Heartland Community College students engage in poverty simulation
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — Students at Heartland Community College took part in a Community Action Poverty Simulation to give some insight into complexities and challenges of poverty.
It was a classroom exercise where students were assigned a family and had to deal with life issues like paying bills, childcare and how to deal with other issues. Every 15 minutes was considered a week within the simulation.
'With the increase in poverty in our community, we feel this simulation is an opportunity for our students to learn about and better understand those currently experiencing poverty,' said Martha Stearns, an associate professor within the college's Health Sciences department.
She also served as the simulation's facilitator.
'Health Sciences students in particular benefit from the exercise to understand what barriers patients could potentially be going through, and how that could impact their care,' she said.
Each 'week,' the students had to navigate limited resources, interact with essential community services, and experience the difficult choices that many face daily.
Within the state, 1.5 million people currently live in poverty, which impacts not only their health but also the way they utilize the healthcare system.
This story will be updated.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
OSF Healthcare now offering scalp cooling for cancer patients
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A new service being offered at OSF Healthcare is helping patients going through chemotherapy. It's called scalp cooling, and it's a first-of-its-kind service being offered in our area. It's a non-invasive, free treatment designed to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. It works by lowering the temperature of your scalp down to 65 degrees before, during and after chemo. Scalp cooling helps cancer patients keep as much of their hair as possible, which in turn, helps their mental health. Our 2025 Remarkable Women winner, Patricia Cutiletta, had a huge part in bringing this service to our area. 'Well, it has nothing to do with vanity,' Cutiletta said. 'I had an oncologist who said to me, oh, that's for vain people. It's not. It's for people who want to preserve some sense of identity. It's for people who want to continue as much of their normal lifestyle as they can. And it's for people who want something that they can try and control.' The scalp cooling service is part of OSF Healthcare's START program. Which stands for survive, thrive and recover together. There's more than just scalp cooling. Patients can also get personalized care to help navigate their 'new normal' with confidence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rosemary, sage could boost brain health: Study
(NewsNation) — A recent study has found that rosemary and sage may have a positive impact on brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study released in the Antioxidants journal shows a compound shared by the two herbs called carnosic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that shield brain cells from damage similar to what can lead to Alzheimer's. Researchers were able to create a more stable form of carnosic acid called diAcCA. Screen time a symptom, cause of emotional distress in kids: Study In preclinical studies, the researchers found that the compound improved memory, boosted brain synapses and reduced harmful Alzheimer's-related proteins like amyloid-beta and tau. The diAcCA compound only activates in inflamed brain regions, which could minimize side effects. To date, studies in mice have shown significant cognitive improvements and no signs of toxicity. Researchers are looking to start human trials soon. Researchers also believe diAcCA could help treat other inflammatory conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Parkinson's disease. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Houchin Community Blood Bank offers beach towels to donors starting June 16
BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. (KGET) — Houchin Community Blood Bank is having a special promotion starting June 16 through June 21 in which they are giving beach towels to successful donors. The beach towel will feature 'Phil-botomy the Blood Drop' and is part of their 'Drop-in & Donate' promotion for summer. The donor must be 110 pounds, 16 years of age or older and must provide a photo ID to donate. To schedule an appointment, you can visit their website or call 661-323-4222. Walk-ins are welcome. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
