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 evaluation.

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 (roughly 3,500 infant deaths yearly tied to SIDS/SUID), and reviews infection-control steps for visitors (handwashing, limiting the inner circle, no kissing, TDAP and flu for close contacts, and smoke precautions). He outlines newborn-visit checks — weight, head circumference, feeding assessment, jaundice monitoring, and postpartum depression screening for parents — and when to seek urgent care (rectal temp >100.4°F or <97°F, marked lethargy, poor feeding, or inconsolable crying). He also clarifies timing for outings (be cautious in the first month; after one month use shared decision-making with your pediatrician; 2–3 months opens more options) and corrects common myths like adding water or cereal to feeds and the mistaken fear that back-sleeping causes choking. The episode emphasizes trusting your instincts and calling your pediatrician when unsure.

Snigdha Kalidindi, MD, Sports Medicine at Riverside Healthcare, reviews common fall sports injuries, explains step‑by‑step prevention, and when to take action. 

Learn more about Dr. Kalidindi 

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‑inclusive nature of chaplaincy; and common issues addressed—including fear of the unknown, guilt, loneliness, and the modern problem of “cancer ghosting.” Salem shares examples of how caregivers and friends can show up—daily texts, group devotions, or small creative gestures—how chaplains help patients identify reasons to hope (trusted medical teams, future milestones), and why adaptability and meeting patients where they are are central to effective pastoral care.

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.