The Sentinel

Enjoying the holidays, the Sentinel's guide to help you enjoy a mentally stress-free holiday

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:

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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.

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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.

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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 ...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What da funk? A stinky body can be a sign of a health issue

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

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.