Being Healthy in a Stressful World
By Phillip J. Ladd, LCPC, Christian Psychological Associates Years ago before our technological age really took over, experts were predicting how much time we would save when computers and technology became more prominent in our lives. Some were saying that we would have to do some work to figure ways to spend our extra time. […]
Is Your Heart at Risk? Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Health
Submitted By Koala Center for Sleep Disorders Each February, people across the country recognize American Heart Month. During this time, we are encouraged to pay attention to the risk factors for heart disease and make heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American […]
Questions to Ask Before Taking Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Are you considering taking vitamin or mineral supplements? Do you think you need them? Or, that they “can’t hurt” so you may as well take them? Here are some questions to ask before you decide to take them. Do I really need them? First and foremost, nutritional needs […]
Animal Hoarding: Devastating for Animals and People
By Lauren Malmberg, Peoria County Animal Protection Services Remember the “cat lady” who lived in your neighborhood and kept dozens of cats? Most neighborhoods can cite examples of people who fit this description. While it may seem harmless and even sweet, this is considered animal hoarding and causes tremendous suffering and cruelty to the animals. […]
Protecting Musicians’ Hearing
Submitted by Midwest Hearing Center The musician presents an all too common “catch-22” in hearing health care. Whether someone is a rock star, marching band member, music instructor, or sound engineer, his/her hearing acuity is essential but is also threatened by the loud environment he/she frequently experiences. Anyone who is around loud sound for a […]
When Home Sweet Home Isn’t
Most older adults would like to stay in their own home for the rest of their lives. In fact, 89 percent of those polled (AARP) said that is what they want. Being in familiar surroundings among family and friends is certainly appealing. While you are healthy and active, there is generally no reason to consider […]
Relief for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
By Becky Wiese Patients who have undergone back surgery are typically well acquainted with pain. A long, drawn-out process begins with the injury itself, then perhaps includes a series of unsuccessful treatments to alleviate pain, and finally ends with the actual pain and recovery of invasive surgery. By the time surgery is the best or […]
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Submitted by Emil Verban, DDS, McLean County Dental Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful, frustrating condition often described as a scalding sensation in the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth. Although BMS can affect anyone, it occurs most commonly in middle-aged or older women. Unfortunately, we don’t really know what causes Burning Mouth […]
What Does Recovery Mean?
By Amy Hansen, LCPC, CSAT, Agape Counseling Ltd. Recovery from any addiction is a focused program of life change. To recover from sex addiction means freedom from sexual acting-out behaviors and freedom from the compulsions that drive the behavior. It means more satisfying relationships, increased self-efficacy, compassion for self and others, renewed life goals, decreased […]
Sleep Apnea = Oxygen Deprivation = Increased Cancer Risk
Submitted by Koala Center for Sleep Disorders At the cellular level, a low-oxygen environment will cause normal cells to atrophy, or shrink. With cancer cells, it causes them to proliferate, or grow,” states Rod Willey, DDS, of the Koala Center for Sleep Disorders. These findings were brought to light recently when two new studies found […]