Quick and convenient afternoon snack ideas for hungry kids

StatePoint Media - Between classroom learning, extracurricular activities, sports, socializing and more, fun and filling snacks can help kids take a moment away from school-year pressures while also encouraging all that excitement and learning.

In fact, nearly 3 in 4 Americans snack at least once a day, according to an International Food Information Council survey conducted by Ipsos. When it comes to your children’s snack time, here’s how to make these occasions more delicious:

Easy Sweet Treats

Weekdays are not only hectic for kids, but are also busy for parents too. Having conveniently packaged snacks on hand can be a time-saving game-changer!

Photo provided

Serving your kids baked goods made from high-quality ingredients can be as simple as opening a box of Entenmann’s. With 125 years of baking experience, the brand’s wide variety of delicious baked goods can be a fun addition to any breakfast, lunch box and can even be enjoyed as an after-school treat!

Be sure to add these favorites to your snack line-up: Powdered Pop’ettes, Pop’ems Glazed Donut Holes and Baker’s Delights Mini Crumb Cake. Baker’s Delights are individually wrapped snack cakes that are a fun option for on-the-go snacking or a sweet addition to any lunch box. Want to get creative? Check out Entenmann’s recipe collection, found at entenmanns.com, which puts new twists on classic treats.

Savory Snacks

Balance the sweet with some savory snacks too. For after school, stock your fridge with items like baby carrots and hummus, crackers and cheese, and the ingredients needed for hearty snacks like ham and cheese pinwheels. Having these items handy can make it easy to feed hungry kids and allow them to serve themselves. Plus, they’ll be all set for their afternoon, whether that entails homework or hanging out with friends. For on-the-go bites to pack in lunch boxes or to bring to sports games, consider sandwich baggies filled with nuts, pretzel sticks and cheddar cheese slices.

Amid the stress and anxiety of the school year, sweet treats and savory snacks can help keep your kids satisfied, while also providing a moment away from the demands of school.

How to make great Kielbasa and veggie kebabs

Concoct a winning game plan, gather the parking lot games and call the biggest fans you know – it’s tailgating season. This year, before you root on your favorite team, make sure your pregame party matches the intensity of the fourth quarter with recipes that really fire up the crowd.

Warm up with Beet Lentil Chili

With plenty of cold-weather events and gatherings to celebrate alongside loved ones, one classic way to warm up the crowd is hot, comforting food. Soups, chili, casseroles, stews and more provide perfect ways to shake off the chill that comes with the season.

Two healthy snack options for families on the go

Photo provided

Family Features - School days offer nearly endless opportunities for learning and exploration in the classroom, but education doesn’t have to end with the final bell. Parents can ensure their students feel energetic, creative and confident by inspiring snack choices that are as smart as they are fun to make together.

Whether you’re whipping up a snack to send to school or your little learners need an energy boost before starting afternoon homework, creative snacking can help encourage inspiration. As a trusted ally with better-for-you and convenient whole-fruit lunchbox snacks kids can enjoy, Sun-Maid offers these easy tips and ways to embrace the fun side of snack time.

Keep It Simple: Look for recipes with five ingredients or less so your children can show their artful nature without becoming overwhelmed. Plus, this often leads to a more budget-friendly at-home treat.
Shop Together: Gathering ingredients and equipment is an important part of any recipe, and bringing your future chefs along helps them feel like it’s their creation from start to finish. Additionally, some important life lessons can be learned along the way, like how to navigate the store and compare costs.
Provide Kid-Friendly Instructions: There are many ways kids can lend a hand in making their own snacks, like mixing ingredients, washing produce or arranging a plate or platter. However, some steps are best left to the adults – make sure to do any cutting, slicing or dicing before letting children take the reins, for example, then just enjoy the creative fun.

With childhood favorites like crackers, marshmallows and vanilla yogurt covered raisins, Gimme S'mores Trail Mix offers a perfect way to get young minds thinking in the kitchen. A little guidance is all it takes to teach them each step of the recipe to make a crafty, delicious treat. Plus, with only a few simple ingredients that just need to be mixed together, it’s a low-stress, low-mess way to cook up creativity.

For a healthier version of a snack time superstar, Apple Nachos combine sweet apples like Honeycrisp, peanut butter and versatile, whole-fruit Sun-Maid Raisins. Naturally made with nothing but grapes and California sunshine, these sweet raisins have been trusted as a better-for-you snack for kids and grown-up kids alike since 1912.

With zero grams of added sugars, they give parents the confidence they need to choose snacks that provide both great taste and nutrition for a happy and healthy family. As a household staple, they can be enjoyed as part of tasty recipes or as a standalone treat kids crave and parents approve.

Find more sweet ideas to inspire confidence and creativity at sunmaid.com.

Gimme S’mores Trail Mix

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

1/2 cup Sun-Maid Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins
3 cups graham crackers, assorted flavors
1 1/2 cups colored mini marshmallows
2 cups slivered almonds
1 cup chocolate chips

In large bowl, mix raisins, graham crackers, marshmallows, almonds and chocolate chips.
Serve immediately, or store in airtight container up to 1 week.

Delicious apple nachos

Photo provided

Apple Nachos

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Servings: 4

5 sweet apples, such as Honeycrisp
lemon juice (optional)
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 cup Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Raisins

Wash and slice apples.
Arrange one layer of sliced apples on serving plate. To keep apples from browning quickly, squeeze lemon juice on top, if desired.
In microwave, melt peanut butter about 30 seconds until smooth.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon peanut butter over first layer of apples. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup raisins.
Repeat with remaining apples, peanut butter and raisins.

SOURCE:
Sun-Maid Raisins

Doritos are Illinois' favorite game-day snack

The Big Ten Conference championship Fighting Illini will open their 2021 NCAA tournament play on Friday, March 19, against the Dragons of Drexel, winners of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament. Illinois, third in the nation in rebounds, will tipoff at 1:15pm at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis.

Photo courtesy of Shipt

Like college basketball fans across the country, Illini fans watching the game and other teams play over the next week will need game day snacks. Shipt is one of many companies around the country that will deliver fans their favorite foods just in time for game day.

"Knowing that many fans won't be traveling to stadiums, bars or restaurants to watch games this year, we wanted to offer up a solution to get them their favorite foods come tournament time," said Rina Hurst, Chief Business Officer at Shipt. "One of the advantages to using Shipt for your game day snacks is that you don't need to get off the couch to do so, which is great considering there is nonstop basketball in the coming weeks!"

Illini fans across the country can use Shipt to get their favorite snacks delivered to their door throughout the entire tournament. The delivery service has a number of retail partners such as Meijer, H-E-B, Winn Dixie, Target, Dierbergs, and Kroger, and offers same-day delivery in as soon as one hour through its network of trusted personal shoppers.

Shipt and Kellogg's are offering an exclusive deal to all existing and new customers. Fans who spend $15 on select Kellogg's products through Shipt.com or the app will receive a $3 credit towards their next Shipt order. The offer is valid through the app until March 29.

According to a recent press release, Shipt provides personal shopping and delivery and is available to 80% of households in more than 5,000 U.S. cities.

"Shipt Shoppers go above and beyond, communicating in real time about preferences and substitutions," the company says. "A curated marketplace of retailers, Shipt offers access to a variety of stores and product categories including fresh foods, household essentials, wellness products, office and pet supplies. Shipt is an independently operated, wholly owned subsidiary of Target Corp."

During last year's college basketball season, the company's data points to clear favorites when it came to snack preferences for basketball fans. Shipt's delivered more than 231,000 bags of Doritos, 136,000 boxes of Cheez-Its, 133,000 bags of Goldfish and 107,000 bags of Tostitos.

Like Indiana, home to some of the top snack aficionados last season ordering more than 13,000 bags of Doritos last year, Illinois residents are big on the same Frito-Lay snack, too. Around the rest of the Big10, the Buckeye State tends to be partial to Little Debbie Nutty Bars, a snack didn't even crack Michigan's top five most ordered.

Pre-workout supplements not for teen and youth athletes, a healthy diet is safer

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

The question is should middle- or high school-aged kids use these supplements? The answer: Probably not.

PEORIA - Did you have a childhood hero? If so, you likely aspired to emulate them and their achievements.

Nowadays, your kids may see their favorite athlete or influencer using pre-workout supplements, whether on social media or in stores, to enhance their performance in the gym or on the field.

What are pre-workout supplements?

Photo: Aleksander Saks/Unsplash

Pre-workout supplements come in various names, flavors, and sizes. Some popular options are creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). While creatine and the main ingredient in most pre-workout supplements is caffeine, most BCAAs don’t contain caffeine.

These supplements are taken before a workout or athletic match with the goals of increasing endurance, muscle mass, and reducing recovery time. But the question is should middle- or high school-aged kids use these supplements? The answer: Probably not.

What are the risks of pre-workout supplements?

“These can cause increased heart rate or heart burn. You’re also taking a lot of supplements that are going straight to your gut. You can see some nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. They’re also not well-monitored, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) isn’t regulating these very closely,” says Erica Dawkins, a dietetic intern with OSF HealthCare.

Taking it further, kids with heart defects need to steer clear of these supplements.

“A lot of times we see defects or heart irregularities that somebody isn’t even aware of. They don’t know that until they take something like this and have an adverse event,” Dawkins says. “So, if you already know, avoid these because we don’t want to throw that heart into an abnormal rhythm it might not be able to come back from.”

What are the benefits of pre-workout supplements?

“A lot of them will already have beta-alanine or branched-chain amino acids which help improve recovery time and reduce fatigue,” Dawkins says. “We also see some nitrates used that help improve blood flow to the muscles.”

Most pre-workouts are intended for healthy adults in moderation. Pregnant and nursing women are generally advised to avoid them due to the high caffeine content.

“Focus first on making sure you’re having quality workouts, then introduce healthy nutrition,” Dawkins says. “We want to make sure we’re getting that nutrition throughout the day. Especially if we’re working out multiple times throughout the day. If you’re working out within two to four hours, make sure you’re getting a snack. We see a lot of benefits for pre-workout snacks or snacks during half-time. We also want to make sure we’re staying adequately hydrated.”

Dawkins says leafy and root vegetables like spinach, lettuce and beets are a great, natural option.

“Those have the natural nitrate in it. So, we’re getting the same effects we would from a pre-workout supplement, just in our regular diet,” Dawkins adds.

Having a conversation with your child’s pediatrician or sports medicine physician is extremely important if you are wondering what supplements should or should not be added into their routine.

Six ways to make this Valentine's Day super special

SNS - Celebrate Valentine's Day in a special and budget-friendly way this year with these unique and creative ideas. From thoughtful DIY gifts to romantic at-home dinner dates, there are plenty of ways to show your love without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or a cozy spa day for two, there's something for every couple looking to make this Valentine's Day memorable without spending a fortune. Here are six innovative ways to celebrate love on a budget and create lasting memories with your significant other.

Creative DIY Gift Ideas

If you're feeling crafty, why not try making some handmade love coupons? These personalized vouchers are a fun and thoughtful way to show your partner some love. You can get creative with the offers, such as a free massage or breakfast in bed. Another idea is to create a personalized photo collage featuring your favorite moments together. It's a sentimental gift that won't break the bank.

Related Stories ~

Romantic At-Home Dinner Date

Who says you have to go out to have a romantic dinner date? Cooking together can be a fun and budget-friendly way to spend Valentine's Day. Choose a recipe you both love, put on some aprons, and get cooking! To set the mood, light some candles, play your favorite tunes, and enjoy a cozy night in together.

Budget-Friendly Love Notes and Letters

Express your love with heartfelt poems and quotes written on small notes or cards. Leave them around the house for your partner to find throughout the day. You can also spice things up with a love letter scavenger hunt. Write clues on each note that lead your partner to the next until they find the ultimate message of love.

Outdoor Adventure Date Ideas

If you and your partner enjoy the great outdoors, consider a picnic in the park for a romantic and budget-friendly Valentine's Day date. Pack some delicious snacks, a cozy blanket, and enjoy each other's company surrounded by nature. For a more celestial experience, plan a stargazing night. Find a quiet spot away from city lights, bring a telescope or just enjoy the stars together. It's a magical way to celebrate love under the night sky.

Ready to pamper yourselves without breaking the bank? Why not indulge in a DIY spa day at home with your significant other? Whip up some homemade face masks and scrubs using simple ingredients from your kitchen. You'll be glowing and relaxed in no time! And hey, who says you can't unleash your inner massage therapist? Learn some couples' massage techniques to take your spa day to the next level.

Virtual Movie Night with a Twist

Looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to celebrate Valentine's Day? How about a virtual movie night with a twist! Coordinate your snacks and drinks with the theme of the movie you choose for the night. Get creative and pick a unique movie theme that both of you will enjoy.

Whether it's a romantic comedy marathon or a superhero showdown, make it a night to remember from the comfort of your own couch.Embrace the spirit of love this Valentine's Day by thinking outside the box and cherishing the simple moments spent with your partner.

Get creative with a few personal touches

These budget-friendly ideas are to help you get your romantic creative juices flowing in a meaningful way to celebrate your boo and create lasting memories without the need for extravagant expenses.

When customizing celebration ideas for different preferences and interests, consider incorporating personal touches or elements that hold special meaning to you and your partner. This could include favorite activities, foods, or locations that are significant to your relationship. To ensure that budget-friendly activities still feel special and romantic, focus on creating a memorable experience through thoughtful gestures, such as handwritten notes, surprise gifts, or planning a unique date night that shows your partner how much you care.

Whether you choose to craft a personalized gift or enjoy a romantic evening at home, the most important thing is the love and connection you share.

Share your most memorable
Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and The Sentinel would like share your story of your most romantic Valentine's Day ever. Send us your story in 1,500 words or less for consideration in our daily upcoming V-Day vignettes starting February 7. We don't want Cupid's little tushy to blush so keep the stories PG and family friendly.

Send your submission to editor@oursentinel.com by February 4, 2025, for consideration.

Are pre-workout supplements a healthy option for young athletes?

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

PEORIA - Did you have a childhood hero? If so, you likely aspired to emulate them and their achievements. Nowadays, your kids may see their favorite athlete or influencer using pre-workout supplements, whether on social media or in stores, to enhance their performance in the gym or on the field.

What are pre-workout supplements?

Photo:Aleksander Saks/Unsplash

What are the risks of pre-workout supplements?

Taking it further, kids with heart defects need to steer clear of these supplements.

What are the benefits of pre-workout supplements?

Most pre-workouts are intended for healthy adults in moderation. Pregnant and nursing women are generally advised to avoid them due to the high caffeine content.

Alternatives for improving athletic performance in kids

Dawkins says leafy and root vegetables like spinach, lettuce and beets are a great, natural option.

“Those have the natural nitrate in it. So, we’re getting the same effects we would from a pre-workout supplement, just in our regular diet,” Dawkins adds.

Having a conversation with your child’s pediatrician or sports medicine physician is extremely important if you are wondering what supplements should or should not be added into their routine.

Ways to reduce food insecurity for toddlers and infants in your community

Family Features -- Food insecurity isn't a new problem in the United States, but the economic upheaval created by the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the problem.

During the pandemic, households in the United States with children experienced an increase in food insecurity, despite overall rates of food insecurity staying the same. In 2019, 13.6% of households with children were food insecure, but by 2020, that number increased to 14.8%, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In general, child food insecurity rates are higher than overall food insecurity rates, according to the annual Map the Meal Gap study conducted by Feeding America, a nationwide nonprofit network of food banks. According to data from the Children's Defense Fund, this is particularly prevalent among low-income families, single mother households and Black and Hispanic households.

What Food Insecurity Means for Children

Food insecurity and hunger are closely related but not quite the same. People who are food insecure don't have reliable, ongoing access to an adequate supply of affordable, nutritious food. Hunger is a physical condition; food insecurity reflects barriers to obtaining food such as finances, physical location and transportation.

Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies because their nutrient needs are high, especially in relation to the size of their stomachs and appetites. Caregivers in food-insecure households may have little choice but to settle for cheaper, energy-dense but nutrient-poor foods. As a result, food-insecure infants and toddlers are not receiving adequate nutrition even when they may be receiving enough calories to satisfy hunger.

Even if a child isn't physically starving, inadequate nutrition can negatively affect health in numerous ways, including immune system function, low weight, learning and developmental delays, vitamin deficiencies and more.

Ways to Help Promote Better Nutrition

Support good nutrition during infancy and toddlerhood for your own children and others in the community with these practical tips:

* Participate in (or introduce those in need to) aid programs. Government nutrition assistance programs help provide essential nutrition needs during infant and toddler years. One example is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides a variety of resources including food and health care referrals to support mothers and young children at nutritional risk, including pregnant, breastfeeding and post-partum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.

Another example is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides benefits low-income families can use to purchase nutritious foods. For children and adults who are enrolled in certain care programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps ensure they have access to nutritious meals and snacks.

* Make purchases that work extra hard. In addition to producing foods that encourage better nutrition for children, some brands also make contributions that help offset food insecurity. For example, for every box of Plum Organics Super Smoothies purchased, the company donates a pouch to a child in need through its "The Full Effect" program. The smoothie is a specially formulated blend of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains with no added sugars designed to fight malnutrition and help fortify the diets of children who don't have access to regular, healthy meals.

* Act as a role model for healthy choices. Children learn by example, so be sure your little ones see you enjoying nutritious snacks, filling your plate with appropriate portions and preparing well-rounded meals. When kids are exposed to a wide range of healthy options early in life, those food choices become the norm as they grow older.

* Volunteer at a food bank. Getting hands-on by donating your time at a local food bank can help you understand the complexity of food insecurity. Many nutritious selections are perishable, and transporting and storing perishable goods is costly. Volunteers help offset a food bank's operational expenses by contributing labor to sort donated items, prepare deliveries and more.

To find more information about foods that provide infants and toddlers the nutrients they need, visit plumorganics.com.

Food | A tasty traditional steak taco recipe you will want to try

Photo provided

(NAPSI) -— Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States—about 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention — but you can protect yourself 3 ways.

Three Steps To A Healthier Heart

1. Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit. See your doctor, the can help.

We all know smoking can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. It has also been known to also increase the risk for tuberculosis and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Get regular exercise. The Surgeon General recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise week.

Start with walking and work your way up to fun social sports like golf, doubles tennis, or pickleball. Lap swimming and biking are great low, impact activities that can help you lead a healthy life.

3. Eat right. Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol. Avoid eating large snacks before bedtime and avoid sugary snacks, too.

To help, Mazola® Corn Oil has come up with a number of recipes that are delicious and support heart health. The all-purpose cooking oil is a heart-healthy choice for baking, grilling, sautéing, stir frying or mixing up a marinade.

Very limited and preliminary scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1 tbsp (16 grams) of corn oil daily may reduce the risk of heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in corn oil. FDA concludes there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim. To achieve this possible benefit, corn oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.

Mazola is known to have a high smoke point of 450° F. All cooking oils have a smoke point that, once exceeded, negatively affects the way food taste.

Here’s a heart-healthy recipe, popular with Latinx cooks, that’s delicious for everyone:

Steak Tacos

Ingredients

1 pound flank or skirt steak, frozen for 30 minutes
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) Mazola® Corn Oil, divided
3 tablespoons tamari or reduced sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
8 taco-sized flour tortillas heated on skillet lightly coated with Mazola® Corn Oil until lightly charred.

Toppings:

Cotija cheese
Chopped cilantro
Pickled jalapeno
Lime wedges

In large bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, 2 tablespoon Mazola® Corn Oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano.

Remove steak from freezer and slice thinly across the grain. Place in bowl with marinade. Stir to cover. Marinate 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in large skillet over high heat. Add steak to hot oil. Sear on both sides for about 1 minute. Immediately reduce heat to medium high.

Add reserved marinade. Cook, stirring often, until marinade has reduced to half, about 3-4 minutes. Divide steak among warmed tortillas.

Top with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro, crumbles of cotija cheese and pickled jalapeño. Enjoy the feast by immediately with a squirt or two from lime wedges.

Village Crier: December 31, 2020

Local news briefs for St. Joseph and Tolono

Active COVID cases remain low

According to the Champaign-Urbana Health District there are 65 active COVID-19 cases, five more than the area's six week low of 60 on Sunday, within the six villages covered by The Sentinel.

To date, there has been 73 positive cases in Ogden, 36 in Royal, 426 in St. Joseph, 6 in Sidney, 11 in Philo and 324 identified in Tolono since March of this year.

St. Joseph IGA open New Year's Day

Looking for additional snacks for tonight's countdown to 2021? The St. Joseph IGA will be open today from 6a-8p. The store will also be open on January 1, New Year's Day, from 6a-6p for last minute shopping needs.

Recycling reminder for Tolono residents

The Village posted a reminder that users should only place approved items in are recycling bins and asks that all boxes be broken down or flattened in order to make plenty of room for the increase in material due to the holidays.

Recycle bins use is for Tolono residents only. If the bins are full, residents are asked to take items back with them. Leaving boxes and recyclable material on the ground next to bins is considered illegal dumping. Illegal dumping is punishable with a $500 fine from the village. There are surveillance cameras to record activity at the bin location.

Here is a list of acceptable items that can be disposed at recycling bins.

Possible winter storm on New Year's

Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a Winter Weather Advisory for today starting at 4:03am until 12pm on January 1. In addition to Champaign County, the advisory also covers Edgar, Vermilion, Shelby, Coles, Piatt and Douglas counties.

The area is expected to see a mixture of precipitation late tonight and Friday. A winter storm system is expected to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to the area. While the exact track and strength of this storm has not been determined, the threat for ice and snow now appears to be likely to make road conditions hazardous during early hours New Year's Day.

Current prediction calls for snow accumulations up to a half inch, sleet accumulations between one and two tenths of an inch, or ice accumulations between one- and two-tenths of an inch.

For the latest road conditions throughout Illinois visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Forest preserve collecting Christmas trees

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is accepting Christmas trees now until mid-January. Only undecorated trees will be accepted. Artificial trees or commercial drop-offs will not be taken as they cannot be used for the natural recycling by the Preserve District.

The tree can be dropped off any day of the week between 7am and sunset. Once you arrive at the park, there are signs to direct vehicles to the following drop-off locations:

• Homer Lake – drop trees off near the Maple Sugar Grove
• Lake of the Woods – drop trees off at the west maintenance entrance off Rte. 47.
• Middle Fork River – drop trees off at maintenance building

The trees are chipped and used for trails and landscaping at forest preserves throughout Champaign County. When the lakes freeze over, the trees are dragged onto the lake with cinder blocks attached to them. These will sink when the ice thaws to provide a natural aquatic habitat.

Billy Bob's closed

On December 11, the Champaign County public health agency suspended the health permit for Billy Bob's in Ogden. Yesterday, Judge Roger Webber granted a restraining order sought by the agency barring the restaurant from operating without a valid health permit.

Billy Bob's, represented by attorney Tom DeVore, will be back in court at 9am on January 12, when the TRO expires, for another hearing to force the restaurant to comply with the state's ban on indoor dining.

Judge Ben Dyer was replaced on the bench by Webber after a request submitted by DeVore, who had hoped for a friendlier court after Dyer shot down a pair of earlier attempts by DeVore to keep two other clients open, the Apple Dumplin' and Mary Ann's Diner in Champaign.

The timing could not be worse for the establishment which will now be closed during a typically profitable New Year's celebration. On their Facebook page, a message stated that the restaurant will be open "for carry-out in the near future".

Going to the hospital? Here's what you should consider taking with you

Photo: Stephen Andrews/Unsplash

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

URBANA - You’re coming to the hospital to give birth. You’ve had a hip replacement and now will have a hospital stay to complete rehabilitation. There are a lot of things swirling through your mind, notably thoughts like “Am I going to be OK?” Questions like “Where is my toothbrush?” are probably on the backburner. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a “hospital essential items” checklist now.

Kurt Bloomstrand, MD, sees these scenarios plenty while providing care in the emergency department at OSF HealthCare. He says a hospital will provide basic toiletries, blankets, food and clothing like a gown and socks. But some people prefer their own toiletries, clothes and snacks.

Other things to do and bring:

• Write down your health information: health insurance, medications, medical history, name of your primary care provider, allergies and legal documents like power of attorney and a do not resuscitate order. Have an identification like a driver's license, too.

“Some people in the emergency department are not able to tell us their health information given what they’re presenting for. So, it’s so valuable to have basic health information written down,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. He adds that knowing your health information allows providers to care for you properly. You can also bring legal forms to your provider anytime to be added to your medical record.

• Bring other items essential to your well-being: eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, dentures and a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) for sleeping. Bring cases and batteries for these items, too.

• When choosing clothes, opt for loose-fitting and short-sleeved garments.

“If you have an IV, a short-sleeved shirt is much better to access it than a long-sleeved shirt,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. “You can bring a robe to cover up.”

• For moms giving birth, bring your birth plan in written form. Pack a few pairs of clothes for you and your baby.

“Babies notoriously spit up on their clothes,” Dr. Bloomstrand said.

• The hospital can provide diapers, wipes and a breast pump. But, you can bring your own if you prefer a certain type.

“Not only can you use your breast pump, the people at the hospital can teach you how to use it.

What babies don’t need at the hospital: rattles, books and toys. Save those memories for home.”

• Don’t overdo it with personal items and food. This can cause your room to get cluttered and create a trip hazard. Have someone who can take unneeded items home.

• Don’t bring valuable items.

Dr. Bloomstrand says a phone is OK to keep in touch with loved ones. But other electronics and jewelry should stay home.

Hospitals have security, but like any other place, there is a chance for theft.

Spend less money, entertain more this holiday season

Nicole De Khors/Burst

(StatePoint) -- There is nothing like gathering with family and friends sharing the ups and downs of the past year and plans for the upcoming one.

The holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that may include joy, comfort, gratitude, and unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back.

Instead, create memorable gatherings with loved ones while saving time and money in the process using these hosting tips from the experts at Dollar General:

Delicate Décor
Creating the right ambiance in your space is key to holiday decorating success. Begin by decluttering the areas of your home where you plan to entertain. Fill the extra spaces with seasonal decorations. Remember, elaborate, expensive items aren’t always needed to make a home look amazing. Decorations like small figurines, bowls filled with holiday candy or simple wreaths and garlands can do the trick of transforming your home into a winter wonderland!

Fruitful Food
With more guests comes more food, but it doesn’t have to mean spending more money. Shopping at discount retailers for essentials such as milk, eggs, bread and cheese can help stretch your budget. You can also make the switch to private brand items and save even more when buying foods for overnight guests, such as granola bars, cereal and snacks. Consider purchasing these household basics from a local Dollar General store, which also provides digital coupons to help you save even more.

Supplies Stock-Up
Of course, to entertain, you will need supplies. Stocking up on cleaning essentials, everyday cooking ingredients and entertaining basics early in the season is a great way to have everything needed before the party begins. Consider adding items such as trash bags, cutlery, paper products, other decorations and even small gifts.

By using smart shopping strategies, you can entertain during the holidays with ease instead of stress.

Commentary |
It’s not ‘Inflation’ — We’re just getting ripped off

These corporate giants have no plans to bring prices down anytime soon.

by Lindsay Owens & Elizabeth Pancotti

Many Americans are still experiencing the sticker shock they first faced two years ago when inflation hit its peak. But if inflation is down now, why are families still feeling the pinch?

The answer lies in corporate profits — and we have the data to prove it.

Our new report for the Groundwork Collaborative finds that corporate profits accounted for more than half — 53 percent — of inflation from April to September 2023. That’s an astronomical percentage. Corporate profits drove just 11 percent of price growth in the four decades prior to the pandemic.

Businesses have been quick to blame rising costs on supply chain shocks from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. But two years later, our economy has mostly returned to normal. In some cases, companies’ costs to make things and stock shelves have actually decreased.

Let’s demonstrate with one glaring example: diapers.

The hyper-consolidated diaper industry is dominated by just two companies, Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark, which own well-known diaper brands like Pampers, Huggies, and Luvs. The cost of wood pulp, a key ingredient for making diapers absorbent, did spike during the pandemic, increasing by more than 50 percent between 2020 and 2021.

Corporate profits accounted for more than half of recent price increases. To stamp out inflation once and for all, we need to crack down on price gouging.

But last year it declined by 25 percent. Did that drop in costs lead Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark to lower their prices? Far from it. Diaper prices have increased to nearly $22 on average.

These corporate giants have no plans to bring prices down anytime soon. In fact, their own executives are openly bragging about how they’re going to “expand margins” on earnings calls. Procter & Gamble predicted $800 million in windfall profits as input costs decline. Kimberly-Clark’s CEO said the company has “a lot of opportunity” to expand margins over time.

It’s not just diapers — while many corporations were quick to pass along rising costs, they’ve been in no hurry to pass along their savings. A recent survey from the Richmond Fed and Duke University revealed that 60 percent of companies plan to hike prices this year by more than they did before the pandemic, even though their costs have moderated.

Photo: Israel Albornoz/Unsplash

Corporations across industries, from housing to groceries and used cars, are juicing their profit margins even as the cost of doing business goes down. And they’re not hiding the ball. Since the summer of 2021, Groundwork began listening in on hundreds of corporate earnings calls where we heard CEO after CEO boasting about their ability to raise prices on consumers.

Now we hear something slightly different: CEOs crowing about keeping their prices high while their costs go down.

PepsiCo raised its prices on snacks and beverages by roughly 15 percent twice in the last year while bragging to shareholders that their profit margins will grow as input costs come down. Tyson’s earnings report flaunted how their higher prices have “more than offset” their higher costs. The CFO of Hershey said last quarter that pricing gains more than offset inflation and higher costs.

So what can we do about it?

The Biden administration has taken important steps to rein in corporate profiteering and address the longstanding affordability crisis, from eliminating junk fees to strengthening global supply chains and cracking down on corporate concentration.

With the 2017 Trump tax cuts set to expire, Congress should also take this opportunity to raise taxes on corporations. Taxing profits helps disincentivize price gouging and profiteering because large corporations will have to send a greater share of their windfall to Uncle Sam.

We’ve come a long way in bringing inflation down since its peak in 2022. But stamping out inflation once and for all will require a concerted effort to rein in the corporate profiteering.

Elizabeth Pancotti

Lindsay Owens

Lindsay Owens is the Executive Director of the Groundwork Collaborative. Elizabeth Pancotti is Strategic Advisor to Groundwork. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

Recipe | A healthy choice: Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Family Features - From salads and snacks to breakfast, lunch and dinner, rounding out a full menu of healthy meals shouldn't be a chore. In fact, you can still enjoy your favorite flavors and tickle your taste buds with nutritious recipes that capitalize on powerful ingredients you actually want to eat.

A fruit-forward breakfast is a nutritious way to start your morning, and a fresh twist on pasta salad can make lunches or your evening side an enjoyable way to stay on track. Bowls filled with grains, veggies and a favorite protein are all the rage, and this seafood-fueled version is no exception when you're craving a combination of your personal favorites.

Photo provided

No matter if you're searching for a healthy family dinner, a quick lunch at home or an easy idea to meal prep for the week ahead, these Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls are perfect for seafood lovers who also enjoy a hint of spice. Fresh, healthy and full of deliciously prepared shrimp, these bowls are also loaded with mushrooms, peppers and cucumbers.

The homemade sauce is light with a sweet yet spicy vibe. Resting over a cup of steamy quinoa for a filling base of healthy grains, it's a quick and easy recipe you can customize with favorite toppings like sesame seeds and cilantro.

Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Serves 2

What you'll need:

1 cup quinoa

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon white miso

1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed

1/4 cup butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, sliced into half moons

5 green onions, sliced

1 avocado, sliced

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

How to put it altogether:

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour 1/4 of liquid into separate bowl. Set aside.

Add shrimp to remaining mixture and marinate 15 minutes.

Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter. Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

In two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls.

Drizzle with reserved dressing.

* * * * *

Find more wholesome, health-forward recipes at Culinary.net.

Carnivore diet challenges norms, reveals health transformations

The carnivore diet is just one type of a low carbohydrate diet. The ketogenic diet and the Atkins diet are also considered low carbohydrate diets.

Photo: Pixabay/PEXELS

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

URBANA - Though not everyone is sold on it, Philip Ovadia, MD, isn’t shy about the carnivore diet. And the cardiothoracic surgeon at OSF HealthCare has studies and a remarkable personal experience to back it up.

“I’ve been on a carnivore diet for five years. For another two to three years prior, I was on low carbohydrate diets in general,” Dr. Ovadia recalls.

“I have lost over 100 pounds and maintained the weight loss. I reversed my prediabetes. And today as I’m approaching 50 years old, I really feel better every day than I did in my 20s and 30s.”

Dr. Ovadia says anyone can try the carnivore diet, but you should do so with guidance from a health care provider.

The carnivore diet: what (and what not) to eat

Dr. Ovadia calls the carnivore diet “our ancestral diet.” He says as long as humans have been around, meat has been a fundamental part of their diet. Ancestral humans would add plants, like fruits and vegetables, “seasonally and sporadically,” he says.

Today, the carnivore diet looks about the same. A person consumes animal products like meat, dairy and eggs but abstains from plant products and processed food. Some people are stricter than others about what they choose depending on their needs. For example, some people cut out spices and seasonings on their meat, while others use them.

Yes, Dr. Ovadia admits this diet flies in the face of advice we’ve heard since we were kids.

One, we’ve been told to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet.

“There are no essential nutrients that are not available in animal products,” Dr. Ovadia retorts. “The animal has eaten the fruits and vegetables. In many cases, ruminant animals like cows have multiple stomachs that are better able to digest the plant products and better able to extract the nutrients. Those nutrients end up in the animal meat.

“When you really dig into the scientific literature around fruits and vegetables, their benefit is in substituting for processed food,” which is prevalent today, Dr. Ovadia adds. “In the context of someone eating a lot of processed food, when you start eating fruits and vegetables, you see improvements in health.”

Two, we’ve heard red meat increases the risk of heart disease and cancer. Dr. Ovadia says studies have proven that false.

Dr. Ovadia also points out that the carnivore diet is just one type of a low carbohydrate diet, and those diets have been studied. The ketogenic diet and the Atkins diet are other low carbohydrate diets.

“It’s not that there are negative studies or positive studies,” on the carnivore diet, Dr. Ovadia says. “There just aren’t a lot of studies.”

Other things to know

Dr. Ovadia says studies and his own experience show the carnivore diet’s benefits: reversing or improving diabetes, obesity, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory bowel disease and mental health.

“People on the carnivore diet are often eating once or twice a day and not having snacks because they’re not hungry,” Dr. Ovadia says. “When you eat nutrient-dense animal foods, you find you’re hungry less often.”

If you have a medical condition, Dr. Ovadia stresses the need to keep in contact with a health care provider while on the carnivore diet.

“If someone with Type 2 diabetes goes on a very low carbohydrate diet, their medication may need to be adjusted. They’re not taking in carbohydrates, and their blood sugar can get low,” Dr. Ovadia warns. “I often see people with high blood pressure who are on medication that start these diets. Their blood pressure starts to get low, and their medication needs to be adjusted.”

Dr. Ovadia adds that people on the carnivore diet tend to have fewer bowel movements, but this is not usually accompanied by constipation.

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Commentary |
It’s not ‘Inflation’ — We’re just getting ripped off

Recipe | A healthy choice: Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Carnivore diet challenges norms, reveals health transformations

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