Category Archives: News Briefs

In a Stressful Season, Seek Nature

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•January 10, 2024•

Cheri Burcham

Extension Educator

University of Illinois Extension                     

According to songwriters and composers Edward Pola and George Wyle, this is the most wonderful time of the year, but research indicates it may be that and more. This great article by Illinois Extension Educator Emily Swihart, explains why spending time in nature can help during this also stressful season. Emily says: According to the American Psychological Association, two in five adults experience an increase in stress levels between November and January. A nearly equal number of adults say that the increased stress affects their ability to enjoy holiday celebrations and gatherings. 

As the hustle and bustle of the season continue, the calming, restorative benefits of nature may be just the thing we all need. A growing body of research continues to expand our understanding of the positive health benefits time in nature provides.  Read More

Lake Land College to Host 8th Grade Career Conference

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•January 10, 2024•

Lake Land College will host an 8th grade career conference on April 11 and 12 at the Lake Land College Field House.

The conference introduces 8th grade students to various career possibilities by connecting them with local professionals representing a wide range of employment fields. The event is an exciting opportunity for career exploration and guidance for the students, and participating business partners benefit by investing in the workforce of the future.

Business partners interested in participating can register for the event at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CGC772T.

For more information, contact Perkins Specialist Joy Kaurin at 217-234-5032 or jkaurin@lakelandcollege.edu.

The event is sponsored by Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System.

New Class Available for Total Joint Replacement Patients

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•January 10, 2024•

There are often many questions associated with joint replacement surgery, both from patients to providers and providers to patients. To answer those questions, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital now offers a total joint replacement class to educate patients on total joint replacement surgery as well as address any concerns. Read More

Read More to Improve Overall Health

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•January 10, 2024•

Aging is often associated with minor forgetfulness and loss of cognitive function, but it does not cause the types of issues that arise with dementia. According to Medical News Today, millions of people around the world have dementia, which is a term given to various chronic neurodegenerative conditions that affect cognitive abilities and memory, including Alzheimer’s disease. Research is ongoing in an effort to understand more about what can be done to reduce dementia risk and cognitive impairment. Reading may be something to explore. A study published in 2021 in Neurology found that high levels of cognitive activity, such as reading, playing games like checkers and puzzles, and writing letters, can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by 5 years among those aged 80 years and over. So how can people read more? Consider these five ideas. Read More

How to Begin the Day in a Positive Frame of Mind

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•January 10, 2024•

Each new day brings the potential for change, even amid the routine of the daily grind. When people start the day with positive thoughts, it can affect how they behave and see themselves throughout the day, and may even benefit their overall health.

The Mayo Clinic says some studies suggest personality traits such as optimism and pessimism can affect many areas of a person’s health and well-being. Positive thinking that is pronounced in optimistic people is associated with effective stress management, which translates into many different health benefits. Read More

Arcola First Bank to Merge with Peoples Bank & Trust

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•January 10, 2024•

John Gardner, President & CEO of Peoples Bank & Trust, headquartered in Pana, Ill. and Dale Boyer, President & CEO of Arcola First Bank, headquartered in Arcola, Ill., are pleased to announce an agreement to merge Arcola First Bank with Peoples Bank & Trust. The bank resulting from the merger will be Peoples Bank & Trust. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in late spring or early summer.

“I’m excited to bring Peoples Bank & Trust to Arcola, Arthur, and Tuscola.” Dale Boyer said, “They have a true focus on delivering the best possible services, and are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to the communities they serve.” Read More

Chase Away Chills with this Delicious Soup

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•January 10, 2024•

Soup is a staple anytime the weather is chilly or when a person feels like they are coming down with a cold. The warm, therapeutic effects of a delicious bowl of soup are hard to dismiss, and may sometimes work as well as the best medicines available.

While zucchini may be known as a summer vegetable, this popular squash is at home in a tasty soup any time of year. Top with giant, cheesy croutons for a filling and scrumptious crowd-pleaser. Read More

A Look Back…1-10-2024

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2014

Former Arcola and Mattoon head football coach Gerald Temples was hired as the next football coach by the Sullivan school board. 

Millikin Professor Emeritus Dan Guillory presented about his book “House Poems: Structures and Their Inhabitants at Lovington Public Library.  Read More

Recipe 1-3-2024

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Give This Healthy Dinner a Mexican Twist

All kinds of resolutions are made at the start of a new year, and most of them involve some sort of healthy habit. Losing weight and eating better often top the list of health initiatives. 

Individuals who want to revamp their diets may be on the lookout for healthy recipes. “Health food” may evoke images of lots of leafy greens and bland grains, but diners can rest assured there are plenty of tasty options… even beef.  Read More