Chicago Sun-Times

Keep an open mind while traveling, Rick Steves recommends

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 09:43:37 -0500

Acclaimed travel writer and public television producer Rick Steves says he packs mentally and — in his trademark voice as the friendly authority on how to “enjoy maximum travel thrills per mile, minute and dollar” — Steves suggests you should, too.

Suburban County kids have higher obesity rates than national average

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 02:14:51 -0500

Schoolchildren in suburban Cook County have higher than average rates of obesity, and the rate for kindergartners is up to 40 percent higher than the national average, a study found. The study of kindergarteners, sixth- and ninth-graders in suburban Cook Count during the 2010-2012 school years, also found striking differences across the county — obesity rates in west suburbs are twice as high as rates for students in north suburbs.

Experimental surgery for infertility

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 10:43:06 -0500

A 30-year-old infertile woman gave birth after surgeons removed her ovaries and re-implanted tissue they treated in a lab, researchers report. The experimental technique was only tried in a small group of Japanese women with a specific kind of infertility problem, but scientists hope it can also help women in their early 40s who have trouble getting pregnant because of their age. The new mother gave birth to a son in Tokyo last December, and she and the child continue to be healthy. AP …

There may be more to pal’s sloppy appearance

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 10:32:28 -0500

Is there a tactful way to suggest to a friend that a makeover would do wonders for her?

Cancer survivors with caring spouses

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 13:11:19 -0500

Dear Abby: I am writing in response to “Anonymous in Wisconsin” (Aug. 11), the cancer survivor whose husband has lost interest in her after her double mastectomy. I am outraged by his insensitivity and lack of love. She says she doesn’t want to leave him. My question to her is, why not? She deserves better. I am a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer seven months after I was married. Prior to my decision to have a radical mastectomy, I offered my husband the chance to leave. (After all, one doesn’t expect “worse” to come so soon after …

Kitchen germs can make you sick

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 12:42:13 -0500

Time to clean up your act — and kitchen? A public health and safety organization called NSF International found potentially harmful microorganisms such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria on kitchen items that are often used for food preparation or storage.

ORANGE CRUSH — Your guide to area pumpkin-picking adventures

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 02:22:05 -0500

With the falling leaves comes the promise of pumpkin pie, hot apple cider and the joy of children experiencing all the pleasures that fall can bring. It’s the best time of the year — pumpkin-picking time. Most pumpkin farms are opening now for fall revelers. Here’s a roundup of area farms that are offering fall pumpkin adventures. Make sure to check websites for coupons, discount days and rules on pets, strollers and more. Abbey Farms of Marmion Abbey, 850 Butterfield Road., Aurora, (630) 897-6936; abbeyfarms.org. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays, and 11 a.m.-6 …

Some basics on Obamacare

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 11:42:53 -0500

Q. I keep hearing Oct. 1 is a key date — what happens then? A. The health-care marketplace, also known as the exchange, opens Tuesday. This is when individuals and businesses can learn about the various insurance options being offered by competing private health-care providers. You will be able to find out if you are eligible for certain programs and subsidies, as well as shop, compare and choose a benefit plan that’s right for you. Your coverage will not become effective until Jan. 1. Nicholas T. Gialamas is president and CEO of Forest Financial Group Inc., a benefits consulting firm, …

Discover CEO David Nelms on how JDRF is working to find a cure for diabetes

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 12:56:32 -0500

Imagine having a healthy 4-year-old son one day and being told he has a serious, life-threatening disease the next. In 1990, our son Bradlee was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and went from learning his ABCs to learning about insulin levels. From that day forward, normal took on a whole new meaning for our family. We learned that we would have to inject insulin, prick our son’s tiny fingers multiple times daily to test his blood glucose levels and diligently watch his food intake and exercise to keep him alive and healthy. This is the life of someone with T1D. …

The Gloves fit, so wear them

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:36:38 -0500

It’s not just art, it’s fashion with a fete. The Art Institute of Chicago’s latest blockbuster exhibition, “Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity,” closes Sunday. But before the doors shut, pull out the finery and hit “Dressed to the Nines” Saturday night. The evening’s dress code specifies gloves and hats, but bustles are strictly optional. For impressionistas who want to cover their hands, Sermoneta Gloves (900 N. Michigan, 312-915-0694) fits the bill. Mark Ray, manager of the Italian glove purveyor, says women are buying fancy gloves for both “Mad Men” and “Downton Abbey”-themed soirees. But having a pair in your wardrobe arsenal …

A galaxy of culinary stars at Chicago Gourmet

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 02:24:20 -0500

The big feed returns to Millennium Park. Is the uber-chic, uber-pricey foodie event worth the price (and the long lines)?

Game-day chips & dip a winner

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:24:34 -0500

Still on Cloud Nine after the Bears’ victory Sunday night? Planning a viewing party for next Sunday’s game vs. Detroit? Try these recipes for warm artichoke and bacon dip to add kick to your store-bought pita chips. WARM ARTICHOKE AND BACON DIP (Yields 6 to 8 servings) Dip Butter, for greasing the baking dish 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, optional 5 strips thick-cut bacon 2 shallots, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (8-ounce) bag frozen artichokes, thawed 1 1⁄2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups (16 ounces) mascarpone cheese 1⁄3 cup sour cream 1⁄4 cup …

She wants a new start in work life

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 02:26:39 -0500

Dear Abby: I am the mother of a 4-year-old daughter and pregnant with my second child. My boyfriend and I live in a nice house and have a comfortable lifestyle. We each pay our own bills, and I pay half the mortgage that is in his name. I am extremely unhappy at my job. The job itself isn’t the problem; it’s the management team and its effect on office morale. They treat us employees like dirt; thus, everyone is always fighting with each other. I try to stay out of it, but I am unhappy to the core there. I …

From belly to baby

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 02:20:45 -0500

Despite reading every how-to book and taking an array of classes during pregnancy, you realize nothing can fully prepare you for your amazing — and terrifying — new role.

Dr. Oz: What to do when pain won’t go away

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:42:00 -0500

DRS. ROIZEN AND OZ: I’ve had shoulder pain for a couple of years, and the constant low-level agony is making me nuts. What should I do?

Bringing sexy to condoms can be done

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:34:00 -0500

DR. LAURA BERMAN: We need to address why safer sex itself isn’t sexy. Why can’t we rewrite the script when it comes to healthy sex?