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

Personal Sound Amplicfication

By Emily Steffel, Au.D., CCC-A, Audiology Consultants Recently there has been some commotion surrounding potential FDA approval of a “new” kind of hearing aid: over-the-counter (OTC) amplification. It may surprise people, but this type of device is actually not new at all. They have been around for years, just under various names. You have probably […]

Driving

By Monte Schwartz, Transition Specialist, LivWell Seniors, LLC “The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnic background is that we all believe we are above-average drivers.” — Dave Barry. We can be pretty emphatic and judgmental about it while we’re on the road! I’ve seen different personalities come […]

Spine Fusion Restores Strength and Flexibility for QC Yogi

Submitted by ORA Orthopedics The practice of yoga demands skill, strength, and an intimate knowledge and confidence in your body. For Daina Lewis, 42, Moline, a certified yoga instructor and owner of Shine! Yoga and Bodyworks, it was her strength, knowledge, and fortitude that likely saved her yoga career. “I was a gymnast before coming […]

Tips for a Healthier School Year

By Rachel Smith, ARNP, Weight Management at The Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists Back-to-school time is near! For many, this means back to routines and hectic schedules where healthy eating loses its priority. What if I told you this year could be different? Here are some simple tips for you and your family to start […]

ACL Reconstruction in Elite Athletes — Which Approach Is Preferred?

Submitted by Orthopaedic Specialists Many casual competitors look to professional athletes to learn about advanced training and recovery techniques. Similarly, sports enthusiasts may also pay attention to the treatment options used by these elite players, particularly when it comes to ACL injuries. An ACL tear is one of the most common conditions to occur in […]

Preparation Is the Key to a Healthy Lifestyle

By Lynette Pritchard, VIM Today “By failing to prepare, we are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin All successful endeavors require preparation. I consider sprouting a new, healthy you similar to planting a garden, an endeavor that tops all endeavors. Being in your best health makes you the best human you can be — the […]

Test Your Home’s Drinking Water

Information from epa.gov Testing your home’s drinking water is the only way to confirm if lead is present. Most water systems test for lead at a certain number of homes as a regular part of water monitoring. These tests give a system-wide picture of whether or not corrosion is being controlled, but do not reflect […]

Kids in the Kitchen

By Dawn Blocklinger, RD, LDN, Bloomington Hy-Vee Dietitian Children love to be involved in activities with adults, so why not let them join in preparing family meals? Learning to cook is a valuable experience that can introduce nutrition and healthy eating habits early on, not to mention helping to create memories with loved ones. Whether […]

Bleeding Gums? What to Do and When to Worry

Submitted by Pediatric Smiles of Bloomington If you notice a bit of pink in the sink when your child is brushing their teeth, it should not be ignored. Bleeding gums may be an early warning of gingivitis, an initial stage of periodontal disease. The build-up of plaque is what causes gingivitis, but it is preventable […]

Are You Ready for Flu Season?

Submitted by Stacey Boyd, MSN, RN, Clinical Manager, Vital Wellness Home Health It is that time of the year! Summer has flown by and flu season is quickly approaching. We can prepare ourselves by staying educated on ways to prevent the flu, signs/symptoms of the flu, and how to treat the flu. Flu prevention: The […]