Here is our latest list of area holiday events for Champaign, Ogden, Philo, Savoy, Sidney, St. Joseph, Tolono, and Urbana. Bookmark this page if you are looking for fun activities to do or unique places to shop this holiday season. in The Sentinel area. This page will be updated regularly with new events. Is your event not listed below? Send your event information to editor@oursentinel.com.
.::. November 28, 2024
.::. November 30, 2024
.::. December 1, 2024
.::. December 7, 2024
.::. December 8, 2024
.::. December 14, 2024
.::. December 15, 2024
.::. December 19, 2024
EAST LANSING — University of Illinois junior Kenta Miyoshi has secured his place in the NCAA Singles Championship following a stellar performance at the ITA Midwest Regional held at Michigan State University. Miyoshi's qualification marks a significant milestone in his collegiate tennis career as he prepares to compete in Waco, Texas, from Nov. 19-24.
The Kawasaki, Japan, native showcased remarkable consistency and poise throughout the tournament, stringing together five consecutive victories before falling in the final to top-seeded and top-ranked Ozan Baris of Michigan State. Miyoshi’s progress highlights the growing competitiveness of Big Ten players on the national circuit. His adaptability and skill against ranked opponents position him as a strong contender in Waco, while his resilience and discipline make him one to watch in the upcoming season at Illinois.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kenta Miyoshi rips a forehand shot at the 2023 Illini Open. The Illinois junior will play against the top college tennis players in the country at the NCAA Singles Championship later this week.
Miyoshi opened the competition with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Alex Fuchs of Ohio State in the Round of 64, followed by a dominant 6-0, 6-0 shutout against Michigan State’s David Saye. His commanding form continued in the Round of 16 with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over Michigan’s Alex Cairo.
The quarterfinals and semifinals tested Miyoshi’s mettle against ranked opponents. He outlasted No. 4 seed and No. 13-ranked Sebastian Dominko (Notre Dame) 6-2, 7-6(6) in the quarters and edged past No. 6 seed and No. 70-ranked Alexander Bernard (Ohio State) in a nail-biting 7-6(8), 6-4 semifinal. Despite his valiant effort, Miyoshi succumbed 6-4, 6-3 in the final against Baris, capping an exceptional run at the ITA Midwest Regional.
Miyoshi’s performance in East Lansing adds to an impressive fall season in which he boasts a 10-4 singles record, with seven of those wins coming against ranked opponents. This includes a standout victory in the singles consolation bracket at the Battle in the Bay, where he recorded four consecutive wins over ranked competition.
The junior’s consistency against elite opposition has been a hallmark of his fall campaign. Out of his 14 singles matches, 10 were against ranked players, underscoring his readiness to compete at the highest level. Miyoshi becomes one of just eight Big Ten athletes to advance to the 64-player NCAA Singles Championship draw this fall, a prestigious event now held in autumn for the first time.
Miyoshi will face No. 77 Jack Loutit of Kentucky in the opening round of the NCAA Singles Championship. Loutit, a sophomore originally from Auckland, New Zealand, brings an impressive pedigree with a top-50 ITF Junior ranking and multiple international titles. Their matchup promises to be an early highlight of the tournament as Miyoshi continues to establish presence representing Illinois on the national stage.
Miyoshi is aiming to become the first Illinois men’s tennis player since Amer Delic in 2003 to claim the NCAA singles title. With his recent form and ability to excel under pressure, Miyoshi may be the next tennis star to represent the Illini tennis program.
December 18, 2023 .::. Some really cool hosting hacks for your holiday party Family Features - Entertaining friends and loved ones during the holidays offers an opportunity to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and make lasting memories. The key is getting ahead of hosting duties so you can be present with family and friends.
Make this season's holiday hosting effortless and enjoyable with these tips:
October 29, 2024 .::. Stress-free Thanksgiving tips for those short on time this holiday season
StatePoint - While gathering for Thanksgiving is intended to be a joyous occasion, everyone who has hosted the feast knows it can also come with a lot of stress, and expenses.
The good news is that whether you’re a Gen Z-er hosting your first Friendsgiving on a budget or you’re a busy family preparing for guests, there is a lot to be thankful for this year.
November 17, 2024 .::. Holidays are no time to talk turkey, avoiding stress and tension around the table
The holidays are fast approaching. Families across the country will soon gather to break bread, exchange gifts and partake in each other’s company.
But the holiday season can also be a time that heightens unwanted stress.
December 18, 2022 .::. 5 ways to celebrate with the holidays and keep your family pet safe NAPSI - Most pet parents agree: their animals are part of what makes the holiday season so magical. While it’s an excellent opportunity to integrate furry family members into all the special holiday traditions and make memories together, there are a few things you should keep in mind to keep your pet safe ...
November 20, 2023 .::. Holiday celebrations are filled with triggers and temptations for those in recovery CHAMPAIGN - It’s that time of the year when gift-giving, family gatherings, and cheers for the new year bring people together. Though it is perfectly normal to enjoy celebrations that are common around this time of year, the holidays can also be challenging for those in or new to recovery.
The holiday season is usually packed with social events, but this can cause people in recovery to feel lonely or anxious about the possibility of relapsing. For those who may have those concerns, it’s important they know that they are not alone - millions of Americans who are in recovery are also spending their holidays sober.
November 10, 2024 .::. Don't get snowed by holiday scams BRANDPOINT MEDIA - Scams are unfortunately a fact of life these days. If it's not identity or data theft, it's credit breaches and scam phone calls. Many of us are getting scam texts, too. As the holidays roll in, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) wants you to know we are on the job, working to protect you and your mail and packages.
December 24, 2022 .::. Taking care of yourself during the holidays, steps you can take StatePoint Media - With seasonal stressors like end-of-year work deadlines, gift shopping and hosting potentially weighing on you, plus all those extra sweets and indulgent foods to nibble on, the holiday season may be the happiest time of year, but it’s not always the healthiest. Here’s how to take better care of yourself to feel your best this holiday season.
December 14, 2022 .::. Grab a smaller plate this holiday season to help keep those cheerful pounds off
SAVOY - December and January bring bountiful holiday meals.
While it’s tempting to chow down, experts are cautioning about how overindulgence can make you feel mentally and physically crummy in the moment, plus open the door to long-term unhealthy eating habits.
DANVILLE - Death, taxes and body odor.
They’re things we can all expect in life, no matter how clean you are. But health care providers want you to know when body odor is a sign of a more serious health problem.
B.O. basics
Luis Garcia, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says sweat and bacteria are the main culprits behind body odor. Warmth and moisture in parts of the body (like your armpits and feet), plus going through puberty and general poor hygiene, can make the smell worse.
“Specifically in the armpits and genital area, there are glands called apocrine glands. They are high in protein and fat,” Dr. Garcia explains. “Bacteria that live with us will break those substances, and that’s what could cause odors.”
Your urine can even smell foul, Dr. Garcia adds.
Warning signs
Dr. Garcia says if you notice a change in your body odor, especially if a smell comes on suddenly or if the stench gets worse, it’s worth investigating. He says it may just be a product of what you eat and drink. Dehydration, supplements, or eating spicy, garlicy or onion-rich food can lead to body odor.
Image: Mohamed Hassan/Pixabay
But, body odor changes could also be a sign of infection, metabolic issues, liver disease, kidney disease or gum disease. And in women (mostly adults), odor changes in the urine or genital area could even be a sign of cervical cancer. Putrid-smelling urine or a fish-like smell from the genital area are signs women should watch for, Dr. Garcia says.
“Fruity or sweet odors,” should also be looked into, Dr. Garcia adds. “It might be an indication of serious conditions like diabetes or metabolic disease.”
If your body odor comes with serious symptoms, like bleeding or a fever, call 9-1-1 and get to the emergency department. But for most other cases, a visit to your primary care provider or an urgent care is a good first step.
Key takeaways:
Some body odor is natural. But if you notice a change, it may be a sign of a bigger problem like an infection, organ issues, diabetes or even cancer.
If your odor comes with serious symptoms like bleeding, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, make an appointment with a health care provider.
Aside from general hygiene, steps to reduce body odor include: have good air flow in your home, change out of damp clothes quickly, eat less spicy food and shave body hair.
Prevention
Good hygiene – like showering, brushing and flossing your teeth and using deodorant – goes a long way to prevent body odor. But Dr. Garcia has some lesser-known tips for parents and others to keep in mind:
Maintain good air flow in your home. This prevents a warm and moist environment that can lead to smells.
Have plenty of clothes handy, especially if your child is active.
“Make sure they change clothes [when needed]. Use a new set of clothes after sweating or exercising,” Dr. Garcia says.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon and polyester are good for working out.
Change other habits to see if you notice a change. Eat less spicy food, or switch your deodorant or toothpaste. Also, stress can trigger sweating. So take steps to reduce stress, such as deep breathing, meditation or seeing a mental health professional.
Consider shaving body hair, particularly your armpits and genital area. Hair can trap sweat and bacteria.
If you take these steps and body odor persists, you may be able to rule out everyday stink as the cause and decide the time is right to see a health care provider.
The holidays are fast approaching. Families across the country will soon gather to break bread, exchange gifts and partake in each other’s company.
Photo provided
Therasa Yehling Strive Trauma Recovery Center Manager
But the holiday season can also be a time that heightens unwanted stress.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 90% of people feel some stress during the holiday seasons for several reasons – finances, the death of a loved one and potential family conflict. This year could be especially tough given the tension surrounding the recent presidential election. APA research found the election was a major stress point for 69% of people who responded, which was up from 52% in 2016.
“I think that people are usually stressed about being perfect, trying to do everything,” says Therasa Yehling, manager for the OSF Strive Trauma Recovery Center in Rockford, Illinois, and a licensed social worker. “It could be about money. Are they going to buy everything for everyone? And if you already have issues of mental illness, or having issues with money, it just adds another layer of stress. I think it's hard to deal with around that time.”
Photo:KrakenImages on Unsplash
Before coming together this year, Yehling says families should have a plan. Communicate before that get-together and talk about how it might be best to stay away from certain topics. Instead, Yehling says, reinforce the love you have for one another and show compassion and concern for those family members and friends who are gathered around the table that day. It sure beats debating politics with your cantankerous uncle over a slice of pumpkin pie.
“Let's talk about fun things,” says Yehling. “Let's talk about how your kids are doing, how your parents are doing. Really talking about things that bring people together. I think that's important to concentrate on.”
If your family has engaged in heated discussions during past holidays, reevaluate your plan. Maybe this year you decide to only spend a couple of hours at your gathering, instead of all day. And if you know that tensions will be high regardless, Yehling says it’s OK to let your feelings known and to work with family members to make other arrangements this year.
“It's not fair to put people at a place that you know they can't rise to,” she says. “I need to accept that. I can't change them, but I certainly can change me. I can change how I react. And you don’t have to go. Go later. We can eat turkey any other time. We can do things differently.”
Surround yourself with people who love and support you.
Many people will be grieving this holiday season. It could be the loss of a loved one or pet, a job, health issues or even the outcome of the election. “When it comes to losing your husband or somebody you know, give them grace, give them that space,” Yehling says. “Let them have a tear or two, and they'll be alright. Let them be.”
And limit your time on social media. Yehling says the best way to avoid overreacting to information you read is to think carefully about responding to posts that cause you angst. Turn off your notifications and reduce the amount of time you spend scrolling through Facebook or X, for example.
Yehling offers other tips to help people get through the upcoming holidays. Don’t over schedule yourself, limit your travel, keep a regular routine, including healthy eating and exercise. Other reminders are managing gift giving, don’t overindulge when it comes to food and alcohol and take time for yourself. Remember to take a needed break from the holiday madness by reading a book, listening to your favorite music, going for a long walk or just curling up for an afternoon nap.
Most importantly, surround yourself with people who love and support you.
“It’s about who is around you and how you interact,” Yehling adds. “What do you want to do? How do you want this to go? Oh, I want to have fun. Then have fun. Put that effort, put that focus into it.”
Nearly half of older Americans can’t even afford basic needs
I worked hard my whole career and retired feeling secure. Then I lost every last dime in a scam. I was left with $1,300 a month in Social Security benefits to live on in an area where monthly expenses run about $3,700.
I’m a smart woman, but scams against older Americans are increasing in number and sophistication. Whether through scams, strained savings, or costs of living going up, half of older Americans — that’s 27 million households — can’t afford their basic needs.
Budget-Friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home
Renovating your home can be affordable with the right approach. Simple changes, like repainting walls or updating fixtures, can create a fresh, modern look without a high price tag. Whether you’re improving outdated spaces or enhancing functionality, these budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home will help you achieve a stylish, updated space while staying within your budget.
Protecting your valuable works of art when you move, here is how
Transporting artwork can feel daunting, especially when it holds significant emotional and financial value. You want to ensure that your cherished pieces arrive at their destination in Illinois without a scratch. This guide will explore expert ways to transport valuable artwork safely. With the right approach, you can protect your investments and preserve the beauty of your art. Let’s dive into practical tips that make the process easier and more secure.
Protecting cherished pets from highly pathogenic avian influenza: A guide for pet owners
As the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) looms over both avian and domestic populations, pet owners face an urgent challenge: protecting their beloved companions from a virus that can turn a playful afternoon into a perilous health crisis. HPAI, primarily affecting birds, poses significant risks to pets, particularly those that may ...
What da funk? A stinky body can be a sign of a health issue
Death, taxes and body odor.
They’re things we can all expect in life, no matter how clean you are. But health care providers want you to know when body odor is a sign of a more serious health problem.
B.O. basics
Luis Garcia, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says sweat and bacteria are the main culprits behind body odor. Warmth and moisture in parts of the body (like your armpits and feet), plus going through puberty and general poor hygiene, can make the smell worse.
Here is our latest list of area holiday events for Champaign, Ogden, Philo, Savoy, Sidney, St. Joseph, Tolono, and Urbana. Bookmark this page if you are looking for fun activities to do or unique places to shop this holiday season. in The Sentinel area. This page will be updated regularly with new events. Is your event not listed below? Send your event information to editor@oursentinel.com.
