






Film fans were shocked to learn recently of the health struggles of beloved action movie star Bruce Willis. Willis’s health issues were made public in 2022, and since then the star has largely retreated from the public eye.
Willis was initially diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate.
Aphasia affects speech , how people write and their comprehension of spoken and written language, according to the Mayo Clinic. For Willis, aphasia ultimately proved to be only one component of what was later diagnosed as frontotemporal dementia.
The Cleveland Clinic says aphasia can be a byproduct of illness, like dementia or injury, or a complication of a stroke or traumatic brain injury. When blood fails to supply cells in the brain with oxygen, those cells die and can produce deficits. Aphasia also may result from conditions that disrupt how the brain works, and those conditions may be temporary, like migraine
headaches. While aphasia predominantly affects adults, it can affect children, too. The National Aphasia Association says nearly 180,000 Americans develop aphasia each year.
Families may feel that something is not right when a loved one has trouble finding words, reading or communicating effectively. There are different types of aphasia, and each kind can impact a different component of speech or understanding.
Doctors may discover aphasia when they are treating patients for traumatic brain injuries or by looking at images of the brain. If a physician suspects a patient has aphasia, the doctor may recommend a consultation with a speechlanguage pathologist, who can perform comprehensive
examinations and testing.
Sometimes aphasia symptoms can start to resolve on their own without treatment. Others may need help regaining the ability to communicate through various methods, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. These can include:
• speech-language therapy
• nonverbal communication therapies, such as computers or pictures
• group therapy for patients and family members
• simplifying language by using short, simple sentences and repeating words or phrases as needed
Aphasia affects communication but it might improve over time. For those
who are left with some loss of language skills, therapy may help to address those deficits.
Medicare is a federallybacked health insurance program designed to ensure that individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with specific qualifying conditions, receive the medical care they need. This program guarantees access to a range of essential healthcare services, including hospital stays, preventive care, prescription medications and much more.
you are covered. Focus on enjoying life without the constant worry of huge medical bills.
Medicare is here to provide you with comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. trusted insurance partner, I’m here to guide you through the intricacies of this vital program.
A MULTITUDE OF BENEFITS:
Broad Coverage -there are different parts catering to various needs like
hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, preventive care and more. You customize your plan to suit your specific healthcare requirements.
Medicare offers a multitude of benefits:
Financial Security-Medical cost can be daunting, but Medicare provides a safety net. Instead of facing steep bills alone, you will have your medical expenses shared between you, the government and private insurers.
I’m here to help you through the Medicare maze so you don’t have to go alone. My experience will unravel the complexities of Medicare which will help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. I will walk you through the different parts of Medicare and explain the enrollment process and answer any questions you may have.
Medicare is a federally-backed health insurance program designed to ensure that aged 65 and older, as well as those with specific qualifying conditions, receive the medical need. This program guarantees access to a range of essential healthcare services, including stays, preventive care, prescription medications and much more.
fferent parts catering to various needs like hospital preventive care and more. You customize your plan to suit your
Choice and FlexibilityMedicare plans come in various sizes and shapes. As an insurance broker, I can help you navigate these options with guidance towards the plan that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
No two individuals are the same and neither are their healthcare needs. I offer personalized consultations to assess your situation and recommend the Medicare option that aligns with your health goals and financial circumstance. There is never a fee for my service to you.
Peace of Mind-Health uncertainties can be stressful, but with Medicare,
Don’t let the complexities of Medicare overwhelm you. Let my expertise guide you towards a secure healthcare future. Contact me today to take the first step in unlocking the many benefits of Medicare.
Medical cost can be daunting, but Medicare provides a safety facing steep bills alone, you will have your medical expenses shared between you, the Medicare plans come in various sizes and shapes. As an insurance with guidance towards the plan that aligns with your Health uncertainties can be stressful, but with Medicare, you are on enjoying life without the constant worry of huge
I’m here to help you through the Medicare maze so you don’t have to go alone. will unravel the complexities of Medicare which will help you make informed decisions healthcare coverage. I will walk you through the different parts of Medicare and explain process and answer any questions you may have
“Friends helping friends for over 50 years” A
Medicare is here to provide you with comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. As your trusted insurance partner, I’m here to guide you through the intricacies of this vital program.
The series of guided Fall Color and River Road History Tours in Grafton and Elsah will starting in late October and run through early November.
The Fall Foliage and River Road History Tours are 20-passenger guided shuttle tours that will highlight fall colors found on the river bluffs flanking the mighty Mississippi River. The tour includes visits to the historic Village of Elsah, Principia College and Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton.
The three-hour tours will kick off Thursday, Oct. 12 and are scheduled to run Friday, Oct. 13; Thursday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 20; Thursday, Oct. 26; Friday, Oct. 27; Thursday, Nov. 2; Friday, Nov. 3; Thursday,
ALTON — Four weeks of fall foliage and history tours are planned by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau.
Nov. 9; and Friday, Nov. 10.
“These are one-of-a-kind tours that can’t be found anywhere else in southwest Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “We want to be able to give people the chance to drink in the beauty of the region and learn more about our local history at the same time.”
Tours will begin and end at the Grafton SkyTour in downtown Grafton. All tours start at 1 p.m. Tickets are $27.50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available online at:
www.RiversandRoutes.com/ things-to-do/buy-tickets/ .
Tours will include a fall color drive along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway between Grafton and Elsah showcasing one of the top fall color drives in the U.S. There will be a stop in Elsah with the opportunity to stroll through the village and visit the Elsah General Store which has vintage sodas and candy, among other local delights.
The tour also includes a drive through acclaimed Principia College and a photo stop at the college chapel with views
of the Mississippi River from a scenic overlook. The tour will then continue to Pere Marquette State Park outside of Grafton, the largest state park in Illinois and home to brilliant fall colors. There will also be a photo stop in the park.
Following the shuttle tour, visitors can enjoy a ride on the Grafton SkyTour on their own or explore the historic community of Grafton. For the adventuresome, the Alpine Coaster in Grafton will offer a unique view of the fall colors.
The series of guided Fall Color and River Road History Tours in Grafton and Elsah will starting in late October and run through early November.
The Fall Foliage and River
Road History Tours are 20-passenger guided shuttle tours that will highlight fall colors found on the river bluffs flanking the mighty Mississippi River. The tour includes visits to the historic Village of Elsah, Principia College and Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton.
The three-hour tours will kick off Thursday, Oct. 12 and are scheduled to run Friday, Oct. 13; Thursday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 20; Thursday, Oct. 26; Friday, Oct. 27; Thursday, Nov. 2; Friday, Nov. 3; Thursday, Nov. 9; and Friday, Nov. 10.
“These are one-of-a-kind tours that can’t be found anywhere else in southwest Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, President/ CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “We want to be able to give people the chance to drink in the beauty of the region and learn more about our local
be a stop in Elsah with the opportunity to stroll through the village and visit the Elsah General Store which has vintage sodas and candy, among other local delights.
The tour also includes a drive through acclaimed Principia College and a photo stop at the college chapel with views of the Mississippi River from a scenic overlook. The tour will then continue to Pere Marquette State Park outside of Grafton, the largest state park in Illinois and home to brilliant fall colors. There will also be a photo stop in the park.
Following the shuttle tour, visitors can enjoy a ride on the Grafton SkyTour on their own or explore the historic community of Grafton. For the adventuresome, the Alpine Coaster in Grafton will offer a unique view of the fall colors.
Preparing a property for winter involves putting away lawn furniture, raking leaves and removing any annual plants that have shriveled up and spent the last of their energy. It can be tempting to want to clean up completely and leave a blank slate in the yard. But by doing so, you may be robbing wildlife of the resources they need to overwinter.
The nature and conservation resource In Habitat says plants and animals depend on one another to survive. During the winter, animals may struggle to find adequate shelter and food, especially when there is a lack of sufficient plant matter available. In turn, these animals may actually take up
home in people’s residences, turning into pests in the process. Bats, field mice and even opossums and raccoons may move indoors into attics or basements, leaving behind waste and damage if they can’t find adequate shelter outdoors.
Homeowners concerned about potential pest infestations can take steps to ensure animals have places to bed down and escape the cold in their yards this winter. These tips can help local wildlife when the temperatures dip.
• Leave parts of the yard wild. Animals can make a nest in leaves or piles of brushwood. Just make sure piles left out
are away from the home so curious critters don’t try to get inside. Leave the task of tidying up shrubs and garden borders until spring, as shrubs can be dense areas to hide for both insects and animals.
• Consider planting animal food sources prior to winter. Plants like elderberry, holly, mulberry, sumac, and crabapple will grow in colder months and animals can enjoy them as a vital food staple.
• Don’t forget water sources. Provide access to fresh water and replace as needed if the water freezes. For homeowners with fish ponds in their backyards, use a hot pot to melt a hole in the top of the pond and allow
gases that have accumulated underneath to escape. This allows oxygen to reach fish and frogs in the pond.
• Leave bird, squirrel or bat houses in the yard. This is a fun and crafty project that can ward off winter boredom while also providing a safe place for local wildlife to shelter in winter.
Animals and insects need some extra help staying comfortable when cool temperatures arrive. Leaving some clean-up tasks for the spring ensures that there are plenty of backyard habitats available to local wildlife.
Tour our Demonstration Center for hands-on exploration of assistive technology devices.
Device
B orrow as sis tive te chnology device s
FR E E for up to 6 we ek s.
Reuse
Community L
Makers
Tech Kitchen
Spanning more than 135 miles and connecting twenty communities, the 12 bikeways in the MCT Trails system, form one of the most extensive and interconnected trail networks in the country. Developed, owned, and maintained by the Madison County Transit District (MCT), the scenic MCT Trails have transformed Madison County, Illinois into a haven for bicyclists, runners, walkers, and nature lovers. Running through and alongside a variety of natural landscapes – prairies, forests, lakes, the bluff-line and even the Mississippi River – the MCT Trails are linear parks, comprising nearly 1,600 acres of greenspace.
Located on former rail corridors, the MCT Trails are considered Class I bikeways, separated from the road –and with 48 bridges and 22 tunnels there are few at-grade crossings for trailgoers. The MCT Trails story began in January of 1993, when MCT received permissive authority from the State of Illinois to acquire, develop, and operate bikeways. Since that time, MCT has invested more than $50 million to preserve these vital transportation corridors and construct this one-of-a-kind community asset, the MCT Trails system.
The Brewers Association is an American trade group whose membership consists of more than 5,400 brewers, suppliers and retailers. The group recommends beer lovers follow a three-pronged approach to matching beer and food. It’s worth noting the BA does not view this approach as a 1-2-3 process, meaning beer lovers need not follow the steps in order to perfect their pairing skills.
1. Match strength with strength. The BA recommends pairing strongly flavored foods with assertive beers
and delicate foods with delicate beers. For example, a relatively low alcohol witbier should pair well with light seafood like steamed mussels. Beer lovers who enjoy strong barley wines, which are typically 10 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) or higher, should find that a strong cheese or dessert matches up well with this overpowering style.
2. Find harmonies. The BA notes that beer-food combinations typically resonate most effectively when they share some common flavor or aroma
The craft beer boom has inspired millions of people to look at beer through a new lens. Once relegated to backyard barbecues and ballgames, beer is now served alongside gourmet meals. Much like the right wine can make a meal taste even better, beer can bring out the flavors of food, making it an ideal complement to anything from steak to seafood to salad.
element. The BA points to how the deep, roasted flavors of an imperial stout often pair nicely with chocolate truffles.
3. Consider sweetness, bitterness, carbonation, heat (spice), and richness. The BA recommends that beer lovers look to take advantage of the specific and predictable ways that certain qualities of food and beer interact with each other. For example, malty sweetness can cool the heat, making a hoppy beer with plenty of malt a good choice to pair with spicy food.
Pairing the right beer with food can make any night out on the town that much better.
Want to pair your favorite craft beers like an old pro at home or at your local pub with an extensive tap list? Consider these pairing recommendations, courtesy of the Brewers Association.
• Witbier: Lighter seafood dishes like steamed mussels
• Blonde ale: Light food, including chicken, salads and salmon
• India Pale Ale: Strong spicy food and bold, sweet desserts like carrot cake
• Double/Imperial IPA: Smoked beef brisket, grilled lamb and southern chickenfried steak
• Amber/red ale: Chicken, seafood, burgers, and spicy cuisine
• Porter: Barbecue, sausages, roasted meat, and blackened fish
• Sweet or Oatmeal stout: Rich, spicy food, including barbecued beef and Szechuan cuisine
• Classic pilsner: Light food such as chicken, salads and salmon
• American wheat ale: Very light food, including salads, sushi and vegetable dishes
• Abbey dubbel: Barbecue, meat stews, and a thick, hearty steak
Abreast cancer diagnosis inevitably leads to questions about the disease. The bulk of those questions undoubtedly are asked by the millions of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. But millions more individuals, including friends and family members of recently diagnosed women, may have their own questions. Women can discuss the specifics of their diagnosis with their physicians. In the meantime, the following are some frequently asked questions and answers that can help anyone better understand this potentially deadly disease.
What is breast cancer?
Cancer is a disease marked by the abnormal growth of cells that invade healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer is a form of the disease that begins in the cells of the breast. The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that the cancer can then invade surrounding tissues or spread to other areas of the body.
Can exercise help to reduce my breast cancer risk?
The World Health Organization reports that roughly 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. By the end of that year, there were nearly eight million women alive who had been diagnosed with the disease in the previous half decade.
The NBCF notes that exercise strengthens the immune system and women who commit to as little as three hours of physical activity per week can begin to reduce their risk for breast cancer. However, even routine exercise does not completely eliminate a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Is there a link between diet and breast cancer?
The organization Susan G. Komen®, a nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer, reports that studies have shown eating fruits and vegetables may be linked to a lower risk for breast cancer, while consuming alcohol is linked to an increased risk for the disease. In addition, the NBCF
reports that a high-fat diet increases breast cancer risk because fat triggers estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth.
Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
The NBCF reports that women who have been using birth control pills for more than five years are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. However, the organization notes that risk is very small because modern birth control pills contain low amounts of hormones.
Can breastfeeding reduce breast cancer risk?
Breastfeeding and breast cancer are linked, though
the NBCF notes that the role breastfeeding plays in lowering cancer risk depends on how long a woman breastfeeds. The World Cancer Research Fund International notes that evidence indicates that the greater number of months women continue breastfeeding, the greater the protection they have against breast cancer.
Is there a connection between stress and breast cancer?
The NBCF notes that researchers have found that traumatic events and losses can alter how the immune system functions, which can provide an opportunity for cancer cells to establish themselves within a person’s body. The NBCF urges women to identify ways to keep their stress levels in check.
Breast cancer education can be a valuable asset as women seek to reduce their risk for the disease. Vacation rentals enable people to get away throughout the year, which is good for individuals’ overall health and can even help them be more productive at work.
may be best if you buy healthier foods that are easily accessible for when you (inevitably) raid your fridge. This is a great time to get in the leafy greens you may be missing. If the munchies strike and healthy foods are all you have in the house, you can say “bye-bye” to that cucumber you’ve been ignoring for days.
5. Add in a Workout
smoke or take an edible. This will help you prepare for the extra calories that are about to hit your system.
6. Use Minty Freshness to Your Advantage
The munchies, i.e. the strong and bizarre food cravings people often experience when they’re high on weed, can be a funny (not to mention tasty) part of the cannabis consumer experience.
But the reality is, for those who consume cannabis on a daily basis for medical reasons or just as a way to relax throughout the day, the munchies can become a huge barrier to weight loss.
RELATED: Using cannabis on a diet? Try these healthy (and high-enhancing) munchies
Good news: Just because you wake and bake doesn’t mean you have to be a slave to the potato chip bag, Similarly to how dieters treat typical food cravings, there are ways to push your munchies away and lock the door behind them.
Here are 6 crafty strategies to curb your munchies.
1. Set a Meal Schedule (and Stick to It)
Having a mealtime schedule is beneficial whether you enjoy cannabis or not. When you don’t eat at consistent times
throughout the day, you’re going to feel hungry when you least expect it. For those that use cannabis, sticking to a set food schedule can help you avoid feeling hungry after a toke.
2. Try to Stay Busy
While it’s normal to slow down and enjoy the high after using marijuana, if you’re prone to the munchies, it may be best to stay busy. The more activity you take part in while high, the less time you have to think about food.
3. Choose the Right Strain
For some cannabis users, certain strains can cause them to experience more food cravings than others. If the strain you’re using seems to ignite your appetite, try another. You may find something you can enjoy without extra snacks.
4. No Snacks in Sight
If the munchies are inevitable when you use weed, then try to avoid temptation. One way of doing this is by keeping unhealthy snacks out of your house altogether.
If you find yourself always getting the munchies, it
Some people simply refuse to fight the munchies when they attack. That’s fine. We get it. But that means you should prepare ahead of time.
If you’ve resigned yourself to partaking in unhealthy snacks when your munchies attack, throw in a workout before you
Brushing your teeth may not be at the top of your list of fun things to do while high, but it can help fight the cravings. Brushing or using mouthwash will leave a fresh, minty taste in your mouth. This doesn’t always go well with certain foods and may help you avoid bad snacks while high.
Plus, chewing on mintflavored gum or sucking an Ice Breaker is a good way to trick your brain into thinking you’re having a snack.
heartbreaking that an individual feels like there is no hope other than to take their own life,” said Deborah Humphrey, director of the Madison County Mental Health Board.
Since Jan. 1, there have been 25 individuals who’ve taken their own lives in Madison
“It’sEDWARDSVILLE – September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the Madison County Mental Health Board would like to see the trend in suicide rates in the county diminish.
County. The Madison County Coroner’s Office reports that through the end of August there were 13 who took their life by gunshot, eight by hanging, two by overdose and two by a sharp instrument.
Madison County had 50 suicides in 2019, 31 in 2020, 43 in 2021 and 44 in 2022.
For all those who do take their own life, there are millions
more who have serious thoughts of suicide and go as far to make a plan or attempt it.
“There’s no single cause for suicide,” Humphrey said. “But educating people of some of the signs can assist in getting those in distress the help they need.”
Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair.
• Painful feelings of depression, guilt, or shame.
• Feelings of hopelessness, despair, or inability to escape an unbearable problem.
• Intense feelings of anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.
• Preoccupation with death, feelings of worthlessness, or being a burden to others.
• Preparing for death, such as preparing a will or getting other affairs in order, giving away possessions, acquiring lethal means to harm oneself (e.g., buying a firearm, stockpiling pills or medications, internet searches for ways to die).
•A significant change in behavior, including withdrawal from friends/ family, inability to function, decreased self-care.
Additional risk factors include: Increased drinking or substance use; A history of previous suicidal behavior or attempts; A history of diagnosed depression, PTSD, alcohol-use disorder, or other mental health condition; and Social factors such as relationship loss, social isolation and/or being bullied.
Suicide is a major public
health concern and a leading cause of death in the U.S. and a concern in Madison County.
Madison County’s suicide rates range from 31 to 50 suicides annually since 2019. The current data suggests that 2023 will be on trend with years past.
Humphrey said the Mental Health Board will aim to raise awareness during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by sharing resources to help others recognize the warning signs for suicide and know how to get help.
“The goals will be to raise awareness, help individuals educate themselves, and encourage everyone to look out for others,” she said.
The Mental Health Board planned various suicide prevention activities for the month to include media messaging, training and education, and encouraging attendance in a suicide loss event occurring in the Metro East.
Suicide Prevention activities will kick-off on Sept. 8, with a major concentration of activities taking place during Suicide Prevention Week — Sept. 10 to 16. The suicide prevention activities will aim to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance.
By: Deborah HumphreyConsumption of herbal tea predates consumption of Chinese black tea. Since they do not contain leaves of the camellia sinensis (tea) plant, herbal teas really aren’t tea, but have been given the tea moniker because they are often steeped in a manner similar to tea. Herbal teas are made from herbs as well as dried fruits, flowers and spices. The health and wellness information site Healthline says that certain herbal teas have health-
promoting properties. Herbal teas have been used by various cultures for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years.
Herbal tea can be used to boost the immune system, to relax and unwind, to alleviate pain, or just to warm you up on a chilly day. Even though herbal teas may seem all-
natural, it is wise to check with a doctor before including them as part of a healthboosting regimen to confirm that they won’t produce any adverse reactions with medications. That’s especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Herbal teas come in various flavors. The following are some of the more popular herbal teas and their potential health benefits.
Tea is a healthy beverage. Black, green and oolong teas get their fair share of health-boosting attention, but a grouping of teas, which technically are not true teas at all, also can be a boon to the body.
Chamomile is best known for its calming effects, and it is sometimes used as a mild sleep-inducer. A study of 34 patients with insomnia found marginal improvements in waking up during the night, time to falling asleep and daytime functioning after taking chamomile extract twice a day, as published by the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed Central. Some studies suggest that chamomile can reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and it may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well.
Those who enjoy peppermint tea often do so to soothe an upset stomach. Nutritionist Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Hospital in India says that peppermint tea also can promote weight loss and reduce heartburn and may help people relax.
Turmeric tea has antiinflammatory properties that may be beneficial for anyone who has an autoimmune disease like arthritis and fibromyalgia. The antiinflammatory properties also can help with symptoms of migraines and other minor aches and pains.
A 2012 study from researchers at Columbia University who examined 10 overweight men found that drinking hot ginger tea increased the men’s feelings of fullness and reduced hunger. Ginger also may improve blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes.
Herbal teas can be part of a health plan that involves all-natural remedies for common ailments.
Saturday, September 30th
5k Alien Chase Run/Walk
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall Livingston, IL
Saturday, September 30th
Belleville Main Street Marathon Belleville, IL
Sunday, October 1st MO Cowbell Marathon St. Charles, MO
Saturday, October 7th
5k run/Walk for Peter’s Place Foundation Fairview Heights, IL
Saturday, October 7th
Ranken Jordan’s 5k for Play Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital Maryland Heights, MO
Sunday, October 8th STL Cure Sarcoma 6k Run/Walk Maryland Heights, MO
Saturday, October 14th
Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run Edwardsville, IL
Saturday, October 28th
Hot Cider Hustle 5K Forest Park St. Louis, MO
Sunday, October 29th
Spooky Sprint Maryland Heights, MO
Sunday, October 29th Moms Run This St. Louis, MO
Saturday, November 4th
Coyote Crawl 5k and Head for the Hills 10k Bellefountaine Cemetery St. Louis, MO
Saturday, November 11th
The Veterans Day 5k Run/Walk Soldier’s Memorial Downtown St. Louis, MO
Saturday, November 11th St. Patrick Center Veterans Day 5k St. Louis, MO
Sunday, November 12th St. Louis Half Marathon & 5k Clayton, MO
Sunday, November 12th Jingle Bell Run Saint Charles, MO
Saturday, November 18th Veterans Appreciation Run Jefferson Barracks Lemay, MO
Sunday, November 19th Turkey Trails Maryland Heights, MO
Thursday, November 23rd St. Louis Turkey Trot 8k Tower Grove Park St. Louis, MO
Thursday, November 23rd Turkey Trot STL St. Charles 5k St. Charles Family Arena Saint Charles, MO
Thursday, November 23rd The Wildwood Turkey Trottinator Wildwood, MO