Sponsored Content

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in the last 20 years, healthcare costs have tripled in the United States, going from $1.2 to $3.6 billion for all types of services from all sources of funds. Because we are accustomed to price increases every year and paying more for a higher caliber of care, it might have been a surprise when Dr. ...

If 2020 started off with a new furry family member, let us congratulate you on your new friend for life! Meanwhile, here is a common checklist to use in that first year with a new pet. For puppies, we recommend scheduling the first vet visit at six weeks of age. ...

400,000 people. It’s the number of people who die annually due to preventable mistakes in hospitals, according to the “Journal of Patient Safety.” This number is a statistic Saint Francis Medical Center refuses to be a part of. Over the past three years, they have been working tirelessly to put processes in place that improve quality, value and safety for their patients. ...

Imagine needing to see your doctor and getting in on the same day. Or being on time and waiting only 10 minutes in the waiting room before your appointment. Or being able to bring your child to see his or her pediatrician and then walking across the hall to have your own appointment with your dermatologist...

Weight loss is a topic that has been misunderstood for decades. Products and services have been created and sold resulting in a multi-billion dollar per year industry. The marketing for this industry sells individuals on the idea of quick results with promises of “Lose 30 pounds in 30 days” or “Get a six pack with these quick and easy steps.” These results are achievable, they say, if you buy their product or service...

Hearing declines over the course of life through exposure to loud noise, secondary consequence of cardiovascular changes or general “wear and tear.” An online article in Macquarie University's “The Lighthouse” states, “...hearing loss in older age not only affects communication, but has a substantial impact on mental well-being.”...

1. Ask questions and disclose as much information as you can. Ask your doctor or pharmacist questions about your medications and what they treat. Knowing what medications you take and why can help you identify possible problems. These potential issues include duplicate therapy (taking two of the same medication or two of the same type of medication), drug allergies, etc...

Take a peek into 2020 to see what’s trending with home, style, beauty, health and family. Now more than ever, people are staying home to work and entertain or be entertained. Then they’re heading outdoors to reacquaint themselves with nature. Thus, a push for more eco-friendly habits is changing how we live. ...

According to a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American gains 7 to 10 pounds from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This is a problem for multiple reasons, but the most alarming is the amount of stress it can put on your heart. During the winter we tend to eat more and move less, which leads to increased weight gain and more stress on the heart...

Giving a new puppy or kitten could be a perfect Christmas gift for the young and old alike, but there are some factors to consider before gifting a new pet. At Cape Small Animal Clinic, we believe pets are excellent companions for people of all ages, and we hope many of you will end up bringing home new pets this holiday...

At Roy’s Tire & Auto, we want you to stay safe while out on the roads this holiday season. The best way to be sure your vehicle is ready for the trip is to follow these five recommendations. Don’t wait until the last minute — call now to schedule your service package...

Termites never hibernate, and they never stop working all year round, 24/7, looking for a food source. When buying a home, it is important you know that the property you are investing in is not invaded by termites. In addition to the procedural things you deal with when utilizing a real estate agent, it’s extremely important to have your home inspected by professionals. Termite inspections are a highly-recommended part of a general home inspection process...

As we age, one of the most common health disorders experienced is hearing loss, affecting two-thirds of those over age 70. Few adults, however, are tested for hearing loss, and even fewer are treated. Hearing loss has been linked to subjective cognitive decline, which refers to changes in memory and thinking...

The Cape Chamber celebrated its Annual Dinner at the Drury Plaza Conference Center November 21. During the evening, more than 800 members from the Cape Girardeau region gathered for cocktails, dinner and awards. The Chamber Annual Dinner is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate business members of the community. Several business figures from the area were honored during the ceremony because of their hard work and dedication.

Since 1987, My Daddy’s Cheesecake has baked award-winning, decadent cheesecake and bakery items. My Daddy’s Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence. Along with our delicious breakfast items, soups, salads and sandwiches, My Daddy’s menu offerings are all made by hand from only the finest ingredients. Voted the #1 Bakery in Southeast Missouri, we take pride in serving the community top-notch breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert!...

With insurance costs and premiums on the rise, many people are looking for ways to make expenses associated with medical care more affordable. One solution is to start a Health Savings Account, better known as an HSA. But what exactly is an HSA, and how can it benefit you?

As the end of the year draws near and you reflect on your most near and dear charities, consider what you can do to give back. When deciding which of the many ways to pay it forward, think about the people who came to your aid in sickness, who educated you and your family, who grew the food you ate, who started the company that became your first job...

Busch Pet Products’ 12 Days of Christmas specials make it easy and fun to purchase unique gifts for the furry family and pet lovers on your list this year. Starting Dec. 3, we will have a unique special every day! Make sure to check our Facebook and Instagram pages this month or stop by our store to experience our annual 12 Days of Christmas specials!...

For more than 40 years, Eric Gooden and the staff and Cape Bicycle and Fitness have worked with Santa on the perfect gift for the cycling and fitness enthusiast on your list — with bikes and trikes for children and adults of all ages. Cape Bicycle and Fitness also features a full line of quality cardio and strength equipment from True Fitness, Octane Fitness and Schwinn. ...

Celebrate the real reason for the season at First Midwest Bank’s 5th annual Living Nativity on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1820 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. This free event is open to the public and will feature live actors and animals, plus coffee and hot cocoa to keep you warm on a cold December night. And we can’t forget about the little ones! They’ll be able to share their Christmas wishes with Santa as he visits from 3 to 5 p.m...

Topdressing your lawn with compost is one of the hidden secrets to having an extremely healthy and lush, green lawn. Whether you have warm season grass or cool season grass, applying an even layer of compost across your lawn can work wonders for your yard...

Happy Tails Doggy Daycare has been caring for pets in the Cape Girardeau area for more than 15 years! Whether your furry family members need a fresh look for the holidays, somewhere safe and warm to stay while you travel or just somewhere to let out extra energy while you’re at work, Happy Tails is here to help! We specialize in boarding, grooming and daycare for pups of all sizes. ...

Artist Dodie Eisenhauer and her daughter, Jenny Turner, bring alive the magic of Christmas at their shop, Grandma’s House, located in Daisy, Missouri. Their angels made out of screen wire have been featured on the cover of the catalogue “Uno Allo Volta.” Their work has also been seen on the CBS Morning Show — whose decorators purchased some of Eisenhauer’s Christmas trees from a New York museum — and at the Missouri Botanical Garden gift shop in St. ...

Port Cape Girardeau, commonly known as The Port, has been a mainstay in Cape Girardeau since 1974. First known for its fantastic barbecue, the menu has grown to feature a delicious selection of mouthwatering cuisine. The historic building has also grown to house three separate banquet rooms, along with a restaurant, lounge and ice cream parlor...

Garber’s Men’s Wear has been a cornerstone of the Town Plaza since 1960 and for men’s apparel in Southeast Missouri since the 1950s. Inside their doors, you will be greeted with helpful and experienced sales people who understand customer service. They will help navigate the nearly 50 name brands and determine what fits your body and personality best...

Who doesn’t love for their car to be clean? Not only does washing your car extend the life of your paint and trim, but it prevents lots of windy day filth “drive-bys” to your clothes as you get in and out of your car. What if you could wash your car every day in 3 minutes, and it cost you as little as 50 cents a day?...

Who doesn’t love getting up on a Saturday and getting into activewear?! Many women today are trading in their favorite denim and business apparel for yoga pants and mesh tees. Over the last few years, the “athleisure” trend has gotten hot — so hot that many small retailers have picked up versatile lines of yoga pants, comfy tees and designer tank tops that many women wear to run errands, meet friends for coffee or maybe even use for a yoga or barre class. ...

Tinting your car windows not only reduces glare but also blocks the UV rays that cause skin cancer. Tinting the windows in your home can also block those rays that damage your skin, fade furniture and carpet, and blister wood furniture. Who do you turn to when you need this service? Call Cape Glass and Tinting, the experts to applying the industry standard Llumar film...

Imagine That is an independent boutique that isn’t stuck on one fashion. When the styles change, we do too! We do our best to keep up with the latest trends our customers want. With such a large selection, Imagine That Boutique is your one-stop shop!...

House of Paws Grooming Salon is a full-service salon featuring a personalized, loving atmosphere for your dog. Whether it’s a full groom or just a bath, we love your furry family member as our own. Dogs are groomed to breed standard or customer request, using a wide range of products to meet your dog’s specific needs. We understand grooming is important to a dog’s overall well–being and strive to be a partner in your dog’s care...

Don’t forget to stop by the MDC Nature Shop at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center to find perfect gifts for the nature-lover on your Christmas list. Whether their passion is birding, bowhunting, gardening or fly fishing, the MDC Nature Shop has something for every nature enthusiast...

The holidays are fast approaching and it is very common for people to have headaches, neck pain, back pain, or even illnesses that ruin their traditions, traveling and family time. Here are a few tips to help reduce your risk. 1) Stay flexible. During the winter months the weather is colder and the days are shorter. ...

Feel the joy of meaningful giving this holiday season at Belladona Salon & Spa. Whether you are in need of a fresh look for the holidays or looking to pick up some gifts for loved ones, Belladona Salon & Spa has everything you need to make this holiday season beautiful. ...

Every gift you need to purchase this holiday season can be found at Zickfields Jewelry & Gifts! This family-owned business in downtown Cape Girardeau has serviced our community for more than 80 years, provides exceptional customer service, and has a master craftsman with more than 50 years of experience for all your jewelry needs...

Before you gather around the table this holiday season, make sure these foods are NOT within your pets’ reach. 1.) Bones. While dogs and cats have a natural inclination to chew, we do not recommend giving them leftover bones. Real bones can splinter, leading to choking, intestinal blockage or tears in your pet’s digestive system. ...

At Thanksgiving, many are grateful giving. With that heartfelt spirit, you may wish to donate your time serving meals or your money to an organization that feeds those less fortunate. Your kindness is needed to feed the children of the Cape Girardeau community...

Your grandfather’s watch, a treasured heirloom, still works but needs a new battery. Who do you trust to replace this? Kenny Lee Jewelry, of course. Maybe you just bought a new watch but the band is too big, or a ring needs to be resized. In addition to the expert and timely repair work that Kenny Lee offers quite affordably, he also sells beautiful, quality jewelry and watches...

Old Town Cape has the spirit when it comes to celebrating the holidays! Let nostalgic events such as the Parade of Lights bring a twinkle to your eye and attend new events such as the Outdoor Holiday Market to check off your shopping list. With more than 75 unique shops, you can find a gift for everyone on your list, and they’ll love hearing all about the special place you went to pick out their gift. ...

Medicare Part D open enrollment may feel like open season to you. There is so much information coming at you might feel caught in the crossfire. Let me provide some basic information. Part D has five phases: We recommend an annual Medicare review during open enrollment as plans change yearly. ...

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling and decorations are going up — holiday party planning season is here! Whether you’re in charge of planning parties for your family, friends or business, ensuring all the details are in place has the potential to be a stressful and expensive matter. It doesn’t have to be, though; with these three party-planning tips, help yourself enjoy the holidays this year as much as the guests you’re entertaining.

They say you never realize how much you miss something until it’s gone. It’s certainly true when it comes to your hearing. The fact is, your daily life will be affected by hearing loss. Here are a few examples: The good news is there’s no such thing as a bad time to see your audiologist and get a hearing exam. As soon as you feel like your hearing is getting worse, book an appointment and begin to enjoy life again...

SHOP LOCAL: Jayson Jewelers Consolidating Locations, Offering Storewide Sales for Holiday Shopping Jayson Jewelers is making a move this season, consolidating the Crossroads store and moving all remaining jewelry to the home store in Historic Downtown Cape Girardeau. ...

Although he is the mascot of the world's most popular theme park and entertainment brand, the mouse is usually not a welcomed guest inside your home or business. In years past, with our experience, colder weather is synonymous with increased rodent activity. But can you blame them? I would certainly want to find a warmer place to live and nest if I were a mouse. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable and is absolutely not a healthy thing you want to live with...

Give reminders of the true meaning of Christmas with a beautiful nativity scene from Knaup Floral. Whether you are looking for a smaller tabletop model or a larger, statement piece, Knaup Floral has your gift or décor for your home. Knaup Floral features a wide variety of styles and price ranges to fit your budget...

If Huckstep Body and Paint, Inc. is the first place you go for a repair quote, you probably won’t look any further. But you should, so you know the true value of a great job. Zach Huckstep is the fourth generation to run the business, and just like his dad, grandfather and great grandfather, he knows that because his name is on that work, it needs to be a quality job...

November has finally arrived, along with our first frost of the season. Many local stores and vendors rushed to cover all of their plants to help prevent the frost from stunning their products. There are many interesting things that happen to your lawn during the winter months as warm season grass lays dormant and cool season grass will continue to stay green and healthy. ...

As the 30th year of Leadership Cape draws to a close, per tradition, Chamber members were presented an array of community improvement projects developed by Leadership Cape participants at First Friday Coffee. While several projects throughout the years have come to fruition, the goal of the projects is to improve leadership skills by intentionally exposing participants to the realities of working with different personality types...

We know shopping on Amazon can be convenient, but this holiday season, we’d like to remind you local businesses deliver far more for your dollar.

When it comes to gift giving for a new mom, we naturally think of getting her something for the baby. The truth is, everyone else thinks the same way, so she probably has tons of diapers, bibs, pacifiers and cute little onesies to last a lifetime. The last thing a new mother is doing is thinking about herself, so it’s up to us to do it for her with a gift just for her and not for her little one...

October is Positive Attitude Month! Your thoughts matter more than you think! Studies show people who see the glass half-full reap the benefits of lower stress levels resulting in a longer life span, lower instance of cardiovascular disease, lower chance of depression, better resistance to illnesses such as the common cold due to a higher immune system and better coping skills when life’s challenges present themselves...