Dear Editor,
The new administration has now cut billions of dollars from food stamps (SNAP) in the budget. This is cruel. This will take food away from the hungry, including children and senior citizens. We have a government out to starve its own people, take medical care away from the sick and perpetrate other evils. They must be stopped.
According to our state legislators, Illinois cannot possibly make up for the billions taken away. Non-profit food pantries will be stretched to their limits.
In 2023, 13.8 million children lived in households that experienced food insecurity, up 3.2 percent from 2022, according to the Food Research and Action Center (frac.org). Taking billions out of food assistance will worsen these already intolerable numbers.
Where will these people go? Possibly many will go begging on the streets or turn to worse to support their families. This in a country that used to claim to be generous and compassionate.
Why are they doing this? Because they believe that most (maybe all) the recipients are scamming the system. Even if true, their sledge hammer approach affects everyone indiscriminately. Instead investigate what the real situation is. Improve the vetting process. Don't hurt the needy.
They should visit soup kitchens such as the one where I volunteered and note the number of people for whom the meal we served was the only meal they had that day.
We must stop this outrage to humanity. If you have any compassion, please, please contact your congressman as soon as possible and demand that he/she work to roll back these cruel, un-American cuts.
Anthony Buttitta Des Plaines
Anthony Buttitta is a 21-year resident from Des Plaines. He enjoys the sense of community that comes from being close to people and supporting local, independent businesses. Success comes from maintaining a positive, confident attitude and trusting in God.
“Increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns are increasing the severity and size of wildfires in the West.”
byTerry Hansen Guest Commentary
Recently, a group of Republican members of Congress sent a letter to the Canadian government, alleging that its poor forest management practices are responsible for out-of-control wildfires and for this summer's air quality problems in the Midwest and Northeast.
Notably, the letter fails to mention climate change. However, although fire-management practices can play a role in these megafires, climate change also has a profound impact. In the words of Natural Resources Canada:
"Warmer-than-average temperatures, decreased levels of snowpack, low soil moisture and elevated drought conditions are indicators that climate change is impacting the frequency, size and range of wildland fires in Canada. For example, the number of over-wintering fires is increasing."
During the three preceding decades, human-caused climate change doubled the area affected by forest fires in the western United States.
It’s also important to take note of a 2015 issue of the U.S. Forest Service’s journal, Fire Management Today, titled “Climate Change: The Future Is Here.” This publication states, “Increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns are increasing the severity and size of wildfires in the West.” Concern is also expressed about the “occurrence of fire that is outside the range of our existing experience” and the danger this poses to firefighters and communities.
Moreover, a 2016 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that during the three preceding decades, human-caused climate change doubled the area affected by forest fires in the western United States.
The reason is that hotter temperatures evaporate soil moisture and dry vegetation, making it more likely to burn. According to physicist Phillip B. Duffy, "What would have been a fire easily extinguished now just grows very quickly and becomes out of control.”
We are experiencing these impacts before Earth's warming has reached the 1.5°C (2.7°F) threshold climate scientists have long warned about.
In addition, their letter emphasizes, "Our constituents have been limited in their ability to go outside and safely breathe due to the dangerous air quality the wildfire smoke has created."
Significantly, 184 medical and public health groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association, have released a statement declaring: "Climate change is one of the greatest threats to health America has ever faced — it is a true public health emergency."
These organizations cite extreme heat, floods and year-round wildfires, as well as air pollution caused by fossil fuel burning and the spread of mosquito and tick-borne diseases.
Even more troubling, we are experiencing these impacts before Earth's warming has reached the 1.5°C (2.7°F) threshold climate scientists have long warned about. Consider that a recent report by the United Nations concludes that, without a greater commitment to reduce emissions, the Earth will warm by about 3.1° C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. What's more, the increase in global heating is expected to continue beyond the end of the century.
In order to deal with climate-driven threats, we must first recognize them. Urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions and funding adaptation should be top priorities for every politician who cares about public health and the future we all share.
Terry Hansen is a retired educator who writes frequently about climate change. He lives in Milwaukee.
Food allergies affect millions of school-age children. About 1 in 13 U.S. children has a food allergy. Here's how parents and schools can work together to keep students safe.
Photo: Michael Moloney/Unsplash
Some children may eventually outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, or soy. Until then, parents should work with teachers and lunchroom staff to avoid their child's contact with food items that could trigger an allergic reaction.
URBANA - For millions of families, sending a child to school involves more than preparing lunches and packing backpacks. For those managing food allergies, it means navigating daily risks that can have life-threatening consequences.
A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as dangerous. When a child eats—or in some cases simply touches—the allergen, the body releases chemicals like histamine to fight back. This reaction can lead to a range of symptoms, from hives, itching, and stomach pain to swelling of the lips and throat or difficulty breathing. The most severe cases can cause anaphylaxis, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish are among the most common culprits. Some children may eventually outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, or soy, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish usually persist into adulthood.
Parents should also provide emergency medication, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, along with a doctor-signed action plan that guides staff in the event of a reaction.
Statistically, food allergies touch nearly every classroom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 13 children in the United States—roughly two students per classroom—live with a food allergy. Data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology shows that prevalence is highest among preschool children, with about 9% affected, and remains around 8% for children ages 6–13. By 2021, about 4 million U.S. children had diagnosed food allergies, including nearly 8% of school-age youth. Rates vary across populations, with 7.6% of non-Hispanic Black children and 5.3% of non-Hispanic White children affected.
While prevalence is somewhat lower in Europe—1–4% by confirmed testing—self-reported rates can reach as high as 14%, reflecting how often allergies are misunderstood or misreported.
For parents, managing these risks at school means preparation and collaboration. Experts recommend starting with a formal health plan, such as a 504 Plan or Individual Health Plan, which clearly outlines how staff will prevent exposure and respond to emergencies. Meeting with teachers, school nurses, and cafeteria staff before the school year begins ensures everyone understands the child’s needs.
Parents should also provide emergency medication, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, along with a doctor-signed action plan that guides staff in the event of a reaction. At home, children can be taught essential habits: not sharing food, washing hands before meals, recognizing the signs of a reaction, and notifying an adult immediately.
Photo: Joshua Hoehne/Unsplash
Checking cafeteria menus or sending meals from home can help reduce exposure to foods that may trigger a child's allergic response.
Classroom and lunchroom planning play a role as well. Checking cafeteria menus or sending meals from home helps reduce exposure. Teachers can also support inclusion by avoiding food-based rewards, replacing them with safe alternatives that allow all students to participate.
Food allergies may be complex, but with strong communication, medical readiness, and a culture of awareness, schools and families can work together to create safe, supportive environments for every child.
More stories ~
Tags: How to manage food allergies in school settings, Food allergy safety plans for students, Best practices for parents of children with food allergies, Classroom strategies for food allergy prevention, Working with schools on child food allergy management
Representation, access, and education are key to saving lives. Nurses must lead the charge to end racial gaps in maternal healthcare.
byTeya Mongsaithong
In the U.S., giving birth has become a death sentence for many women of color. In fact, Black/African American mothers are three to four times more likely to die from birth-related complications than white women regardless of socioeconomic status or education level. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023), the number of preterm births was about 50% higher for Black women (14.6%) than White (9.4%) or Hispanic women (10.1%).
This shocking disparity goes beyond medical issues, it is rooted in implicit bias, structural racism, and gaps in delivering culturally competent care. Without realizing it, even the most compassionate nurses can cause harm. To address this public health crisis, nurse leaders must empower change through standardizing implicit bias training, enhancing community services in high-risk populations, and promoting nurses of color into leadership roles.
Nurse leaders have a responsibility to bridge the gap between underserved communities.
First, implicit bias training should be a national standard across all hospitals. It is important for healthcare providers to confront their assumptions and stereotypes when caring for minorities. Specifically for Black women, there is a misconception that their pain tolerance is higher, and they are “forced to endure pain beyond what [is] considered normal" during labor and delivery.
Delivering culturally competent care in this case is necessary for patients to feel safe to express their needs and highlights the importance of implicit bias training. Nurse leaders can standardize this training through embedding it within onboarding and continuing education requirements. By institutionalizing this training, we can ensure black maternal equity is not optional, but foundational to nursing practice. Beyond education, nurse leaders must also recognize the impact of the barriers to accessing quality care.
Limited access to prenatal and postpartum care is a key factor for poor maternal outcomes. In the U.S., over 35% of counties are considered maternity health deserts, which affects approximately 2.3 million women of reproductive age. To address this, nurse leaders collaborate with organizations to push for policies that would: increase the use of mobile maternity units, incentivize the use of telehealth for obstetrics/gynecologists, midwives, and extend Medicaid coverage for prenatal and postpartum care.
Furthermore, nurse leaders can promote virtual training for nurses to provide telehealth care to increase access for patients with limited transportation means. Nurse leaders have a responsibility to bridge the gap between underserved communities and access to care to ensure mothers of color receive quality and equal treatment. To serve these communities to a higher degree, it is necessary to diversify the workforce.
Representation in healthcare matters deeply. Being able to address the unique needs and experiences of individuals allows mothers to have a more active role in their care. To do this, nurse leaders can create mentorship programs for students, advocate for targeted scholarships, and promote more nurses of color into leadership positions.
Black mothers continue to face disproportionately higher health risks due to systemic bias, neglect, and structural racism.
When underrepresented populations see themselves reflected in authority positions, it enhances trust and promotes cross-cultural care for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Moreover, embracing diversity ensures health care equity for marginalized communities and they “report better health experiences from healthcare practitioners from the same background” . However, many believe that nurse leaders are incapable of leading changes in health outcomes.
It is a misconception that physicians or policy makers hold more power over nurse leaders to drive systemic change. This view underscores the significant role of nurses and their expansive expertise. The role of nursing has evolved into a multifaceted position that not only involves caring for patients, but also educating, advocating, and leading change. Nurses are the most trusted profession, and they are often the first ones to notice when something is “off”. This unique position allows nurses to offer powerful insights during policy decision-making that directly impacts maternal health care.
The racial disparities in maternal mortalities in modern healthcare are unacceptable. Black mothers continue to face disproportionately higher health risks due to systemic bias, neglect, and structural racism that exists in our healthcare system. Nurse leaders must demand policy reform, mandate implicit bias training for all staff, and support diversifying the workforce. With unwavering commitment, nurse leaders can transform the healthcare system to ensure every mother, regardless of race, has an equal opportunity of survival.
Teya Mongsaithong is a nursing student at University of West Florida. After graduation, she plans to pursue Mother Baby or NICU. "I want to be the kind of nurse that patients feel safe around and that they can trust me with their care." When she isn't studying, Mongsaithong loves crocheting stuffed animals - which she sells online, and reading fantasy novels.
Tags: racial disparities in maternal health care, implicit bias training for nurses, Black maternal mortality crisis USA, nurse leadership in healthcare equity, improving care for women of color
A new tool highlights trauma risks in Illinois school districts, aiming for better policy, funding, and public health coordination.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Education has a new tool to measure adversity in children by identifying areas where they may be exposed to potential sources of trauma.
The Illinois Children’s Adversity Index is an interactive map which compares the risk factors of school districts across the state using three categories to measure community and economic barriers. Initial findings show the highest concentration of adversity levels in Southern Illinois driven by factors such as food and housing insecurity and high rates of mental-health distress and imprisonment in adults.
Colleen Cicchetti, executive director of the Center for Childhood Resilience at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, helped in the development process. She said the goal is to hold schools accountable while acknowledging outside factors.
The index will be updated every two years and aims to guide resource allocation more efficiently across state agencies.
"It's really important to understand that it was never designed to say that this is a burden that only schools need to address," Cicchetti emphasized. "This really is talking about what is the context, the community context that schools are operating in that is impacting their ability to educate their students."
Chiquetti pointed out the index will be updated every two years and aims to guide resource allocation more efficiently across state agencies to address the root causes of potential issues for children.
Chiquetti noted it includes informing school-level decision-making to help principals better prioritize interventions based on community context and school data, like focusing on increased mental health services, addressing disparities, or implementing social-emotional learning programs.
"There's a lot of things that people are being exposed to that look different," Chiquetti observed. "So it really does mean that by using database decisions, we might invest in different things in parts of the state than in others, as opposed to globally saying, ‘oh, everybody needs more access.'"
The index builds upon state-level initiatives such as the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and the Whole Child Task Force, which Chiquetti said all calls for a reconfiguring of the silos of government in order to achieve a more holistic approach to addressing the well-being of children across the state.
"It really is shared across all of these different entities," Chiquetti noted. "It's a public health issue, it's an education issue, it's also a child welfare issue, it's a juvenile justice issue, it's Medicaid insurance access, it's health care … you need all of the systems to have what they need to support those children, families and communities."
More stories ~
Tags: Illinois Children's Adversity Index explained, School trauma risk mapping tool Illinois, Community context in education policy, Measuring childhood adversity in Illinois, Statewide trauma-informed school initiatives
President Trump probably doesn’t want any pictures taken with his feet on his desk. Maybe he never puts his feet on his desk. His recent diagnosis of a venous blood supply problem warrants such a recline two or three times a day.
Millions of Americans, especially seniors, deal with ankle and lower leg swelling caused by the flow of blood from the lower leg not returning to the heart as adequately as it did earlier in life. It’s not a debilitating issue unless it’s ignored in which case a blood clot could develop in the lower leg or behind the knee.
Blood clots are not good as they are not good for the veins. Even worse, a blood clot in the lower leg can travel to the upper part of the body which could be fatal. Thousands of Americans die every year from blood clots that travel to the heart or cause strokes which can be debilitating and fatal.
The smart thing for our President to do is to put his feet up on his desk for ten minutes or so three or four times a day. He can do so when he is talking on his telephone or if he is having a casual meeting. Doctors typically recommend compression socks. There are different grades of compression socks. Some are very light and go on very easy while others are like fighting a war to put on because the compression is so tight. Most people don’t particularly enjoy compression socks. However, many testify that once you are used to them you feel better because your legs aren’t swelling as much during the day.
Besides compression socks and elevating your legs it’s good not to stand in one spot for too long. Walking is great, but just standing in one position can negatively impact the lower leg and the flow of blood as it returns to the heart. Sitting too long creates the same problematic scenario.
The President is doing the right thing by taking an aspirin a day to avoid clotting issues. Most people who develop a blood clot often end up on blood thinner for a while or a lifetime.
Alcohol makes your blood slicker. It doesn’t make it thinner as reported by a family physician.
A few years back, I had a pulmonary embolism after receiving my third covid shot so I have some experience to draw from on this.
President Trump can potentially live another robust 20 years or more. However, it’s reality, he is getting older and has to take care of himself.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
CUPHD and local agencies offer shelter and cooling resources as heat grips central Illinois this week as heatwave threatens East Central Illinois this week.
CHAMPAIGN - An intense summer heatwave has settled over East Central Illinois this week, with dangerously high temperatures and stifling humidity expected to persist through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, warning that heat index values could soar between 105 and 112 degrees during the afternoon hours.
Daytime highs are forecast to climb into the 90s each day from Wednesday through Friday. Combined with oppressive humidity, outdoor conditions will feel considerably hotter, pushing the region into a level of extreme heat that poses significant health risks. Overnight, little relief is expected as temperatures will linger in the mid-70s, increasing the threat of cumulative heat exposure.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is urging residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves, their families, neighbors, and pets. Children, seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and animals are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature and access hydration.
Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of cool, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages daily. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and can increase the risk of dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty–drink regularly throughout the day.
Limit activity during peak heat. Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If outdoor activity is necessary, take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool environment.
Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Breathable fabrics and light colors help your body stay cooler.
Cool down when overheated. Take a cool shower or sponge bath if you begin to feel too warm.
Seek air-conditioned spaces. If you feel overly warm, move to an air-conditioned environment. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a mall, library, grocery store, or other public space to cool off.
Common heat-related illnesses range from heat exhaustion to potentially fatal heat stroke. The body's internal temperature can spike rapidly—up to 106 degrees or more in under 15 minutes—without proper cooling measures, resulting in permanent damage or death. Warning signs include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and rapid pulse. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediate medical attention is critical.
Several community partners have mobilized resources in response to the prolonged heat emergency. A temporary 24-hour emergency shelter is available through Saturday, July 26, for adults experiencing homelessness.
Operated through a collaboration involving Cunningham Township, CUPHD, The Salvation Army of Champaign, Friend in Me, and the City of Champaign Township, the shelter accepts individuals referred through Strides Shelter. Intakes are conducted daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with transportation to the shelter provided after evening check-in between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The following is a list of additional cooling centers available throughout the local area, courtesy of Champaign County Emergency Management Agency. Please note that some are only available during business hours.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil St., Champaign
Forum Fitness Center, 200 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul
Rantoul Police Department, 109 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul
Champaign Park District, Leonhard Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign
Champaign Park District, Martens Center, 1515 N. Market St., Champaign
Urbana Park District, Health and Wellness Facility, 2002 E. Washington St., Urbana
Public buildings, including libraries and municipal, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours.
CUPHD also maintains a Google map of cooling center locations: https://bit.ly/keepsafeChampaign
CUPHD also operates a kid-friendly cooling center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, offering free Wi-Fi, books, and entertainment for children. Beginning July 25 and running through August 11, CUPHD will serve free breakfast and lunch to children under 18 as part of its summer meals program.
With hot and dry conditions expected to continue beyond midweek and limited relief at night, area residents are encouraged to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, limit sun exposure, and stay informed through local weather and public health updates.
Research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness.
by Tim Ditman OSF Healthcare
ALTON - Sore throats: they’re pesky. They’re not just a winter thing (hello, spring allergies). And they can turn serious, such as strep throat.
Isha McConkey, DO
Do a web search for at-home remedies, and you’ll get a lot of results. Which ones work? Which ones might feel good in the moment but don’t get the job done? Isha McConkey, DO, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has your checklist:
Ice cream: Dr. McConkey doesn’t recommend it.
“I know it feels good. But it will increase mucus production in most people. That’s going to exacerbate the [throat] irritation,” she explains. “We also don’t want a lot of sugar,” which could lead to cavities.
In fact, Dr. McConkey says this logic applies to dairy foods overall. Skip them come sore throat time.
Popsicles: These are OK, Dr. McConkey says. Just go for a sugar free or fruit juice-infused option.
Cough drops: Choose cough drops with xylitol, a sugar alternative, Dr. McConkey says.
Honey: “It’s excellent,” Dr. McConkey says. You’re still getting sugar, though, so don’t guzzle it. Try making a drink with hot water, honey and lemon. Or incorporate honey into your tea.
“You can even add a little cayenne pepper. In some types of sore throats, it may make it worse. But most people find it can be very soothing. It has some numbing properties,” Dr. McConkey adds. But don’t take that as a license to eat spicy food. The acidity in tacos, for example, might cause throat irritation.
Soups: Pop that chicken noodle soup in the microwave, Dr. McConkey says. She says research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness. Opt for a low sodium can.
Salt water: You’ve probably seen online videos or heard the tactic passed down by family members. Yes, it can help, Dr. McConkey says. Gargling salt water can decrease swelling, she says. Try it before you drink your tea or before you go to bed to help get a restful night.
More stories worth reading ~
When it comes to worry, there’s no shortage of things that keep us up at night – some of it probably has us tossing and turning at times.
Photo: BĀBI/Unsplash
Reframing how you handle disappointments can help you worry less. The goal is to focus on what you have the power to control.
by Paul Arco OSF Healthcare
The clock ticks past midnight. Your eyes are open, your body still – but your mind is anything but quiet. From bills to health scares to family stress, worry shows up, unpacks, and overstays its welcome.
When it comes to worry, there’s no shortage of things that keep us up at night – some of it probably has us tossing and turning at times.
According to experts like Ashley Pratt, a psychotherapist with OSF HealthCare, most of what we fret about never comes to fruition. But that doesn’t stop us from experiencing a few anxious moments.
But why do we worry?
“It’s actually part of our human nature,” says Pratt. “Our brain is designed to help us protect ourselves from danger or unpleasant experiences. So, worry is kind of our brain’s way of helping us navigate or prepare for those things.”
But some worrying can serve a purpose, Pratt says. For example, if you’re worried about skin cancer, you might be more diligent when it comes to protecting your skin. If you’re worried about money, you might become thriftier when it comes to spending.
Pratt says the best way to get a hold of worry is to concentrate on what you can control.
“Focus on what we have power over,” Pratt says. “That's one of my favorite ways to manage worry. That way we can start to incorporate other coping skills through our life, whether it's breathing exercises or talking to friends, listening to podcasts, doing enjoyable hobbies throughout our week.”
Still, life happens and that means some things we worry about do come true. Pratt recommends meeting those fears head on.
Trying to worry less takes time and lots of work.
“I think we can learn that we can get through it, first and foremost,” she emphasizes. “Even if our worries do come true occasionally, we can cope with it. Worry gives us opportunities to learn about how we handle those situations.”
Instead of worrying, Pratt says to trust yourself IF something negative does happen. It’s better to remain calm than distressed when trying to solve a potential problem.
But if you are having a tough time navigating those worries, there are ways you can calm your nerves. For example, stay off your phone, where you can find news that may be upsetting. Check in with people in your inner circle that you trust and can talk to. Finally, Pratt suggests starting the practice of gratitude.
“It helps rewire those negative thoughts and give us more focus on the things that are going well in our lives,” Pratt says.
Trying to worry less takes time and lots of work. If you can’t seem to find any relief on your own, Pratt recommends seeking professional help.
“If it feels unmanageable, reaching out to someone, whether your doctor for medication management, going to therapy, learning different techniques and just finding something that works.”
Ways to worry less
Robert Leahy is a psychologist and author of the book “The Worry Cure.” He offers the following tips to cope with worry.
1. Identify productive and unproductive worry
Determine whether worry will help you find solutions to a problem. If yes, write a to-do list with steps to help solve the problem.
2. Track your worries
Write down your unproductive worries throughout the day and dedicate time to thinking about them.
3. Accept uncertainty
Leahy says repeating a worry for 20 minutes (“I may never fall asleep” or “I could lose my job”) lessens its power.
4. Be mindful
Leahy says there are ways to be mindful throughout the day. Work on living in the now by practicing deep breathing. Let your body relax to release the tension.
5. Reframe your worry
Leahy says reframing how you handle disappointments can help worry. Ask yourself what you have learned from your bad experiences. Make a list of things that make you grateful.
6. Put worries in perspective
Learn from previous worries. If you can’t remember what they were, it might mean they never came true, or you were able to deal with them and move on.
More stories ~
All we have for certain, is today. Even today is iffy. Since today is all we really have then it’s best to not mess it up by constantly looking over our shoulders.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
Peace and happiness have many variables.
We aren’t happy when we feel we do not have enough and then burdened if we have too much. We fret over not enough money or worry about what we will do if we have too much money. Most of us don’t have the latter problem.
We fret over not enough space or how we care for too much space. We accumulate and store up in our barns and build bigger barns to store up more stuff. We then don’t know what we will do with all the stuff.
How much does it take to bring you peace and make you happy? Can you be happy in a one room dwelling place? Does it take a 25-room house to make you feel good? How many cars do you need to make you feel satisfied? Or, is satisfaction only a remotely impossible concept? Many years ago, one popular song lamented, “I can’t get no satisfaction.”
Satisfaction and happiness may be claimed for a season. Possibly you are satisfied with your vocation, athletic accomplishments, family life, parenting success, fulfillment of life goals and ambitions? Often, we are but then those seasons pass. Careers end, athletic contests become history, retirement comes with memories that fade further and further into the past.
Too often most of us can look back and wonder, “what if?” we may say. The problem with “what if?” is that it doesn’t change anything. If it is in the past, you can’t relive it or change it regardless of how great you were or how bad you were.
All we have for certain, is today. Even today is iffy. Since today is all we really have then it’s best to not mess it up by constantly looking over our shoulders. You can’t go forward always looking back. In the Bible there was a man named Lot. He and his wife were told not to look back at Sodom and Gomera. She did and turned into a pillar of salt. Looking back has a way of doing that to all us as we become immobilized in time.
What does it take to make you happy? Someone to love and someone who loves you? A few family members to care for who also care for you? Enough money to pay the light bill and keep food on the table? Something to do during the day that you enjoy? The only person who can answer these questions are you because only you know what it really takes to make you happy.
Happiness is very much happenstance. Things change every day. Health, sickness, the stock market, families, jobs and hobbies. Friends and loved ones move away or die. Lie is always changing.
God never changes. Happiness may vary throughout the day or week, but your joy and peace that comes with faith in God and focusing on Him is something the world cannot give or take away.
Keep this verse in mind this day regardless of whether you feel happy or if you are down and blue. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Burnout doesn’t have a written-in-stone clinical diagnosis. In most cases, it is usually physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that makes it difficult to navigate life.
Photo: Paola Chaaya/Unsplash
Burnout is caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It can leave many feeling detached, cynical, and indifferent towards work or other activities.
by Tim Ditman OSF Healthcare
ALTON - Burnout.
It means different things to different people. But one thing’s for sure: you should know the skills to cope with burnout to avoid a mental health crisis.
“Things are really expensive right now. People are looking for jobs. There’s a political climate with a lot of changes. It’s all created a lot of upset,” says Sara Bennett, an OSF HealthCare psychotherapist, commenting on the prevalence of burnout today. “And social media has a big role in how we feel. We see everybody’s problems. Or the opposite: Everybody’s life is so great and rosy. It leaves us wondering what we’re doing wrong.”
Causes and symptoms
Bennett says burnout doesn’t have a written-in-stone clinical diagnosis like, for example, the flu does. But generally, she describes it as physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that makes it difficult to navigate life. Issues with your job, school, finances, health and relationships can all lead to burnout.
Photo provided
Sara Bennett
“You’re probably going to feel a lack of concern. We call that apathy. You might not care if something’s going on. You might have a lack of interest in things you usually enjoy,” Bennett explains. “You might not be sleeping well. You might get stomachaches or headaches. You may be irritable.”
A sense of hopelessness can also occur. You might feel like things will never get better, or you can never get ahead of your problems, Bennett says.
Treatment
From your home to the doctor’s office, there are ways to navigate burnout.
First, Bennett says you should take stock of the situation you’re in. Is it one that will resolve itself soon? Or do you need a bigger plan? For example, Bennett says accountants can be stressed during tax season. But after all the filings are done and the chaos dies down, their mental health will likely get a boost.
Take care of the basics. Get good sleep. Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly.
Ask someone for help. For example, if caring for an elderly family member causes stress, ask a neighbor to man the house for an hour so you can get some fresh air or take a nap.
Learn to say no. You can’t be all things to all people. So, recognize when you don’t have the bandwidth to take on a task.
“Learn to prioritize,” Bennett suggests. “Figure out the things you can’t say no to. The things that are really important. Or maybe there’s some suffering involved, and you’re the person that can help.”
See a health care provider.
“Doctors can prescribe something that might help you through a short-term experience,” Bennett says. “Therapists can engage you unlike others in your life. They can process stressors with you. They can give you good coping skills and relaxation techniques.”
For example, Bennett says she may work with someone to identify what they can and can’t control in their life and encourage them not to get hung up on the latter. Journaling can also help avoid bottled up emotions. And, Bennett implores people to be grateful for the good things in life.
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Jun 03, 2025 03:35 pm .::. If you love food, here are the top cities you need to move to this year
For anyone who truly enjoys good food, choosing where to live can shape everyday happiness. Certain places offer incredible meals on every corner, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Finding cities you should move to if you love food means looking for diversity, quality, and unique local flavors.
Jun 03, 2025 02:40 pm .::. Challenges to Illinois gun laws could go before the Supreme Court
Challenges to local and state gun bans in Illinois could be the next case in front of the U.S. Supreme court on the “AR-15 issue.”
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May 28, 2025 12:57 pm .::. Book Review | I Fuel, How Energy Powers Our Busy World
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May 28, 2025 02:41 am .::. State-Bound: Local tennis players ready for IHSA Finals this weekendCHAMPAIGN - Three singles players and three area doubles teams are set to represent the Champaign-Urbana area at the IHSA Boys Tennis State Finals, which begin Thursday across the Chicago suburbs.
May 27, 2025 07:11 pm .::. Officials find first instance of West Nile virus in IllinoisCHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Public Health said the first positive test for West Nile virus in 2025 has been detected in Winnebago County near Rockford.
Health officials warned people in the infected area and elsewhere to take precautions to avoid the mosquito-borne disease, which is expected to spread across the state. Last year, Illinois reported 69 cases of West Nile, with 13 reported human deaths.
Illinois' "trigger law" could also lead to over 700,000 adults losing Medicaid coverage if federal reimbursement rates drop below 90%.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - As Congress considers federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance, groups advocating for Illinois schools are speaking out on how it would affect students across the state and the education system at large.
They said budget cuts would have both direct and indirect effects, from student eligibility to school reimbursements for things like meals and health screenings, and straining the state budget as well.
Jessica Handy, executive director of Stand for Children Illinois, highlighted the importance of students having access to health care and food, linking it to issues like chronic absenteeism, which has recently spiked in Illinois.
"These things really are all interconnected," Handy explained. "It's not that kids can show up to school hungry, show up to school with some severe chronic health issues and not have treatment and then be able to sit there and learn as if those things didn't happen."
She stressed implementing stricter qualifying requirements for Medicaid would reduce the number of students with health coverage and school funding from Medicaid reimbursements.
Handy pointed out changes in school-based Medicaid reimbursements like expanding coverage to include therapy services and vision screenings are now a significant funding source for schools. Illinois' "trigger law" could also lead to over 700,000 adults losing Medicaid coverage if federal reimbursement rates drop below 90%, potentially affecting school staff.
"If the Legislature comes back into session and wants to change that trigger law, then we have another really expensive budget pressure that leaves fewer flexible dollars to fund our schools," Handy observed.
Handy noted potentially shifting SNAP benefit costs to states could also jeopardize school funding. Although Illinois' 2025 legislative session has adjourned, she emphasized lawmakers would have to come back this year if federal budget cuts are implemented to rework the state budget, with the uncertainty further compounding matters.
"Schools can't budget and plan effectively for programs throughout the school year when they're not sure what the impact's going to be," Handy added. "It leaves everybody in a kind of gray area that's not good for stability and not good for really being able to focus on programs, instead of on logistics and keeping the doors open."
Some things to watch for that might prompt you to see a health care provider about sleep apnea.
Photo: Kampus Production/PEXELS
by Tim Ditman OSF Healthcare
URBANA - Here’s another reason to pay attention when your partner complains that you’re snoring or gasping for air at night: sleep apnea – repeated episodes of stopped or slowed breathing during sleep – and stroke go together in more ways than you think.
Leslie Ingold, RN, MSN, a regional stroke navigator at OSF HealthCare, says sleep apnea decreases blood flow to the brain, which can cause a stroke. Conversely, she says people who have suffered a stroke can experience sleep apnea, typically in the first day or two.
Ingold also says people with obstructive sleep apnea (collapse of the upper airway) are twice as likely to have a hole in their heart known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). PFOs can increase your stroke risk.
“One of the tests we do when [stroke] patients come to the hospital is an echocardiogram of the heart. A PFO is what we’re looking for. It’s that hole in your heart that doesn’t close properly when you’re a child,” Ingold says. “It’s actually what they look for in sports physicals when kids are in school. Listening for that extra ‘lub-dub’ in the heartbeat. Sometimes it’s not caught. We’re finding people in their 60s and 70s that have the hole. We can go in and get that closed.”
What to watch for
Some things to watch for that might prompt you to see a health care provider about sleep apnea:
Snoring. Ingold says watch for loud snoring or a pattern of snoring when you didn’t used to.
“When you can hear it through the wall,” she quips.
Waking up and gasping for air
Morning headaches
Excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and irritability throughout the day. For kids, watch for hyperactivity.
Increased blood pressure
For stroke signs, experts want you to remember the acronym BEFAST. If there are irregularities in balance, eyes, face, arms or speech, it’s time to call 9-1-1.
Nighttime strokes
Ingold says one in four strokes happens in the early morning when you’re likely asleep. Those so-called “wake up strokes” can make things tricky.
Medicine like tenecteplase (TNK) must be given at the hospital within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. If you suffer a stroke while you’re sleeping, there’s not a good way to know when symptoms started. So, health care providers must go by the last time you were well, which would be when you went to sleep.
“There are some other things that can be done,” Ingold says, if TNK is not an option. “If there’s a clot, we can take care of those up to 24 hours [since symptom onset.] We can see if there are early signs of brain damage and get you on the road to those kinds of procedures if you qualify.”
But a big takeaway message: if you have stroke symptoms like a severe or unexpected headache, don’t sleep it off. See a health care provider.
Sleep
Healthy sleep
You may need treatment like a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) for sleep apnea. But healthy sleep habits will go a long way, too. Ingold says you can try a four-week plan.
Week one: Commit to physical activity, especially if you work at a desk all day. Get up and take a short walk.
“Do some things that will make you ready for bed,” Ingold says.
Week two: Phone tactics. Move it away from your bed to charge overnight. Use an old-fashioned alarm clock instead of your phone’s alarm. Turn your phone over. All of these make you less tempted to look at the device and take in blue light that inhibits sleep.
Week three: Create a morning routine.
“It doesn’t have to be anything fancy,” Ingold says. “Your alarm goes off. You walk over to check the phone you’ve placed on the other side of the room. Maybe grab a cup of coffee and give yourself five to 10 minutes. Read a devotion. Do some meditation.”
Week four: Not just the phone. Ditch all devices as bedtime approaches. Read a book or listen to a podcast instead of clearing the Netflix queue.
Other tips for healthy sleep:
Avoid long naps during the day. If you must nap, experts say to keep it under three hours.
Make your home’s lighting natural: bright during the day, darker as night approaches and dark at night.
Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bed.
If you are a light sleeper, things like earplugs and an artificial noise machine can help.
Public health officials are highlighting the importance of taking action to "Fight the Bite" during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which runs from June 18-24.
Photo: Mohamed Nuzrath/Pixabay
by Mark Richardson Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Public Health said the first positive test for West Nile virus in 2025 has been detected in Winnebago County near Rockford.
Health officials warned people in the infected area and elsewhere to take precautions to avoid the mosquito-borne disease, which is expected to spread across the state. Last year, Illinois reported 69 cases of West Nile, with 13 reported human deaths.
Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said evidence of the disease usually emerges this time of year.
Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes do not contract the disease.
"In Illinois, we typically see the first environmental positive test for West Nile in mid- to late May," Vohra explained. "Mosquitoes typically emerge in the spring and are active until the first hard frost of the year."
Vohra noted West Nile virus is an endemic disease in Illinois, meaning it is commonly found in the state. Public health officials are highlighting the importance of taking action to "Fight the Bite" during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which runs from June 18-24.
Vohra pointed out most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes do not contract the disease but one in five will show symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to a serious and possibly fatal illness.
"Right now, there's no treatment for West Nile virus," Vohra emphasized. "But supportive care is really important, especially if you're developing symptoms or you're that one of 150 people that can develop severe illness."
Public health officials have advised Illinoisians to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent and stay indoors during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk. They also recommend trying to keep mosquitoes from breeding.
"One way to do that is to dump any standing water," Vohra advised. "Examples of that include flowerpots, children's toys, pet bowls, bird baths, buckets, used tires, abandoned swimming pools, any place where you can get standing water."
Fatal heart attack risks may be higher during days with extreme heat & air pollution
The combination of soaring heat and smothering fine particulate pollution may double the risk of heart attack death, according to a new study of more than 202,000 heart attack deaths in China. The study published today in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation.
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal in the first half. The junior led the team to a 5-3 win over University High on Wednesday at Dick Duval Field. Hess, who is the top finisher in the area with a hat trick in the team's first three matches this season, will try to make it four in a row in the undefeated Spartans' road game against the Vermilion Valley Conference's Hoopeston Area Cornjerkers on Friday. More photos and a game recap coming soon.
