Healthy Illini Podcast
By McKinley Health Center
Healthy Illini PodcastFeb 04, 2025
Ep 135 | Your Guide to Campus Rec Opportunities
Whether you are a student looking to be active, a fitness enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, Campus Recreation is a place for everyone. Join us as we dive into the latest at Campus Rec, featuring their new Executive Director and one of their graduate assistants as they share insights, opportunities and ways to get involved.
Resources:
Home | Campus Recreation | UIUC
Food Assistance & Well-Being Program | Campus Recreation | UIUC
Initiatives | Campus Recreation | UIUC
Ep 134 | Healthcare Careers: Medical Records
Ep 132 | Thriving Under Pressure
It's finals time! Needing some survival tips to help you push through this hectic and sometimes stressful time? Take a deep breath and tune in to hear from other Illinois students who can help you with strategies to stay focused, organized and calm.
Resources:
Stress Management | McKinley Health Center | UIUC
Relaxation Techniques | McKinley Health Center | UIUC
Stress Management Peers (@smp.uiuc) • Instagram photos and videos
Ep 131 | Leveraging LinkedIn
Branding yourself on your path to professional growth is vital in helping you connect with industries and opportunities you may be interested in exploring. Our guest from the Career Center, talks about Linked In as a tool to help elevate your exposure and connections. Tune in to also learn more about the Career Center's available resources.
Resources:
Ep 129 | Meal Prepping Made Easy
Busy routines can make mealtime stressful but it doesn't have to be. McKinley's Dietitian and Nutrition Peers share some tips and strategies to make mealtime easier, healthier and more enjoyable. Whether you are a seasoned meal prepper, just getting started or getting ready for exam time, pick up some ideas to help fuel your week.
Resources:
Ep 128 | Student Life & Support Through ODOS
Ep 127 | Eye Health Essentials
Ep 126 Clues to a Good Snooze
Sleep is critical for overall good health. When you get adequate sleep you are that much better at everything else you want to poor time into. Learn about sleep hygiene and activities that can help you maximize your sleep and guide you in the right direction for optimal performance.
Resources:
Stress Management | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Ep 125 Shout Out to ILLINOIS Student Affairs
Ep 124 Wheelchair Racing
Join Illinois' 4 time Paralympian, Susannah Scaroni, as she shares her experience on competing and the importance of having a solid wheelchair. Our return guests from the Illini Wheelchair and Scooter Clinic also address the resources and equipment they provide for everyday use for wheelchair users versus for competition.
Resources:
Susannah Scaroni Instagram: Susannah Scaroni (@suscaroni)
Abbott World Marathon Majors: Abbott World Marathon Majors
Wheelchair & Scooter Clinic: About Us – Illini Wheelchair and Scooter Clinic (illinois.edu)
Clinic Email: wheelchair-clinic@mx.uillinois.edu
Ep 123 Navigating Student Life with ADHD
ADHD is not a familiar term for all. Tune in to learn more about ADHD. Our expert helps you understand some of the challenges and unique perspectives of those navigating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder while providing strategies and resources to help manage ADHD.
Resources:
McKinley Mental Health: Mental Health | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
DRES (Disability Resources & Educational Services: Disability Resources and Educational Services (illinois.edu)
Ep 122 Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC)
Illinois has several cultural centers to serve and support our students. BNAACC provides programs and support services promoting the individual, social, cultural and academic wellbeing of Illinois' African American students. Tune in with the director to learn more about the center and how to be more engaged with them.
Resources:
Home | Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Ep 121 Basic Needs
Basic Needs refers to access to essential services that impact overall health and wellbeing including nutrition food, stable housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation and financial resources. Learn more about the support services available for ILLINOIS students.
Resources:
Basic Needs | Office of the Dean of Students | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Ep 120 The Name Project
The International Education Program at Illinois offers transformative learning experiences for students. This episode shares one of those opportunities through The Name Project. We have students from around the world who are proud to be a part of the U of I family. They share their the stories of their names and how to pronounce them. Tune in to learn more and check out the variety of videos available in our resources.
Resources:
The Name Project: The Name Project | International Education | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Media Space Illinois: The Name Project - Illinois Media Space
Story Maps - selection a location and hear those stories. | The Name Project (April 8, 2023) (arcgis.com)
Ep 119 McKinley in the Know
McKinley is your campus health center offering you the best of healthcare services at Illinois. We strive to keep you well to excel while supporting your healthcare needs. We have reached a milestone this year, celebrating 100 years. For a century we have been taking care of Illinois students, making a difference and touching lives. Start your healthcare journey with McKinley Health Center.
Resources:
McKinley Health Center: Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Ep 118 Campus Advice From Fellow ILLINI
Welcome new Illini!! Starting college is both exciting and also nerve wrecking. You may be trying to navigate multiple things to make sure you get off on the right start, of course!! The journey can feel daunting but doesn't have to be. Tune in, to listen to some advice from seasoned Illini who share tips and tricks to be well to excel your first year.
Resources:
Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Home | Office of the Dean of Students | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Home | Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging | UIUC (illinois.edu)
FrontPage | Counseling Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Basic Needs | Office of the Dean of Students | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Ep117 Illinois Native American House (NAH)
Description: The NAH strives to positively impact the educational and development outcomes of Native students by fostering a sense of belonging, nurturing wellbeing, and encouraging retention through engagement, academic support, and advocacy. Tune in with our guests to learn more about the NAH and their offerings during the year.
Resources:
Home | Native American House | UIUC (illinois.edu)
NAH Ambassadors: NAH Ambassadors | Native American House | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Ep 115 Healthcare Careers: Physical Therapy & Athletic Training
Today's guests are staff in McKinley's Rehab & Sports Therapy Unit. Our Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer focus on active lifestyles that unify and integrate physical activity and wellness services. Learn more about their professions and pathway that brought them to McKinley.
Resources:
Rehab & Sports Therapy: Rehab & Sports Therapy | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
American Physical Therapy Association: American Physical Therapy Association | APTA
National Association for Athletic Trainers: NATA |
Ep 114 Grow With Gardening
Ep 111 Exploring Neurodiversity: Beyond Autism
Our guests from the campus Counseling Center take the conversation about neurodiversity beyond autism to bring a more board perspective and awareness around neurodivergence. Discussions on navigating challenges help reveal resources and ways to foster a supportive community for those who identify as neurodivergent.
Resources:
Counseling Center: University of Illinois Counseling Center
Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative: Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative – A publish.illinois.edu site
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP): Home - The Autism Program of Illinois - TAP (tap-illinois.org)
EP110 Autism, Part Two
Welcome back to part two of our Autism series. This episodes continues the conversation with a deeper focus on resources and more information about the Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative.
Resources:
The Autism Program at UIUC: The Autism Program at UIUC (illinois.edu)
The Autism Program Email: tap.uiuc@gmail.com
Adrienne Shockley (consultation): amorris3@illinois.edu
Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative: Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative – A publish.illinois.edu site
EP109 Autism, Part One
April is Autism Awareness Month. Join our guests today from the U of I Autism Program and the Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative (INI). Learn more about autism, resources and ways to support persons who identify with autism. We have broken this podcast into two parts since there was so much ground to cover. Check out both episodes to get the comprehensive overview of autism and INI.
Resources:
The Autism Program at UIUC: The Autism Program at UIUC (illinois.edu)
The Autism Program Email: tap.uiuc@gmail.com
Adrienne Shockley (consultation): amorris3@illinois.edu
Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative: Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative – A publish.illinois.edu site
Ep 108 Stress Management, the "Final" Push
McKinley's Stress Management Peers share stress management techniques and tips that have been effective for them and may help you push through the rest of the semester and to get through finals with minimal stress. Check out McKinley's Online Relaxation Exercises and upcoming stress related events that can be found on their calendar of events located on their website.
Resources:
McKinley Health Education, Stress Management: Stress Management | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Online Relaxation Exercise: Relaxation Techniques | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
McKinley Wellness Peers: Peer Education | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
McKinley Stress Management Peers Instagram: smp.uiuc
EP107 Healthcare Careers: Administrative Nurses
This episode features a discussion with McKinley's Administrative Nurses Roger Hobbs and Stephanie Hensch. They delve into the unique roles and responsibilities of administrative nurses, highlighting their critical function in healthcare management, staffing, and operational efficiency. The conversation also touches on the personal paths that led them to their current roles, emphasizing the wide range of opportunities in nursing and the importance of leadership and adaptability in healthcare.
Resources
McKinley Health Center: Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
American Nursing Association: Welcome to the American Nurses Association | ANA (nursingworld.org)
EP106 Caring Voices: Mental Health Careers
Today we highlight different mental health roles at McKinley and the career path taken to get there. Guests share personal journeys and the impact of their work, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches in mental health care. This engaging discussion offers a unique look into the challenges and rewards of the mental health field within a university setting.
Resources:
McKinley Mental Health: Mental Health | McKinley Health Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Campus Resources: Front Page | Mental Health & Wellness | UIUC (illinois.edu)
EP105 OMSA: First-Gen Journeys
UIUC's Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) is spotlighted, featuring personal narratives from first-generation college students and staff. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of navigating university life, the role of OMSA in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, and the transformative impact of the ambassador program. Listeners are invited to explore the resources and community OMSA offers, underscoring the importance of support in achieving academic success and personal growth.
Resources:
Office of Minority Student Affairs: Home | Office of Minority Student Affairs | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Student Resources: Student Resources | Office of Minority Student Affairs | UIUC (illinois.edu)
EP104 Campus Safety Spotlight: UIPD Insights
In this episode, the discussion pivots to the essential role of safety in health and well-being, featuring insights from the University's Police Department. The conversation includes guests involved with the department, highlighting innovative initiatives such as community outreach and crisis response, focusing on mental health support and the positive impact of therapy canines. These efforts underscore the department's comprehensive approach to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.
Resources:
Division of Public Safety:
Public Safety - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 217-333-1216 | police@illinois.edu
EP102 Healthcare Careers: Becoming A Dietitian
This episode from the Healthy Illini podcast features a conversation with McKinley Health Center's dietitians, delving into the distinctions between dietitians and nutritionists, the varied career paths in dietetics, and the specialized services offered to UIUC students. It also highlights the rigorous educational and professional requirements for becoming a registered dietitian, including obtaining a master's degree, completing supervised practice, and passing a board exam, while also offering a glimpse into the personal lives of the dietitians.
Resources:
McKinley Health Center: McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org
EP101 Military Connected Students Transition to Campus Life
Description: Some of our military connected students share their experiences of coming back to campus after deployment and/or being active. Hear about the challenges, highlights and resources available to support our student military community.
Resources:
Chez Veterans Center: Home - Chez Veterans Center (illinois.edu)
Illini Veterans RSO
EP100 Celebrating 100 Episodes of Healthy Illini
Description:
We're excited to celebrate the 100th episode of the Healthy Illini Podcast! We started this exciting venture back in Fall of 2021 in hopes to connect students with relevant and college focused health and wellness information. By starting conversations with our guests, who have been students, staff, faculty and the community we have opened opportunities to widen our listeners understanding about health and wellness topics, connect them with resources, and maybe even challenge them to see another perspective. Celebrate with us while our host, Matt Schrock shares some of his favorite moments and some back story of how our podcast began.
Resources:
McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Share topics, feedback and questions: mhcmarketing@mx.uillinois.edu
EP98 Exploring the Field of Occupational Therapy
Description: Our guests today delve into the field of occupational therapy and the program at Parkland College. They discuss the therapy's nuances, its personalized approach for clients, and its diverse applications. The conversation highlights the educational journey and real-world implications of OT, emphasizing its importance in various settings and the need for empathy and understanding in patient care.
Resources:
Stacie Young, Instructor of Occupational Assistant Program at Parkland College: syoung@parkland.edu
American Occupational Therapy Association: Join AOTA to Fuel Your Passion | AOTA
EP97 The Expanding Role of Narcan in Combatting the Opioid Crisis
A follow-up discussion with Joe Trotter from Public Health about the ongoing Narcan initiative on campus and in our community. Learn more about Narcan usage and resources.
Resources:
Champaign-Urbana Public Health: Champaign Urbana Public Health District - 201 W. Kenyon Rd. Champaign - (217) 352-7961 (c-uphd.org)
Narcan: OTC NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray
McKinley Health Center: McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
EP94 Exercise is Medicine: Integrating Activity into your Campus Life
The episode highlights the Exercise is Medicine initiative, showcasing how it fosters a culture of fitness and well-being among students. It offers insights into promoting sustainable health habits and the positive impacts of exercise on academic and personal success.
Resources:
Exercise is Medicine at UIUC: Exercise is Medicine | Campus Recreation | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Chancellor Proclamation: Chancellor Proclamation | Mental Health & Wellness | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Exercise is Medicine on Campus: EIM On Campus - Exercise is Medicine
McKinley Health Center: McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
EP96 Sexual Assault
Today's episode addresses sexual assault, providing information you need to know, preventative actions that can be taken and how to support survivors. Educate yourself about this important topic, ways to get involved and learn the resources on and off campus.
Resources:
Home | Women’s Resources Center | UIUC (illinois.edu)
RACES | Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services (cu-races.org)
Rape Crisis Hotline – 217-384-4444
Races email – admin@cu-races.org
RAINN | The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization
National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-4673
EP95 From Finals to Festive Rest: College Students' Decompression Strategies During Winter Holidays
This episode addresses the transition from a college environment to a family setting, emphasizing how students cope with changes in independence and routine. Key topics include managing family expectations, stress relief post-finals, and the importance of mental health and personal boundaries. Special attention is given to the unique experiences of UIUC students, offering a detailed look at the challenges and joys of re-adjusting to home life during the holiday season.
Resources:
Front Page | Mental Health & Wellness | UIUC (illinois.edu)
McKinley Health Center: McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
EP93 Finals Preparation Tips
Hear from several UIUC students about what they have learned about prepping for finals over the years. Different perspectives and tips may be beneficial to learn about and consider applying to your routine. Figuring out what works for you but be open to being flexible and adaptable to minimize your stress. Good luck with finals ILLINI!
Resources:
McKinley Health Center: McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
McKinley Mental Health: Mental Health | McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Counseling Center: University of Illinois Counseling Center
Mental Health & Wellness: Front Page | Mental Health & Wellness | UIUC (illinois.edu)
EP92 Holiday Eating
Description: The holidays bring lots of food, fun, family and friends together. Sometimes it is hard to balance eating well when we are hit with so many yummy choices. Hear from McKinley's Dietitian's on ways to respond to cravings, hunger and grazing during our holiday festivities.
Resources:
McKinley Health Center: McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
*Schedule an appointment with one of our dietitians, call 217-333-2714
Hunger Scale Video: Always Hungry? How to Stop Overeating with The Hunger Scale: Determining Hunger and Fullness || MHC - YouTube
EP91 Healthcare Careers: Nursing with Kim Smith
Kim brings us in on her journey and how she got to McKinley working with young adults. She shares her passions, hits on healthcare changes and nursing as a career.
Resources:
McKinley Health Center: McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
American Nursing Association: Join the American Nurses Association | ANA (nursingworld.org)
EP90 Investing 101: Building a Strong Financial Future
Financial wellbeing encompasses many areas and can be a challenge for some who may not know what questions to ask or where to begin. Today's episode focuses on investing, giving guidance on where to begin and understanding some of the basics.
Resources:
Google Finance: Google Finance - Stock Market Prices, Real-time Quotes & Business News
Yahoo Finance: Yahoo Finance - Stock Market Live, Quotes, Business & Finance News
EP89 Audiology: Hearing Health
Many of our behaviors now, could be detrimental to our hearing health down the road. Learn from some experts in our Speech and Hearing Sciences Department on campus. Plus there is an on campus clinic to get testing done. Tune in and find out more.
Resources:
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Clinic | College of Applied Health Sciences (illinois.edu)
Email: shsclinic@illinois.edu
Phone: 217-333-2205
Instagram: saa_uiuc
Ep87 Curious About Acupuncture?
Learn more about acupuncture as a method for relaxation as well as treatment. It is a form of alternative medicine. Explore this option to see if it would be a good fit for you. Our guest today, from Urbana Acupuncture, shares more about the history and process.
Resources:
Lower Back Pain Relief | Urbana Acupuncture | Urbana (urbana-acu.com)
EP86 Student Affairs In The Know
Student Affairs is where you live. Where you work out and hang out. Where you go to get well. Student Affairs has the people you turn to when you need help, or are ready to plan your future. Tune in with Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Dr. Danita Brown Young and Chief of Staff, Chantelle Thompson.
Resources:
Student Affairs: Home | Student Affairs | UIUC (illinois.edu)
Illini Wellness Week: Illini Wellness Week Calendar (illinois.edu)
Mental Health Wellness Fair: Student Wellness Calendar: Mental Health Fair (illinois.edu)
Homecoming: Illinois Homecoming 2023