According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenage pregnancy remains a problem, but has been steadily declining for the past 10 years. The prevalence of STDs however, is on the rise. “We always state in our public presentations that abstinence is the true and only way to prevent getting an STD. However we do have to talk about the reality of it,” said Lyyti Dudczyk, program manager of STD/HIV Services at the Will County Health Department. Since February is National Condom Month, it seems like a good time to address the problem. Teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and …

Good nutrition is an important part of any health-related goal. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution of becoming more healthy or an ongoing aspiration to live a healthier lifestyle, it’s always a good idea to make sure you are getting the maximum nutrition from what you eat. Even those who do their best to eat a healthy diet may be missing adequate amounts of certain nutrients that help keep the body in good working order.  For many, supplementing is a good option to fill in those gaps.  “For people that are generally healthy I recommend Omega 3s, Vitamin D, and a multi-vitamin,” Dr. Lisa …

January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month. And while we just wrapped up the biggest gift-giving season of the year, it’s a great time to consider giving just one more. “The biggest reward from donating blood is knowing that your gift of life is helping someone spend more time with family, friends and loved ones," Ann McKanna, VP of Marketing and New Business Development at Heartland Blood Centers said. "Patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly, are receiving blood transfusions every day at community hospitals" Heartland is a not-for-profit blood center, which serves 47…

With cold and flu season currently in full swing, it can be challenging to keep illness at bay for yourself and your family. Even those who get a flu shot have no guarantee of not getting sick. More and more, people are seeking out natural alternatives and additional things that can be done to keep healthy.   Peter Harvey of Eastern Healing, 2531 Division St., Suite 101, in Joliet takes a holistic approach to the overall health of his patients.   "Chinese medicine is pretty much the grandfather of holistic medicine in how we approach the body," Harvey said. "We take a look at everything; you …