Springfield-Greene County Health & Wellness Research

Early Family Bonds Lead to Better Health

Close personal relationships, such as that between mother and child, may provide long-term physical as well as emotional health benefits, according to recent studies.

Shop Local, Eat Local

Greene County citizens are rapidly becoming "locavores" -- those who seek out goods produced within a 100-mile radius of their hometown. When you live somewhere as bountiful as the Ozarks, it's easy to find local produce and meat if you know where to look.

Poison Ivy: An Itchy Situation

Warm weather means more time outside soaking up the sun and tidying up our yards. It also means more exposure to poison ivy. Learn how to maximize your outdoor fun while minimizing your poison ivy risk.

Crisis in Haiti: What You Can Do To Help

On January 12th, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 rocked the small nation of Haiti, forever changing the structure of their country and their population. In the aftermath, individuals and organizations from all over the world are pitching in to do what they can to aid this devastated area.

Forget the Fads: Make Health Resolutions that Stick in 2010

Every year it's the same old song and dance - you'll resolve to "lose weight" and "be healthy," and by February, you'll be on the couch wearing sweatpants and eating bonbons. Instead of making vague, unrealistic goals, resolve this year to take charge of your personal health and inform yourself.

Holiday Snacking Without (too much of) the Guilt

Just can't say no to those holiday party munchies? Here are a few hints to help you make the healthiest choices from all the tempting offerings on the table.

H1N1 Vaccine Recall

There are no safety concerns associated with a recent recall of H1N1 pediatric vaccines, the CDC reports.

Healthcare Blue Book

How much should that medical procedure cost? Ask the Healthcare Blue Book.

Are we born to be Santa's helpers?

Recent studies have shown that doing nice things for others can benefit not only the receiver, but also the helper.

New Mammogram Advice

A recent report from the United States Preventative Service Task Force contradicts years of thinking about breast cancer prevention

Time to Talk Turkey

The Butterball^® Turkey Talk-Line is open annually in November and December.

Comparing World Health Plans

NPR compares health plans offered by governments similar to the United States.

Area Health Access

Working toward comprehensive local health care.

Football and Brain Health

A new study indicates a higher rate of dementia in former N.F.L. players.

Halloween Safety Tips

A few tips to help you and your little ghouls enjoy a safe Halloween.

Flu Season

It's flu season in the Ozarks. Stay informed on area flu information and learn prevention tips.

Uninsured and Underinsured Missouri

Working without a health-care net.

Health Care Reform

Making sense of the complexities of health care reform can be frustrating. Here, we've tried to break it down to the basics for you.

The Van K. Smith Community Health Library

The Community Health Library, sponsored by St. John's Health System, is devoted to providing accurate health-related inforation to assist patients, family members and members of the community in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

Summer Pet Care Tips

Summertime in the Ozarks is fun for both people and pets, even as temperatures soar. Find tips for caring for those furry family members in the fierce summer heat.

Bicycling in the Ozarks

Admit it. You've got one. Somewhere in the back of your garage it sits, probably covered in dirt and surrounded by your recyclables. Like a long forgotten friend, it calls to you: Sure is nice out! We should go for a ride. You slam the door and head for the couch.

Time to stop ignoring the call! Dust off your bicycle and go for a spin. Whether for fun or transportation, there are lots of ways to bike the Ozarks!

Teen Dating Violence

A new report released in March gives Missouri, along with ten other states, a failing grade in providing legal resources to protect teens from dating violence.

Eating Down the Fridge

Are you looking for a way to save money and reduce waste? Consider skipping your usual trip to the grocery store for a week – or more – and eat what you already have on hand. Save dollars at the store and save food that might have been wasted.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

Designed to protect children from exposure to lead and phthalates, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) has met with some debate.