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

Social Security Widow’s Benefits It’s Complicated

By Beth Cooper Did you know that if you are a widow or widower you can start receiving Social Security Benefits as early as age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled and the disability occurred within seven years of the wage earner’s death? Surviving divorced spouses can also receive survivor benefits if they […]

Caring for Your Pets and Farm Animals

Submitted by Peoria County Animal Protection Services Many pet owners don’t realize that laws exist that govern our ownership of companion and domestic animals. Regardless of where you live, animal control and humane care for animal laws affect how you must care for your pet and farm animals. State laws cover many situations regarding animals, […]

Jump Start Next Year’s Garden This Fall

By Melinda Myers Now’s the time to start that new garden you’ve always wanted. Cool, usually drier, fall weather makes it easier on the gardener and better on the plants. Plus, the garden to-do list is often a bit shorter this time of year. Start by locating the placement, size, and shape of this new […]

Doing More With Less The Story of Allen Sugar

By John Marchioro, Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation (DHS-DRS) Allen Sugar is a man of many talents and interests. He loves to cook, read and has been a fan of chess his whole life. A dedicated and devoted husband and self-employed business man, Allen seems like he has it all. But it’s […]

It’s That Time Again

Submitted by Health Alliance Medicare There are a lot of reminders for folks to check their smoke detector batteries when daylight saving time is over. It does make sense to tie that chore to something that occurs on a regular basis (why not Valentine’s Day?), but I almost always forget to do it. It seems […]

Food Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers

By Marianne Gravely, Food Safety Technical Information Specialist, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA Back to school, back to the books, back in the saddle, or back in the car for all the parents. The new school year means its back to packing lunches and after-school snacks for students, scouts, athletes, dancers, and all the […]

Ancestral Thought Processes on Nutrition for Health, Wellness, and Longevity

By Joshua Howat, CSCAUK Whilst we live in a time of abundance here in the USA, we are challenged by rampant diseases. Lifestyle choices are definitely an important part of the cause and the answer. Dr. Weston Price spent 10 years traveling to 14 different countries seeking out the secret to health and wellness. What […]

Not a Camper? Try Glamping! 3 QC-Area Parks with Cabins

By Wade Ellett, Let’s Move QC Outdoors Adventure Blogger Camping is a great way to enjoy some time away from jobs and clocks and reconnect with nature. For those who are a no-go for tents and latrines, there’s a new term that may speak to you: glamping. Think cabins with fireplaces. Maid service. Fresh towels. […]