Health and Fitness
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How bugs and beet juice could play roles in the race to replace artificial dyes in food
Apr 30, 2025 10:40 am - Last week, U.S. health officials announced plans to persuade food companies to voluntarily eliminate petroleum-based artificial dyes by the end of 2026. “Most of our customers have decided that this is finally the time when they’re going to make that switch to a natural color,” said Dave Gebhardt, senior technical director at Sensient Technologies Corp., one of the world’s largest dyemakers. But is the industry ready?
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One piece of advice helped me navigate my partner’s dementia
Apr 28, 2025 8:15 pm - Caring for her partner with dementia, Sue Dickman was mired in the tasks of caregiving, navigating applications to programs offering assistance and hitting stumbling block after stumbling block. Then one day, a physician said something that allowed her to shift her thought process and find peace in the tough decisions she faced.
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Melanoma highly treatable when caught earlyApr 28, 2025 7:22 pm - A melanoma diagnosis can cause for patients as well as their family members. If you have concerns about your diagnosis, or the speed at which treatments are being scheduled, seek out a second opinion from a dermatologist or oncologist with a specialty in melanoma.
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Centenarians share their longevity formula: ‘Staying busy gives you purpose’
Apr 28, 2025 7:01 pm - Extending working life, volunteering and regular socializing may slow aging and reduce premature death risk. Studies link these activities to a stronger sense of purpose, which is associated with increased longevity and lower all-cause mortality. Here, some centenarians share their key to longevity.
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No one should age alone: What are some options?Apr 28, 2025 6:53 pm - Isolation as we age has many adverse consequences to our physical and mental health. Today, we’re fortunate to have more and more options for independent senior living for people who cherish their independence, but also wish to have other people and services close. Here are a few ideas for those who may be facing a situation like this.
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Tradition milestone: Northbrook-On-Ice brings 344 skaters together for 55th editionApr 28, 2025 11:53 am - The annual Northbrook-On-Ice skating extravaganza returns over Mother’s Day weekend for its 55th edition, a special show featuring multiple generations of ice skaters.
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Despite pause on new biking funds, area projects keep rollingApr 28, 2025 11:37 am - Due to the potential impact of executive orders on biking infrastructure projects, six northeastern Illinois counties are developing separate safety action plans aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
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Spring allergies are back. Here’s how to check pollen levels and keep from sneezing.Apr 27, 2025 8:08 am - Allergy season can be miserable for tens of millions of Americans when trees, grass and other pollens cause runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing.
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The workers who feel left behind by return-to-office policies
Apr 26, 2025 2:22 pm - Anxiety is rising for some of the millions of people who identify as neurodivergent — those whose brains function differently, such as with ADHD, autism or dyslexia. More companies are requiring workers to return to an office five days a week. Advocates say it’s particularly difficult for neurodivergent people to get flexible work due to the new movement to cut programs that sometimes help them.
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Tapering is key when easing off opioidsApr 25, 2025 10:54 am - Taking opiods for pain relief for a week after surgery typically does not cause an addiction problem. But what if your pain is long lasting? It’s vital to work with your medical providers to taper the dosages.