Healthy Illini Podcast

Join us for a special Homecoming Week edition, where we reconnect with alumni who share their stories, experiences and the lasting impact of their time on campus. From favorite sites on campus and memorable moments, hear how their college journey shaped their careers and lives today. Resources: Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC Home | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Today's episode addresses the life-saving impact of giving blood. Whether you are a first timer or curious about how blood donations work, this podcast offers meaningful conversations, expert insights and how donations change and build community. The University of Illinois is participating in the Abbott and Big 10 Blood Drive this year. Tune in to learn where you can make a donation.  Resource...

This episode takes you behind the scenes of the campus health center laboratory. Staff share how lab testing supports student wellness, explains screenings and the different roles in the profession. Resources: Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC

Today' episode is dedicated to empowering individuals through RAD classes and self-defense education. UIPD staff share practical safety strategies and  insight to help listeners build confidence, awareness and resilience. Tune in to learn more! Resources: Public Safety - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign   Illini Alerts: Illini-Alert - Public Safety

College comes with many financial responsibilities. In this episode we dive into credit card usage for college students, benefits and risks. Practical tips are shared about what to consider when making a decision about credit cards.  Resources: Personal Finances | Illinois Extension | UIUC

McKinley Health Center is the official campus health center of the University of Illinois. Our Executive Director is excited to kick off the semester with conversations to keep you informed, supported and thriving on campus. College life is full of opportunities and challenges and our goal is to keep you well to excel in the classroom as well as outside the classroom. Whether you are a first year...

At home fire safety tips and advice is covered in this episode. Our fire safety experts from both Urbana and Champaign Fire Departments address detectors to have at home, fire extinguishers, and fire place maintenance and use. It is the summer months so outdoor activities that involve use of fire are also addressed providing safety measures and precautions. Whether you are a homeowner, renter or a...

Mosquitoes, ticks and other pesky insects can turn summer fun into an itchy nightmare. Today's episode, dives into summertime bug bites, how to prevent them and treat them. Learn when a bite might be more than just annoying and needing to seek medical care due to possible infection. Resources: Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC

In this episode we shine a spotlight on the role of medical assistants, who are often the first encounter for patients. Discover what it takes to become a medical assistant and what a typical day looks like. Resources: Medical Assistant

Tired of sneezing, sniffling and itchy eyes? McKinley's Medical Director dives into the understanding allergies, it's possible causes, symptoms, treatment and other remedies. Whether you experience allergies or it's all new to you, this episode will help guide you toward some resources. Resources: McKinley Health Center MyMcKinley - schedule an appointment Dial-A-Nurse

College can be challenging for anyone, but for student's with disabilities it often comes with unique barriers and overlooked struggles. Today's guests share their experiences and perspectives, one as a person living with a disability and another who works with this community. Through personal stories we aim to foster a better understanding, empathy and inclusion for all.  Resources: Disability Re...

Join us as we explore how our campus is transforming health and wellbeing by embracing the principles of the Okanagan Charter. Campus officially adopted the charter in February 2025 and formed the Collective Wellbeing Steering Committee. Hear from committee members who address the campus commitment to being a Health Promoting University and what the next steps will be in the coming year. Resources...

Step into the world where creativity meets problem-solving. Siebel Center for Design is a campus resource for everyone. Today's conversation is with some staff from SDC sharing about the mindset of human-centered design, the tools and opportunities that can be gained by getting involved and accessing SDC. Resources: Home | Siebel Center for Design | Illinois   Siebel Center for Design (@scdillinoi...

Description: Whether it's on the field, on the court or on the ice, club sports bring the intensity of the game to life with opportunities to be competitive, social, and share some unique experiences to represent Illinois. Our guests from club volleyball and hockey, dive into their sport, the challenges, benefits and fun club sports brings to their college journey. Tune into the action of these sp...

IEMS was founded in 1979 as a registered student organization and is now a part of the Illinois Fire Service Institute. They offer non-transport emergency medical services to the UI campus by providing two-person EMS teams to standby at UI student events. Tune in to learn more about how to get involved and be a part of service to others. Resource: IEMS

Orange Krush is the ultimate student group for die hard Illini fans who live for the highs, lows and everything in between. They are also the largest student-run charitable organization on the Illinois campus. Tune into today's episode to hear from some of the Krush members and how to get involved. Resources: Instagram: Orange Krush (@illini_okrush) • Instagram photos and videos Email: orangek...

McKinley's Student Advisory Board (SAB) is a diverse group of students leaders dedicated to amplifying student voices, fostering positive change, and shaping student experiences at McKinley. Through collaboration with faculty, administration and peers, the SAB works to address key issues, develop initiatives and create meaningful opportunities for students. Tune in to hear more from board memb...

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads sustainability efforts on campus, supports climate action, and creates opportunities for student involvement. Learn about upcoming initiatives and how iSEE will shape a greener future at UIUC and beyond. Whether you are passionate about the environment or just curious, tune in to h...

Whether you are a dog lover or not, this episode with Olive and her handlers shares the special impact service animals have on the lives of others. Our guests share about the organization (4Paws), the journey of the pets they work with, the training to prepare them to assist someone in need, and the bonds that are made along the way.  Resources: UIUC 4Paws: Home Instagram: 4 Paws at UIUC (@4pawsui...

Learn the vital role case management plays at McKinley Health Center. We talk about patient advocacy, care coordination, managing referrals and much more. Our case managers enhance patient outcomes, streamline processes and provide practical steps to manage your healthcare. Resources:  McKinley Health Center: Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC

Landing your first job can be very exciting and overwhelming especially when it comes to talking about salary. Our guest from Career Services breaks down the salary negotiation process, provides tips to guide your decisions and steps to build your confidence.  Resources: Home | The Career Center | UIUC Glassdoor | Job Search & Career Community Fishbowl - Your Professional Community O*NET OnLin...

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-Be...

Learn more about some of the behind the scenes at McKinley Health Center as we chat with two staff in the Medical Records department.  Find out more about what their days look like, how they support our students and a peek into who they are outside of McKinley  Resources:  Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC

As we move into colder temperatures, it's important to be aware of safety measures to take around self care and preparing for winter weather. Join us for practical insights and strategies to embrace the season while keeping yourself safe and well.  Resources:  Home | McKinley Health Center | UIUC

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...