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

Hearing Loss and Emotions

By Ellen Verlo, M.A., CCC-A, Audiology Consultants You finally did it. You got a hearing test. You have permanent hearing loss. Your family has been nagging you for a while that you don’t hear well. “Get a hearing aid,” they say. You feel you can hear ok. If people would just slow down and speak […]

What is Crohn’s Disease? Part II of II

Crohn’s disease is a disease that causes inflammation, or swelling, and irritation of any part of the digestive tract. In this part of the series, we will discuss the complications and possible treatments for Crohn’s disease. Complications The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall […]

Surgical and Non-Surgical Efforts Play a Role in Weight Loss

By Crystal Moulton, OSF HealthCare Weight Loss Program Specialist The goal of permanent weight loss is one shared by many, but the journey towards achieving that goal can be challenging. A combination of medical, surgical, behavioral, and lifestyle modifications are most effective to reach long-term weight loss. Our goal really is to provide an option […]

Shoulder Pain Dislocation and Separation

Submitted by McLean County Orthopedics Shoulder pain is very common and occurs in men, women, and children of all ages. Pain may be felt in one small spot, in a larger area, or down the arm. It may come on suddenly as the result of a fall or injury, or it may be a gradual […]

Should I Accept My Employer’s Early-Retirement Offer?

By Krista McBeath, McBeath Financial Group The right answer for you will depend on your situation. First of all, don’t underestimate the psychological impact of early retirement. The adjustment from full-time work to a more leisurely pace may be difficult. So, consider whether you’re ready to retire yet. Next, look at what you’re being offered. […]

Prevention and Detection

Submitted by Doug Leone, MD and Adrienne Schupbach, MD, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute One in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, has steadily increased over the past three decades to the rate of one American dying an hour from it, according to the […]

Prepare Your Pet For Summer

Submitted by Nilla’s Tub DIY Dog Wash and Health Food Store for Dogs and Cats From making plans to buying new clothes to filling your time with exhilarating (or relaxing) hobbies, gearing up for summer can be a fun and exciting exercise. With hotter months ahead, don’t forget that your pets need certain preparation in […]

Dr. Nitin Kukkar Making Central Illinois Part of the Leading Edge of Medicine

By Alexander Germanis Last fall, Orthopedic Sports Enhancement Center (OSEC) in Bloomington added a unique personality and uniquely skilled physician to their staff. Dr. Nitin Kukkar is trained in the latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, and now brings these skills to the people of Bloomington/Normal and Central Illinois. A humble beginning This town is […]

Healthy Relationships With Food

Submitted by Brittany King, APN, WHNP, Advanced Women’s Healthcare That piece of cake looks absolutely delicious. I’m trying to be good though, so I’ll pass.” If you have ever found yourself saying or thinking a similar statement, you are definitely not alone! Modern-day society is full of messages about what we should and should not […]

Healing Haiti A Mighty Change Part 5

By Alexander Germanis Like a powerful river, people also have the potential to grow from the most humble of beginnings into something unimaginably strong and drastically different. Both Stephen Doran, DMD, and his assistant, Maggie Barr, CNA, have discovered their work in the humble country of Haiti has altered them in ways they could not […]