Health and Fitness
-
‘Greatest personal achievement’: Palatine cyclist shares memories of 1976 Bikecentennial rideJan 22, 2026 8:08 am - Saying it was his “greatest personal achievement,” Jim Michie of Palatine, who rode his bike across the U.S. in 1976 with other cyclists, recently headed west to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bikecentennial.
-
Small steps beat big dreams when it comes to making real changeJan 21, 2026 10:46 am - If past behavior and loads of reliable data are trustworthy indicators, many Americans will have thrown in the towel on their 2026 New Year’s resolutions by the time this article is published. The reasons are simple: The goals were likely unrealistic or lacking in specificity.
-
Mother-son duo bring confidence-building fitness program to Batavia
Jan 19, 2026 11:03 am - New owners Carrie and Declan Sebold took over KidStrong Batavia, a fitness center for kids ages 1-11 that focuses on physical and cognitive development through fun activities.
-
New research bolsters evidence that Tylenol doesn’t raise the risk of autism despite Trump’s claims
Jan 16, 2026 8:05 pm - A new review of studies has found that taking Tylenol during pregnancy doesn’t increase the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities — adding to the growing body of research refuting claims made by the Trump administration.
-
Sweet comfort: Need a little winter therapy? Try baking
Jan 16, 2026 11:49 am - Baking can be many things: an act of creation, connection, control. There’s something comforting about the structure of it: the measuring, the stirring, the transformation of a handful of ingredients into something delicious.
-
Ask the doctors: Certain foods may ease hangover symptomsJan 16, 2026 11:46 am - Foods rich in salt, fat and protein can help your body recover a little faster from a hangover.
-
How to be an advocate for a loved one in the ERJan 16, 2026 11:45 am - In the emergency room, the health-care system’s shortcomings are laid bare. Not enough nursing staff, too little communication, confusing interactions. I have seen that effective advocacy, whether from a family member, friend, or professional patient advocate, can have a positive impact on emergency room outcomes.
-
‘Don’t wait. Get started.’: Strength training is crucial after menopause
Jan 16, 2026 11:43 am - When Sarah Baldassaro turned 50, she took stock of her health and began working with a fitness coach on strength training, a type of exercise that's crucial for women in midlife. Medical experts say strength training keeps bones and muscles healthy after menopause when estrogen loss speeds up a reduction in bone density and contributes to the gradual loss of muscle mass.
-
Playing outside in winter: Keep your kids warm and safeJan 15, 2026 6:00 am - Sledding, snowball fights and ice skating are fun winter activities that help kids beat cabin fever and get the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise. Make sure your child is dressed for the cold and have them take breaks to warm up!
-
You’re probably not eating enough fiber. Here’s what to do about it.
Jan 14, 2026 5:45 am - Trend-spotters are proclaiming that fiber is the new protein — the 2026 “it” nutrient. Since #fibermaxxing is already a popular hashtag, they seem to be onto something. Here’s what you need to know to benefit from the trend without falling into potential traps.