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The Illinois Department of Public Health requires parents to supply proof of an exam from an eye disease specialist or licensed optometrist, administered within the previous 12 months before the school year begins. (Adobe Stock)

Early eye exams ensure healthy sight for IL children

Notebooks, writing tools and laptops are standard supplies on a parent's back-to-school shopping list. But one important appointment that can easily …

Water parks are a good way to keep cool in the summer, but the Illinois Department of Public Health reminds parents to always supervise children playing in or near the water. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Being prepared is best way to enjoy a safe summer in Illinois

Summer is usually a fun time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends but experts say Illinoisans should take precautions to keep a day of fun in…

According to America's Health Rankings, Illinois ranks 42nd among states for fruit and vegetable consumption among people over age 60, but the same group lags in terms of getting healthy sleep and sufficient physical activity. (Adobe Stock)

IL organization seeks extra hands to serve older adults

Isolation and a lack of regular nutritious meals are circumstances many older adults find themselves in. One organization is working to remedy this - …

Seg�n America's Health Rankings, Illinois ocupa el puesto 42 en consumo de fruta y verdura entre las personas mayores de 60 a�os, pero el mismo grupo est� rezagado en lo que se refiere a dormir bien y realizar suficiente actividad f�sica. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Organización de IL busca manos extra para atender a adultos mayores

El aislamiento y la falta de comidas nutritivas regulares son circunstancias en las que se encuentran muchas personas mayores. Una organización …

According to health policy site KFF, in May 2022, almost 33% of adults in Illinois reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, and nearly 33% did not receive counseling or therapy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mental health crisis hotline ineffective

Addressing mental illness in America is a source of continued debate and a new report outlined areas in need of change. The study detailed the role …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2024 Kids Count Book, 425,000 Illinois children live in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Count Data Book shows IL children fare well in health care, lag in academics

The 2024 Kids Count Data Book was released this week. The publication is a 50-state report of data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation about the …

A National Abortion Federation report revealed in 2021, nationwide incidences of stalking at abortion clinics rose by 600%. Assault and battery cases increased by 128%. (Adobe Stock)

IL lawmakers boost funding for Planned Parenthood

The Illinois General Assembly has just passed a $53 billion state budget which includes a boost in funding for Planned Parenthood. Reproductive …

Suzy Flack's son Andrew became an advocate for medical-aid-in-dying by creating a video, blog and podcast before dying of cancer in 2022 at age 34. (Photo courtesy Suzy Flack)

Illinois mother whose son died asks lawmakers to pass medical aid-in-dying bill

A Chicago mom who lost her son to cancer in 2022 is using the occasion of Mother's Day to call on Illinois lawmakers to pass medical aid-in-dying legi…

Andrew, el hijo de Suzy Flack, se convirti� en un defensor de la ayuda m�dica para morir al crear un video, un blog y un podcast antes de morir de c�ncer en 2022, a los 34 a�os. (Foto cortes�a de Suzy Flack)

Madre pide a legisladores que aprueben una ley de ayuda médica para morir

Una madre de Chicago que perdió a su hijo a causa del cáncer en 2022 aprovecha la ocasión del Día de las Madres para pedir a los l…

The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Division advises funeral pre-planning, to spare survivors the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions. (Adobe Stock)

End-of-life doula a comfort source for IL families

Birth doulas assist new moms with the stress, uncertainty and anxiety of childbirth, while another type of doula offers similar support to those who …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized clean air standards affecting heavy-duty trucks starting with the 2027 model year. (Adobe Stock)

Communities close to big box warehouses face health fallouts

A recent study by the Environmental Defense Fund showed communities near mega warehouses are exposed to more polluted air. More than 2 million …

Teleheath services have expanded since the start of the pandemic. (Nattakorn/Adobe Stock)

Frozen screens? Telehealth access imperiled

By Sarah Jane Tribble for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Illinois News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public Ne…

Studies show community health centers significantly reduce prescription-drug spending, as well as the need for emergency room visits and outpatient and inpatient care. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Congressional budget impasse threatens IL community health centers

Community health centers in Illinois are stuck in financial limbo as Congress contends with another potential government shutdown. More than forty …

The University of Illinois-Chicago recommends children use a straw to help reduce the contact of sweetened beverages with teeth. (Adobe Stock)

Parents' dental habits set the tone for kids' healthy teeth

February is Children's Dental Health Month and experts said getting kids started early on good oral care sets the stage for a healthy lifetime habit…

The World Health Organization reported tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are some of the highest risk factors for heart disease. (Adobe Stock)

Circadian rhythms linked to sleep patterns, heart activity

This is American Heart Month and new findings published by the American Heart Association say irregular sleeping patterns -- over years, weeks or …

According to a 2023 NACHC report 'Closing the Primary Care Gap,' more than 100 million people in the United States don't have a primary care provider, and about a quarter of those are children.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Health group hopes for funding amid looming deadline

The price of healthcare has many Americans struggling with costly prescriptions, doctor visits and hospitalizations. Uninsured people are the focus …

According to America's Health Ranking, nearly 13% of adults in Illinois report smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke. (Adobe Stock)

Report grades IL tobacco prevention efforts

Illinois' efforts are all over the map in a new report on what state and federal officials are, or could be, doing to discourage tobacco use…

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers its Soul Shop for Black Churches program to help faith leaders minister to congregants who may be struggling or who have been affected by suicide. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows harmful social media content impacts Black youths

Social media platforms are used by practically everyone but most widely by teens. One study pinpoints a link between online racism and higher rates …

According to the Illinois General Assembly, at least 318 new pieces of legislation will go into effect in 2024 that will impact every area in the state. (Adobe Stock)

New IL laws usher in policy changes in health care, employment, policing

At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, Illinoisans will see more than 300 new laws take effect - with changes that impact the state's …

The Illinois Department of Health says health conditions caused by climate change are worsened due to poverty, lack of access to health care, unemployment and isolation. (Adobe Stock)

Older Illinoisans have a resource to address climate change

The country is feeling the chill of winter now, but 2023 will be in the history books as the hottest year on record. And worries are growing about …

Experts recommend women seek screenings at facilities certified as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. (Adobe Stock)

Brem Foundation announces new breast cancer screening tool

October has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in the wake of a recent study showing an increase in the incidence of cancer at younger ages…

Most insurance companies and Medicare allow open enrollment during specified times of the year, usually between October and December. (Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment for public, private health insurance begins soon

Open enrollment begins soon for most employer-sponsored health care coverage and benefits plans for the calendar year 2024. In Illinois, there will …

The CDC reported Maternal death rates in the United States rose from 2018 to 2021, noting more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. (Adobe Stock)

CDC: 1 in 5 Women in IL, US Report Mistreatment During Maternity Care

Women from some racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to have negative health care experiences during pregnancy and delivery affecting qua…

According to the 2018 Illinois Autism Project Report, the prevalence of autism in Cook County was 1 in 46 children, which is higher than the statewide prevalence rate. (Adobe Stock)

Back-to-School Tips for Families of IL Kids with Autism

For a child on the autism spectrum, returning to school after the summer break may be viewed with anxiety and hesitancy. However, parents can pave …

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates between 8 million and 24 million people will lose Medicaid coverage as the COVID-related Continuous Enrollment Provision unwinds. (Adobe Stock)

Thousands of IL Recipients Face Sudden Medicaid Loss

Millions of Medicaid recipients are losing coverage as the program's pandemic-era Continuous Enrollment Provision unwinds. In Illinois, the number …

AgeOptions Illinois focuses on helping low-income seniors and people with disabilities in the townships around Chicago find and apply for a wide variety of programs and benefits. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Seniors Can Get Help Finding Benefits, Resources

If you're an older adult, or if there's a senior in your life, you may not realize there are many benefits available in Illinois to make life a …

The new Kids Count Data Book says 54% of 3- and 4-year-olds in the U.S. are not enrolled in preschool, which prepares young learners for elementary school. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Childcare Biggest Challenge for IL Families

Having access to reliable, affordable, high-quality child care benefits both children and adults, but a new report said it is not the norm for …

A wetland and marsh area at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Illinois' Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 set a goal of no net loss of wetlands due to projects funded by the state. (GoodFreePhotos.com)

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court decision is shaking up the environmental community in Illinois and across the country. The high court ruled 5-4 on Thursday …

Electric vehicles, which can carry a battery pack with up to 50,000 volts of electricity, can be a danger, both to passengers and first responders, in accidents. (Adobe Stock)

First Responders Learn to Deal with Electric-Vehicle Accidents

As the number of electric vehicles on Illinois roads grows, so does the danger of injury for emergency medical technicians and firefighters …

The abortion drug mifepristone remains available in 19 states, including Illinois, while a pair of federal rulings are heard by a federal appeals court. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood IL: Abortion Pill Ruling a 'Political Stunt'

Women's health groups in Illinois and across the country are angered by a pair of federal court rulings last week on the abortion drug mifepristone…

Whether it is due to an increase in technology use or a shift from the typical 9-5 workday, around 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep issues, according to the American Sleep<br />Apnea Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Studies Show a Good Night’s Sleep Can Bring Health Benefits

More than three in 10 Illinois adults reported getting too few hours of sleep a night, which can contribute to poor job performance and health …

Public health officials warn unless states like Illinois recruit more primary care doctors, there will be a serious shortage of available health care by 2030.(rocketclips/Adobestock)

Report: Illinois, US Need More Primary-Care Physicians to Avoid Shortage

Health insurance's ability to help you drops sharply if you cannot find a primary-care doctor, and it is a problem for 100 million Americans…

Illinois advocacy groups say they are educating policymakers on the benefits of hospital screening as a solution to prevent medical debt, both for low-income patients and the hospital. (volgariver/Adobe Stock)

IL Legislation Would Help People Avoid Medical Debt

A new report finds thousands of low-income or uninsured people in Illinois face medical debt that is depleting their savings and, in some cases…

The Illinois Poison Center urges parents to store household cleaning chemicals and other toxic substances on high shelves and out of sight of young children. (Pixel Image/Adobe Stock)

IL Poison Center Urges Families to Identify Household Toxins, Save Lives

National Poison Prevention Week is coming up, and the staff at the Illinois Poison Center is getting the word out to be aware of toxic substances …

Nontraditional learning is seen as an option to address the U.S. nursing shortage, often attributed to burnout from the pandemic and many nurses searching for lower stress and better pay. (Adobe Stock)

Community, Online Colleges Fill Growing Need for Non-Traditional Students

Many college students balance family and work responsibilities with academics, and it can make nontraditional higher education the path to a future …

Eating disorders are serious and sometimes fatal illnesses which cause severe disturbances to a person's dietary habits. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

Advocates: More Research, Funding Needed for Eating Disorders

Health care researchers estimate about 1.1 million people in Illinois suffer from some form of eating disorder, which can range in severity from mild …

According to the CDC, children who regularly see a dentist and brush daily with fluoride toothpaste are likely to have fewer dental problems as adults. (Adobe Stock)

Dentists: Teach Kids Good Dental Hygiene for a Lifetime of Smiles

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, giving parents another reason to watch their children's intake of Valentine candy this week…

Easterseals advises parents to have their child evaluated as early as age 2 for symptoms of autism. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Say Illinois Families Need More Help for Autistic Children

The rate of autism among American children has grown steadily over the past three decades, but advocates say funding support is not keeping up with …

A study by the Healthcare Cost Institute found the average price of insulin has nearly doubled since 2012. (Ratmaner/Adobestock)

New Rules Aim to Bring Down High Cost of Insulin for Diabetics

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and almost 1.3 million Illinoisans have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the American …

Over 300,000 Illinois residents purchased insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

ACA Open-Enrollment Begins Soon in Illinois

Open-enrollment season for health insurance begins soon and Illinoisans have a lot to consider in attempting to get the right kinds of coverage…

Planned Parenthood seeks to reduce patient travel times and distances by positioning the mobile clinic at the Illinois border. (Adobe Stock)

Mobile Abortion Clinic to Operate in Southern Illinois

With the Dobbs ruling allowing states to restrict abortion access, health care practitioners have been forced to innovate in order to deliver care…

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 155 million Americans live in a designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Highlighted on Depression Screening Day

With many people still struggling in the wake of the pandemic, this week's National Depression Screening Day on Oct. 6 is a reminder to Illinoisans …

Concerning levels of PFAS have been discovered in the environment, water and wildlife of the Great Lakes region. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Advances Efforts on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

The federal government is taking new steps to protect people in Illinois and other states from "forever chemicals." PFOA and PFOS are two types of pe…

Most people who have wills are over age 60. But since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of 18-to 34-year-olds with estate planning documents has increased by 50%, according to a 2022 survey by caring.com. (Adobe Stock)

Will-Making Can Reduce Stress, Cost for Loved Ones

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and if you still have not started, experts emphasized there is no good reason to put it off. End-of-life …

La mayor�a de las personas que tienen testamentos tienen m�s de 60 a�os. Pero desde el comienzo de la pandemia, la cantidad de personas de 18 a 34 a�os con documentos de planificaci�n patrimonial ha aumentado en un 50 %, seg�n una encuesta de 2022 realizada por caring.com. (Adobe Stock)

Hacer testamento puede reducir estrés y costos para los seres queridos

Agosto ha sido el Mes Nacional para Hacer un Testamento, y si aún no ha comenzado, los expertos dicen que no hay una buena razón para …

A Center for American Progress report found in 2021, almost 70% of registered nurses in the U.S. were white, just over 11% were Black, and almost 18% were Hispanic. (Djavan Rodriguez/Adobe Stock)

Increasing Diversity in Nursing to Achieve Health Equity

The pandemic put new focus on the shortage of nurses, in Illinois and across the country. But the lack of diversity in the nursing profession is …

Experts say mental health is just as important as physical health in a child's ability to thrive. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 213,000 Illinois Kids Struggle with Mental-Health Challenges

Children's advocacy groups are sounding the alarm about the mental-health struggles facing Illinois kids. The 2022 Kids Count Data Book released …

According to the Illinois Nursing Workforce center, there were nearly 200,000 registered nurses in Illinois in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Award Aims to Honor Work of Illinois Nurses

Illinois nurses have worked tirelessly to ensure the best care for the state's residents since the pandemic began. Now, one nonprofit organization is …

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IL: Health