Regional Media Podcast Network

Wake Up Tri-Counties RaeAnn Talks Heart Health Month, Wear Red Day, Insurance Navigators, Kewanee WIC Move, and Vaccines

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties Heart Health Month, Wear Red Day, Insurance Navigators, Kewanee WIC Move, and Vaccines. Henry and Stark County Health Departments are joining the American Heart Association this Friday, February 6, 2026, to promote National Wear Red Day and encourage awareness of heart disease in women. Heart disease claims more lives among women than all forms of cancer combined, yet many underestimate their risk. Residents are urged to wear red to spark conversation and alert loved ones to the dangers. Key risk factors—smoking, high blood pressure, and inactivity—can often be managed with lifestyle changes. Local clinics offer screenings and resources year-round. For more information on risk reduction or tobacco-free programs, contact your local health department or visit their social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Wake Up Tri-Counties Samantha Rux and Dietitian Christine Willis Talk Heart Healthy Eating and Wear Red Day

Samanta Rux and Chris Willis joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about healthy eating and staying active for a healthy heart during National Heart Month. OSF HealthCare is honoring National Wear Red Day on February 6th. Watch the OSF Saint Luke Facebook page to post photos of you wearing red to honor American Heart Month. Chris Willis, Clinical Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Education Specialist at OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center, is offering advice for those looking to improve their health this year. Drawing on 27 years of experience—and achievements like twice completing the Hawaiian Ironman—Chris highlights the power of setting realistic goals. She encourages individuals to skip fad diets and instead focus on making small, sustainable adjustments in daily routines. These incremental changes, Chris says, build lifelong habits that lead to lasting results. Whether it's healthier food choices or more daily movement, Chris believes practical steps are the foundation of long-term well-being. 

February 6, 2026, marks National Wear Red Day, a key event during American Heart Month focused on raising awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death for women. Supporters across the nation are encouraged to wear red clothing, accessories, or lipstick, and to share information and resources about prevention. The American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign also encourages donations to fund research and advocacy. Participants often post photos on social media with the hashtags #WearRedDay and #OurHearts. National Wear Red Day highlights the importance of heart health, as more than 40% of women in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease.

Sterling Mayor Diana and City Manager Scott

Keri Olson United Way of Whiteside County

Wake Up Tri-Counties Sam and Jessi Talk OSF HealthCare Innovative Swing Bed Program

Samantha Rux and Jessi Sopiars recently joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Swing Bed Services at OSF HealthCare. OSF HealthCare is highlighting the value of its swing bed program at St. Luke’s, a specialized service designed to help patients recover after hospitalization before heading home. The program supports individuals needing extra therapy, such as those recovering from joint replacements, illnesses, or even extended IV antibiotic treatments. Swing bed services allow patients to transition from larger hospitals, bringing them closer to family support in their own community. The process is managed in coordination with Medicare and other insurance providers, with case managers guiding patients through eligibility and paperwork. Hospital staff encourage families to ask about swing bed options and provide feedback through surveys for continuous improvement.

Wake Up Tri-Counties with Wyatt Brieser Honored for Leadership and Commitment to Rural Healthcare at Hammond-Henry Hospital

Wyatt Brieser, CEO of Hammond-Henry Hospital, joined the Wake Up Tri-Counties morning show to discuss his recent Who’s Who of America award and his deep roots in the region. Born at the hospital he now leads, Dr. Brieser reflected on his 16-year journey from physical therapist to CEO, crediting strong community support and mentorship for his success. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to rural healthcare, recent expansions in specialty services, and the challenges rural hospitals face, particularly in maternity care. While Hammond-Henry no longer delivers babies, efforts continue to enhance women’s health and specialty services across the region. Brieser stated his mission is to give back to the community that raised him, consistently striving for excellence in local healthcare.

Wake Up Tri-Counties RaeAnn Tucker Talks Birth Defect Month, New WIC office in Kewanee, Cold Weather Safety, Insurance Navigators, and National Birth Defects Prevention Month

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice HealthCare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the new WIC office in Kewanee, cold weather safety, insurance navigators, and National Birth Defects Prevention Month. This January, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are emphasizing birth defect prevention with the theme “Every Journey Matters.” Officials urge all women of childbearing age to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, consult healthcare providers about medications, and stay up to date on vaccines. Achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco are also recommended steps to lower risk. WIC services offer nutrition support for mothers and children, with a new Kewanee office opening February 3rd at 109 S. Burr Blvd. For local resources or assistance, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call 309-852-0197.

"Cambridge Happenings" Connie Johnson Talks February 2026 Events in Cambridge

Connie Johnson with the Village of Cambridge joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the monthly edition of "Cambridge Happenings" to discuss upcoming events in Cambridge. Cambridge residents have plenty of activities to enjoy this chilly February. The local library is inviting everyone to try “Blind Date with a Book,” where visitors select mystery books with only a few clues on the cover—perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Adults can also reserve a spot for craft night at the library on February 3rd. The Cambridge Community Youth Center is holding a breakfast burrito fundraiser on February 22nd, supporting summer camp opportunities for local children. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the town’s Easter egg hunt on March 28th, and don’t forget the food pantry’s February 15th opening.