Community Seminar Series: Autumn Health Picks 2025 Registration
Join the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute and University of Illinois Extension for a series on a variety of health topics. Pick and choose programs based on interest.
All sessions are offered via Zoom on Wednesdays at noon (CST) from October 8 - November 12, 2025
Session dates:
October 8 | Nutrition and Caregiving: Challenges and Training Needs
Family caregivers are vital in supporting older adults with diet-related chronic conditions but struggle with nutrition guidance, cultural preferences, and daily care. This session shares study findings on caregivers’ nutrition challenges and their support preferences. Attendees will learn practical strategies and resources to help caregivers manage nutrition-related care effectively. Presenter: Jemimah Bakare
October 15 | Protecting Your Heart and Metabolism: Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Conditions in Older Adults
Adults should aim for ≥150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) to reduce cardiometabolic risks, but only 25% of Americans meet this guideline. This session will cover the extensive benefits of adhering to PA recommendations and share new research findings on the optimal PA dose for adults across age groups to prevent cardiometabolic conditions effectively. Presenter: Jingxin Yao
October 22 | Protein: More Than Muscles, Unlocking Its Role in Everyday Health
Protein does more than build muscle—it promotes fullness, supports immune health, and prevents age-related muscle loss across all ages. This interactive session clarifies protein needs, identifies the best sources, and shows how to incorporate them into your diet without excess. You'll gain practical tools for personal wellness or to support clients and patients. Presenter: Nikita Chigullapally
October 29 | Perceptions of Digital Health Technology
Older adults face unique physical, cognitive, and technological challenges that affect their ability to use digital health tools effectively. This session explores prior tech experience, health literacy, physical limitations (e.g., vision, dexterity, hearing), and perceived usefulness. It addresses barriers specific to older adults, beyond general technology use, to improve their engagement with digital health tools. Presenter: Mimi Trinh
November 5 | Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body: The Key to Total Wellness
Healthy teeth, healthy body! This session dives into the critical connections between oral care and overall health, showing you why what happens in your mouth matters for your entire body, and how simple steps can make a big difference. Presenter: Prafulla Caringula
November 12 | How Your Environment Shapes Your Health: Understanding Obesogenic Environments and Practical Strategies to Thrive
Your health is influenced by more than personal choices—your environment plays a key role. Food availability, safe sidewalks, and green spaces impact healthy habits. This interactive virtual session explores how environments shape eating and activity patterns, offering practical strategies to improve your health and support others. Learn actionable steps to thrive and foster healthier environments for all. Presenter: Alexia-Patrice Hammonds
Registrants must create and sign in to a personal or work Zoom account to access the webinar sessions.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Dee Walls at
walls1@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.