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Doctor: Sauna Sessions Four to Seven Times Weekly Cut Alzheimer's Risk 66 Percent

3 months ago
Two studies out of Finland show promising results for sauna users. The research implies there could be an added benefit to sweating profusely in the controlled setting of a sauna: a decrease in one’s risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s. First, a 2016 study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland surveyed 2,315 healthy Finnish men, age 42-60, and found that participants doing two to three sauna sessions per week had a 22% less risk of developing dementia, while the men using a sauna four to seven times a week are 66% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia over a 20 year period. The second study by Paul Knekt at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, was much more widespread. It included nearly 14,000 men and women, age 30-69, and followed them for up to 39 years. Deepak Nair, MD, director of Ambulatory and Virtual Neurology Services at OSF HealthCare, studied the findings and says the results are promising. “People who were

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The Buzz on Mosquitoes: What Makes People A Prime Target?

3 months ago
Perhaps no one is happier to see the arrival of summer than those pesky mosquitoes that invade our space over the next three months. Seemingly, they’re everywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 3,700 types of mosquitoes around the world, wreaking havoc. They’ll try to ruin your picnic, they love it when you relax in the backyard and they feast on anything that’s happening near a body of water. According to the CDC, only female mosquitoes bite people and animals to get a blood meal, which they need to produce eggs. Adult mosquitoes live for about two to four weeks, depending on the species, humidity and temperature. But why do some people tend to be mosquito magnets while others get off scot-free? There are plenty of reasons, including blood type (most mosquitoes like Type O), body heat (female mosquitoes detect heat) and even diet (eating sweet, salty or spicy foods can draw mosquitoes). One study even suggests mosquitoes

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Legendary Mustang Sanctuary Hosts Events to Raise Money for Rescued Horses

3 months ago
ALHAMBRA - The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary will host two upcoming events to raise funds for their horses. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, community members can stop by the Collinsville American Legion for a day of bounce houses, face-painting, vendors, a car show and live horses at the “Mustangs for Mustangs” event. On Sept. 28, a tea party will be held in Wood River for kids and loved ones to enjoy. Both events aim to raise money and awareness of the Legendary Mustang Sanctuary mission. “All proceeds go back to help us with the horses,” said Kathy Lewis with LMS. “We do it all. We don't just go out and say, hey, we do this. We literally do it.” The Mustangs for Mustangs event brings together classic cars and mustang horses. LMS will have two horses at the event and a cooler of carrot sticks for kids to feed them. There will also be a car show and over 20 vendors with crafts and antiques for sale. “Classic cars,

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Barrel & Brü Integrates Community Focus with Diverse Drinks and Food Menu

3 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Barrel & Brü Tap House, a new establishment offering an extensive selection of beers and cocktails along with elevated bar food, opened recently at 6151 Trace Parkway Drive Suite D, in Edwardsville. Owner Aaron Coleman said the timing and location felt ideal to enter the thriving craft beverage industry, which has seen continuous innovation over the past decade. “We wanted to be part of this industry,” Coleman said. “The Tap House is about the people you meet, regular customers, and watching what you have created grow in the area. We look forward to integrating more into the community.” The tap house features 54 beers on tap, along with coolers stocked with beer, wine, seltzers, canned cocktails, and non-alcoholic beers. Bartender Brad Ziegler highlighted the variety available, noting that the establishment is dog-friendly. In addition to beer, the bar offers a full cocktail list including mocktails, beer flights, and mimosa flights.

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Godfrey Man Detained On Domestic Battery, Weapon, Drug Charges

3 months ago
GODFREY – A Godfrey resident faces several felonies after allegedly firing a weapon at a fleeing domestic battery victim, leading police to search his home and find "an active cannabis farming operation." Kevin M. Buel, 47, of Godfrey, was charged on July 31, 2025 with the following offenses: Armed violence (Class X felony) Unlawful manufacture or delivery of cannabis (Class X felony) Aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 felony) Aggravated domestic battery (Class 2 felony) Possession of cannabis manufacturing equipment (Class 2 felony) Reckless discharge of a firearm (Class 4 felony) Domestic battery (2 counts, both Class A misdemeanors) Buel allegedly struck the victim in the mouth and discharged a firearm in their direction on July 29, 2025. He was additionally accused of possessing over 5,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver while armed with a semi-automatic handgun. According to the state’s petition to deny Buel’s pretrial

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East Alton Honors Larry Thatcher for Decades of Hockey Leadership

3 months ago
EAST ALTON - Larry Thatcher, the long-time rink manager of East Alton Ice Arena, retired after 32 years on July 31, 2025. Thatcher was recognized at a recent East Alton Meeting for his long-time dedication to the rink and the region. Thatcher was commended for a lifetime of dedication to the community and the game of hockey by East Alton Mayor Darren Carlton in a presentation. Thatcher is a long-time East Alton resident and Navy veteran. He was a founding member of the Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association. He coached Roxana Shells, Alton Redbirds, East Alton-Wood River Oilers, Bethalto Eagles and the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Cougars. “His passion and leadership earned him spots in both the St. Louis Hockey Hall of Fame and East Alton-Wood River Hall of Fame,” Mayor Carlton said. “We thank him for inspiring generations of players and families.”

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Calling All Grandpas: Volunteer meeting set for Aug. 12, 2025, at Munstermann Building in Gordon Moore Park

3 months ago
ALTON - The Grandpa Gang in Alton is gearing up for the holidays! Volunteers are needed to help bring Christmas Wonderland to life in 2025 and a meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 12 to begin planning for this family-friendly holiday favorite in Rock Spring Park. The meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Munstermann Building in Gordon Moore Park. Anyone interested in volunteering to help decorate the park is invited to attend. Please see the attached press release for more information. The holiday transformation of Rock Spring Park in Alton will begin in early September, and new Christmas Wonderland volunteers are always needed to help put together displays to ensure the holidays sparkle in 2025. An informational meeting for volunteers is planned for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12 at Munstermann Building, at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. The Grandpa Gang, which coordinates the annual Christmas event, is looking for volunteers to help with tasks like setting up wooden displays and hanging

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The “Warrior Ethos” According To Trump: A Field Guide To Being Scared Of Everything

3 months ago
The Trump administration wants you to know they’re very, very tough. So tough, in fact, that they’re launching a comprehensive purge of the Naval Academy to eliminate “corrosive DEI programs” and restore what they call the “warrior ethos.” Because nothing says “fearless military leadership” like being absolutely terrified of books about civil rights and the […]
Mike Masnick

612North Hosts "Find Your Love Island" Party to Close Out Summer in Style

3 months ago
SAINT LOUIS - As summer winds down and cuffing season approaches, 612North invites guests to send off the season in unforgettable fashion at the Find Your ‘Love’ Island Party, taking place on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Designed as the ultimate end-of-summer celebration, the event will be held at 612North Event Space, at ARC venue, located on the St. Louis riverfront. Guests can expect an elevated nightlife experience with high-energy music, refreshing cocktails, and an atmosphere designed for connection. Highlights of the event include: Live DJ performance by DJ FERG, spinning throughout the night Complimentary cocktail and passed appetizers for the first 100 guests Full cash bar and VIP bottle service options Tickets available now for $15 Admission is 21+ only “Whether you’re single, taken, or somewhere in between, this party is your chance to celebrate the end of summer with great music, good vibes, and an amazing St. Louis

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