Kristin Bogdonas
Host, "Wellness Wake Up Call"Kristin Bogdonas began employment with University of Illinois Extension in August 2013 and serves Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark counties in her role as nutrition & wellness educator. Bogdonas provides research-based programs and resources to diverse audiences via experiential, interactive programming as well as web-based platforms and social media outlets. She strives to inspire healthy lifestyles in others so people can live their best lives.
She is focused on chronic disease prevention and management, food preservation, food safety, and fostering partnerships to create a culture of wellness where people live, learn, work, and play. She also mentors students and provides hands-on opportunities in community nutrition education.
Bogdonas earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University with a concentration in nutrition and dietetics. She then went on to complete her Master of Public Health degree from Southern Illinois University. She has certifications to teach Navigating Difference, Trauma Informed Care, Fit & Strong, and ServSafe for certified food protection managers.
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June is fresh fruit and vegetable month. The USDA recommends adults consume 2 cups of fruit per day and 2 ½ cups of vegetables per day. -
Highlighting National Fruit and Vegetable Month -
This month, we have been discussing food allergies, and today's focus is navigating challenges when eating away from home. -
Dealing with food allergies doesn’t mean sacrificing nutrition or flavor. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can make healthy substitutions that keep meals safe and satisfying. -
This month, we are discussing food allergies, and today’s focus is sesame. Sesame is known for its culinary versatility and superfood properties and is a common ingredient in various foods. -
May is Allergy Awareness Month! Did you know 33 million Americans have food allergies? That’s 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children, and allergy prevalence is on the rise. -
EnvironmentOsteoarthritis (OA) can make movement painful, but staying active is one of the best ways to manage symptoms and improve overall joint health. While it may seem counterintuitive, regular exercise helps reduce stiffness, strengthen muscles that support the joints, and improve flexibility, ultimately leading to less pain and better function. -
Are you struggling to stay active? Does walking feel like a challenge sometime? April is Move More month, and this week, we’re talking about exercising with low mobility. -
Gardening and yard work are more than just chores—they are excellent forms of physical activity that benefit both the body and mind. Many of the movements involved, such as digging, raking, lifting, and weeding, engage multiple muscle groups and provide a moderate-intensity workout similar to walking or biking. -
Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of muscle mass, function, and strength due to aging. We all lose muscle over time. In fact, beginning in our 30s and 40s, you may notice loss of muscle mass and strength. However, the rate of muscle loss occurs much faster the older we get.
