Well Within Reach with Riverside Healthcare

Worried about changes in your hearing and unsure what happens at a full evaluation? Jana Wahlen, AuD, Audiology at Riverside Healthcare, explains the full process and next steps. Learn how to schedule a diagnostic visit, what otoscopy and middle-ear checks look for (wax, fluid, infection). Jana also covers insurance and referrals, how results are shared the same day, hearing-aid candidacy and typical device lifespan (about five to ...

Steven Groene, MD, General Surgeon at Riverside Healthcare, answers our most frequently asked questions about colonoscopy: risk factors and key warning signs of colon cancer, when to begin screening, what the colonoscopy process involves, tips for colonoscopy prep, and alternative tests when colonoscopy isn’t pursued. He also explains how Riverside can help, and why talking with your primary care provider is the best first st...

How soon should you expect blood pressure medicine to lower your numbers? Liz Deck, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES, DNP, Advanced Practice Provider at Riverside Healthcare, explains most medications take about two to six weeks to show effect. Learn home monitoring tips (use a cuff with your arm at heart level), when to return for follow-up and labs to check kidney function, and what to do if a medicine isn’t tolerated or needs adjustm...

"How does the flu vaccine work and help me?" Influenza vaccination. Tammie Henderson, FNP-C, Primary Care Provider at Riverside Healthcare, explains how the vaccine introduces a weakened version of the virus (not live) so your body builds antibodies. Hear about reduced risk (about 40–60% in a well-matched season), shorter illness duration, milder symptoms if you still get sick, and common post-vaccine reactions like arm soren...

Worried your injury will take longer to heal or leave lasting limits? Mitch Cronk, PT, DPT, CLT, Outpatient Rehab Manager at Riverside Healthcare, explains which clinic technologies may help and when they're used. He walks through blood flow restriction (with Doppler-guided cuffs) for muscle strengthening after surgeries like ACL repair; vestibular infrared goggles and nystagmus recording for vertigo evaluation; stroboscopy for vis...

Worried a small infection could suddenly become sepsis? Melinda Mattox, RN, SCRN, CPHQ, Quality Improvement Coordinator at Riverside Healthcare, explains how routine infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or cuts can sometimes trigger a dangerous, body-wide immune response. Listeners will better understand the immune dysregulation behind sepsis, why prompt treatment of infections matters, the role of wound care and pr...

Are inpatient units changing, and what does that mean for care? April Balzhiser, MA, LCPC, ICDVP, Director Inpatient Behavioral Health at Riverside Healthcare, explains Riverside’s investment in modern behavioral health spaces and why local services matter. She discusses outdated public perceptions versus today’s voluntary, evidence-based, short-term stays focused on whole-person healing; clinical reasons for admission ...

When should I worry that my child's nonstop energy is more than normal? Federico Herrera, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician at Riverside Healthcare's Pediatric Specialists Bradley Office, explains how ADHD is defined and diagnosed. You'll learn the difference between hyperactive, inattentive, and combined types, why symptoms must appear in more than one setting, the preschool "gray area," and what signs at home and school should prompt an eva...

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...