Posts by Doug Hessong

From hustle to health Why your high-performers are at risk and what to do about it By Abbie Honaker, Take Charge Holistic Health My doctor once referred to them as “little pink flags”—subtle signs such as slightly elevated blood pressure, occasional migraines, and the sporadic flutter in my heartbeat. Nothing alarming, no official diagnosis. My…

Filling the void for pharmacists in rural communities UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy’s Rural Pharmacy Education program By Kevin Rynn, UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy Dr. Elise Wildman’s story begins in Arthur, Illinois, a town of about 2,200 best known for hosting the state’s oldest and largest Amish community—an undeniable nod to its bucolic setting.…

Lessons learned from “The Pitt” Warning: This article contains spoilers By Christine Hand, managing editor Viewers and medical professionals alike are raving about HBO Max’s “The Pitt,” an emergency department drama that takes place at Pittsburgh Medical Trauma Center, aka the Pitt. With each episode representing one hour of a 15-hour shift, the show features…

Our important search begins Support from the business community is essential By Denise Pearson, Rockford School District 205 Board of Education As we begin to plan for the future of RPS 205, we want to start by thanking Superintendent Ehren Jarrett for 12 years of exceptional leadership. Dr. Jarrett has been instrumental in shaping a…

Wellness tourism in the Rockford Region Affordability, convenience, and natural beauty make it the perfect destination By John Groh, GoRockford The Rockford Region is capitalizing on the fastest-growing tourism trend: wellness travel. Also known as self-care tourism, this emerging trend prioritizes destinations that offer soul-soothing vistas for slowing down and relaxing mentally, as well activities…

Bringing new life to a forgotten subdivision R1 and Habitat for Humanity partner to build 30 homes on Rockford’s west side By Michael Dunn Jr., Region 1 Planning Council From empty dirt lots to blocks of inviting, move-in ready homes, the Emerson Estates subdivision, located south of Auburn and Springfield Avenue, has seen a transformation…

The results of their labor My appreciation for the building and construction trades By Angela Kay Larson, CEO, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce I grew up in a 100-year-old farmhouse near Peoria, Illinois. My dad was an OG DIY-er, and my mom subscribed to Architectural Digest. He worked in the tool room at Caterpillar, and…

Coworking space Seven reasons why you’re not using it but should be By Laura Pierce, Irontek Beloit For many remote workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, finding the right place to work can be a challenge. If you’re growing weary of the at-home distractions or the struggles of trying to focus in a loud coffee shop, a…

A nonprofit’s approach to construction Lessons from Stateline Youth for Christ’s new building project By Haddon Anderson, Stateline Youth For Christ A nonprofit’s approach to a construction project involves unique considerations. This year, our team at Stateline Youth For Christ began the construction of a new youth center on Charles Street. We learned a lot…

Blueprints for change Realtors, developers, and civic leaders discuss housing challenges in the region By Christine Hand, managing editor It’s no secret that the Rockford region is at a pivotal moment in housing and development. At a recent forum facilitated by the Region 1 Planning Council (R1), local realtors and developers discussed the needs and…