Health officials on Tuesday are again urging people to avoid synthetic cannabinoids – even if they’ve used them in the past without incident. The drugs “are not a safe alternative to marijuana” and “probably more toxic,” said Illinois Poison Center Medical Director Mike Wahl.

Two people have died in Illinois, including one in the Chicago area, after experiencing severe bleeding related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

An app developed by local researchers to predict manic episodes and depressive moods in people with bipolar disorder – based on how they interact with their cellphones – is now available to download in Apple’s app store.

An ordinance to protect residents from a potentially brain-damaging pollutant is passed by the City Council. But does it go far enough?

The American Dental Association announces a new policy on opioid prescriptions and education for dentists who prescribe the painkillers and other controlled substances.

A first-of-its-kind study from the Chicago Department of Public Health provides a population estimate of the city’s LGBT community and a snapshot of the health issues and inequities it faces.

Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan discusses his agency’s role in combating the opioid crisis.   

A citywide campaign seeks to curb underage drinking through public awareness and school policy reforms. “We don’t want schools to suspend students,” said Juan Padilla, a Voices of Youth in Chicago Education organizer.

Should naturopathic physicians be licensed in Illinois? A professional trade association says it’s a matter of public safety, but others say the move is not in the public’s best interest.

A brain-damaging pollutant found at high levels near thousands of Southeast Side homes would be banned at future industrial sites under a new ordinance introduced by city officials Wednesday.

West Garfield Park residents have a life expectancy of 69 years, compared to an average life expectancy of 85 years in the Loop. By 2030, West Side United hopes to cut that life expectancy gap in half.

This year’s flu vaccine is only 36 percent effective, according to the CDC. But a new study suggests that a person’s past flu experiences could influence how effective the flu vaccine is for them.

While inpatient settings help stroke victims recover, their progress tends to decline when they return home. Researchers are hoping that a new breed of wearable electronics could curb that drop-off in recovery.

Overcoming heroin addiction is a Herculean task. How a local program is helping former addicts recover with medication.

The 19-year-old suspected of opening fire Wednesday inside a Florida high school had a troubled past. A pair of experts discuss mental health issues and how the threat of violence impacts young people.

The new White House budget doesn’t match President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to save Medicaid and Medicare “without cuts.” We discuss the proposed reforms.