Well Within Reach with Riverside Healthcare

What should I prepare and expect during the first weeks at home with a newborn? Zain Talukdar, MD, Pediatrician at Riverside Healthcare, gives a practical roadmap covering gear, safety, and medical red flags. He lists essentials (firm crib or bassinet with cotton sheets, car seat, diapers, rectal thermometer, gentle detergent, milk storage and bottle brushes, diaper paste), explains safe-sleep ABCs and notes the U.S. context (rough...

Denise Salem, Oncology Chaplain at Riverside Healthcare, explains how pastoral care adds an extra layer of support alongside medical treatment by providing a listening presence, spiritual resources when wanted, and practical help for families and staff. She describes outpatient chaplain visits at the Riverside Cancer Institute and infusion clinics in Bourbonnais, Watseka, Frankfort, and Coal City; the non‑proselytizing, faith‑inclu...

What should I expect during the postpartum "fourth trimester"? Bridgette Macander, MSN, RN, CNL, Registered Nurse in the Riverside Family Birthing Center at Riverside Healthcare, explains what normal recovery can look like and how long it may last. You’ll learn about typical bleeding (even after a C‑section), emotional ups and downs, newborn sleep noises, and practical self-care like hydration, nutrition, rest, and using hosp...

Concerned about who will manage your care during labor, for a sick child, or after hospital admission? Hospitalist roles across services — Ellen Bollino, RN, MSN, CEN, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer at Riverside Healthcare, explains the inpatient AIM hospitalist model (11 core physicians, week-on/week-off coverage, always at least one on site), the pediatric hospitalist partnership with University of Chicago for newbor...

This episode explains when immediate care is the right choice and how it can save you time and money compared with an ER visit. Hosts walk you through common scenarios and why timely access to care matters for your health.
Guests: Akash Rana, Director of Immediate Care and Workforce Health, and Cheryl Hanson, Nurse Practitioner with Immediate Care. They discuss walk-in clinic services, X-ray on site capabilities, lab testing, tr...

This episode breaks down what prediabetes is, how it differs from type 2 diabetes, and why early detection and lifestyle change matter for preventing long-term complications. Dr. Santhosh Bhatt, DO, board certified in internal medicine, explains tests, risk factors, and practical steps you can take. You’ll hear clear guidance on A1C and fasting glucose testing, insulin resistance, Mediterranean-style eating, and simple exerci...

This episode explains why regular lab work is a cornerstone of preventive care and how simple tests can spot problems long before symptoms appear. Understanding routine lab work helps you protect your long-term health and avoid surprises.
Guest: Dr. Mary Ann Kelly, primary care provider at the Riverside Frankfort Campus, walks through common tests and what they reveal. You’ll hear practical guidance on baseline labs, CBC a...

In this episode Dr. Patrick Moore, MD (oncologist and hematologist, Riverside Cancer Institute) explains the difference between oncology and hematology, what common conditions we treat, and why early detection matters. Learn how cancer screening, blood tests (CBC), and routine primary care visits can catch problems early so treatment — from surgery to chemotherapy and targeted therapy — can be most effective. Friendly, ...

This episode explains why Riverside Healthcare’s fourth ANCC Magnet designation matters to patients — it’s about measurable improvements in patient safety, outcomes, and coordinated care across the community. Guest Erika Ohlendorf, Director of Nursing and Magnet Program Director, walks through exemplars like infection prevention and interdisciplinary collaboration that directly impact patient experience. Keywords:...

In this episode Leanne Bishop, MSN, APRN, CNM, walks through real-world strategies to manage hot flashes, brain fog, insomnia, and mood changes—symptoms that frequently disrupt work and daily life. If you’re searching for practical menopause care, menopause treatment options, hormone therapy guidance, sleep and menopause advice, or ways to reduce hot flashes and brain fog, this conversation offers evidence-based solutio...

In this episode Ashley Moritz, Physician Recruitment Manager at Riverside Healthcare, walks through the end-to-end physician recruitment and onboarding process and explains why community hospitals can compete for top talent. Learn about physician recruitment, site visits, credentialing, physician hiring, physician retention, and the importance of cultural fit in building a thriving medical staff. Want to explore opportunities at Ri...