SPRINGFIELD – Most people follow public health advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but many continue to ignore the warnings. As flu season approaches, taking precautions to prevent illness is more important than ever. Leaders with five local health organizations met Monday morning at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health to encourage the public to not avoid or delay getting their flu shots this season. “This year more than ever, we should all be aware of what we can do to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like influenza and COVID-19,” said Dr. Raj Govindaiah, senior

SIU Medicine will continue regular COVID-19 testing for the Springfield community in October. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, the testing operation will continue to be hosted by Abundant Faith Christian Center located at 2525 Taylor Ave. Mondays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Thursdays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. On Fridays, the testing operation is hosted by other area congregations. October dates include the following times and locations. October 9: 9:00 a.m. – noon at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1601 E. Laurel

SIU Medicine will continue regular COVID-19 testing for the Springfield community in October. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, the testing operation will continue to be hosted by Abundant Faith Christian Center located at 2525 Taylor Ave. Mondays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Thursdays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. On Fridays, the testing operation is hosted by other area congregations. October dates include the following times and locations. October 9: 9:00 a.m. – noon at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1601 E. Laurel

The Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) conducts research, needs assessments, demonstration projects, program evaluations, and trainings; tests new models of health care delivery; and develops policy recommendations to improve the health of our rural communities. The purpose of the CRHSSD is to bring together the resources of the University…the faculty, staff, and students…to work as partners with area agencies to address the most pressing health and social service problems of the region.

Happiness, worry, and how to use PBL to raise your kids Gene Brodland was one of the founding psychiatry faculty at SIU School of Medicine. He passed away on September 7, 2020, at the age of 85. This article originally appeared in the summer 2010 issue of Aspects. Written by Karen Carlson * photography by Jim Hawker Gene Brodland hasn’t worried for 30 years. He’s an esteemed counselor, an accomplished tenor, a farmer’s son who has renewed his love of growing things. A husband, father, and grandfather, life is good for Brodland. So what’s he angry about? “If I’m angry about anything, it’s