Matthew J. Weidman, M.D.

07/24/2026

07/08/2026

🔥 If you've seen Cyclospora making headlines lately, here's what you should know.

Yes—cooking produce to at least 158°F (70°C) kills Cyclospora, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. When it makes sense, choosing cooked produce over raw can help reduce your risk.

But... cooked salad? 🤔

Not everything is meant to be cooked, which is why washing your produce is still one of the best food safety habits—whether you're planning to eat it raw or cook it. Simply rinse fruits and vegetables under clean running water and scrub firm produce (like melons) with a produce brush. No soap needed.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water and is most commonly linked to fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, berries, and snow peas. It spreads by eating contaminated food or water—not through casual person-to-person contact.

Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and can include:
💧 Watery diarrhea
😖 Stomach cramps
🎈 Bloating or gas
🤢 Nausea
😴 Fatigue

Most people recover within 1–2 weeks with rest and fluids, though symptoms can sometimes last longer or return. Some people may need antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider.

A few more ways to help protect yourself:
🧼 Wash your hands before handling or eating fresh produce.
🥩 Keep produce separate from raw meat and seafood.
🧊 Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

If you think you may have cyclosporiasis, contact your health care provider.
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/prevention/index.html

06/29/2026

That's why starting July 1, blood lead testing is required for all Illinois children.

Lead poisoning can happen quietly, and many kids don't show symptoms. Testing is the only way to know if a child has been exposed.

Ask your child's doctor about testing at their next visit.

06/23/2026

The grand delusion of and influencers.

06/23/2026

📣📣📣ATTENTION WARREN COUNTY RESIDENTS!

🌪️Were you impacted by the severe storm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026? Then you can apply for the Disaster Relief Grant!

WIRC is working with the State of Illinois (DCEO) to get disaster relief funding for eligible households in Warren County, Illinois.

👉 Apply at https://wirpc.org/disaster/

* IMPORTANT – this is just an application and is not a guarantee your household will be approved. WIRC must first review your application to determine whether the Disaster Relief grant can assist you.

** Grant funding is provided through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

06/11/2026

05/27/2026

Did you know Galesburg has community orchards with apples, peaches, pears, plums, and apricots — free for anyone to pick? CommunityGro founder Angelica Mangieri and Roland Williams Jr. joined Galesburg's Morning News to talk about the city's free food network and the June 23 Orchard Bicycle Cruise Fundraiser. It's an 8-mile casual ride through the city with stops at orchard locations, live music, and a boxed lunch.

Full story and interview: ➡️ https://www.wgil.com/2026/05/27/communitygro-orchard-bicycle-cruise-2026/
🎧 Listen here: ➡️ https://www.wgil.com/episode/ommunitygro-mangieri-williams-morning-news/

05/24/2026

Many of the babies’ autopsy reports were clear: Vitamin K deficiency was the immediate cause of death, or contributed to it.

The reports also included details about parents refusing the vitamin K shot, a long-standard injection, for their newborns.

Read the full story: https://propub.li/3RCtwzh

05/22/2026

Grab some chalk and wear green this Friday. Knox County is marking Mental Health Awareness Month with Chalk the Town Green — and simple messages like "You Matter" on a sidewalk can mean more than you know. Full story: ➡️ https://www.wgil.com/2026/05/20/knox-county-chalk-the-town-green-mental-health-awareness-may-2026/

04/21/2026

4/30/26 at Henderson County Health Department.
No appointment needed.