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Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Insights from Kim Abell
WMOK (Metropolis, IL) Kim Abell, the Director of the New Beginnings Department at Massac Memorial Hospital, recently joined us for WMOK’s Coffee Break to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of depression that tends to appear when the seasons change, especially during winter. This happens because shorter days and less sunlight can throw off our internal body clock, leading to feelings of low energy, mood swings, and excessive sleeping. In simple terms, it can be tough for our brains to adapt when it gets dark outside earlier.
Around 5% of adults in the U.S. deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder every year, and its symptoms can last for about four months. It’s also more common in women—about four times more than in men—and people living in northern areas are affected more than those in southern regions.
During our conversation, Kim explained what happens to our bodies and minds when we experience SAD and offered practical tips for coping with it. She also discussed how the New Beginnings Department can support older adults who are facing depression during different life changes.
WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Part 20 – The Safety Floor: New Law Secures Worker Protections Against Federal Rollbacks
Continuing our series, a piece of legislation that ensures long-term stability and security for Illinois workers: Senate Bill 1976 (Public Act 104-0161). Effective January 1, 2026, this new law creates a definitive “safety floor” for all state worker protections, safeguarding standards against potential future changes at the federal level.
Dubbed the Workers’ Rights and Worker Safety Act, this law essentially ensures that no matter what happens in Washington D.C., essential labor and safety regulations in Illinois will not be weakened below their current levels.
Key Requirements of the Worker Safety Protection Floor
The law achieves its goal by creating two key prohibitions and one strong mandate for state agencies:
1. Freezing the Protection Level
The law prohibits the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and other state agencies from amending or revising state rules in a manner that is less stringent than the federal standards that were in effect on a specific date: April 28, 2025.
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The Scope: This freeze applies to core areas of worker protection, including:
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Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards.
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Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) wage and hour laws.
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Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act standards.
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2. Mandating State Adoption of Repealed Rules
If any federal standard related to worker safety or health is repealed, revoked, or weakened after the April 28, 2025, benchmark date, the Illinois Department of Labor is directed to step in.
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The Action: IDOL must adopt rules that incorporate the federal standard as it existed prior to the change. This ensures that the protection remains in place for all Illinois workers, even if the federal government removes the requirement.
3. Preserving the Right to Be Stronger
Crucially, the law explicitly affirms that nothing in the Act prevents a state agency from establishing worker safety standards that are more stringent (stronger) than federal standards. The law sets the minimum protection level, not the maximum.
The Impact: Certainty in the Workplace
This legislation provides businesses and workers with regulatory certainty. For workers, it guarantees that core rights, such as those related to workplace exposure, hazard communication, and minimum wage and overtime rules, will not be eroded by federal actions. For employers, it clarifies that they must meet the established 2025 Illinois floor, regardless of federal deregulation.
Illinois winter disconnection rule in effect through March
Chicago, Il – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect from December 1 – March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating.
“Illinois winters are known for frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall. The winter weather rule protects customers who might otherwise struggle to stay warm during the coldest months of the year,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott.
The winter weather rule protects residential customers from disconnections when temperatures are forecasted to be at or below 32 F, and on days preceding holidays and weekends when the forecast is expected to drop to freezing.
Residential customers or master-metered apartment buildings who used gas or electricity as the primary source of space heating equipment during the previous winter cannot be disconnected for non-payment unless: the utility has offered the customer a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) with a maximum down payment of 10 percent; provided the customer with contact information for public and private aid agencies; the customer refused to enter a DPA; and all disconnection notices provisions have been met.
To protect Illinoisans during dangerous cold, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) participants; electric space heating customers; and military personnel and veterans cannot be disconnected if they fall behind on their utility bills. The rule excludes disconnections related to theft, tampering, or safety.
Households struggling to pay their utility bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP annually.
Customers with past due balances should contact their utility to enroll in a DPA. Customers whose electric or gas service has already been disconnected should contact their utility directly to see if they qualify for reconnection at less than the full amount owed.
Ameren, Nicor, North Shore, and Peoples Gas natural gas customers and ComEd electric customers who qualify for LIHEAP or whose incomes are at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for a monthly discount on their bills through the state’s low-income discount rates.
Enrollment in the above programs is free of charge, and customers can access LIHEAP benefits regardless of immigration status.
Contact the ICC’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 for further guidance or to file a complaint against a utility.
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
WMOK School and Sports News
WMOK Broadcast Schedule:
1/9 Boys vs. Carterville – 7:15 Acee’s Neighborhood Market Pre-Game Show
1/10 girls vs Goreville – 10:45 Acee’s Neighborhood Market Pre-Game Show
1/10 boys vs Hardin – 7:15 Acee’s Neighborhood Market Pre-Game Show
WMOK School and Sports News
Countdown to the Harry Statham Youth Basketball League: Tip-Off on January 10th, 2026!
Job and Career Listings
Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK Text the information to 618-524-9209
Links to Local Employers:
Massac Memorial Hospital
MMH is hiring! Join a team that puts patients first and supports the health of our community every day. Compassion. Excellence. Local Care. Apply today at www.massachealth.org/careers or by scanning the QR code.
Rural Health, Inc.
Metropolis Big John
Shawnee Community College
City of Metropolis
Southern Seven Health Department
Job and Career Listings
Happy Hearts Senior Center Seeks Home Delivery Driver
Metropolis, IL – Happy Hearts Senior Center is excited to announce an opening for a Home Delivery Driver, aiming to enhance service to seniors in the community. The position operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and is a vital role within the organization.
Candidates for this position must possess a valid Driver’s License and demonstrate excellent skills in interacting with seniors, ensuring a compassionate and friendly delivery experience.
Those interested in applying or seeking more information about the position are encouraged to reach out directly to Site Director, Bettie Stoner, at 618-524-9755.
This opportunity is not just a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the elderly population in Metropolis. Happy Hearts Senior Center looks forward to welcoming a dedicated individual to their team.
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