Regional soccer title on their minds, Tigers crush the Vikings in semifinal match


Urbana's Emir	Martinez
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Emir Martinez lines up a pass during second half action against Danville. The Urbana junior scored twice in his team's overwhelming victory over the Vikings on Tuesday at the Urbana Tigers Sports Complex.

URBANA - The #3 seed Urbana Tigers cruised past Danville in a dominant 7-0 shutout Tuesday evening, advancing to the Class 2A regional final. Playing on home turf at the Urbana Tigers' Sports Complex, the Tigers showcased their offensive prowess, scoring twice in the first half and exploding for five more goals in the second. The win improved their record to 11-8-1, while Danville's season ended at 7-12-4.

Urbana's attack was ignited by junior Emir Martinez, who opened the scoring just 10 minutes and seven seconds into the match. His early strike set the tone for what would be a lopsided contest. Martinez wasn’t finished, netting his second goal of the game with 17:10 left in the second half to push Urbana's lead to 5-0.

The Tigers’ relentless offensive display continued with Winner Nana scoring two goals of his own. His first came with just 5:32 left in the first half, giving Urbana a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break. Nana wasted little time adding to that tally after halftime, striking again just 7:34 into the second half to make it 3-0. Not to be outdone by his younger brother, senior Fortunel Nana found the back of the net shortly after, extending the lead to 4-0 with 31:31 remaining.


Urbana's Fortunel Nana
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Fortunel Nana settles the ball during the second half. The senior booked a goal eight and a half minutes into the second half for the Tigers.

Danville, seeded #6 in the Warrensburg-Latham Subsectional, struggled to contain Urbana's aggressive offense. The Vikings, who finished 9th in the Big Twelve Conference, failed to generate significant scoring chances throughout the match. Their defense, which had held Urbana to just two goals in their previous meeting on October 1, couldn’t replicate that performance in the postseason.

Urbana continued to apply pressure even as the match seemed out of reach. The Tigers’ sixth goal came courtesy of Arnau Sanchez-Marin, who chipped the ball over the Danville goalkeeper in the 74th minute. Sophomore Lemex Ondongo capped off the scoring with just 53 seconds left, adding the final dagger in Urbana's commanding victory.

The Tigers now turn their attention to the regional championship, where they will face Mahomet-Seymour, a familiar foe. The two teams split their regular-season series, with Urbana winning 3-1 in their first encounter on September 7, but falling 1-0 in the rematch on September 30. Mahomet-Seymour's defensive improvement in the second meeting will be a key storyline heading into the final.

Urbana, which finished 6th in the Big Twelve Conference with a 4-5-1 record, will look to continue its postseason momentum as it chases a regional title.



Urbana Tigers soccer, Class 2A regional semifinal, Urbana vs Danville soccer, Mahomet-Seymour regional final, high school soccer playoffs

Mahomet-Seymour edges Mt. Zion 3-2 in OT thriller to advance to regional final


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Alexandre Chequim-Fiho celebrates after his overtime score in Mahomet-Seymour's Class 2A semifinal game on Tuesday. The Bulldogs advanced to Friday's regional championship game after beating Mt. Zion, 3-2.

URBANA - Mahomet-Seymour secured a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Mt. Zion in the IHSA soccer regional semifinals on Tuesday, punching their ticket to the regional championship match. A late surge by the Bulldogs, capped by sophomore Alexandre Chequim-Fiho's overtime goal, sealed the win after a hard-fought battle at the Urbana Tigers Athletic Complex.

Mt. Zion controlled much of the first half, with forward Greg Frazier striking twice. His first goal came with 23:27 left in the half, followed by a second at the 9:40 mark, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead and momentum as the half wound down. However, Mahomet-Seymour responded before the break with senior Travis Hoffman netting his 23rd goal of the season, trimming the deficit to 2-1 just 39 seconds before halftime.

The second half saw both teams exchange opportunities, but neither side could break through until the closing minutes. With just 2:40 remaining in regulation, the Bulldogs found the equalizer through Brody Back, sending the match into overtime.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Bulldog goalkeeper Hayden Litteken leaps forward to block a shot by Mt. Zion's Will Grohne in the second half.

In the first overtime period, Mahomet-Seymour capitalized on their renewed momentum. Chequim-Fiho found the back of the net with 1:57 left, putting the Bulldogs ahead 3-2. Despite a strong push from Mt. Zion in the second overtime, including several near-miss opportunities, Mahomet-Seymour’s defense held firm to preserve the victory.

With the win, Mahomet-Seymour improved to 15-7-2 on the season. The Bulldogs, who captured the Apollo Conference title with an 8-1-1 record, have now strung together two consecutive wins in the postseason. They will face Urbana on Friday for the regional championship. Mahomet-Seymour previously defeated Urbana 1-0 earlier in the season, setting the stage for a tightly contested rematch at the Tigers Athletic Complex, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

Mt. Zion (12-9-2) saw their season come to a close with the overtime defeat. The Braves, who finished third in the Apollo Conference with a 6-3-1 record, were known for their strong defensive efforts, recording seven shutouts during the season. However, despite a promising start in Tuesday's semifinal, they were unable to hold off the late charge by Mahomet-Seymour.



Keywords: Mahomet-Seymour soccer, Mt. Zion soccer loss, IHSA regional semifinals, Apollo Conference soccer, Illinois high school soccer, Mahomet-Seymour vs Urbana soccer

Early voting in Champaign County; here's the dates and times


URBANA - Early voting is now open county-wide for the 2024 election in Champaign County. Voters can cast their ballots at any designated early voting locations in the county before Election Day. You can vote at ANY polling place, including your home polling place, regardless of where you live in the county.

Upon arrival, check in with Election Judges, and follow the procedure to cast your ballot. Voters do not need to show ID unless they have updated their voter registration or their signature does not match the records on file.

Before you head over to vote, look up what will be on your ballot and then research the candidates and issues. You are allowed to take a list of candidates you want to vote for into the booth with you. Learn more about researching your ballot and the candidates.

In case of any issues while voting, such as filling in the ballot incorrectly, Election Judges will be available to assist with a replacement ballot. Once your ballot is submitted, it cannot be rescinded.

Early voting is available at the locations and times below.

Brookens Administrative Center Gymnasium
1776 E Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802:

October 7th – October 11th
October 14th – October 18th
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Monday, October 21st – Monday, November 4th

  • Monday – Friday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM
  • Saturday, 9:00AM – 4:00PM
  • Sunday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM

  • Additional Early Voting Sites
    Open October 21st, 2024 to November 4th, 2024

    Days / Hours:

  • Monday – Friday, 11:00AM – 6:00PM
  • Saturday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
  • Sunday, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
  • Champaign Public Library
    200 W Green Street, Champaign, 61820

    Illini Union
    1401 W Green Street, Urbana, 61801

    Lake of the Woods Pavilion
    109 S Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet, 61853

    Leonhard Recreation Center
    2307 W Sangamon Drive, Champaign, 61821

    Meadowbrook Community Church
    1902 S Duncan Road, Champaign, 61821

    Parkland College
    Building E – 2400 W Bradley Avenue, Champaign, 61821

    Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
    802 E Douglas, St. Joseph, 61873

    Rantoul Youth Center
    1306 Country Club Lane, Rantoul, 61866

    Savoy Recreation Center
    402 W Graham Drive, Savoy 61874

    The Church of The Living God
    312 E Bradley Avenue, Champaign 61820

    Tolono Public Library
    111 E Main Street, Tolono 61880


    Subscribe

    Voting, Early Voting in Champaign County, Election 2024

    Editorial |
    Pro or Con?


    political cartoon
    A nation of laws... or lawlessness?



    Sentinel area regional soccer scores


    Arnau Sanchez-Marin
    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

    URBANA - Urbana's Arnau Sanchez-Marin celebrates his second-half goal against Danville on Tuesday. The Tigers rolled to 7-0 shutout over the visiting Vikings, advancing to Friday's 4 pm regional title match on their home field. Urbana will square off against Mahomet-Seymour, who won their match over Mt. Zion 3-2 (2OT). Below are the other regional semifinal results for our area teams.

    Urbana - 7
    Danville - 0
    Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Urbana vs Mahomet-Seymour

    Champaign Central - 2
    Mattoon - 1
    Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Charleston vs Centennial

    Champaign Centennial - 5
    Charleston - 0
    Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Charleston vs Central

    Mahomet-Seymour - 3 (2 OT)
    Mt. Zion - 2
    Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Urbana vs Urbana

    Regional Championship Results:
    Oakwood - 6
    Georgetown-Ridge Farm - 0
    Next: Sectional Semifinal - Saturday 10am @ Monticello vs Fisher


    Subscribe

    Op-Ed |
    Hating on immigrants hurts everyone - except for elites


    Photo: Photo by Manny Becerra/Unsplash

    by Sonali Kolhatkar
         OtherWords


    Republicans are counting on fears of immigrants to draw white conservatives to the polls. This calculation is dangerous — and it lets the real villains in our politics off the hook.

    There’s a direct line between Donald Trump’s 2015 declaration about Mexican “rapists” and his 2024 lie about Haitians eating pets. Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance (R-OH), has echoed the horrific contention about Haitians even while admitting it was a lie.


    In Vance’s world, immigrants are smuggling fentanyl and importing illegal guns.

    Both men are married to women of immigrant origins and may not even believe their own lies. In fact, as a Yale law student in 2012, Vance wrote a blog post decrying Republican anti-immigrant rhetoric. But after he found how convenient it is to bash immigrants for votes, Vance asked his former professor to delete it.

    During the vice presidential debate between Vance and Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), Vance scapegoated immigrants every chance he got. In Vance’s world, immigrants are smuggling fentanyl and importing illegal guns. They’re also driving up housing prices while simultaneously putting downward pressure on wages by working for pittances.

    Never mind that it’s mostly U.S. citizens smuggling fentanyl, and that illegal guns are flowing the other way across the border — from the U.S. into Mexico. Never mind that it makes no sense for immigrants to be working for less while paradoxically being able to afford homes that Americans cannot.

    Truth and logic are beside the point. Fear of the “other” is the plan. This makes life very dangerous for immigrants. Haitian migrants, among others, are facing threats to their safety.


    Beating the racist, anti-immigrant drum is the first step toward violence.

    Trump has repeatedly deployed Hitlerian language to describe immigrants, blaming them for “poisoning the blood” of the country and claiming that they commit homicide because they have “bad genes.” (One can hardly imagine him extending the same logic to mass shooters, who tend to be overwhelmingly white and male, or to the two white men who recently tried to assassinate him. According to Trump, being white means you have “good genes.”)

    Beating the racist, anti-immigrant drum is the first step toward violence. The United Nations identifies hate speech as a “precursor to atrocity crimes, including genocide,” and scholars of past genocides have drawn clear links between language that “otherizes” whole communities and pogroms aimed at them.

    Anti-immigrant lies also harm native-born Americans. Trump, Vance, and their supporters recently unleashed rumors falsely blaming immigrants for disaster relief difficulties. Elon Musk jumped on the bandwagon, claiming that “FEMA used up its budget ferrying illegals into the country instead of saving American lives.”

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell called these lies part of a “truly dangerous narrative.” Even Republican governors of hurricane-hit states are deeply appalled, warning that these lies threaten to disrupt disaster recovery efforts.


    If right-wing politicians really want to help Americans struggling with economic stressors, they could ban hedge fund managers from buying up homes.

    Most importantly, the purveyors of anti-immigrant hate let corporate power and wealthy elites — like Musk — off the hook for the problems facing Americans.  Hedge fund managers, not immigrants, are outbidding Americans for housing. Corporate employers keep wages low and privatization has ruined healthcare, not immigrants.

    Oil and gas corporations are responsible for the catastrophic climate change fueling hurricanes like Helene and Milton, not immigrants. (Indeed, migrant workers often help rebuild after these catastrophes as communities struggle with a labor shortage).

    If right-wing politicians really want to help Americans struggling with economic stressors, they could ban hedge fund managers from buying up homes, support single-payer health care, increase the federal minimum wage, tax billionaires, divert money from war to climate, hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate crimes, and back a renewable energy transition.

    Instead, they attack immigrants — and do nothing.

    Attacking immigrants and calling for mass deportations will do nothing to ease the very real struggles people face. What it will do is whip up hate and violence, give the purveyors of hate the political power they desperately seek, and let corporate vultures off the hook.


    About the author:
    Sonali Kolhatkar is the host of “Rising Up With Sonali,” a television and radio show on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.


    Keywords:

    Op-Ed |
    Tipped wage system isn't working, removing taxes won't save it


    Photo:Bimo Luki/Unsplash

    by Red Schomburg
          OtherWords


    Both major presidential candidates have called for eliminating taxes on tips. But that won’t help most restaurant workers.

    What will? Replacing the subminimum wages that tipped workers make with one fair wage nationwide.


    The vast majority of tipped workers in America ... don’t earn enough to have to pay federal payroll taxes.

    The federal minimum wage for most workers is just $7.25. But for workers who get tips, employers are allowed to pay them $2.13 an hour. If tips don’t raise your hourly pay to at least the regular minimum wage, bosses are supposed to make up the difference — but very often don’t.

    I was a bartender in Boston for over a decade. Technically, I was paid $6.75 an hour — the current subminimum in Massachusetts, which is thankfully higher than the $2.13 federal rate. But my coworkers and I made next to nothing anyway.

    Like us, the vast majority of tipped workers in America — 66 percent — don’t earn enough to have to pay federal payroll taxes. So eliminating those taxes won’t benefit two-thirds of us at all.

    It would only help the upper earners, like fancy waiters at the fancy restaurants — or millionaire Wall Street types, lawyers, or hedge fund managers who could reclassify their incomes as tips to dodge taxes.

    Donald Trump has proposed ending taxes on tips as a clear attempt to pander to tipped workers. But as president, Trump actually gutted overtime regulations and tried to make it easier for our employers to steal our tips. So it’s clear to me he doesn’t really want to help us.

    It’s a telling sign that the National Restaurant Association (NRA), which is backed by corporations and wealthy business owners, has embraced Trump’s plan.

    The NRA is constantly looking for ways to get around having to actually pay their workers a full, fair minimum wage like every other industry in America. Their lobbying is the reason the subminimum wage has been stuck at $2.13 for over 30 years in the first place.


    Many of my coworkers and I are pressured to tolerate inappropriate customer behavior because our livelihood depends on being likable.

    Kamala Harris has also embraced ending taxes on tips. But unlike Trump, Harris has also voiced support for ending the subminimum wage. That would mean that my coworkers and I would be paid a full, fair minimum wage just like all other workers in our country — plus get tips on top.

    In that scenario, not having to pay taxes on tips would be meaningful for all of us.

    When employers can pay a subminimum wage, it forces our income to depend on uncontrollable factors — like weather, customer traffic, and tips.

    Even worse, many of my coworkers and I are pressured to tolerate inappropriate customer behavior because our livelihood depends on being likable. This especially harms women and contributes to the restaurant industry’s notoriously high rates of harassment.

    That’s why I’m helping turn out votes for a ballot measure this fall that would end the subminimum wage in Massachusetts and ensure all restaurant workers are paid one fair wage with tips on top. There’s similar legislation pending in 12 more states.

    The good news is we know this policy works.


    It’s great that politicians are talking about tipped workers.

    One fair wage is already law in seven states and two major metro areas (Chicago and Washington, D.C.). And in those places, wages are higher, rates of tipping are the same or higher, and restaurant growth is higher.

    Tipping is so ingrained in our culture that in places like California, which recently eliminated its subminimum wage, customers routinely continue to tip their usual amount — which workers receive on top of the full minimum wage. It’s a win-win solution.

    It’s great that politicians are talking about tipped workers. We’re a powerful voting block and we’re invested in voting for meaningful change. Tipped workers see beyond the lies and the pandering and know that one fair wage is the change we need to put more dollars in our pockets.


    About the author:
    Red Schomburg is a worker and leader with One Fair Wage. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.


    Keywords: Minimum Wage, Restaurant Workers, National Restaurant Association, Tipped Workers, Federal Minimum Wage

    7 Indoor plants that can survive shady rooms in your home


    Photo: Huy Phan/PEXELS

    SNS - Cultivating lush greenery in dimly lit indoor spaces can be quite a challenge. The absence of ample sunlight underscores the significance of carefully choosing the right species to thrive amidst such conditions. Thankfully, there's a diverse array of options among indoor plants that can survive shady rooms. In this article, we'll delve into seven of these resilient selections that flourish in low-light environments. Each of these remarkable specimens not only adds life to your interior but also caters to the unique demands of shaded settings, turning your home into a tranquil haven of natural beauty.

    1. The Resilient Snake Plant
    With its striking sword-like leaves that stand tall and erect, it brings an air of elegance to any interior. Its distinctive appearance, featuring variegated patterns and bold green hues, adds a touch of modernity to your living space. What makes it truly exceptional is its remarkable resilience in low-light conditions. It can prosper even in the dimmest corners, making it an ideal choice for shady rooms where other ones might struggle. Not only does it survive in such environments, but it also excels at purifying the air, making it a natural air-purifier.

    To ensure its well-being, keep the soil well-drained. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, also place it away from direct sunlight. Truly, it is a testament to nature's ability to adapt and beautify with minimal effort on our part.

    2. Lush Peace Lily
    Introducing the elegant Peace Lily - it is a true gem in the realm of indoor greenery. It is renowned for its air-purifying powers. With its graceful white blooms that seem to effortlessly rise above glossy, dark green leaves, the Peace Lily emanates an aura of tranquility.

    Beyond its visual appeal, this remarkable specimen boasts the ability to cleanse the air, making it a living air purifier for your home. A standout feature lies in its adaptability to shady spaces, allowing it to thrive where other options might falter. To ensure the flourishing of this marvel, remember to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, and provide ample humidity to mimic its natural habitat. However, watch out for overwatering, which could lead to root rot. By meticulously tending to these factors, your Peace Lily will flourish and grace your home with its elegance and air-purifying benefits.

    3. Vibrant ZZ
    The vibrant ZZ Plant, with its unique glossy foliage, captivates with an exotic allure that complements any space. Its leaves, characterized by their waxy texture and deep green hue, exude an air of sophistication. Notably, it grows in low light conditions, making it an exceptional choice for rooms where sunlight is scarce.

    It not only tolerates but flourishes in shady corners. When it comes to potting and care, research conducted by bigmansmoving.com reveals that around 30% of homeowners choose the ZZ Plant due to its low-light tolerance, aligning perfectly with the challenges often faced when relocating to different indoor environments. It demands infrequent watering and can tolerate neglect, showcasing its hardiness – a quality that resonates with individuals on the move.

    4. Exotic Dracaena Varieties
    The realm of indoor greenery is enriched by the exotic Dracaena family, a diverse collection of plants renowned for their versatility. Within this botanical lineage, varieties like the dramatic Dragon Tree and the elegant Corn Plant stand out. They not only add a touch of the exotic but also excel in low-light conditions, thriving in the very environments that challenge traditional indoor gardening. Their shade tolerance is impressive, making them perfect companions for dimly lit spaces. Their growth habits vary, with the Dragon Tree boasting upright, architectural growth and the Corn Plant's graceful foliage cascading elegantly. These Dracaena varieties embody the allure of the unfamiliar, thriving where others might falter.

    5. Beautiful Boston Fern
    Boston Fern, with its delicate and feathery appearance, evokes a sense of timeless charm. Safely moving with houseplants, such as the Boston Fern, requires careful consideration. This fern's preference for indirect light and humidity makes it an ideal choice for shaded rooms that mirror its natural habitat.

    When relocating, ensuring the fern's well-being is paramount. You can keep your plants safe during relocation by maintaining their moisture levels, securely packing them, and protecting them from extreme temperatures. For the Boston Fern, a consistent watering routine, occasional misting, and shielding from drafts will foster its lush growth even amidst the uncertainties of moving.

    Faraz Ahmad/PEXELS
    6. Low-Light Loving Pothos
    The ever-popular Pothos, known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, has become a staple in indoor gardening. Its popularity is owed to its robust nature and adaptability to various conditions. Pothos stands out with its remarkable durability in low-light settings. It not only thrives but thrives splendidly in areas with limited sunlight. With various varieties showcasing diverse leaf patterns, Pothos offers aesthetic diversity. Propagation is easy, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. To ensure its health, keep the soil slightly dry between waterings and trim leggy growth.

    7. Classic Cast Iron Plant
    The Classic Cast Iron Plant, known for its tough and enduring nature, boasts rugged, dark green foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Its versatility is unmatched, as it can thrive in virtually any lighting condition – from low light to bright indirect light.

    Among the distinguished indoor plants that can survive shady rooms, this one stands as a true champion. Its low-maintenance demeanor extends to its watering requirements; it tolerates irregular watering and can even go without for a while. Occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer ensures its steady growth. Truly, it is the epitome of resilience in the realm of indoor greenery.

    Incorporating these remarkable indoor plants that can survive shady rooms not only infuses life into dimly lit spaces but also purifies the air and elevates interior aesthetics. As you embark on your journey of nurturing green companions, dare to experiment with various species and combinations. Remember, they hold the transformative power to rejuvenate your home's decor and enhance your well-being, turning every corner into an oasis of serenity.


    Subscribe

    Keywords: indoor plants, aesthetic diversity, air-purifying benefits, low-light environments

    5 tips for healthy hearing, maybe pickleball can help


    Photo provided

    BPT - Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, with many seniors roaring onto pickleball courts nationwide. But whether it's a friendly game or an intramural matchup, all senses must be engaged for the best play - especially our hearing.

    Think about the last time you had your hearing tested. Was it recently? If it wasn't and you find yourself turning up the television or straining to hear conversations in crowded rooms, it's time to have an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist check your hearing.

    According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), hearing loss affects more than 60 million Americans ages 12 and older. By the time people reach age 65, more than 30% experience hearing loss, and that percentage only goes up as people age. The NCOA also reports nearly 30 million Americans could significantly benefit from wearing a hearing aid.

    HearingLife + USA Pickleball
    That's why HearingLife, a global leader in hearing care, has become USA Pickleball's official hearing care partner to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health and the dangers of hearing loss. HearingLife knows that participating in an active lifestyle - like a pickleball match - encourages an all-around healthy routine, including hearing care.

    At select USA Pickleball events throughout the year, HearingLife is offering complimentary hearing assessments to attendees and players.

    "Hearing loss can prevent people from doing activities they love, like pickleball," said Dr. Leslie Soiles, HearingLife's chief audiologist. "And it's ironic because these types of activities and exercises can actually help slow hearing loss. That's why getting your hearing checked is so important. It's a gateway to a more active, fulfilling life."

    In addition to offering on-site services such as free screenings, HearingLife's presence will include educational resources on how hearing loss can impact not only athletic performance, but also overall quality of life. Visitors can also learn about the latest advancements in hearing aid technology, including devices that are designed to enhance clarity in noisy environments - perfect for sporting activities like pickleball.

    The risk of untreated hearing loss
    Many people brush off hearing loss and don't think about hearing as essential to health and longevity. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, loneliness, social withdrawal and even problems at work if you miss instructions or don't understand coworkers. Worse, it can cause cognitive decline, memory problems and even increased risk of falls.

    Caring for your hearing
    You care for your teeth by brushing twice each day and for your body by eating right and exercising. What about your ears? Here are some ways to care for your hearing, from the pros at HearingLife.
    • 1. Mind your exposure to loud noises. Loved those packed concerts in your youth? We did, too. For the reunion tour, it's wise to wear earplugs. That also goes for exposure to construction sites or loud machinery.
    • 2. Monitor how long you wear headphones or earbuds. Turn down the volume of your favorite podcast or playlist, and don't wear the ear devices for an extended period of time.
    • 3. Get regular checkups. Visit your hearing care professional on a regular basis, especially if you notice worsening hearing loss or other symptoms such as ringing in your ears.
    • 4. Manage chronic conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes and smoking can contribute to hearing loss. Managing those conditions and quitting smoking helps keep your ears healthy.
    • 5. Keep active. The improved blood flow you get from exercise is great for your ears. Walking, cycling, canoeing, working out at the gym, all contribute to good hearing health. Why not take up pickleball?

    HearingLife is making it easy to get started. The company is sponsoring a giveaway to the USA Pickleball National Championships! One lucky winner and a plus-one can enter for a chance to win a three-night trip to Mesa, AZ, for the USA Pickleball tournament taking place Nov. 9-17. It's free and easy to enter: just visit https://www.hearinglife.com/pickleball-sweepstakes and submit your email. The winner will be notified on Oct. 23.



    Keywords: USA Pickleball, hearing loss, hearing instrument specialist


    Editor's Choice


    Another season, another trophy, Rockets take third at state!

    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks CHAMPAIGN - Members of the Unity Rockets basketball team hoist their third-place trophy after defeating Far...



    More Sentinel Stories