Stories by Kristen Thometz

As speculation around the Chicago Cubs making a World Series appearance reaches a fever pitch, the Illinois High School Association is proposing pitch count limits for its athletes in an effort to curb throwing-related injuries. 

The changing leaves signal not only the approach of fall but also the flu season. A new study shines a light on where most seasonal flu strains originate each year.

For female college students, peer victimization appears to inflict the same long-term distress associated with severe childhood physical or sexual abuse, according to a new study.

When it comes to preventing teen obesity and eating disorders, parents and health officials should avoid focusing on teens’ weight or diet, according to new guidelines. Healthy eating and lifestyle habits should be encouraged instead.

The Chicago Bears open the season Sunday with several players sidelined by injuries. A new study analyzing common orthopedic surgeries NFL players receive could shed some light onto when fans can expect them back.

Breast cancer patients and survivors often report forgetfulness and difficulty focusing after chemotherapy. A recent study analyzes these symptoms, commonly referred to as “chemo brain.”

Giddy on up to North Avenue Beach this weekend to watch the “sport of kings” at the Qatar Airways Chicago Beach Polo Cup.

Visits to emergency rooms increased in the state following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, according to a new study.

The maker of the EpiPen announced Monday it will create a generic version of the life-saving drug at half the cost of the brand name. But a local allergist is skeptical about how much that will help.

When most people visit a National Park Service site, they visit the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone. Not many realize that there are more than 400 National Park Service sites. But that’s one thing Mikah Meyer hopes to change as he travels cross-country visiting all 412 of those sites.

Practicing mindfulness exercises like yoga and meditation can alleviate symptoms of depression and stress among disadvantaged women, according to a recent study.

Watching a slow-motion replay of a violent football tackle or surveillance video of a fatal robbery can cause viewers to perceive the action as more intentional, according to a new study.

Lace up your running shoes and kick off your weekend on the right foot this fall with a morning community run. Get the full 'Go Run schedule.

A yearlong review of the state's response to reports of sexual assault has resulted in a new law that aims to improve the process of investigation and offer better support for survivors.

New health insurance rules surrounding prescription drugs could make treatment for some patients more simple. Find out what step therapy is and what the changes could mean.

Starting Wednesday, a new section of Elston Avenue will open as work on the Damen, Elston and Fullerton reconstruction project continues. Find out what that means for drivers.

Thanks to an extension of Statue Stories Chicago, you still have plenty of time to chat with the Tin Man and Dorothy in Oz Park.

Michael Phelps is making a splash at the 2016 Olympics for his performance–and his appearance. A local physical therapist explains why he’s covered with bruises.

Peak activity for the Perseids is expected to be Thursday and Friday, according to NASA. The best time to view the meteors is between midnight and dawn, no telescope required.

There are hundreds of judges in Illinois, and a new website aims to educate users about their backgrounds and how judges are appointed, among other things.

The second phase of the reconstruction project at the intersection of Western, Belmont and Clybourn avenues begins Monday. Find out what that means for drivers.

Monday’s release of proposed 2017 health insurance premium rate increases for coverage offered through the state’s Obamacare exchange induced sticker shock among some industry experts, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois seeking increases from 23 to 45 percent for its individual health care plans.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago rank among the top hospitals in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of hospitals.

Headed to the beach? You might want to take a closer look at your sunscreen before you it layer it on—it might not be providing as much protection as you need.

The mobile gaming app has taken Chicago by storm: Thousands of Pokémon GO players plan to meet at Cloud Gate—aka the Bean—in Millennium Park on Sunday. Get the details.

Increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, the city of Chicago says, will decrease smoking among youth, boost health and save lives.