Do You Really Need a Car?

Submitted by Bike BloNo You may have noticed that more and more people are using bicycles for transportation, for exercise, or maybe just for fun. What many drivers still do not realize is that by law, bicycles on the roadway are vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. While the Constitution Trail […]
The Importance of Family Support

Submitted by Lauren Hoefert You often hear the phrases, “Family is everything,” or, “That’s what family is for.” No two statements could resonate more for the Immke family of Pontiac. Elaine Immke, 58, and Henry Immke, 77, grew up on each of their family’s corn and soybean farms near Pontiac. They are second cousins, with […]
Return to Work, Return to Life

By Alexander Germanis Although Bloomington-Normal is not a major-league sports destination, our twin cities are known for a solid commitment to athletics. Indeed, places like McLean County Orthopedics (MCO) and its therapy department employ several people with sports backgrounds who focus on sports related injuries with an interest in getting athletes — professional and amateur […]
The Future Fight Against Opioid Abuse Opioid Legislation in Congress Part 3

By Alexander Germanis Drug abuse is a plague of the modern era. It is a serious problem that negatively affects individuals, families, and even entire communities. Our community of Bloomington-Normal is, unfortunately, not immune to its influence. Opioids are one of those drugs that is not only abused by a large percent of the population, […]
The Truth About Shame

By Jenn Bovee, LCSW, CRADC, CCHt, The Mental Wellness Center Shame is often described as a very corrosive thread that systemically takes the joy and peace out of our lives. Shame is frequently defined as that feeling or emotion of not being ___________ enough and therefore unworthy of connection. It doesn’t necessarily matter what you […]
Traveling Internationally? Book an Appointment With a Travel Health Specialist

By Crystal Sweeney, APN, FNP-BC, OSF HealthCare Traveling to some countries can pose serious health risks without the right precautions.While traveling, you may experience sudden and significant changes in altitude, humidity, microbes, and temperature that can cause illness. Serious health risks may be an issue in areas with the following characteristics: Poor accommodations Inadequate hygiene […]
Marital Attraction: Our Unconscious Attempt at Healing

By Renae Miller, MS MFT, LCPC, Agape Counseling, Ltd Whether you have been married for one year, five years, 20 years, or 50 years, you may have asked yourself the question: “what was I thinking when I promised to spend the rest of my life with this person?” The mystery of attraction compels theorists to […]
Ingredients That Should Never Be in Pet Food

Submitted by Nilla’s Tub DIY Dog Wash & Health Food Store Anyone seeking healthy food for their dog or cat knows that it is extremely confusing! Labels can be misleading or hard to understand and companies often have slick marketing campaigns that can make it seem like a food is “all natural,” “premium,” or “holistic,” […]
What’s Your Sunscreen IQ?

Submitted by Doug Leone, MD, and Adrienne Schupbach, MD, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The exposure to skin-damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the most common cause. Thankfully, skin cancer is largely preventable through a broad sun protection program which […]
What You Need to Know About Vitamin D

By Lauren Chan, ISU Dietetic Intern, and Mary Kay Holloway RDN, LDN at the Community Canc Vitamin D is one of the many vitamins that are important for our health. What do you know about vitamin D? Vitamin D is used in the body’s every day functions, from bone health to building a strong immune […]