Should you mention vague symptoms to your PCP or wait them out? Beverly Stein, Patient at Riverside Healthcare, explains how an established relationship with her primary care provider led to listening, targeted tests, and a referral. She highlights the importance of being heard, coordinated care among Riverside teams, support from clinic staff, and how that teamwork sped diagnosis and treatment planning.

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 hospital nursery support during the first days at home.

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 newborn and pediatric admissions and ED consults, and the newer OB hospitalist (OBHG) hybrid model that covers about 20 days per month and provides 24-hour in‑house support for labor, deliveries and C‑sections. She discusses how Epic and direct phone communication link hospitalists with your primary care and specialists, how nurses and hospitalists share coordination duties, and what families can expect at admission, during rounds, and at discharge to ensure continuity of care. 

Learn more about Ellen Bollino 

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, treatment for sprains and minor fractures, and how immediate care connects with your primary care provider. Keywords: immediate care, walk-in clinic, X-ray on site, lab testing, sprains and fractures, primary care. Learn more about Riverside Immediate Care and locations at myrhc.net/ic and subscribe to Well Within Reach on Apple or Spotify.

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 exercise strategies for diabetes prevention. To learn more about primary care at Riverside or to book an appointment, visit riversidehealthcare.org or myrhc.net/acceptingnew. 

Learn more about Santosh Bhat, DO 

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 and CMP results, blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes screening, and how primary care coordinates preventive care. Ready to get started? Book an appointment or learn more at riversidehealthcare.org.

Camille Joly, Licensed Speech Therapist at Riverside Healthcare, explains gender-affirming voice therapy for LGBTQ+ patients, what treatment looks like, and how to get started.

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, clear guidance for patients and families navigating cancer care.

Practical guidance for families noticing early signs—missed medications, difficulty with meals, or increased falls—and how to start the conversation with care and empathy.

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: Magnet designation, nursing excellence, patient safety, infection prevention, quality of care, Riverside Healthcare. Learn more about Riverside’s care at riversidehealthcare.org

Ericka shares her personal journey from repeated ER visits to diagnosis and coordinated multidisciplinary care at Riverside Cancer Institute. A hopeful, honest account of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, and ongoing immunotherapy — and the staff, family, and community supports that made the difference.