Public Health & Safety

Service Employees International Union Healthcare Illinois held a roundtable discussion with Rep. Gregg Johnson and Sen. Mike Halpin in response to high turnover rates and staffing shortages.

In this episode of Wellness Wake Up Call, we explore the role of probiotics in supporting gut health and overall wellness. Learn how beneficial bacteria help maintain balance in the digestive system, where to find probiotics in everyday foods, and what to look for when choosing supplements. Simple additions like fermented foods can help support a healthier gut.

In this episode of Wellness Wake Up Call, we explore the role of fiber in supporting gut health and overall well-being. Learn how a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, and support immune function. Small changes—like adding more fiber to your meals—can have a lasting impact on your health.

In this episode of Wellness Wake Up Call, we explore what the gut microbiome is and why it matters for your overall health. Learn how your gut supports digestion, immunity, and even mental well-being—and discover simple ways to improve gut health through balanced nutrition, hydration, and stress management. Small daily habits can make a big difference.

In this episode of Wellness Wake Up Call, we continue National Nutrition Month with practical tips for building healthier habits one step at a time. From simple meal prep strategies to managing sweet cravings and limiting ultra-processed foods, small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference. Start where you are and focus on steady progress toward better health.

In this episode of Wellness Wake Up Call, we share practical tips for eating healthy on a budget. From meal planning and buying in bulk to choosing affordable proteins and making the most of leftovers, small strategies can help stretch your food dollars without sacrificing nutrition. Healthy eating can be both affordable and delicious with a little planning.

In this episode of Wellness Wake Up Call, we highlight National Nutrition Month’s message to “Find Advice Backed by Science.” Learn how to identify credible sources for nutrition information and why working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) can provide personalized, evidence-based guidance to support your health goals. Small steps toward trusted information can make a lasting difference.

In this episode of Wellness Wake Up Call, we celebrate National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition.” This week’s focus, Power Your Day with Nutrition, encourages building balanced meals with all five food groups, eating a variety of colorful foods, and avoiding restrictive diets that promise quick fixes. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference in supporting long-term health. Content provided by Rachel Mannen, Food and Nutrition Educator with University of Illinois Extension.

Attention hunters and fishers! Every year bald eagles suffer and die as a result of lead poisoning from uninformed hunters. This year, however, there has been an alarming increase in the number of eagles found with this condition. In reference to an article recently published by The Des Moines Register, Iowa bird rescue Saving Our Avian Resources (acronym SOAR) have treated 14 eagles with lead poisoning so far this year when usually their numbers are 5 or 6 this time of year.