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Story category: health care
Hospital Offers Employees Incentives to Stay Healthy
Story air date: Monday, April 23, 2012

A growing number of companies across the country have started encouraging employees to stay healthy by offering financial incentives. Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, which is one of the largest employers in the area, is pushing for a healthier workforce through its Charge Rewards Program. Illinois Public Media's Sean Powers reports on how it works.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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business • health • health careChampaign Middle School Adds Exercise Machines
Story air date: Monday, April 16, 2012

Research at the University of Illinois suggests physical activity can boost cognitive health. To test that theory, Jefferson Middle School in Champaign recently added exercise equipment for its students. Illinois Public Media's Sean Powers reports.
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education • Champaign Unit 4 • health • health careUS Rep. Shimkus Talks about Health Care, Energy
Story air date: Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) is running for re-election in the re-drawn 15th Congressional District, which includes parts of Champaign County, and all of Vermilion, Douglas, Edgar, Coles and Moultrie Counties.
Last week, Shimkus sat in on the U.S. Supreme Court’s final day of hearings about the federal health care law. He told Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers that there are parts of the law he supports, but he said requiring people to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty goes a step too far.
He also discussed a bill he has introduced that would protect retailers, engine manufacturers, and fuel producers from lawsuits related to E15, a new fuel combination that is made up of 15-percent ethanol. And Shimkus looks ahead to the November general election.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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- More on Congressman John Shimkus
- US Rep. Shimkus’ Bill Would Prevent E15 Lawsuits (Related)
- US Rep. Shimkus Meets with Champaign County Chamber of Commerce (Related)
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economy • energy • government • elections • United States • health care • people • politicsBusiness Group Argues Against Healthcare Law
Story air date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The National Federation of Independent Business was one of the plaintiffs arguing against the healthcare law before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kim Maisch is the Illinois director of the organization. Mishe said her group wants healthcare reform, but they don’t think it's necessary to require everyone to buy health insurance.
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government • United States • health careHealth Care Advocacy Group: Federal Health Care Law Helping People
Story air date: Tuesday, March 27, 2012

As arguments over the constitutionality of the federal health care law continue at the Supreme Court, one local supporter of the law is pointing out its benefits. The group Champaign County Health Care Consumers said even though the law has not been fully implemented, it’s already helping the people they serve. Illinois Public Media’s Jim Meadows spoke with Health Care Consumers executive director Claudia Lennhoff. She had supported a single payer healthcare system, but Lennhoff said the law now in place goes a long way towards improving healthcare coverage in America.









