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In advocating for vaccines, pediatricians point to benefits, address fears

Get Healthy: In advocating for vaccines, pediatricians point to benefits, address fears By Morgan McCabe, Times correspondent Mar 23, 2026 Recent federal guidance has upended the childhood immunization schedule. But local pediatricians are prepared to follow the more traditional American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. Meredith Krogh is a family nurse practitioner with NorthShore Health in … Read more

‘Gut’ with the program: How your microbiome keeps you healthy

Bacteria often get a bad rap. From ear infections to strep throat, many people associate bacteria with infections, a doctor’s visit and a possible round of antibiotics. But in terms of gut health, the better the bacteria, the better you feel. The most beneficial bacteria? The bacterial species that live in your digestive system, or gut microbiome, … Read more

Symptom detective: Is it allergies or the common cold?

As temperatures rise, flowers bloom and viruses continue to circulate, it can be challenging to tell whether it’s the last gasps of cold season or if allergy season springs anew. Both have similar symptoms: sneezing, coughing and a runny nose, and they can signal a cold, allergies or both. We’re a nation of sufferers. According … Read more

Telehealth appointment vs. in-person care — which is right for you?

Thanks to the convenience and flexibility they offer, virtual telehealth appointments were trending well before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020. In some cases, though, an in-person office visit with your healthcare provider may still be the best way to go. What is telehealth? Telehealth, or telemedicine, relies on modern technologies to access, manage and … Read more

Critical reasons to stay up to date on tetanus shots

It’s a childhood vaccination rite of passage, and adults need to keep up to date with a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. But how much do you really know about this potentially serious disease, and why is it so important to protect yourself against it? What is tetanus? Also known as lockjaw, tetanus is … Read more

Don’t make yourself sick: Check out these tips to avoid foodborne illness

The gurgling tummy. The sudden nausea. The repeated trips to the bathroom. Could be a viral stomach bug, but often, gastrointestinal symptoms like these can be chalked up to something you ate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, foodborne illnesses affect 48 million Americans each year. Without proper food safety measures … Read more

Quick hacks for reluctant flossers

Flossing doesn’t just keep your teeth clean and gums healthy, it also helps to prevent bad breath and may even protect your heart. Some research suggests a link between poor oral hygiene practices and increased risk of infection that can lead to cardiovascular disease. We all know it’s a good thing to do. So why … Read more

The hot new health trend: Cold water therapy

What’s cold is hot again. While people have embraced the power of ice for millennia, wellness influencers, high achievers including CEOs and entrepreneurs, and many celebrities swear by their early-morning icy cold plunges. They report the practice increases their productivity levels and clears their minds. Unlike many wellness and self-care trends, cold water therapy is simple, … Read more

Why prediabetes is a wake-up call to turn your life around

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with prediabetes, the first thing to know is you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 3 Americans are currently prediabetic with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that, if left unchecked, can progress into Type 2 diabetes. That’s more than 98 million adults! … Read more

Cold and flu: How long am I contagious?

’Tis the season for sneezes, coughs and sniffles. If a cold or the flu hits your household, it’s best to stay away from other people while you rest and recover, but just how long does it take until you’re out of the danger zone? Colds vs. flu: What’s the difference? Although there is some overlap between … Read more