Submitted by Krystle Hergert, RD, LDN, Silvis Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian As parents, we believe gathering our kids and loved ones at the dinner table will build a stronger family and successful kids. On Tuesday night at 5:00, we’re struggling to quickly put together a meal using what’s in the refrigerator that everyone will enjoy and […]