"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in conjunction with the American Heart Association, announce that Friday, February 1st has been designated as National Wear Red Day. This important health observance is noted to help focus attention on women and heart disease.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments notes, "Women often do not take their risk of heart disease seriously or personally. However, Heart Disease is the number 1 killer of women, killing more than all forms of cancer combined. Many of these deaths can be prevented, but most women don't notice the symptoms until it's too late. That's why it's been called the silent killer. You can help increase awareness of women's heart health by wearing red, speaking up, and uniting with millions of women to help save lives across America."
The Health Department offers the following Heart Health facts:
* Heart disease is the number one killer of American women age 20 and over, killing approximately one woman every minute.
* One in every 3 women dies of heart disease. One in every 30 dies of breast cancer.
* 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
* Americans can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 82% by just leading a healthy life.
Risk factors are habits or conditions that increase the chance of developing a disease. Many of the risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or controlled. Having more than one risk factor is especially serious. Women should talk to a health professional about their individual risks and how to lower them.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
* Smoking * High Blood Pressure * Diabetes
* High Blood Cholesterol * Obesity * Physical Inactivity
* Age * Family history of heart disease
The Health Department’s two Nurse Practitioner headed clinics in Kewanee and Colona offer such heart healthy services as: lab work/blood profiles; high blood pressure management; high cholesterol disease management; as well as general health clinic services.
For more information on heart health and the services of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments call (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us on Twitter.
Henry and Stark County Health Department Clinical Services Nurse, Kimberly DePauw, LPN (left) administers a HPV vaccine to a clinic client. The HPV vaccine, which protects against the two types of Human Papillomavirus that cause the majority of cervical cancers, is available through the Health Department. The Health Department is noting January's designation as National Cervical Health Awareness Month.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES JANUARY CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month and share the following facts about cervical cancer:
Each year in the US approximately 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die as a result. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) reports that half of the cervical cancer occurred among women who are rarely or never screened for cervical cancer. The true tragedy of the disease is that cervical cancer screening tests and vaccines exist that can prevent virtually every case.
Sandy Sommer, RN Director of Clinical Services notes, "Today, detection tools and inoculations make cervical cancer a condition that is relatively easy to prevent and treat."
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20. Many women do not know that as they get older they are still at risk of getting cervical cancer.
Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular checkups with a Pap test. Early detection significantly increases chances of survival. In fact, if detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent curable.
In accordance with this health designation, the Health Department staff is pleased to remind area women they have clinic services that address the prevention of deaths from breast and cervical cancer.
Sandy Sommer adds, “Our clinic program encourages early detection by providing well women exams, clinical breast exams, pap smears (when needed), and teaching healthy breast care by educating women in breast self-exam awareness. Women need to realize that the most effective tools associated with early detection are literally just a phone call away, we just need area women to focus on the preventative aspects of their health.”
The Health Department accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on client income, has been established to assist everyone to obtain services.
Sommer adds, “A great push in the fight against cervical cancer is increasing awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Experts believe that women must be infected with HPV before they develop cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HPV infection and therefore, cervical cancer risk. The Health Department reminds area residents that they have the HPV vaccine series available to both girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 18. The vaccine should be given before sexual activity begins and HPV exposure increases.”
For more information on women's health services, the HPV vaccine series, or to schedule an appointment at either Department office location call (309) 852-5272 (Main Office) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona Office) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS EXTENSIVE LAB SERVICES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments staff reminds area residents they have Lab Services that are available at clinics held Monday through Friday starting at 7:00am at the Health Department's Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona Office 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department clinics offer area residents the opportunity to receive a variety of indepth profiles like a General Health Panel, GHP which includes a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, CMP; Complete Blood Count, CBC; and a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH. Other popular profiles include a Lipid Panel; the CBC; the CMP; the TSH; and the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. These tests are available without a physician's order and reasonably priced.
Many insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid can be billed with a physician’s order.
The PSA, for males age 50 and over, is a blood test to be used as a screening tool by physicians and should only be used in conjunction with a doctor's physical exam. These and other fasting blood profiles can be obtained by appointment at their Kewanee and Colona office locations.
Fasting is required for optimal results. Therefore, participants should not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours prior to the blood draw. Test results will be sent by mail to participants and ordering physicians.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 in Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 in Colona. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS CERTIFIED DOT PHYSICALS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents their Clinical services program is offering area drivers low cost DOT Physicals. Appointments are available at their Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and by special arrangement and at their West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department notes that the Department of Transportation requires some drivers to get regular physicals to make sure they can drive safely. If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:
You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities
Sandy Sommer, RN Clinical Services Director with the Health Department notes, “If you want to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. Our Nurse Practitioner, Marilou Johnson is a Certified DOT medical examiner.”
DOT Physical participants should expect the examiner to review their health history and ask the participant to list the medications taken on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
Sommer adds, “If you are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression and other mental health issues, and seizures. Participants need to obtain a “Clearance Letter” from the provider of care and bring to their appointment.
Please note, appointments for DOT Physical, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 - Kewanee Office or 792-4011-Colona Office. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
WIC and Case Management staff members, with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, display some new posters promoting how women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by preventing infections before and during pregnancy, managing health conditions, and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant. January has been designated as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. (Pictured from L to R) Michelle Smith,RN; Brittany Harding, RN; Beth Medema and Heather Aldred, RN
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF NOTES JANUARY - NATIONAL BIRTH DEFECTS PREVENTION MONTH"
The WIC and Case Management staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, are joining the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that preventing infections before and during pregnancy can protect babies from being born with birth defects. January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The theme for 2019 is “Best for You. Best for Baby.” With this theme special emphasis is focused on the importance of preventing infections before and during pregnancy that can increase the risk of having a baby with a birth defect.
The Health Department is encouraging healthcare professionals, educators, social service professionals, and the general public to support this effort. Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States. We know that not all birth defects can be prevented. But, we also know that women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by preventing infections before and during pregnancy, managing health conditions, and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant.
Heather Aldred, WIC and Case Management Nurse with the Health Department notes, “Although not all birth defects can be prevented, many steps can be taken to increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby. It is important to prevent those infections that can increase the risk of birth defects and other health problems for mothers and babies.
Here are some helpful tips for pregnant women or women who may become pregnant:
Get vaccinated.
Get the flu shot and the whooping cough vaccine.
Become up-to-date with all vaccines before getting pregnant.
Prevent insect bites.
Use insect repellent.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside.
Consider avoiding travel to areas with Zika virus.
Practice good hygiene.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Avoid putting a young child’s cup or pacifier in your mouth.
Talk to your healthcare provider.
Ask about how you can prevent infections, such as Zika virus.
Discuss how to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
By following these “Prevent to Protect” guidelines, women can reduce the risk of having a child with a birth defect and also reduce their risk of pregnancy complications such as early pregnancy loss, prematurity and stillbirths.”
There are many different kinds of birth defects including congenital heart defects, cleft lip or palate, defects of the brain or spine, and a variety of genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome. Some have only a minor or brief effect on a baby's health and some have life-threatening and/or life-long effects.
More than 120,000 babies born with a birth defect (approximately 1 in 33 live births) are reported each year in the United States.
"Most people are unaware of how common, costly and critical birth defects are in the United States, or that there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of birth defects" adds Aldred. "The health of both parents prior to pregnancy can affect the risk of having a child with a birth defect. Diet, life-style choices, factors in the environment, health conditions and medications before and during pregnancy all can play a role in preventing or increasing the risk of birth defects."
Aldred concludes, "Small steps like visiting a health care provider before pregnancy and taking a multivitamin everyday can make a big difference. Also, women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant can take control of their health to improve their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Good habits include regular physical activity, about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or more. Healthy eating means having a balanced diet, low in fats, with at least 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables. A woman should talk to her healthcare provider about making healthy changes for a successful pregnancy."
For more information on the Health Department WIC and Case Management services call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Henry) or (309) 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HOW TO AVOID FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA"
The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments reminds area residents that frostbite and hypothermia are the greatest threats facing anyone who ventures outside in temperatures below freezing. It only takes a few minutes in subzero weather for problems to occur.
Frostbite occurs when the cold outside slows circulation and tissue begins to die. The hands and feet are usually affected first. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature is lowered, and can result in death if the drop in body heat slows the heart rate too much. Frostbite symptoms include numbness in the fingers, ears, nose, or feet. The affected areas may be red or white and hurt when rewarmed.
Medical treatment for frostbite usually consists of rewarming the affected area. Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in significant destruction of tissue. Serious cases of frostbite can result in gangrene, leading to possible amputation of the affected body part.
To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, persons should wear hats which cover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, mittens instead of gloves so fingers can warm each other, and several layers of clothing to trap the body heat. Dampness increases the risk of frostbite and clothing should be changed if it becomes wet.
Drinking alcohol increases the chance of both hypothermia and frostbite. Alcohol slows down the heart and blurs the judgment of how cold the person really is. Smokers are more apt to experience spasms in blood vessels which interfere with circulation, thus increasing the threat of frostbite.
The Health Department reminds everyone to avoid exposure to extreme cold for more than a few minutes. Serious tissue damage can occur in a short period of time.
For more information on frostbite and hypothermia call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com; find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments; or Follow Us Twitter.
Whitney Young, Environmental Health Sanitarian with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, readies a Radon Home Test kit in the basement of the Health Department. The Health Department announces they have Radon Home Test Kits available for purchase. These kits can be purchased for $15 at either the Department’s Kewanee or Colona office locations. January is National Radon Action Month.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that January has been proclaimed National Radon Action Month in Illinois, by calling attention to the fact that radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
Dorothy David, Health Department Director of Environmental Health Services, notes, "It really doesn't matter where you live in Illinois or what type of home you live in, because we've seen excessive radon in every county in Illinois, and in every type of home - old, new, with basements, with a crawlspace or on a slab."
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil. It can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pumps or soil in crawlspaces.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes 21,000 deaths annually. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer.
The State of Illinois has enacted the Illinois Radon Awareness Act. According to this law, anyone buying a home, condominium or other residential property in Illinois must be provided with information about indoor radon exposure and the fact that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause overall.
Since radon gas is undetectable, specialized radon detectors must be used to measure the amount of radon gas present in the air. The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that they now have Radon Home Test kits available for purchase through their offices in Kewanee and Colona. The kits are being offered at the low cost of $15 per kit.
David adds, “Radon gas found in 65% of homes in Henry County and 82% of homes in Stark County.
Testing your home is the only way to know if you have elevated levels of radon. If radon levels, above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), are detected in your home; the Health Department can provide you with information regarding radon mitigation on our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or through our Environmental Health Division.
For more information on Radon Gas or the Radon Home Testing Kits call (309) 852-7266. Remember, you can always Find Us on Facebook or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of their Family Planning clinic program.
Through the family planning clinic program, the Health Department hopes to give women the information and means they need to plan pregnancies and make responsible decisions. The program also hopes to detect other health problems early in their development so that clients can be referred to other health care providers for treatment.
Clinics are held at the Health Department’s 3 office locations: Route 78 South, Kewanee (309) 852-5272; 103 1st St., Colona (309) 792-4011; and 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island (309) 794-7088. Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear.
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, had been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
In addition to contraceptive services, the clinic also offers pregnancy testing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Health Department Kewanee (309) 852-2572 or Colona (309) 792-4011 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce area they will be holding a Food Handler's Certification Course that will meet on Wednesday, February 6th from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
The class will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the 3 hours course is $15.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food handlers improve their skills and operations. The food handler's certification course is designed to help area food servers in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Service Sanitation Code.
The course will cover the following topics of discussion: 1) The relationship between time and temperature with respect to foodborne illness. 2) The relationship between personal hygiene and food safety. 3) The methods of preventing contamination in all stages of food handling. 4) The procedures for cleaning and sanitizing. 5) The problems and potential solutions associated with temperature control, cross contamination, housekeeping and maintenance.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering, or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"LA LECHE ANNOUNCES JANUARY MEETING"
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents that their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 10th at 6:00pm (please note the new earlier meeting time) at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. "Avoiding Obstacles of Breastfeeding" will be the evening's program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers, pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or questions.
Please join La Leche on Thursday, January 10th at 6:00pm for “Avoiding Obstacles of Breastfeeding.” Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For more information call Katie at (309) 883-4029.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN JANUARY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, January 15thth at 6:00pm at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center, 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee.
Rebecca Magalhaes, of the Mental Health Alliance adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS WINTER SURVIVAL STRATEGIES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department offers area residents some important winter survival strategies. These safety tips can help us all to get through the New Year Happy, Healthy, and Safe.
On the road. Use your low beam headlights when driving through fog or snowstorms. They will actually provide better visibility than high beams. And be prepared for breakdowns with emergency flares, warm blanket, first-aid kit, white cloth to signal distress, cat litter, flashlight, snow shovel, empty gas can, and for long trips, food and water.
At home. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas and a by-product of combustion, is an invisible killer. Possible sources include: wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, kerosene, gas or oil heaters and furnaces. For your protection: Assure proper ventilation, have these devices inspected and consider installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Under the sun. Sunburns aren't limited to summer. Fact is, sunlight in winter can burn, especially when reflected off ice or snow. So when skiing or otherwise enjoying the outdoors, wear sunglasses that protect your eyes against ultraviolet light, and spread sunscreen on exposed skin, including your lips.
Overexposed. Watch for frostbite or hypothermia, and seek help without delay if you suspect either. Danger signs for frostbite: redness, tingling, stinging pain or small white patches on the skin. For hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, sleepiness, shallow breathing. Remember, alcohol increases loss of body heat, so avoid its use when you plan to be outdoors for a long time.
For more information on the Emergency Preparedness Services of the Henry and Stark County Health Department call (309) 852-0197 (Main Office), (309) 792-4011 (Colona Office), visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments. Funding for this program was provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department recently announced their 2018 Employee Service Award recipients. Pictured (from l to r): Teresa Craig (5 years), Christy Bowman (5 Years), Pam Stockton (10 Years), Sand Sommer, RN (25 Years), Whitney Young (5 Years), and Missy Schilling (5 Years).
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES 2018 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS!"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' and the Henry County Health Board are pleased to announce the 2018 Health Department Employee Service Award recipients. This year's winners include:
Sandy Sommer, RN of Sheffield, Director of Clinical Services, 25 Years of Service
Nancy Ainley, of Kewanee, Homecare Assistant, 25 Years of Service
Darlene Murphy, of Kewanee, Homecare Assistant, 20 Years of Service
Joan Bent, of Wyoming, Homecare Assistant, 15 Years of Service
Suzy Kendall, of Kewanee, Homecare Assistant, 15 Years of Service
Pam Stockton, of Hooppole, Client Support Specialist, 10 Years of Service
Kathy Shore, of Geneseo, Homecare Assistant, 10 Years of Service
Jessica Petty, of Kewanee, Homecare Assistant, 10 Years of Service
Christy Bowman, of Woodhull, Lead Homecare Assistant, 5 Years of Service
Teresa Craig, of Galva, Lead Homecare Assistant, 5 Years of Service
Missy Schilling, of Victoria, Account Clerk, 5 Years of Service
Whitney Young, of Pekin, Environmental Health Sanitarian, 5 Years of Service
Beverly Herrick, of Cambridge, Homecare Assistant, 5 Years of Service
Sue Floreani, of Atkinson, Homecare Assistant, 5 Years of Service
Kerri Cameron, of Cambridge, Homecare Assistant, 5 Years of Service
Health Department Administrator, Duane Stevens states, "The Henry County Board of Health recognizes that honest, loyal and qualified employees are the most valuable assets of the Health Department. It is because of their dedication and commitment that we have been able to contribute so much to the health and well-being of the community."
For more information on the services of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS OF UPCOMING FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area resident they will be holding a Food Service Manager's Certification Course that will meet on Monday, January 14th and Wednesday, January 16th from 9:00am-3:00pm.
The classes will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the course is $140. An optional text book can be purchased in advance through our office or in class for $30.00.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food managers improve their operations. The food manager's certification course is designed to help area food service establishments in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Code.
Those who participate in the course receive intensive training in such areas as foodborne disease, food protection, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, personal hygiene, building construction, public health codes, insect and rodent control and personnel training.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Tuesday, January 1st in observance of the New Year’s Day Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS SAFE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION SUGGESTIONS"
The Staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments note for most, the holiday season is about spending time with family and friends, and usually involves parties, good food and merriment. Another aspect of the holidays is the additional amount of travel that comes along with attending various functions coupled with the increased amount of holiday shoppers on the road. So while the holidays can be an exciting time, there are some important things to consider to help keep you and your guests safe this season.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, notes, "If you're hosting a party, there are lots of things to take into account, whether it's trying to make sure you have enough food or worrying whether there's enough parking in your neighborhood for all your guests. With all that goes into planning a seasonal get-together, it's important not to overlook your holiday party safety plans."
Holiday parties often involve alcohol, and while you want your guests to enjoy themselves, it's also important to make sure they are being responsible. This involves keeping an eye out for anyone who may be drinking too much, and either providing a place to stay or a means to get home with a designated driver.
Here are a few steps you can take to prevent holiday drinking and driving. encourage area residents to celebrate safely. During the holiday season, and year-round, take steps to make sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving under the influence of alcohol. Following these tips can help you stay safe:
* Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
* Take the keys. Don't let friends drive if they are impaired.
* Have cab numbers on hand. If someone should not be driving, but they insist on going home, call a cab for them instead of allowing them to take the risk of driving home.
* Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. While many guests may want to enjoy the holidays with an alcoholic drink, offer non-alcoholic drinks as an option.
* Offer food if you're offering alcohol. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause a person to become intoxicated faster. Offering food along with drinks may help prevent guests from over-indulging on alcohol alone.
Tucker adds, "In addition we offer some driving tips: If possible, drivers should try to stay
off the road between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m., when drunk driving accidents are most likely, according to research from the U.S. Department of Transportation. And if the weather is bad, which can easily happen in the northern and central states, consider revising your plans so you won't have to travel on icy or snowy roads. With a little foresight and by taking precautions, you can enjoy your holiday season and stay safe as well."
For more information on the program and services of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF ACTS AS SECRET SANTAS FOR HILLCREST RESIDENTS"
Staff from the Henry and Stark County Health Department display "Secret Santa" gifts they have purchased and wrapped this Christmas for Hillcrest Home residents. Health Department staff members have acted as Hillcrest Secret Santas for over 15 years. Pictured (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) RaeAnn Tucker, Kelli Humphrey, Naomi Stahl, Missy Schilling, Cristina Triana, and Jeanne Zabloudil .
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th in observance of the Christmas Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS LITE"
The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments asks, "Do you wish you could make the holidays "lite." After all, the holiday season seems to be a food fest. No wonder so many people have to make New Year's resolutions to lose weight.
To prevent the weight and keep the cheer, we're passing on some of the best holiday advice we know. Going to a holiday party without gorging yourself? Do you think that's a contradiction in terms? If so, think again.
Here are some ways to live it up without over-indulging . * Try not to go to a cocktail or dinner party thirsty and famished. * Have a large glass of water or low-fat milk and a piece of good wheat bread or crackers before you go. * Head for the veggies and go light on the dip. * Eat slowly and chew your food; this allows the "appestat" - the fullness control in your brain, to catch up to what's really happening in your stomach. * Dilute wine and punch with club soda. * Throughout the evening, alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. * Be the last in line at the buffet. You'll be less likely to have seconds. * Don't hover over the food table or at the bar - you're much more likely to eat and drink too much. * And, put down your fork from time to time and join in the good conversation that usually abounds during celebratory meals. Taking time to talk slows down the feasting and keeps you from gulping down food.
After all this good advice, what you do if you haven't been able to resist the temptation to overindulge in the bird and all the trimmings? Well, don't hesitate to loosen your belt or take off your girdle. This helps to prevent indigestion caused by acidic stomach juices backing up into the esophagus. Lying down flat or a nap after a heavy meal may cause similar problems. However, if you do end up with heartburn, a dose of antacid, sold in any drug store usually puts an end to your discomfort.
Remember that although holiday feasting is an accomplishment, much of the joy of the season comes from reuniting with friends and family, reminiscing, catching up on news, and enjoying good conversation. So put the emphasis on the company and not the food, and have a happy and healthy holiday season. For more information on healthy holiday eating visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Department or Follow Us on Twitter.
(From L to R) Jeanne Zabloudil , Environmental Health Secretary and Jenna Nowlan, Sanitarian with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, display Radon Home Test Kits their office now has available for purchase. Testing your home for Radon is easy and the Department encourages area residents to gift their favorite homeowner this holiday season with a radon test kit. These testing kits can be purchased for $15 at either the Department’s Kewanee or Colona office locations
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS RADON TEST KITS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE”
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that they now have Radon Home Test kits available for purchase through their offices in Kewanee and Colona. The kits are being offered at the low cost of $15 per kit.
Dorothy David, Environmental Health Services Director encourages area residents to give the gifts of good health and peace of mind this holiday season to the homeowner in their life; by purchasing one of these radon home test kits.
David notes, “Many people don’t even know that Radon gas is such a health threat. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in the soil and water that can build up to dangerous levels in the home. Radon gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and invisible and the only way to know if a home has a radon problem is to test for it. Breathing radon can increase ones risk of lung cancer. If you are a smoker, your risk is even more heightened.”
David adds, “Radon gas found in 65% of homes in Henry County and 82% of homes in Stark County. Radon is a Class A human carcinogen, meaning there is actual evidence that exposure to radon causes lung cancer. It is the cause of 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States annually.”
Testing your home is the only way to know if you have elevated levels of radon. If radon levels, above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), are detected in your home; the Health Department can provide you with information regarding radon mitigation on our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or through our Environmental Health Division.
For more information on Radon Gas or the Radon Home Testing Kits call (309) 852-7266. Remember, you can always Find Us on Facebook or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce they will be holding a Food Service Manager's Certification Course that will meet on Monday, January 14th and Wednesday, January 16th from 9:00am-3:00pm.
The classes will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the course is $140. An optional text book can be purchased in advance through our office or in class for $30.00.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food managers improve their operations. The food manager's certification course is designed to help area food service establishments in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Code.
Those who participate in the course receive intensive training in such areas as foodborne disease, food protection, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, personal hygiene, building construction, public health codes, insect and rodent control and personnel training.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Marilou Johnson, FNP (right) of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments Kewanee Clinic conducts a routine “Sick Visit” examination. The Health Department reminds area residents that their Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee and Colona can help area residents get through this year’s cold and flu season as they are open for acute sick/ill visits. For more information, or to schedule an appointment call our office locations in Kewanee (309) 852-5272 or Colona (309) 792-4011.
Jennifer Carton, FNP (left) of the Henry County Health Department’s Colona Clinic conducts a routine “Sick Visit” examination. The Health Department reminds area residents that their Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee and Colona can help area residents get through this year’s cold and flu season. The Departments reminds area residents that their Clinics are open for acute sick/ill visits. For more information, or to schedule an appointment call our office locations in Colona (309) 792-4011 or Kewanee (309) 852-5272.
"HEALTH DEPT CLINICS HELPS RESIDENTS GET THROUGH COLD & FLU SEASON"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department notes as we enter the beginning of “cold and flu season,” many people will becoming sick. With this in mind, the Health Department reminds area residents that our Nurse Practitioner staffed Kewanee and Colona Clinic locations are open for ill visits.
Sandy Sommer, RN Director of Health Department services states, “This is an important time to remind area residents of our two Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee and Colona. During the cold and flu season many of us may need to seek medical attention for sick appointments. Our clinics are a great option for those without a regular health care provider, or for someone who may not be able to get into their provider in a timely manner. An acute ill visit may include such ailments as sore throats, ear aches, and urinary tract infections.”
Sommer adds, “In addition, our Family Nurse Practitioners (Marilou Johnson, Kewanee and Jennifer Carton, Colona) can promote health prevention services by performing examinations for the management of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, school and sports physicals, and well child exams. Our Kewanee provider is DOT certified and can perform employment exam services. Our clinics are recipients of family planning funding; therefore we provide comprehensive exams, pap smears, contraceptive options and counseling.”
Sommer concludes, "Many people do not realize that the array of Clinical Services we offer. Due to the fact that many of our programs receive Federal and State funding, savings can be passed on. Our clinic services can offer access to low-cost healthcare to those without health insurance or those who have a high insurance deductible. You do not have to be a resident of Henry or Stark County to access many services. We do accept some insurances. Call our offices to see if your insurance is one of them.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS CHRISTMAS SAFETY SUGGESTIONS!"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to offer some safety tips to insure that everyone has a safe and healthy holiday season. We start with Christmas tree safety. Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying the duration of this protection. A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. To check for freshness, remember:
* A fresh tree is green.
* Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
* When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
* The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
* When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that tree is too dry.
Place tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards. Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand with wide spread feet. Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Use thin guy-wires to secure a large tree to walls or ceiling. These wires are almost invisible.
Candles are often used to decorate our home during the holidays. So remember never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders. Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper. Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.
When using holiday Trimmings: Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials. Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass “angel hair” to avoid irritation to eyes and skin. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children. In homes with small children, take special care to: Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children. Pieces could be swallowed or inhaled. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food.
A child could eat them!
Fires: Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that flue is open. Keep a screen before the fireplace all the time a fire is burning. Use care with “fire salts” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals which can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation or vomiting if eaten. Keep away from children.
Lights: Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using. Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it! Keep “bubbling” lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.
For more information on Christmas safety call the Health Department at (309) 852-1097 (Henry) or 852-3115 ( Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN DECEMBER"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, December 18th at 6:00pm at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center, 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee.
Rebecca Magalhaes, of the Mental Health Alliance adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS WELL CHILD CLINIC PROGRAM"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of their Well-Child Clinic program. Clinics services are offered in our Kewanee Offices, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and our Colona location at 103 1st St. Colona, IL.
Through their Well-Child clinic the Department hopes that by offering comprehensive health services to area children today; health problems will be prevented in the future.
Clinic services include: periodic "head to toe" well-child exams for children from birth to age 20; hemoglobin tests, blood lead screenings, immunizations, developmental screenings, and counseling and referral.
The services of the well-child clinics are available to all area residents. The clinic will accept medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist low-income families to obtain services.
For more information or to make an appointment for the Health Department's Well-Child clinic, call the Department at (309) 852-5272 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
"LA LECHE LEAGUE ANNOUNCES DECEMBER MEETING"
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents that their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 13th at 6:00pm (please note the new earlier meeting time) at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. "Early Days of Breastfeeding" will be the evening's program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers, pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or questions.
Please join La Leche on Thursday, December 13th at 6:00pm for “Early Days of Breastfeeding.” Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For more information call Katie at (309) 883-4029.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD AIDS DAY, DECEMBER 1ST"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that the 30th annual observance World AIDS Day will be commemorated on December 1, 2018. World AIDS Day aims to increase awareness of the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic globally and in the US.
World AIDS day is about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day Theme for 2018 is “Know Your Status.” This theme will urge people to know their HIV infection status though testing, and access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. This year’s observance is also an occasion to celebrate the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day – a pioneering global health campaign first initiated in 1988.
World AIDS Day 2018 is an opportunity to harness the power of social change to put people first and close the gap. Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is possible, but only by focusing attention, partnering and achieving the goal of giving all people access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services. Making sure no one is being left behind.
World AIDS Day 2018 Goals include:
* Closing the HIV testing gap by helping the 19 million people who are unaware of their HIV-positive status to get support.
* Urge policy-makers to promote a “health for all” agenda for HIV and related health services such as tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis and noncommunicable diseases
* Closing the gap in access to medicines for children, so all children living with HIV will be able to access treatment, not just the 24% who have access today.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion adds, "To give people a more national perspective, according to the most recent CDC data, approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV and nearly 1 in five of those are not aware that they are infected. Also nearly 50,000 Americans become newly infected with HIV each year and more than 14,000 people with AIDS die each year in the US. Yet, studies show that some of the populations with the highest rates of infection either do not recognize their risk or believe that HIV is no longer a serious health threat. And research indicates that individuals who are complacent about the threat of HIV are more likely to practice risky behaviors."
For more information on the Department's confidential AIDS/HIV testing and counseling, educational materials, and AIDS prevention services call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT WIC PROGRAM BUILDS HEALTHY FAMILIES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents that they offer the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program. The WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
Sandy Sommer, Director of Clinical Services with the Health Department, states, “We are thrilled to announce that WIC Services are now available to local families ‘without borders.’ Which means, if you reside in a neighboring county; but actually live closer to one of our WIC locations in Kewanee or Colona, we can serve your WIC needs!”
In addition, the Health Department has expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program.
Sommer adds, “We also want to stress that WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women.”
The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff encourages healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
Sommer concludes, "Our WIC and Casemanagement staff feel it's important that all area residents and families have the information and encouragement to make healthy decisions; not only for themselves but for their entire family. Thereby, hoping future generations are more healthy and active."
For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter. For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN DECEMBER"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, December 18th at 6:00pm at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center, 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee.
Rebecca Magalhaes, of the Mental Health Alliance adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
RaeAnn Tucker (right), Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, demonstrates proper handwashing technique to local Kindergarten student, Alivia Kursock. The Health Department has been presenting to numerous school districts and organizations talking about good health habits and navigating the cold and flu season. National Handwashing Week is December 2 - 8, 2018.
RaeAnn Tucker (right), Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, demonstrates proper handwashing technique to Bradford Kindergarten students. The Health Department has been presenting to numerous school districts and organizations talking about good health habits and navigating the cold and flu season. National Handwashing Week is December 2 - 8, 2018.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL HANDWASHING WEEK, DECEMBER 2-8, 2018"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that December 2-8, 2018 has been proclaimed National Handwashing Week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Handwashing is the single most important means to prevent the spread of infection." The CDC estimates that 36,000 die from the flu or flu-like illness each year, 5,000 people die from food borne illness each year, and approximately 78,000 patients die each year from Hospital Acquired Infections, for which a direct link to many of these deaths is poor handwashing.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion states, "What people need to remember, especially during the cold and flu season, is that simple and consistent handwashing promotion and awareness is important for infection prevention, food safety, school health, personal health and disease prevention."
To put this in greater perspective one should consider these startling statistics:
* 2/3 of adults in the US wash hands after using the bathroom.
* 1 in 4 adults do not wash hands after changing diapers.
* Less than 1/2 of Americans was hands after cleaning up after pets.
* 1 in 3 wash hands after sneezing/coughing.
* Less than 1 in 5 people wash hands after touching money.
* 1 in 3 E. coli occurrences is caused from not washing hands before handling food.
The Health Department staff notes that there are many critical times to wash your hands. A few examples are before eating, after the toilet, during food preparation, after handling animals, upon arriving home, after changing diapers, leaving the hospital or physician's office and any time you think your hands are dirty. Use soap, running water, and scrub all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds and dry with a paper towel. If a sink and soap are not available, use a alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
In addition, the Health Department reminds individuals to practice flu preventative measures; Clean hands frequently, Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and Contain the spread of the flu virus by staying home when you are ill.
For more information on good hygiene and infection control or to schedule a program, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or (309) 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
Duane Stevens, Administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments (right) talks with Henry County Health Board President, Jan Berghult of Kewanee (left) during a Breakfast Open House held recently at the Health Department in honor of Monday, November 19th being designated as Public Health Thank You Day.
Duane Stevens, Administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments (left) talks with Stark County Health Board Member, Doris Bogner of Bradford during a Breakfast Open House held recently at the Health Department in honor of Monday, November 19th being designated as Public Health Thank You Day.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOLDS PUBLIC HEALTH THANK YOU DAY OPEN HOUSE”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department hosted a special Open House Breakfast on Monday, November 19th in honor of National Public Health Thank You Day 2018. The Henry and Stark County Health Department joined with leading U.S. public health organizations to recognize public health professionals who are committed to overcoming challenges to protect the health of all Americans.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Health Department states, “National Public Health Day honors all those unsung heroes who keep our children safe from infectious disease, promote health care for our veterans and communities, prevent injuries, and increase the rate of immunizations and much more! These heroes include our public health administration and staff, environmental health sanitarians, public health nurses, health education professionals, emergency preparedness officials, and maternal/child health and clinic nurses and staff.”
“Public Health Thank You Day salutes those who work tirelessly to find solutions to some of our most pressing public health threats,” adds Tucker. “It’s important that we not only thank them today, but recognize their contributions daily as they work behind the scenes to combat current and emerging health challenges.”
For more information on the programs and services available through the Henry & Stark County Health Departments call (309) 852-0197 (Main Office) or 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us on Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES HENRY COUNTY HEALTH BOARD MEETING”
The Henry County Health Department would like to announce the quarterly
meeting of the Henry County Health Board will be held at 6:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at the Henry County Health Departmentoffice,
Kewanee, Illinois.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES STARK COUNTY HEALTH BOARD MEETING”
The Stark County Health Department would like to announce the quarterly meeting of
the Stark County Health Board will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December
4th, 2018, 2nd floor, Stark County Courthouse, Toulon, Illinois.
Charles Harmes (right) of Kewanee poses with his Health Department Homecare Assistant, Charlotte Weir-Aman (left) during her regular visit. Health Department homecare assistants provide home services such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. The Health Department is saluting their Home Care staff and their client's during November-National Home Health Care Month.
Betty Sullivan (left) of Bradford goes over her shopping list with her Health Department Homecare Assistant, Lori Watson (right) during her regular visit. Health Department homecare assistants provide home services such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. The Health Department is saluting their Home Care staff and their client's during November-National Home Health Care Month.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF CELEBRATES NATIONAL HOME HEALTH CARE MONTH"
The Henry and Stark Health Department announces that November is National Home Health Care Month. Nancy VanWassenhove, RN Director of Home Care with the Health Department, believes this is a great way to focus attention on the thousands of dedicated professionals who have made it their work to enable people to stay in the comfort of their own home and get needed medical and personal cares.
"Every year National Home Health Month offers us an opportunity to remind each of us of the importance of these services to our aging and recuperating population. Our dedicated nurses, therapists, and aides make the difference between life and death on a daily basis and are the very personification of 'caring,' the one word summary of the Golden Rule."
Home health makes the best financial sense as well. Based on demography and dollars, experts agree that the destiny of health care lies in the home. There is a growing demand for home care as the 78 million baby boomers continue to age.
Founded in 1966, the Health Department has been providing home health services to this area's homebound patients and their families for over 52 years. In honor of National Home Health Care Month the Health Department notes the following facts:
* It costs Medicare nearly $2000 per day for a typical hospital stay and $559 per day for a typical nursing home stay. Meanwhile, Home Health Care costs just $44 a day on average.
* Nearly 12 million Americans now rely on Home Health Care. Medicare covers only 3.5 million of them.
* Home Care keeps families together.
* Home Care promotes healing and prevents infection.
* Statistics show home health patients get better faster in their own homes
* Home Care improves quality of life and has been proven to extend life.
* Home Care is the cost-effective health care solution.
* In 2016, home care providers traveled 7.6 billion miles to deliver services.
Health Department home health services include: skilled nursing and home health aide visits; homecare assistant services; and speech, physical, and occupational therapies.
The Health Department still believes is where you want to be when you're recuperating from an illness or injury. Even with all the challenges of Medicare and insurance companies, the Health Department home health staff remains committed to providing quality home health care, as we've done for so many years. To arrange homecare services, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0492. Or, for more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES PUBLIC HEALTH THANK YOU DAY, MONDAY NOVEMBER 19TH”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department joins with leading U.S. public health organizations to recognize public health professionals who are committed to overcoming challenges to protect the health of all Americans. Therefore, we ask everyone to note Monday, November 19th as National Public Health Thank You Day 2018.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Health Department states, “National Public Health Day honors all those unsung heroes who keep our children safe from infectious disease, promote health care for our veterans and communities, prevent injuries, and increase the rate of immunizations and much more! These heroes include our public health administration and staff, environmental health sanitarians, public health nurses, health education professionals, emergency preparedness officials, and maternal/child health and clinic nurses and staff.”
“Public Health Thank You Day salutes those who work tirelessly to find solutions to some of our most pressing public health threats,” adds Tucker. “It’s important that we not only thank them today, but recognize their contributions daily as they work behind the scenes to combat current and emerging health challenges.”
The Nation’s public health workforce works day in and day out to protect and improve the health of others. Their work affects the lives of Americans in countless ways, from treating and preventing disease outbreaks, to preparing us for natural disasters, to ensuring everyone has access to quality and affordable care.
Tucker concludes, "Thanks to the efforts of dedicated professionals, the U.S. is on its way to becoming the healthiest nation in one generation."
For more information on the programs and services available through the Henry & Stark County Health Departments call (309) 852-0197 (Main Office) or 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us on Twitter.
DOROTHY DAVID, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS HOLIDAY FOOD SAFETY SUGGESTIONS"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department notes that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "76 million Americans contract foodborne diseases every year, affecting more people than the common cold." But many of the symptoms of food poisoning mimic those of the garden-variety flu, sometimes leaving people to wonder if the cause was the food they ate or a virus they picked up along the way.
Despite the prevalence of foodborne illnesses, it can be hard to recognize them. Like people with the "stomach flu," those with foodborne illness usually suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Dorothy David, Director of Environmental Health Services with the Health Department states, "There's no real easy way to distinguish between many types of foodborne illness and a flu bug, but with the flu, one might be more apt to see generalized aches and pains and just overall not feeling well."
The telltale sign of food poisoning is usually the quick onset of the symptoms. Foodborne illnesses are, by and large, illnesses that occur in close proximity to exposure. If a large number of people have the same symptoms at the same time, then the cause is most likely food poisoning. However, if people are ill at different times their symptoms are more likely to be flu-related, as it takes time to pass the virus from person to person.
David adds, "Though most foodborne disease outbreaks don't occur during the holidays (they occur most often in the summer), the holidays warrant special attention because certain foods and food practices popular during the season can increase the risk for foodborne illness."
The Health Department staff offers the following food safety suggestions:
* Clean: Wash hands and food -contact surfaces often. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges, and countertops.
* Separate: Don't cross-contaminate. Don't let bacteria spread from one food product to another. This is especially true for raw meat, poultry and seafood. Experts caution to keep these foods and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods.
* Cook: Cook to proper temperatures. Foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
* Chill: Refrigerate promptly. Public health officials advise consumers to refrigerate foods quickly because rapid cooling to 41 degrees slows the growth of harmful bacteria. Refrigerators should be set at 41 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees, and the accuracy of the settings should be checked occasionally with a thermometer.
According to David, "The holidays don't always make it easy for food handlers to follow this advice. One reason is that people get caught up in the hectic pace of the holiday season. People get sloppy. They're busy, and they lose the vigilance that they might follow at other times of the year. The traditional advice should always be applied: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold."
For more information on food safety you may contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or (309) 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, November 23rd in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT THANKSGIVING FOOD SAFETY-TURKEY TACTICS!"
It's that time of year again - Thanksgiving. And the staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments note as cooks across the country ready themselves for this annual feast day, it's important to remember that if you don't eat the skin, and if you skim the fat from the gravy, turkey makes a healthy feast. However, preparing this bird does bring with it some special concerns.
So to better guarantee that your Thanksgiving holiday is a healthy one, the Health Department offers up some helpful "Turkey Tactics." Most poultry now comes with a safe handling label - read it. If the bird is frozen, defrost it in the refrigerator, if possible. Here are refrigerator thawing times for various size turkeys:
* 8 to 12 pound turkey takes 1 to 2 days to thaw in the refrigerator
* 12 to 16 pound turkey takes 2 to 3 days to thaw in the refrigerator
* 16 to 20 pound turkey takes 3 to 4 days to thaw in the refrigerator
* Pieces of a turkey, such as a half or quarter will take 1 to 2 days thawing time in the refrigerator
Dorothy David, Director of Environmental Health Services notes, "If the beast is huge and you're short of time, submerge it (in its plastic wrapping) in potable running water at a temperature of 70 degrees fahrenheit, with sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose food particles with the overflow."
If you have a small bird and a large microwave, you can safely defrost it that way. Roast the turkey as soon as it is thawed. Any poultry can have salmonella and other bacteria. After handling poultry, wash your hands and utensils that have come in contact with the raw meat.
Do not thaw the turkey on the kitchen counter. A frozen turkey thaws from the outside in. As the surface warms, bacteria multiply. While thawing, the surface bacteria could multiply to dangerously high levels. One cannot rely on cooking to destroy all bacteria. In addition, some food poisoning bacteria produce toxins that can't be destroyed though cooking.
Use a meat thermometer. Cook to 170 to 175 degrees in the thickest part of the breast, 180-185 degrees in the thickest part of the thigh, and 160-165 degrees in the stuffing. "Slow cooking" overnight is not safe because bacteria have time to multiply.
Don't stuff a bird early. Stuff it only when ready to put it in the oven. If you refrigerate a large stuffed uncooked turkey, the stuffing may not chill fast enough, allowing bacteria growth. Cooking the stuffing separately is safer.
For more information on food safety, call the Health Department Environmental Health Division at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOME HEALTH STAFF NOTES SERVICES AVAILABLE TO VETERANS"
The Henry and Stark Health Department asks, “Are you, or do you know, a Veteran that may need help?” With the upcoming observance of Veterans Day this Sunday, November 11th; the Health Department would like to remind area residents about some of the services they have available to our local veterans and their families.
Nancy VanWassenhove, RN Director of Home Health with the Henry and Stark County Health Department notes, “Our Veterans are a special population with growing needs. Our home health agency and homecare assistants work with them to keep them safely in their homes.”
Health Department nurses work with Veterans, their physician, their pharmacy, and the Veterans Administration.
Health Department home health staff can provide evaluation for safety in the home, medication management, and disease management (diabetes, lung, heart, wounds, swelling, etc…)
In addition, Health Department Homecare assistants can provide local veterans and their families such home services as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping.
VanWassenhove adds, “We encourage any Veterans and their families to contact our offices and see if you can benefit from these important services by calling (309) 852-0492 and ask for Nancy in Home Health.”
Cristina Wilson, RN (Left) Clinical Nurse with the Henry and Stark County Health Department performs a Vision Test as a part of a DOT Physical for a participant at the Health Department. The Health Department is reminding area drivers that they are a Certified DOT Physical Examiner. Appointments can be made by calling the Health Department Clinic at (309) 852-5272.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS CERTIFIED DOT PHYSICALS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents their Clinical services program is offering area drivers low cost DOT Physicals. Appointments are available at their Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and by special arrangement and at their West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department notes that the Department of Transportation requires some drivers to get regular physicals to make sure they can drive safely. If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:
You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities
Sandy Sommer, RN Clinical Services Director with the Health Department notes, “If you want to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. Our Nurse Practitioner, Marilou Johnson is a Certified DOT medical examiner.”
DOT Physical participants should expect the examiner to review their health history and ask the participant to list the medications taken on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
Sommer adds, “If you are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression and other mental health issues, and seizures. Participants need to obtain a “Clearance Letter” from the provider of care and bring to their appointment.
Please note, appointments for DOT Physical, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 - Kewanee Office or 792-4011-Colona Office. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce area they will be holding a Food Handler's Certification Course that will meet on Wednesday, December 5th from 9:00am-12:00pm.
The class will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the 3 hours course is $15.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food handlers improve their skills and operations. The food handler's certification course is designed to help area food servers in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Service Sanitation Code.
The course will cover the following topics of discussion: 1) The relationship between time and temperature with respect to foodborne illness. 2) The relationship between personal hygiene and food safety. 3) The methods of preventing contamination in all stages of food handling. 4) The procedures for cleaning and sanitizing. 5) The problems and potential solutions associated with temperature control, cross contamination, housekeeping and maintenance.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering, or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPT STAFF GETS IN THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT & DONS HALLOWEEN ATTIRE"
Visitors and clients of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments were greeted by "Halloween" costumed and inspired staff members on Wednesday, October 31st. The Health Department also held an Office Halloween Decorating contest amongst staff members. For more information on Department services visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow them on Twitter!
Pictured (L to R)
RaeAnn Tucker
Lisa Pitzer
Heather Aldred
Missy Schilling
Nancy VanWassenhove
Jessica Hand
Brittany Harding
Beth Medema
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Monday, November 12th in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of their Family Planning clinic program.
Through the family planning clinic program, the Health Department hopes to give women the information and means they need to plan pregnancies and make responsible decisions. The program also hopes to detect other health problems early in their development so that clients can be referred to other health care providers for treatment.
Clinics are held at the Health Department’s 3 office locations: Route 78 South, Kewanee (309) 852-5272; 103 1st St., Colona (309) 792-4011; and 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island (309) 794-7088. Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear.
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, had been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
In addition to contraceptive services, the clinic also offers pregnancy testing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Health Department Kewanee (309) 852-2572 or Colona (309) 792-4011 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"LA LECHE ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER MEETING"
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents that their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 8th at 6:00pm (please note the new earlier meeting time) at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. "Advantages of Breastfeeding" will be the evening's program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers, pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or questions.
Please join La Leche on Thursday, November 8th at 6:00pm for “Advantages of Breastfeeding.” Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For more information call Katie at (309) 883-4029.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN NOVEMBER"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, November 20th at 6:00pm at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center, 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee.
Rebecca Magalhaes, of the Mental Health Alliance adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR ELECTION DAY HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Tuesday, November 6th in observance of the Election Day Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS RESIDENTS TO SET YOUR CLOCKS, CHECK YOUR STOCKS NOV. 4TH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Emergency Services Division and the American Public Health Association (APHA) are encouraging the public to remember to make sure that their emergency preparedness stockpiles are up to date when they change their clocks next week.
This is all a part of the APHA's Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign. RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, states "The effort is designed to remind Americans to make sure that their emergency preparedness stockpiles have adequate food, water and supplies and ensure that nothing is missing or has expired. The biannual campaign is also designed to encourage Americans who don't have an emergency stockpile to create one."
The next clock change for daylight savings time is Sunday, November 4th, but the campaign will also be used in the Spring, when Americans change their clocks once again. The Health Department and the APHA is also reminding people that they should check their smoke alarm batteries when changing their clocks.
Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks is part of APHA's overall Get Ready campaign, which is working to help Americans prepare themselves, their families, and communities for pandemic flu, other emerging infectious diseases, and natural disasters like tornadoes and ice storms.
For a list of what should be in an emergency stockpile, information on rotating stored food and water, stockpiling recipes and other materials, visit www.getreadyforflu.org/clocksstocks.
For more information on the Health Department's Emergency Preparedness program visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments. Funding for this program was provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Jessica Hand, LPN (right) Clinical Services nurse with the Henry and Stark County Health Department draws a fasting blood test from clinic patient, Annette Hepner. Lab services, available at the Health Department Kewanee and Colona offices, can give participants information as to where they stand with such things as their cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The Department announces that November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF NOTES NOVEMBER AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that November has been designated as National Diabetes Awareness Month. Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes and an additional 79 million are at-risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Obviously, this disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. Yet, most Americans don't consider diabetes a serious matter. They feel it is someone else's responsibility; someone else's problem.
The Health Department staff, along with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), wants to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes; as well as, its serious and life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation.
Diabetes is dangerous because high blood sugar isn't usually something you can feel. Many people have no outward type 2 diabetes symptoms at all and can go years without being diagnosed. That's why it's important to be aware of the type 2 diabetes symptoms and risk factors for diabetes. Get screened by a health care provider if you have the following type 2 diabetes symptoms:
* Being unusually thirsty
* Having to urinate often
* Feeling hungry all the time
* Losing weight (without trying)
* Having blurry vision
* Feeling very tired
* Frequent infections
* Cuts and sores that heal slowly
As many as half of all Americans with diabetes are undiagnosed. Without proper diagnosis, other complications caused by high blood sugar can slowly develop. Experts agree that there are certain lifestyle and genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are the greatest risk of developing diabetes include those who:
* Are age 45 or older
* Are overweight
* Have a family member (such as a parent, brother or sister) with diabetes
* Are not physically active
* Are African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander
* Have had high blood sugar levels in the past
* Have had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
* Have high blood pressure
* Have low "good" cholesterol
* Have a high level of fats (triglycerides) in the blood.
If you are over age 45, talk with your health care provider about being tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight or have family members with the condition. Regardless of your age, if you are overweight and have one or more of the other risk factors listed, the ADA suggests that you be tested for diabetes now.
And for diagnosed diabetics, the Department announces that they have low-cost lab services available with a doctor’s order. Testing is available through their clinic offices in Kewanee (309)852-5272 and Colona (309) 792-4011.
In addition, the Department reminds area residents that our Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee and Colona can help with the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes management; high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you don't know your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers; we have services that can help you see where you stand.
For more information on Clinical Services call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments. In addition, for more information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association Web site www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK, OCT. 21-27, 2018”
Henry and Stark County Health Department staff members (from L to R) Heather Aldred, RN WIC/Case Management Nurse; Lisa Pitzer, WIC Clinic Secretary; Beth Medema, WIC Nutritionist; and Brittany Harding, RN WIC/Case Management Nurse display posters promoting National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 21-27, 2018. During the entire month of October the Health Department’s WIC staff is stressing the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning's serious health effects.
The WIC, Case Management, Environmental Health, and Clinical staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that October 21-27th has been designated National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The Health Department joins with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention.
This year's theme for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning's serious health effects.
Heather Aldred, RN Health Department Blood Lead Program Coordinator, states, "Nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health."
Aldred adds, "Illinois identified more than 8,300 children with confirmed blood lead levels greater than the intervention level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC. The major sources of this lead exposure to children included lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Children can also be exposed to lead from additional sources including drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace, and lead in soil."
Lead poisoning is a preventable condition that can affect a child's ability to learn and develop normally. Parents can reduce a child's exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:
1) Get your home tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
2) Get your child tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, get them tested for lead.
3) Get the facts. Your Health Department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning.
The easiest way to make sure your child is safe is by having them tested for lead poisoning at their doctor's office or the local health department by a simple finger stick. Most children do not show any symptoms of poisoning, so testing is crucial. Testing at ages one and two and treating the child as early as possible is the best way to prevent any developmental problems.
For more information regarding lead poisoning, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD. To schedule a blood lead test at the Health Department's Main office call (309) 852-5272 or at the Colona Office call (309) 792-4011. You may also get more information by visiting our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS AREA RESIDENTS TO SAY BOO TO THE FLU"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that it’s the season to say “Boo to the Flu;” and offers some suggestions on how to help keep germs away during the Halloween season.
Trick or treat time is a prime time to reinforce the importance of clean hands. It’s a season filled with tempting treats like candy apples, cupcakes, popcorn balls and lots of candy. Take a few moments to talk to your children about the ways that they can scare away germs with good hygiene before trick or treating begins.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion states, “This year celebrate Hallow-CLEAN. Remind your children, family members, and co-workers to wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. When there’s no soap or water - reach for a hand sanitizer or wipe.
When should you wash your hands?
* When preparing food;
* Before snacks and meals;
* After using the restroom;
* After touching animals;
* When hands are dirty;
* and, When you or someone around you is ill.
Tucker adds, "Keeping hands clean by washing them with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs that cause diarrheal and respiratory illness. In addition, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated each year provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season.”
The Health Department reminds area residents they have flu vaccine for Children and Adults at their two office locations in Kewanee and Colona while supplies last. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com. You may also find us on Facebook or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS WELL CHILD CLINIC PROGRAM"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of their Well-Child Clinic program. Clinics services are offered in our Kewanee Offices, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and our Colona location at 103 1st St. Colona, IL.
Through their Well-Child clinic the Department hopes that by offering comprehensive health services to area children today; health problems will be prevented in the future.
Clinic services include: periodic "head to toe" well-child exams for children from birth to age 20; hemoglobin tests, blood lead screenings, immunizations, developmental screenings, and counseling and referral.
The services of the well-child clinics are available to all area residents. The clinic will accept medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist low-income families to obtain services.
For more information or to make an appointment for the Health Department's Well-Child clinic, call the Department at (309) 852-5272 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
Henry and Stark County Health Department Director of Health Promotion, RaeAnn Tucker conducts a health education program for local grade school children. Health Education presentations are available to area schools, organizations, businesses or civic groups through the Department. The Health Department is noting National Health Education Week, October 15-19, 2018.
"NATIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION WEEK, OCTOBER 15-19, 2018"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that October 15-19, 2018 has been proclaimed National Health Education Week. The Health Department joins with public health and health education advocates across the country to raise awareness of the importance of health education measures. This year's theme of National Health Education Week is “Working to Create Healthier Communities.” This year’s focus will celebrate how health educators form important partnerships with schools, medical providers, social service agencies, governmental entities, businesses, social and faith-based organizations in order to promote community health. Health education and prevention measures are now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventative health and community partnerships.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion notes, "Today, seven in 10 deaths in the US are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Another striking fact is that 75 percent of our health care dollars are spent treating such diseases. However, only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention."
Tucker adds, "That's why health education is so vital to our communities' future health. Many people do not realize that the Health Department is available to area employers, school districts, and residents planning a program for a local class, club, staff or organization. Our staff is always at the ready to speak on a variety of health topics; as well as, the vast array of programs and services offered to area residents through their offices."
Education can make a difference. For example, more than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting recommended screening tests.
Presentations on Health Department awareness, clinical and home services, heart health, cancer prevention, emergency preparedness, nutrition topics, women's health, flu prevention, cholesterol and blood pressure control; wellness and physical activity; family planning and clinical services; osteoporosis; and prostate and cervical cancers; just to name a few, are offered free-of-charge.
Presentations can be tailor-made to meet any group's specific needs. Many presentations include informative handouts and entertaining videos. All information can be altered to the age and interests of the audience.
To schedule a presentation or for more information on the Department Health Education services call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS!
Attention, Ghouls and Goblins! The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to give area trick-or-treaters and their parents some important safety rules to follow this Halloween.
Halloween is a cherished tradition but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful. There is no real "trick" to making Halloween a treat for the entire family.
The major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes. Therefore, both children and adults need to think about safety on this annual day of make believe.
Motorists:
* Watch for children darting in and out from between parked cars.
* Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
* Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
* At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
When Going Out "Trick or Treating:"
* An adult or older sibling should accompany those under the age of 12.
* Children should travel in familiar areas and along an established route.
* Kids should stop only at well lighted houses and should never enter a stranger's home.
* A "trick or treat" return time should be set.
* Youngsters should not eat any treat until parents have had a chance to inspect it.
When Buying or Designing Costumes:
* Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard.
* Make costumes loose - so that warm clothes can be worn underneath.
* Outfits should be made out of light colors and strips of reflective tape should be used to make children more visible.
* Consider makeup instead of masks so your youngster's vision will not be blocked.
For more information on Halloween safety, visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOLD FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce they will be holding a Food Service Manager's Certification Course that will meet on Monday, November 5th and Wednesday, November 7th from 9:00am-3:00pm.
The classes will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the course is $140. An optional text book can be purchased in advance through our office or in class for $30.00.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food managers improve their operations. The food manager's certification course is designed to help area food service establishments in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Code.
Those who participate in the course receive intensive training in such areas as foodborne disease, food protection, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, personal hygiene, building construction, public health codes, insect and rodent control and personnel training.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Heather Aldred, RN (left) a nurse with the Henry and Stark County Health Department gives Colleen Mayberry of Kewanee a seasonal flu shot at a Flu Clinic held at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center in Kewanee. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that they are still conducting Fall Flu Clinics at various sites throughout the area. These clinics are for adults 18 years of age and older only. In addition, flu shots are available through their Kewanee and Colona offices. For the date and time of the flu clinic nearest you contact the Health Department by calling (309) 852-5272 or visiting their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS AREA FLU CLINICS AND NOTES FLU SHOTS STILL AVAILABLE"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents we are once again sponsoring Fall Flu Clinics at various sites throughout the area in early October. According to the CDC, flu activity most commonly peaks in the US in January or February; so this is a great time to get your seasonal flu shot. These clinics are for adults 18 years of age and older only.
Flu shots may be administered at no-charge to those who have Medicare Part-B and some insurance plans are accepted. You must, however, bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card with you in order to receive the shots.
The Health Department will be administering the 4-component Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu shot at these community flu clinics and through their clinic locations in Kewanee and Colona.
The Department is encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year. People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. These "at-risk" persons include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, smokers, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and people 65 years and older.
The Health Department will be giving Seasonal Flu vaccinations at these times and locations:
Galva: Wednesday, October 10th from 9am-10am, 1st United Methodist Church,
214 NW 2nd Ave.
Kewanee: Wednesday, October 10th from 1-2:00pm, Kewanee Public Library,
102 S. Tremont
Orion: Thursday, October 11th from 10:00-11:00am, United Methodist Church,
407 12th Ave.
Woodhull: Thursday, October 11th from 1:00m-2:00pm, United Church of Woodhull,
105 W. 3rd Ave
Toulon: Friday, October 12th from 9:00-10:00am, Toulon Public Library,
617 E. Jefferson St.
Bradford: Friday, October 12th from 12:00-1:00pm, Carmody Center,
218 1st St.
For Children's Flu Vaccine, call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 for pricing and availability information.
The Health Department reminds individuals to practice flu preventative measures; Clean hands frequently, Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and Contain spread of the flu virus by staying home when you are ill.
For more information on the Health Department's Fall Flu Clinics call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) and 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES OCTOBER AS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to announce that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. About 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2017 are:
About 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
About 63,410 new cases of carcinoma situ (CIS) will be diagnosed.
About 40,610 women will die from breast cancer.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, notes, “When considering facts such as these it's obvious that we, in the public health field, must emphasize the importance of early detection and screening. Indeed, breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. Therefore, we would like to encourage women to partner with a friend or family member to remind each other to practice monthly breast self-exam and make annual clinical exam and mammogram appointments."
The Health Department reminds area residents that their clinical services program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear.
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist residents to obtain services.
For more information on Department's Women's Health services call (309)
852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce they will be holding a Food Service Manager's Certification Course that will meet on Wednesday, November 7th and Friday, November 9th from 9:00am-3:00pm.
The classes will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the course is $140. An optional text book can be purchased in advance through our office or in class for $30.00.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food managers improve their operations. The food manager's certification course is designed to help area food service establishments in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Code.
Those who participate in the course receive intensive training in such areas as foodborne disease, food protection, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, personal hygiene, building construction, public health codes, insect and rodent control and personnel training.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"LA LECHE ANNOUNCES OCTOBER MEETING"
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents that their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 11th at 6:00pm (please note the new earlier meeting time) at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. "Nutrition and Weaning" will be the evening's program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers, pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or questions.
Please join La Leche on Thursday, October 11th at 6:00pm for “Nutrition and Weaning.” Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For more information call Katie at (309) 883-4029.
Diane Walters, LPN and Jessica Hand, LPN, Clinic nurses with the Henry and Stark County Health Department count and get ready to store the Health Department's recent shipment of Seasonal Flu Vaccine. This year the Health Department is pleased to announce that they will be administering the 4-component Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu shot at all their upcoming community flu clinics and through their clinic locations in Kewanee and Colona. For more information or for the date, time and location of the local flu clinic nearest you, call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are pleased to announce that they have received their supply of "Seasonal" flu vaccine. Seasonal influenza "flu" is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every winter, usually between October and May.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion states, "This year's flu shot is now available through the Department's two clinic office locations in Kewanee (Route 78 South) and Colona (103 1st St.). In addition, our staff will be going out to offer an extensive schedule of area community and worksite flu clinics beginning next week.
According to the CDC, flu activity most commonly peaks in the US in January or February; so this is a great time to get your seasonal flu shot. These community clinics are for adults 18 years of age and older only. Flu shots may be administered at no-charge to those who have Medicare Part-B and some insurance plans are accepted. You must, however, bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card with you in order to receive the shots at no cost.
Flu vaccination is recommended every year. Flu viruses are always changing. Each year's vaccine is made to protect against three or four viruses that are likely to cause disease that year. Flu vaccine cannot prevent all cases of the flu but it is the best defense against the disease.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion notes, "This year the Health Department is pleased to announce that we will be administering the 4-component Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu shot at all our upcoming community flu clinics and through our clinic locations in Kewanee and Colona. We believe this vaccine is going to give our area residents the most comprehensive protection from the Influenza this year. The 2018-2019 flu vaccine will protect against influenza A/Michigan (H1N1 -like virus); A/Singapore (H3N2-like virus); influenza B/Colorado (B/Victoria lineage) virus, and influenza B/Phuket (B/Yamagata lineage) virus.
Tucker adds notes, "We are encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year. People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. These "at-risk" persons include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, smokers, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and people 65 years and older."
For children 6mos-18 years of age, please contact the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 for for pricing and availability information.
The Health Department reminds individuals to practice flu preventative measures; Clean hands frequently, Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and Contain spread of the flu virus by staying home when you are ill.
For more information on obtaining the Seasonal Flu Shot or the date and time of the Community Flu Shot Clinic nearest you, call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN OCTOBER"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, October 16th at 6:00pm at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center, 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee.
Rebecca Magalhaes, of the Mental Health Alliance adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Monday, October 8th in observance of the Columbus Day Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Dorothy David, Director of Environmental Health Services with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, recently attended the 2018 FDA Central Regional Retail Food Protection Seminar. The theme of the seminar was “Distilling Food Safety: Making A Mark On The Future.” Some of the highlights of this conference were: 2017 FDA Food code with emphasis on the presence of certified food protection managers at the establishments; menu nutrition labeling; active managerial control; challenges of Hepatitis A outbreak through food establishments; environmental sampling at retail food establishments and food code interpretations. The Health Department is noting September’s designation as National Food Safety Month.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES SEPTEMBER FOOD SAFETY MONTH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division announces that September has been designated National Food Safety Month. This year’s theme for National Food Safety Month is “Let It Flow!” The theme refers to the flow of frozen food and other time and temperature control for safety foods from distributors, to the freezers, to the kitchen, and on to our plates.
Dorothy David, Environmental Health Director with the Health Department states, “National Food Safety Month is the one month out of the year dedicated to food safety education. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about steps you take to prevent food poisoning.”
David notes, “One of the most significant ways in preventing foodborne illness is to practice good personal hygiene, such as correct handwashing when handling food or when touching food and food contact surfaces. The quick removal and clean up of vomit or fecal matter are also important to prevent the spread of illness. If possible, wear gloves to avoid bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food items. You could also handle food items with spatulas, tongs, deli paper or other utensils.
In addition, the Health Department would like to take this opportunity to inform area residents, food handlers, and food establish managers that the future of food safety in Illinois is changing. The key highlights are 1)Regulations are changing to include the US Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code; 2) each and every food establishment shall have a certified food protection manager present at all times food is prepared; and 3) the inspection type will be changing into a risk based – managerial control type of inspection, without a scoring or grading system.
This means that the Department inspectors will be looking into the purposeful incorporation of actions or procedures by food establishment managers into the operation of their businesses to attain control over food borne illness risk factors, i.e. improper hot/cold holding temperatures of potentially hazardous food; improper cooking temperatures of food; dirty and/or contaminated utensils and equipment; and poor employee health and hygiene, and food from unsafe sources.
This changes embody a preventative, rather than reactive, approach to food safety through a continuous system of monitoring and verification by the site food professional managers. Our office will continue to partner with our local food establishment managers, working together to make food safer.
For more information on food safety contact the Health Department at(309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES SEPTEMBER CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION MONTH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announces that September is National Cholesterol Education Month, so let's take a look at some steps you can take to help lower your cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to heart disease and stroke - America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Seventy-one million American adults have high cholesterol, but only one-third of them have the condition under control.
You can reduce cholesterol in your blood by eating healthful foods, losing weight if you need to and exercising. Some people also need to take medicine because changing their diet isn't enough. Your health care provider will help you set up a plan for reducing your cholesterol - and keeping yourself healthy!
September is National Cholesterol Education Month which is a good time to resolve to get your cholesterol screened. What role does screening play? Screening is the key to detecting high cholesterol. Because high cholesterol does not have symptoms, many people do not know that their cholesterol is too high.The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked every 5 years.
The Health Departments staff reminds area residents they have Lab Services that are available at clinics held Monday through Friday starting at 7:00am at the Health Department's Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona Office 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department clinics offer area residents the opportunity to receive a variety of indepth profiles like a General Health Panel, GHP which includes a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, CMP; Complete Blood Count, CBC; and a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH. Other popular profiles include a Lipid Panel; the CBC; the CMP; the TSH; and the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. These tests are available without a physician's order and reasonably priced.
Many insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid can be billed with a physician’s order.
The PSA, for males age 50 and over, is a blood test to be used as a screening tool by physicians and should only be used in conjunction with a doctor's physical exam. These and other fasting blood profiles can be obtained by appointment at their Kewanee and Colona office locations.
Fasting is required for optimal results. Therefore, participants should not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours prior to the blood draw. Test results will be sent by mail to participants and ordering physicians.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 in Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 in Colona. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS RESIDENTS OF SCHEDULE OF AREA FLU CLINICS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents they are once again sponsoring Fall Flu Clinics at various sites throughout the area in early October. According to the CDC, flu activity most commonly peaks in the US in January or February; so this is a great time to get your seasonal flu shot. These clinics are for adults 18 years of age and older only.
Flu shots may be administered at no-charge to those who have Medicare Part-B and some insurance plans are accepted. You must, however, bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card with you in order to receive the shots.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion notes, "This year the Health Department is pleased to announce that we will be administering the 4-component Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu shot at all our upcoming community flu clinics and through our clinic locations in Kewanee and Colona. We believe this vaccine is going to give our area residents the most comprehensive protection from the Influenza this year.”
Tucker adds, “As usual, we are encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year. People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. These "at-risk" persons include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, smokers, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and people 65 years and older."
The Health Department will be giving Seasonal Flu vaccinations at these times and locations:
Kewanee: Wednesday, October 3rd from 9-10am, Black Hawk College-Community Education
Center, 404 E. 3rd St.
Wednesday, October 10th from 1-2:00pm, Kewanee Public Library,
102 S. Tremont
Cambridge: Wednesday, October 3rd from 12:00-1:00pm, United Methodist Church,
120 W. Exchange
Geneseo: Thursday, October 4th from 9:00-10:00am, Moose Lodge, S. State St.
Atkinson: Thursday, October 4th from 11:00am-12:00pm, Township Hall,
N. State St.
Annawan: Thursday, October 4th from 1:30-2:30pm, Sacred Heart Church Hall,
108 N. Main St.
Wyoming: Friday, October 5th from 10:00-11:00am, Church of the Nazarene,
517 N Madison Ave.
Galva: Wednesday, October 10th from 9am-10am, 1st United Methodist Church,
214 NW 2nd Ave.
Orion: Thursday, October 11th from 10:00-11:00am, United Methodist Church,
407 12th Ave.
Woodhull: Thursday, October 11th from 1:00m-2:00pm, United Church of Woodhull,
105 W. 3rd Ave
Toulon: Friday, October 12th from 9:00-10:00am, Toulon Public Library,
617 E. Jefferson St.
Bradford: Friday, October 12th from 12:00-1:00pm, Carmody Center,
218 1st St.
For Children's Flu Vaccine, call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 for pricing and availability information.
The Health Department reminds individuals to practice flu preventative measures; Clean hands frequently, Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and Contain spread of the flu virus by staying home when you are ill.
For more information on the Health Department's Fall Flu Clinics call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) and 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
Incident Command Staff with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management recently took part in a week-long intensive “All Hazards Incident Management Team” training conducted by the Illinois Fire Service Institute. The training was held in the Henry County Emergency Command Center in Cambridge. The Health Department is noting September’s designation as National Emergency Preparedness Month. Pictured from left to right: Nancy VanWassenhove, Aaron Harlan, Sandy Sommer, Heather Mirocha, Duane Stevens, Naomi Stahl, Beth Medema, Kelli Humphrey, Janell Steffen, Dorothy David, RaeAnn Tucker, and Mat Schnepple.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH"
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments note that this September we mark the 17th year anniversary of 9/11. Since then, September has been designated as National Preparedness Month. This event was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, states, "The designation is a nationwide, month-long effort that encourages individuals, families, businesses, and communities to work together and take action to prepare and plan for emergencies."
This year's effort has a growing coalition of more than 2,700 national, regional, state, and local organizations pledging support. The goal for National Emergency Preparedness Month 2018 is to encourage all Americans to take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared. Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community. This year's National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging all individuals and all communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan.
Tucker adds, "This year's theme for National Preparedness Month's is ‘Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.’ Take time to learn lifesaving skills – such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes, and tornados. Make sure to consider the cost associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.”
The devastating hurricanes and wildfires of 2017 reminded the nation of the importance of preparing for disasters. Often, we will be the first ones in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community.
Preparing can start with four important steps:
1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community, and identify sources of information in your community that will be helpful before, during and after an emergency.
2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.
3. Build an emergency supply kit.
4. Get involved.
Tucker notes, "Many people think that it will be easy to grab items from your pantry if disaster strikes. But what if you aren't at home? What if you family is separated? What if you have to leave quickly? We encourage everyone to take a few extra minutes this month to plan for any emergency."
The following is a listing of some basic items that every emergency supply kit should include:
* Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
* Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
* Battery -powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* First aid kit
* Whistle to signal for help
* Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
* Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
* Local maps
* Copies of your prescription (placed in a ziploc bag to keep them dry)
Tucker concludes, "National Preparedness Month is a good reminder that emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives. That's why the Health Department staff is continually taking steps to become educated, trained, and better prepared, and we urge you to take time this month to do the same."
For more information on the Health Department's Emergency Preparedness visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or visit www.ready.gov. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Department. Funding for this program was provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments reminds area residents they will be holding a Food Handler's Certification Course that will meet on Wednesday, October 17th from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
The class will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the 3 hours course is $15.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food handlers improve their skills and operations. The food handler's certification course is designed to help area food servers in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Service Sanitation Code.
The course will cover the following topics of discussion: 1) The relationship between time and temperature with respect to foodborne illness. 2) The relationship between personal hygiene and food safety. 3) The methods of preventing contamination in all stages of food handling. 4) The procedures for cleaning and sanitizing. 5) The problems and potential solutions associated with temperature control, cross contamination, housekeeping and maintenance.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering, or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS OF POISON IVY EXPOSURE"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that as many of us take advantage of the summer months to increase outdoor activities; exposure to local flora may result in an increased risk of encountering one of nature's less desirables, poison ivy.
The most common consequence of poison ivy exposure is the development of poison ivy rash. Poison ivy rash is easily distinguished. The skin is red and blisters are formed in a linear pattern. Swelling may occur, and there may be acute itching.
Allergy to the plant develops after one or repeated contacts with the plant. The first attack may not begin for 7-10 days after the first contact. The rash then appears and continues to spread for a week or more. Subsequent attacks develop within 2-3 days and run a faster course.
Direct contact with the plant, or contact with something which has contacted the plant is usually necessary to produce an attack. In smoke the allergen travels but a few feet, if at all. Following contact or suspected contact, thorough bathing with plenty of soap may remove the plant juices and prevent an attack, but only if the bathing is done within hours or so after exposure.
The blister fluid does not contain any of the allergen, nor does it promote any spread of the rash. Cool, wet dressings along with anti-itching medication control the symptoms fairly well and give the quickest recovery. Skin undergoing an allergic reaction and skin which is inflamed and oozing is easily sensitized to other contact allergens.
As one grows older, sensitivity usually decreases very markedly. Also, after several attacks, the person himself may learn to recognize and avoid the plant. As sensitivity to poison ivy and its close relatives is the most common form of contact dermatitis, learning to recognize these plants may prevent an uncomfortable and agonizing, although preventable, condition.
So keep tips in mind and enjoy all the great fun this time of year has to offer. For more information on outdoor safety visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Department or Follow Us on Twitter.
Tara LaFollette, Account Clerk and RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, display posters announcing the Health Department’s annual schedule of upcoming community flu clinics. This year the Health Department is pleased to announce they will be administering the 4-component Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu shot at all their flu clinics and through their clinic locations in Kewanee and Colona. For more information or for the date, time and location of the local flu clinic nearest you, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE OF AREA FLU CLINICS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are pleased to once again be sponsoring Fall Flu Clinics at various sites throughout the area in early October. According to the CDC, flu activity most commonly peaks in the US in January or February; so this is a great time to get your seasonal flu shot. These clinics are for adults 18 years of age and older only.
Flu shots may be administered at no-charge to those who have Medicare Part-B and some insurance plans are accepted. You must, however, bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card with you in order to receive the shots.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion notes, "This year the Health Department is pleased to announce that we will be administering the 4-component Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu shot at all our upcoming community flu clinics and through our clinic locations in Kewanee and Colona. We believe this vaccine is going to give our area residents the most comprehensive protection from the Influenza this year.”
Tucker adds, “As usual, we are encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year. People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. These "at-risk" persons include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, smokers, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and people 65 years and older."
The Health Department will be giving Seasonal Flu vaccinations at these times and locations:
Kewanee: Wednesday, October 3rd from 9-10am, Black Hawk College-Community Education
Center, 404 E. 3rd St.
Wednesday, October 10th from 1-2:00pm, Kewanee Public Library,
102 S. Tremont
Cambridge: Wednesday, October 3rd from 12:00-1:00pm, United Methodist Church,
120 W. Exchange
Geneseo: Thursday, October 4th from 9:00-10:00am, Moose Lodge, S. State St.
Atkinson: Thursday, October 4th from 11:00am-12:00pm, Township Hall,
N. State St.
Annawan: Thursday, October 4th from 1:30-2:30pm, Sacred Heart Church Hall,
108 N. Main St.
Wyoming: Friday, October 5th from 10:00-11:00am, Church of the Nazarene,
517 N Madison Ave.
Galva: Wednesday, October 10th from 9am-10am, 1st United Methodist Church,
214 NW 2nd Ave.
Orion: Thursday, October 11th from 10:00-11:00am, United Methodist Church,
407 12th Ave.
Woodhull: Thursday, October 11th from 1:00m-2:00pm, United Church of Woodhull,
105 W. 3rd Ave
Toulon: Friday, October 12th from 9:00-10:00am, Toulon Public Library,
617 E. Jefferson St.
Bradford: Friday, October 12th from 12:00-1:00pm, Carmody Center,
218 1st St.
For Children's Flu Vaccine, call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 for pricing and availability information.
The Health Department reminds individuals to practice flu preventative measures; Clean hands frequently, Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and Contain spread of the flu virus by staying home when you are ill.
For more information on the Health Department's Fall Flu Clinics call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) and 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS CERTIFIED DOT PHYSICALS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents their Clinical services program is offering area drivers low cost DOT Physicals. Appointments are available at their Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and by special arrangement and at their West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department notes that the Department of Transportation requires some drivers to get regular physicals to make sure they can drive safely. If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:
You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities
Sandy Sommer, RN Clinical Services Director with the Health Department notes, “If you want to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. Our Nurse Practitioner, Marilou Johnson is a Certified DOT medical examiner.”
DOT Physical participants should expect the examiner to review their health history and ask the participant to list the medications taken on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
Sommer adds, “If you are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression and other mental health issues, and seizures. Participants need to obtain a “Clearance Letter” from the provider of care and bring to their appointment.
Please note, appointments for DOT Physical, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 - Kewanee Office or 792-4011-Colona Office. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS INFORMATION ON HEAD LICE"
It's that time of year again. When yellow school buses, cross guards and children carrying book bags abound. Therefore the Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to remind area residents of the facts pertaining to head lice and how to treat it.
Head lice are spread most commonly by direct head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact. However, much less frequently they are spread by sharing clothing or belongings onto which lice have crawled or nits attached to shed hairs may have fallen. The risk of getting infested by a louse that has fallen onto a carpet or furniture is very small. Head lice survive less than 1-2 days if they fall off a person and cannot feed; nits cannot hatch and usually die within a week if they are not kept at the same temperature as that found close to the scalp.
The following are steps that can be taken to help prevent and control the spread of head lice:
* Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, camp).
*Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons, or barrettes.
*Do not share combs, brushes, or towels. Disinfest combs and brushes used by an infested person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for
5-10 minutes.
*Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with an infested person.
*Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that an infested person wore or used during the 2 days before treatment using the hot water (130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry-cleaned OR sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2 weeks.
*Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay. However, spending much time and money on housecleaning activities is not necessary to avoid reinfestation by lice or nits that may have fallen off the head or crawled onto furniture or clothing.
Although head lice are difficult to see, they are easy to recognize. One sign is a persistent itch of the scalp, often accompanied by infected scratch marks. Closer inspection, aided by a hand lens will reveal small silvery eggs attached to the hair shaft.
Head lice infestations among children and adults are common. Lice are unbearably itchy and highly contagious; they require immediate, thorough treatment. Alas, there are no non-toxic products for killing lice, but there are effective over-the-counter products such as Nix and Rid. But if you do use one of these preparations, follow the instructions exactly. Delouse clothing, bedding and combs according to directions; as well as, head and body.
Remember to take all possible steps to protect other members of your household, and to notify people who might have been exposed through direct bodily or household contact, and to prevent re-infestation.
To help control a head lice outbreak in a community, school, or camp, children can be taught to avoid activities that may spread head lice. For more information, contact your family health care provider, school nurse or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
Staff from the Henry and Stark County Health Department display a variety of personal and household products gleaned from a recent donation drive for Department Homecare and WIC clients. The drive was held to help Health Department staff members who often use their own money to purchase household and personal products for their elderly, disabled and young family clients. Donation Drive Committee Members pictured (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) Kim Grimes, Jill Engstrom, and Pam Stockton.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF CONDUCTS DONATION DRIVE FOR HOMECARE CLIENTS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to announce that their staff recently conducted a highly successful donation drive for their staff and the Department’s Homecare and WIC clients. Kim Grimes, Homecare Coordinator for the Health Department, states, “Our Health Department Fundraising and Community Involvement Committees worked together to sponsor a special Salad Luncheon and Donation Drive to help many of our Homecare and WIC staff members who often use their own money to purchase household and personal products for the elderly, disabled, homebound, and young family clients they serve.”
Grimes adds, “Our Department employees are, by nature, very giving people. They really can’t see the clients, they serve everyday, go without basic household items. And much like teachers purchasing school supplies for their students; they find themselves using their own money to buy household necessities for their clients.”
Jill Engstrom, Homecare Coordinator and fellow donation drive committee member, notes, “The donation drive far extended our expectations. Our entire Health Department staff responded to this need by a huge out-pouring in purchasing and collecting all kinds of household cleaning and personal supplies. We received tons of such needed items as household cleaners, paper towels, cleaning rags, tooth brushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towels and wash clothes. It’s obvious the Golden Rule is truly alive and well and present in the hearts of our great staff.”
Engstrom adds, “It’s so gratifying in today’s world that people, who face their own challenges, will still roll up their sleeves and pitch in for a good cause. Kindness and giving never go out of style.”
Health Department home health services include: skilled nursing and home health aide visits; homecare assistant services; and speech, physical, and occupational therapies. To arrange homecare services, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0492. Or, for more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS EXTENSIVE LAB SERVICES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments staff reminds area residents they have Lab Services that are available at clinics held Monday through Friday starting at 7:00am at the Health Department's Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona Office 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department clinics offer area residents the opportunity to receive a variety of indepth profiles like a General Health Panel, GHP which includes a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, CMP; Complete Blood Count, CBC; and a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH. Other popular profiles include a Lipid Panel; the CBC; the CMP; the TSH; and the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. These tests are available without a physician's order and reasonably priced.
Many insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid can be billed with a physician’s order.
The PSA, for males age 50 and over, is a blood test to be used as a screening tool by physicians and should only be used in conjunction with a doctor's physical exam. These and other fasting blood profiles can be obtained by appointment at their Kewanee and Colona office locations.
Fasting is required for optimal results. Therefore, participants should not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours prior to the blood draw. Test results will be sent by mail to participants and ordering physicians.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 in Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 in Colona. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES STARK COUNTY HEALTH BOARD MEETING”
The Stark County Health Department would like to announce the quarterly meeting of
the Stark County Health Board will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September
10th, 2018, 2nd floor, Stark County Courthouse, Toulon, Illinois.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES HENRY COUNTY HEALTH BOARD MEETING”
The Henry County Health Department would like to announce the quarterly
meeting of the Henry County Health Board will be held at 6:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 at the Henry County Health Department
office, Kewanee, Illinois.
"LA LECHE ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER MEETING"
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents that their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 13th at 6:00pm (please note the new earlier meeting time) at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. "Avoiding Obstacles of Breastfeeding" will be the evening's program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers, pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or questions.
Please join La Leche on Thursday, September 13th at 6:00pm for “Avoiding Obstacles of Breastfeeding.” Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For more information call Katie at (309) 883-4029.
"STARK COUNTY NOTES FIRST POSITIVE TEST FOR WEST NILE IN MOSQUITOES"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that they have just received their first positive test for West Nile Virus in a mosquito batch found in Stark County.
Monitoring for West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory tests for mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with West Nile virus-like symptoms.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex pipiens mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
This is the first evidence of the virus in Stark County for this year. Dorothy David, Health Department Environmental Health Director notes, "The fact that West Nile Viral Encephalitis is now in Stark County is not a cause for alarm, as our advice to the public remains the same - to minimize exposure to mosquitoes, while seeking out and eliminating breeding sites."
The Health Department advises that from now until the first frost is the time to take the following protective measures:
1) Protect yourself and your children from the bite of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes bite most aggressively at dusk and dawn; therefore, cover exposed skin and use insect repellent if you must be out during these periods. Also, be sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair to protect yourself while sleeping.
2) Plan your end of the Summer activities (example: last campouts) on cooler or windy weekends. Avoid calm, muggy, dusky or dawn periods.
3) Mosquitoes are still breeding. Therefore, continue to remove any containers of standing water present on your property up until the first frost.
For more information about West For Nile Virus surveillance, contact the Health Department Environmental Health Division at (309) 852-7266 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter.
Dorothy David, Environmental Health Director with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments shares information on the basic rules of proper food handling during a Food Manager’s Certification Class. The Health Department announces they will be holding this class again September 25th and 27th at the Health Department in Kewanee. These classes help local food establishments stay in compliance with state and local laws, ordinances and codes governing food service delivery.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce they will be holding a Food Service Manager's Certification Course that will meet on Tuesday, September 25th and Thursday, September 27th from 9:00am-3:00pm.
The classes will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the course is $140. An optional text book can be purchased in advance through our office or in class for $30.00.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food managers improve their operations. The food manager's certification course is designed to help area food service establishments in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Code.
Those who participate in the course receive intensive training in such areas as foodborne disease, food protection, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, personal hygiene, building construction, public health codes, insect and rodent control and personnel training.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPT NOTES SENIOR LIVING SERIES PROGRAM CLOSES OUT ITS SEASON”
The Senior Living Series closed out its season of summer programs recently in Bradford. Another large audience enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of music provided by local accordion players Bob and Judy. Bob and Judy’s program, entitled, “Musical Memories” featured a lively mix of polka hits, American standards, and popular hits from the last 75 years. The Senior Living Series was sponsored by the Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, Petersen Health Care, and the Bradford Public Library District.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Monday, September 3rd in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Jessica Hand, LPN Clinic Nurse with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments administers a school required immunization to high school student Chelsie Hill. The Health Department is celebrating August's designation as National Immunization Awareness Month.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that August has been designated National Immunization Awareness Month. The goal of National Immunization Awareness Month is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.
Sandy Sommer, RN Clinical Services Supervisor with the Health Department states, "August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations. Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season."
Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the US and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. But despite these efforts, today tens of thousands of people in the US still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends and their communities from serious, life-threatening infections.
Sommer adds, "Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, are critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease."
Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster vaccination are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases that may be encountered when traveling outside the US are recommended for travelers to specific regions of the world.
The Health Department Clinical services staff reminds area residents that immunizations can be obtained through the Health Departments' clinic offices in Kewanee and Colona by appointment. Please note, the Department has all required immunizations as private pay vaccines. Please call for eligibility, costs, and for vaccine availability.
For more information on the Health Departments' Immunization program call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) 852-3115 (Stark) or 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us On Twitter
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT INFORMATION CONCERNING BATS AND RABIES EXPOSURE"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note with the warm summer months comes the increase in bat activity, which means the possibility of exposure to rabies is increasing. Bats are the primary carrier of rabies in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has already had 34 bats test positive for rabies this year.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “You should never try to approach or catch a bat, or any wild animal, you find outside. Bats and wild animals that let people approach them are often not healthy. Instead, call your local animal control agency for its recommendations on how to handle the animal.”
It should be noted that typically less than 5 percent of bats tested for rabies are found to be rabid. In the bat population as a whole, the percentage of rabid bats is much smaller – less than 1 percent. Also, any wild mammal, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and bats, can have rabies and transmit it to humans.
Sandy Sommer, Director of Clinical Services with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments notes, "Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system. People can get rabies after being bitten by an infected animal. Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal gets directly into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or a wound. People usually do not know when they have been bitten by a bat, as bats have very small teeth and the bite mark may not be easy to see. If you find yourself in close proximity to a bat and are not sure if you were exposed, for example – you wake up and find a bat in your room, do not kill or release the bat before calling your doctor or local health department to help determine if you could have been exposed to rabies and need preventive treatment. If the bat is available for testing and test results are negative, preventive treatment is not needed."
Without preventive treatment, rabies is typically fatal. If you have been bitten or have had direct contact with a bat, seek immediate medical attention. Treat-ment with rabies immune globulin and a vaccine series must begin quickly.
Dorothy David, Health Department Director of Environmental Health Services adds, "An animal does not have to be aggressive or exhibit other symptoms to have rabies. Changes in any animal’s normal behavior can be early signs of rabies. A bat that is active during the day, found on the ground or is unable to fly, is more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often easily approached, but should never be handled."
The following tips can help prevent the spread of rabies:
* Be a responsible animal owner. Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats, ferrets and other animals you own.
* Seek immediate veterinary assistance for your pet if your pet has been bitten by a wild animal or exposed to a bat.
* Call the local animal control agency about removing stray animals in your neighborhood.
* Do not touch, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
* Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick, wild animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
* Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn to reduce the risk of exposures to rabid animals.
* Maintain homes and other buildings so bats cannot get inside.
* If a bat is in your home, do not release the bat outdoors until after speaking with animal control or public health officials. If you can do it without putting yourself at risk for physical contact or being bitten, try to cover the bat with a large can or bucket, and close the door to the room.
For more information about possible bat exposure contact the Health Department Communicable Disease Nurse at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments. If you have a bat in your residence contact your local animal control officer.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT WIC PROGRAM BUILDS HEALTHY FAMILIES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents that they offer the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program. The WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
Sandy Sommer, Director of Clinical Services with the Health Department, states, “We are thrilled to announce that WIC Services are now available to local families ‘without borders.’ Which means, if you reside in a neighboring county; but actually live closer to one of our WIC locations in Kewanee or Colona, we can serve your WIC needs!”
In addition, the Health Department has expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program.
Sommer adds, “We also want to stress that WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women.”
The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff encourages healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
Sommer concludes, "Our WIC and Casemanagement staff feel it's important that all area residents and families have the information and encouragement to make healthy decisions; not only for themselves but for their entire family. Thereby, hoping future generations are more healthy and active."
For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter. For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN AUGUST"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, August 21st at 6:00pm at Parkside Apts., 125 N. Chestnut St., Kewanee.
Rebecca Magalhaes, of the Mental Health Alliance adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS AT GOLDSTAR FS CUSTOMER DAY"
Alicia Lindburg, LPN (left) Clinic Nurse with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments conducts a free blood pressure check on Katie Laleman, Henry County Farm Bureau Manager (right). The Health Department conducted an outreach display booth recently at the Gold Star FS Customer Appreciation Day in the Merchants Building on the Henry County Fair Grounds. The Department gave out Free Blood Pressure Checks to those in attendance. Free Blood Pressure Screenings are available Free-Of-Charge through the Health Department's Clinic office in Kewanee and Colona. For more information contact the Health Department at 852-5272.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of their Family Planning clinic program.
Through the family planning clinic program, the Health Department hopes to give women the information and means they need to plan pregnancies and make responsible decisions. The program also hopes to detect other health problems early in their development so that clients can be referred to other health care providers for treatment.
Clinics are held at the Health Department’s 3 office locations: Route 78 South, Kewanee (309) 852-5272; 103 1st St., Colona (309) 792-4011; and 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island (309) 794-7088. Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear.
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, had been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
In addition to contraceptive services, the clinic also offers pregnancy testing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Health Department Kewanee (309) 852-2572 or Colona (309) 792-4011 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Mat Schnepple, (Standing Right) Henry County Director of Emergency Management addresses participants in the “CON-OPS” Common Operating Picture Tabletop Exercise held recently in the new Henry County Emergency Operations Center in Cambridge. The exercise and training was sponsored by the Henry County Office of Emergency Management and the Stark County Emergency Management Agency.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF ATTENDS ‘CON-OPS’ TABLETOP EXERCISE"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that members of its staff recently took part in the “CON-OPS” Common Operating Picture Tabletop Exercise sponsored by the Henry County Office of Emergency Management and the Stark County Emergency Management Agency. The exercise was conducted in the new Henry County Emergency Operations Center in Cambridge.
This emergency preparedness tabletop exercise gave Stark and Henry County officials the chance to review and exercise the revised Stark County Emergency Operation Plan (EOP). Through the exercise, participants were able to simulate multiple emergency and disaster scenarios.
Mat Schnepple the Henry County Office of Emergency Management Director states, “Through this training and exercise we were able to gage and understand some core capabilities like community resilience; public information and warning; operational coordination; public and private services and resources; and situational assessment measures.”
For more information on the Emergency Preparedness Program through the Henry and Stark County Health Departments call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or the Henry County Office of Emergency Management at (309) 883-1287 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments. Funding for this program was provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The Stark County Senior Living Series closes out its schedule of summer programs with an afternoon of “Musical Memories” with Bob and Judy. This interactive and fun musical program will be held Wednesday, August 22nd at 2:00pm at the Bradford Courtyard Estates. In addition, refreshments will be served and a door prize will be given out. The Senior Living Series is co-sponsored by the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, Petersen Health Care, the Stark County Citizens’ Mental Health Task Force, and the Bradford Public Library District.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS OF AUGUST SENIOR LIVING SERIES PROGRAM"
The Henry & Stark County Health Department, Petersen Health Care, the Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, and the Bradford Public Library District remind area residents they are once again sponsoring a special Senior Living Series. The Senior Living Series is a schedule of informational programs aimed to give the latest, up-to-date information, to our area senior population.
The August program will be "Musical Memories” with Bob and Judy. This interactive and fun musical program will be held Wednesday, August 22nd at 2:00pm at the Bradford Courtyard Estates.
Bob and Judy are brother-sister accordion players and members of the Peoria Area Accordion Association. The duo plans on playing some popular musical selections that will inevitably invoke fun, happy and pleasant memories in their audience members.
This program should be a wonderful way for people of all ages to spend a summer afternoon. Stevie Wonder once said, “Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.”
In addition, refreshments will be served and a door prize will be given out at each Senior Living Series session.
For more information about the upcoming Stark County Senior Living Series you may contact RaeAnn Tucker at the Stark County Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments of Follow Us On Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPT NOTES JULY SENIOR LIVING SERIES PROGRAM & ANNOUNCES AUGUST PROGRAM”
The July Stark County Senior Living Series program was held recently in Bradford. Participants enjoyed an interactive program given by Jannifer Powelson, Local Author and Naturalist with the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District. Her presentation was entitled, "Getting Back to Nature.” In her program, Powelson took audience members on a nature hike with her children’s books. She also discussed the books in her Nature Station Mystery Series and brought along a beautiful bouquet of prairie grasses and wildflowers for everyone to see, touch, smell, and simply enjoy. The August Senior Living Series program will feature “Musical Memories” with Bob and Judy. This will take place on Wednesday, August 22nd at 2:00pm at the Bradford Courtyard Estates. The Senior Living Series is sponsored by the Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, and Petersen Health Care, and the Bradford Public Library District.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN AUGUST"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, August 21st at 6:00pm at Parkside Apts., 125 N. Chestnut St., Kewanee.
Rebecca Magalhaes, of the Mental Health Alliance adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
(L to R) Naomi Stahl and Missy Schilling , Health Department Staff and Registrars, verify a client's application for a certified copy of a birth certificate. With so many parents preparing for the upcoming fall school session, the Health Department reminds area residents that they offer certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS CERTIFIED BIRTH & DEATH CERTIFICATE COPIES"
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments wish to remind area parents that certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971 can be obtained through the Health Department office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee. In addition, certified death certificates since 1971 are also available through their office.
According to Naomi Stahl, Deputy Registrar, "The complimentary record of a child's birth certificate that is provided by the hospital is not a legal document." Parents are required to show proof of the child's birthdate upon applying for security benefits or for a social security number which is necessary to open a savings account."
"Proof of birthdate is also required for school entrance," adds Stahl, "and a certified copy of the original birth certificate is necessary." In some areas of the United States non-custodial parents may attempt to register children in school without legal birth certificates. School officials have been warned to be suspicious of this practice, noting that each year, many children are reported taken from their custodial parents and illegally transported to other areas of the country.
(Either) Birth parents, listed on the child's birth certificate, or court ordered legal guardians may request a certified copy of their child's birth certificate by contacting the Henry County Health Department at 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee or (309) 852-0197. In addition, Birth Parents will need a photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with a completed request form and fee.
The charge for obtaining birth certified copies will is $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy. The cost of certified death certificate copies is $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy.
For more information on obtaining certified birth or death certificates, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197. Request forms are also available on our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com under vital records. Enclose a photo ID, such as a driver's license along with your request and fee.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES AUGUST SENIOR LIVING SERIES PROGRAM"
The Henry & Stark County Health Department, Petersen Health Care, the Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, and the Bradford Public Library District remind area residents they are once again sponsoring a special Senior Living Series. The Senior Living Series is a schedule of informational programs aimed to give the latest, up-to-date information, to our area senior population.
The August program will be "Musical Memories” with Bob and Judy. This interactive and fun musical program will be held Wednesday, August 22nd at 2:00pm at the Bradford Courtyard Estates.
Bob and Judy are brother-sister accordion players and members of the Peoria Area Accordion Association. The duo plans on playing some popular musical selections that will inevitably invoke fun, happy and pleasant memories in their audience members.
This program should be a wonderful way for people of all ages to spend a summer afternoon. Stevie Wonder once said, “Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.”
In addition, refreshments will be served and a door prize will be given out at each Senior Living Series session.
For more information about the upcoming Stark County Senior Living Series you may contact RaeAnn Tucker at the Stark County Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments of Follow Us On Twitter.
Henry and Stark County Health Department WIC staff: (from left to right) Tara DeBlieck, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor; Heather Aldred, RN WIC Nurse; Beth Medema, WIC Nutritionist, and Lisa Pitzer, WIC Secretary display special breastfeeding promotion and awareness posters, displays and participant incentives. The Health Department is celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, August 1-7, 2018.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS WEEK, AUGUST 1-7!"
The WIC and Case Management programs of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that August 1-7 has been proclaimed World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) and August has been proclaimed Breastfeeding Month. The theme for the 2018 Annual WBW celebration, honored by more than 120 countries worldwide, is "Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life." This year's theme focuses on the effort it will take from us all to succeed in establishing Breastfeeding as a foundation for lifelong health and a means of food security for infants, and to establish maternity protections and other workplace policies to enable women to combine breastfeeding and employment.
Tara DeBlieck, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor with the Health Department, notes, "Benefits of breastfeeding are numerous, well known and research based. Babies who are breastfed are protected against respiratory and ear infections, asthma, allergies, childhood cancer, and obesity. Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease."
In accordance with World Breastfeeding Week and Month, the Department WIC (Women, Infants and Children's Supplemental Food Program) and Case Management staff notes that throughout Illinois, local WIC agencies work within their communities to get mothers and babies off a good start with breastfeeding. Continuing the education and counseling moms receive prenatally, WIC agencies work with area hospitals, healthcare providers, and local La Leche League Chapters to provide seamless support as moms come home from the hospital and transition back to work and school. In addition, through the statewide Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program, moms receive one-on-one support from experienced breastfeeding moms.
Adds DeBlieck, "What people have to remember is that there are so many benefits to breastfeeding. Even if new mothers are able to do it for only a short time, a baby's immune system can benefit from breast milk. There are many other benefits of breast milk for a mother, her baby, and others:
BENEFITS FOR BABY:
* Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. A mother's milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby's growth and development. Babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula.
* Premature babies do better when breastfed compared to premature babies who are fed formula.
* Breastfed babies score slightly higher on IQ tests, especially babies who were born prematurely.
BENEFITS FOR MOM:
* Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds of pregnancy. It also helps the uterus to get back to its original size and lessens any bleeding a woman may have after giving birth.
* Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and possibly the risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis after menopause.
* Breastfeeding makes your life easier. It saves time and money. You do not have to purchase, measure, and mix formula. There are no bottles to warm in the middle of the night!
* Breastfeeding can help a mother to bond with her baby. Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, warm and comforted.
For more information on breastfeeding call the Health Departments at (309) 852-5272; or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com; or find us on Facebook at “Henry County Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.”
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS TIPS ON FOOD SAFETY DURING A POWER OUTAGE!
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that refrigerators and freezers are two of the home's most indispensable servants. Therefore, when the power fails, or when the appliance breaks down, we often panic. If your power goes out, knowing what to do with the food in your refrigerator and freezer can help you stay healthy. The last thing you need after a weather emergency is a case of food poisoning.
If your power fails, the Health Department reminds you that all need not be lost, and suggests the following hints to help you keep your cool.
* If the power fails, always keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Never open them just to "check things out." You'll lose precious cool air, and make matter worse.
* If you choose to place ice in and around refrigerator items, make certain you also insert enough containers to catch what melts, and don't allow foods to sit in water for any length of time.
Dorothy David, Health Department Director of Environmental Health Services, notes "An unopened full freezer will keep foods frozen for up to 2 full days. If it's necessary to add ice to the freezer, make certain you handle it only with adequate ventilation and while wearing protective gloves."
David adds, "When power is restored, check all foods, fresh or frozen, to determine safety. Discard any food that has a unusual odor, color, or texture, or feels warm to the touch. Remember the saying, "When in doubt, throw it out."
For more information of food safety, contact the Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS "READY FOR SCHOOL" SERVICES TO AREA STUDENTS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff announces that their Clinical services program is offering Sports and School Physical Exam clinics throughout the summer.
Appointments are available at their Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and at their West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The clinic will offer area Junior High and Senior High School Athletes, Freshmen, Sixth Graders, Kindergartners, and Preschoolers school or sports physicals.
In order to encourage parents to call early for their appointments; and thereby avoid the end of the summer rush, the Health Department will offer the exams at a cost $25 per person in July; $30 per person in August; and $50 per person in September and October.
Also, the Department reminds area parents to be sure your children are up-to-date on their required immunizations before school begins this fall. Immunizations, TB checks; blood lead screenings, and other needed lab tests are also available to participants at additional charges. The Health Department has all immunizations that are required for school entry as private pay vaccines. Please call for eligibility, costs, and for vaccine availability.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 - Kewanee Office or 792-4011-Colona Office.
For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"LA LECHE ANNOUNCES AUGUST MEETING"
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents that their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 9th at 6:00pm (please note the new earlier meeting time) at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. "Early Days of Breastfeeding" will be the evening's program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers, pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or questions.
Please join La Leche on Thursday, August 9th at 6:00pm for “Early Days of Breastfeeding.” Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For more information call Katie at (309) 883-4029.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS SUMMER SWIMMING SAFETY SUGGESTIONS!"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that, according to a report from the Home Safety Council, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury and related death. Drowning incidents may involve any source of standing water, including swimming pools, spas, buckets, bathtubs and toilets.
"Drowning is a sudden and silent danger," notes the Home Safety Council. "Since drowning victims do not make any noise once in distress, constant supervision around any body of water is critical and the best method of prevention."
The Health Department urges families to take the following basic safety precautions around water outdoors and in-home.
* Always practice constant adult supervision around any body of water. Older children should not be left in charge of younger children in the pool area.
* Install four-sided fencing that isolates the pool from the home. Four-sided pool fencing is proven to be an effective drowning prevention intervention. While many communities have codes or regulations that require some form of pool fencing, there is not a consistent national standard.
* Pool fencing should be a least five feet high and have self-locking and self-closing gates.
* Position gate latches out of the reach of young children.
* Never prop the gate open or disable the latch.
* Clear debris, clutter and pool toys from the pool deck and adjoining pathways to prevent falls.
* Keep a cordless, water resistant telephone in the pool area and post emergency numbers near the pool area.
* Enroll non-swimmers in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor. Pediatricians recommend that children ages 5 and older learn how to swim.
* Never swim alone. Even adults should always swim with a buddy.
* Learn and practice the basic lifesaving techniques, including First Aid and CPR. Insist that anyone who care for your children learn CPR. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments offer monthly CPR classes. Call the Department for more information.
* Keep poolside rescue equipment close to the pool area.
* Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions prominently near the pool area.
The Health Department encourages everyone to follow these important water safety guidelines to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe summer swimming season. For more information on summer safety, call (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com. You can also find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS WELL CHILD CLINIC PROGRAM"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of their Well-Child Clinic program. Clinics services are offered in our Kewanee Offices, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and our Colona location at 103 1st St. Colona, IL.
Through their Well-Child clinic the Department hopes that by offering comprehensive health services to area children today; health problems will be prevented in the future.
Clinic services include: periodic "head to toe" well-child exams for children from birth to age 20; hemoglobin tests, blood lead screenings, immunizations, developmental screenings, and counseling and referral.
The services of the well-child clinics are available to all area residents. The clinic will accept medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist low-income families to obtain services.
For more information or to make an appointment for the Health Department's Well-Child clinic, call the Department at (309) 852-5272 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HOME CARE JOB FAIR TO BE HELD IN GENESEO"
The Home Care Division of the Henry County Health Department announces they will be holding a special Homecare Assistant Job Fair in Geneseo. The Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, August 1st from 1:00pm-3:30pm at the Geneseo Senior Citizens Center, 541 E. North St., Geneseo.
Janell Steffen, Referral Coordinator with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ Home Care Division, notes, “If you are someone who has a passion for helping others – this job fair is something you should attend. We are looking for caring individuals to work in assisting the elderly and disabled in their homes with meal preparation; housekeeping; laundry; personal care; shopping and errands.
Interested persons should have reliable transportation. Full and part-time positions are available, and training is provided. We are looking for Caregivers in Henry County.
For more information on the August 1st Homecare Assistant Job Fair you may call the Henry County Health Department Home Care Division at (309) 852-0492 or at 800-868-9454 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find Us On Facebook or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT VISITS JULY PARK DISTRICT DAY CAMP"
Henry and Stark County Health Department Director of Health Promotion, RaeAnn Tucker (Standing Back Center) presented a program on "GOOD NUTRITION & HEALTHY EATING" to participants of the Kewanee Park District's Day Camp held recently at Windmont Park. In addition to an interactive presentation, each camper was able to take a turn and show everyone what they had learned. Health Education presentations are available to area schools, organizations, businesses or civic groups through the Department. To schedule a program call Tucker at (309) 852-0197.
"HENRY COUNTY NOTES FIRST POSITIVE TEST FOR WEST NILE IN MOSQUITOES"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that they have just received their first positive test for West Nile Virus in a mosquito batch found in Henry County.
Monitoring for West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory tests for mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with West Nile virus-like symptoms.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex pipiens mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
This is the first evidence of the virus in Henry County for this year. Dorothy David, Health Department Environmental Health Director notes, "The fact that West Nile Viral Encephalitis is now in Henry County is not a cause for alarm, as our advice to the public remains the same - to minimize exposure to mosquitoes, while seeking out and eliminating breeding sites."
The Health Department advises that from now until the first frost is the time to take the following protective measures:
1) Protect yourself and your children from the bite of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes bite most aggressively at dusk and dawn; therefore, cover exposed skin and use insect repellent if you must be out during these periods. Also, be sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair to protect yourself while sleeping.
2) Plan your end of the Summer activities (example: last campouts) on cooler or windy weekends. Avoid calm, muggy, dusky or dawn periods.
3) Mosquitoes are still breeding. Therefore, continue to remove any containers of standing water present on your property up until the first frost.
For more information about West For Nile Virus surveillance, contact the Health Department Environmental Health Division at (309) 852-7266 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS SERVICES TO HAVE STUDENTS "SCHOOL READY"
Diane Walters, LPN Henry and Stark County Health Department Clinical Nurse, (right) measures the height of Taylor Haga (daughter of Heather and Troy Haga of Galva) as part of a routine school physical examination. The Health Department is reminding area residents of their various "School Ready" services like school and sports physical exams, immunizations, and blood lead checks. To schedule an appointment call (309) 852-5272 Kewanee-Main Office or (309) 792-4011 Colona Office.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS BEAT THE HEAT SUGGESTIONS!"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of the importance of staying safe in this summer’s heat. RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion states, "Summer’s warmth, enjoyed by so many people, can be dangerous when the temperature climbs above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to making one feel fatigued and uncomfortable, unchecked exposure to excessive heat can lead to serious illness and even death."
Tucker adds, "During hot and humid weather the body's ability to cool itself is affected. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and heat-related illnesses may develop.
Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to more serious heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention."
Heat Cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area. Give an electrolyte-containing fluid, such as a commercial sports drink, fruit juice or milk. Water may also be given. Do not give the person salt tablets.
Heat Exhaustion is a more severe condition. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, construction workers and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. Move the person to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet clothes or towels to the skin. Fanning or spraying the person with water also can help. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of a cool fluid such as a commercial sports drink or fruit juice to restore fluids and electrolytes. Milk or water may also be given. Give about 4 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body’s systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. If someone you know exhibits signs of heat stroke, emergency assistance is essential.
Everyone is affected by extreme heat; however, those people at higher risk of a heat-related illness include: older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic heart/lung problems, people with disabilities, overweight persons, those who work in hot settings, users of some medications, and people who are isolated that don't know when or how to cool off or when to call for help.
To avoid heat related stress remember:
* Avoid outdoor activities from noon to 4pm.
* Use fans or air-conditioners liberally or visit air-conditioned places (shopping malls, libraries, theatres).
* Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
* Eat small meals and eat more often.
* Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
* Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
* Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors and use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
* Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
* Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
For more information on heat safety and other summer survival strategies, contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS OF JULY SENIOR LIVING SERIES PROGRAM"
The Henry & Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, Bradford Public Library, and Petersen Health Care remind area residents they are once again sponsoring a special Senior Living Series. The Senior Living Series is a schedule of informational programs aimed to give the latest, up-to-date information, to our area senior population.
The July program will be "Getting Back to Nature” by Jannifer Powelson, Local Author and Naturalist with the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District. This informative program will be held Wednesday, July 25th at 2:00pm at the Bradford Courtyard Estates.
Whether writing her educational children’s picture books or cozy mysteries for adults; Jannifer Powelson incorporates nature into all of her books and hopes readers will learn a little more about the natural world after reading her books. In her program Powelson will take will take her audience on a nature hike with her children’s books. She will also discuss the books in her Nature Station Mystery Series and bring along a beautiful bouquet of prairie grasses and wildflowers for everyone to see, touch, smell, and simply enjoy.
Remember, refreshments will be served and a door prize will be given out at each Senior Living Series session.
For more information about the July 25th Stark County Senior Living Series you may contact RaeAnn Tucker at the Stark County Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments of Follow Us On Twitter
"Walk-in clinic" Open in Kewanee!
Attention Area Residents! Our Kewanee Clinic New "Walk In" hours are from 7:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. Please note, appointments are encouraged and will take priority over walk ins. More news to follow - but for more information or to make an appointment, just call (309) 852-5272!
Jannifer Powelson, Author and Naturalist with the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES JULY SENIOR LIVING SERIES PROGRAM"
The Henry & Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, the Bradford Public Library, and Petersen Health Care remind area residents they are once again sponsoring a special Senior Living Series. The Senior Living Series is a schedule of informational programs aimed to give the latest, up-to-date information, to our area senior population.
The July program will be "Getting Back to Nature” by Jannifer Powelson, Local Author and Naturalist with the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District. This informative program will be held Wednesday, July 25th at 2:00pm at the Bradford Courtyard Estates.
Whether writing her educational children’s picture books or cozy mysteries for adults; Jannifer Powelson incorporates nature into all of her books and hopes readers will learn a little more about the natural world after reading her books. In her program Powelson will take will take her audience on a nature hike with her children’s books. She will also discuss the books in her Nature Station Mystery Series and bring along a beautiful bouquet of prairie grasses and wildflowers for everyone to see, touch, smell, and simply enjoy.
Remember, refreshments will be served and a door prize will be given out at each Senior Living Series session.
For more information about the July 25th Stark County Senior Living Series you may contact RaeAnn Tucker at the Stark County Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments of Follow Us On Twitter
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments reminds area residents they will be holding a Food Handler's Certification Course that will meet on Wednesday, August 1st from 9:00am-12:00pm.
The class will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the 3 hours course is $15.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food handlers improve their skills and operations. The food handler's certification course is designed to help area food servers in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Service Sanitation Code.
The course will cover the following topics of discussion: 1) The relationship between time and temperature with respect to foodborne illness. 2) The relationship between personal hygiene and food safety. 3) The methods of preventing contamination in all stages of food handling. 4) The procedures for cleaning and sanitizing. 5) The problems and potential solutions associated with temperature control, cross contamination, housekeeping and maintenance.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering, or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS "READY FOR SCHOOL" SERVICES TO AREA STUDENTS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff announces that their Clinical services program is offering Sports and School Physical Exam clinics throughout the summer.
Appointments are available at their Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and at their West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The clinic will offer area Junior High and Senior High School Athletes, Freshmen, Sixth Graders, Kindergartners, and Preschoolers school or sports physicals.
In order to encourage parents to call early for their appointments; and thereby avoid the end of the summer rush, the Health Department will offer the exams at a cost $25 per person in July; $30 per person in August; and $50 per person in September and October.
Also, the Department reminds area parents to be sure your children are up-to-date on their required immunizations before school begins this fall. Immunizations, TB checks; blood lead screenings, and other needed lab tests are also available to participants at additional charges. The Health Department has all immunizations that are required for school entry as private pay vaccines. Please call for eligibility, costs, and for vaccine availability.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 - Kewanee Office or 792-4011-Colona Office.
For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACCEPTING BIRDS FOR WEST NILE TESTING"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that with the warm summer weather beginning; so does the season for West Nile Virus infection. Dorothy David, Health Department Environmental Health Services Director notes, "Key to the surveillance efforts of West Nile Virus throughout the state is the continued testing of the local mosquito and bird populations. Mosquitoes and birds are the key vectors of West Nile virus transmission. Therefore, the Health Department would like to alert area residents that they will be accepting dead birds for West Nile Virus testing."
David adds, "Birds that will be accepted would include the following "Perching Bird" species: crows, blue jays, grackle, starling, robin, cardinal, catbird, mockingbird, sparrows, finches, flycatchers, swallows, warblers, wrens, and small or medium sized hawks and owls."
Birds submitted for testing should be "eligible" birds with no obvious cause of death, i.e. or birds killed by a gunshot or birds found crushed on a roadside that are most likely killed by motor vehicles. Birds dying from West Nile Virus are usually found singly, scattered over a wide area.
In contrast, birds that die from other causes (storm mortality, food poisoning, toxicants) often die in groups or clusters in a small area.
Please note, no waterfowl, gulls, larger birds such as vultures, endangered birds including the bald eagle will not be accepted for testing. Birds should only be submitted if they have not been damaged by scavenging animals and are not decomposed. Decomposed animals can be recognized as having a strong odor, deflated or dried eyes, maggots present, or bloated from decomposition gases. Those specimens should be discarded.
Dead birds can be submitted to the Health Department Main Office, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee starting immediately.
For more information on dead bird collection or West Nile Virus surveillance, contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT VISITS PARK DISTRICT DAY CAMP"
Henry and Stark County Health Department Director of Health Promotion, RaeAnn Tucker (Standing Back Right) presented a program on "Summer Safety” to participants of the Kewanee Park District's Day Camp held recently at Windmont Park. Tucker taught the campers about sun, water, heat, and travel safety. Health Education presentations are available to area schools, organizations, businesses or civic groups through the Department.
“CAPACITY CROWD ENJOYS KICKOFF OF SENIOR LIVING SERIES”
The Stark County Senior Living Series was kicked off with a special combined program with the Bradford Public Library and their summer reading program. The capacity crowd, of over 70 participants of all ages, were pleased to enjoy a musical presentation by Mr. Aaron and his dog, Ms. Bella. Mr. Aaron is shown leading the audience in song. In addition the audience was treated to complimentary refreshments, door prizes and giveways. The Senior Living Series is sponsored by the Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, the Bradford Public Library District, and Petersen Health Care. The July program will be featuring a program by Jannifer Powelson, Author and Naturalist with the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District of “Getting Back to Nature.” This informative program will be held Wednesday, July 25th at 2:00pm at the Bradford Courtyard Estates.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT DECLARES INDEPENDENCE FROM HOLIDAY MISHAPS!"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that celebrating the Fourth of July should be fun and safe for the entire family. Unfortunately, consumer fireworks are not only dangerous enough to spoil the fun, they are dangerous enough to take lives. You can have a great time celebrating Independence Day if you remember to keep your eyes on safety.
To help keep your Fourth of July safe this year, RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Health Department, offers these safe suggestions.
FIREWORKS FREE
You can ensure your children’s safety by supervising their activities and their environment. Host a Fourth of July party for your kids and their friends.
* Let your guests make decorations. Kids make cute decorations from crepe paper, construction paper, stickers and glue. These will provide fun and make the party look festive. Local craft or hobby shops have the supplies and lots of good ideas.
* Glo-sticks, glo-ropes and glo-jewelry provide safe and fun ways to brighten an evening.
* Flashlights, plain or with filters made by wrapping the flashlight in colored cellophane, can light the night in fun, safe ways.
* Neon and glow-in-the dark paint can provide both a fun afternoon project and a special evening display. Kids enjoy watching their art take on a special glow as the sky darkens.
* Novelty flashlights can be extra fun. You can buy flashlights that have mirrors to bounce the light, and changeable colored filters or optic fibers that look like sparklers but are much safer.
* Instead of attempting a risky fireworks display yourself - take the kids to your local community’s professional fireworks show.
SAFE SOUNDS
Part of fireworks’ attraction to children is the big noise that goes with them. Kids love making noise and there are lots of safe ways for them to do this.
* Step or sit on inflated balloons until they pop. Or inflate small bags. Popping the bags makes a nice, loud bang.
* Buy noisemakers from a party store. Horns, whistles, bells and cymbals will also serve as sound fun.
For more information on July 4th Holiday Safety visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FOOD SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR SUMMER EVENTS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division reminds area residents that summertime is outdoor activity time. With the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend many of us may be heading outdoors for our celebrations and meals. It's true that cooking and eating outside in the fresh air is fun for everyone. Unfortunately, warm weather eating also brings out something else less pleasant - food poisoning. To avoid such an unwelcome addition to any picnic or cookout the Health Department Environmental Health Director, Dorothy David notes the following:
* When at the grocer's, choose meat and poultry last. Bag your selections with other cold items and get them home promptly. Don't leave such food in the car while you run errands. If foods are allowed to get warm, germs and pathogens that are present will begin to multiply."
* Once home, store soon-to-be-used meat and poultry items in the refrigerator in their original store wrapper or rewrap in freezer foil and stored in the deep freezer. This will shorten freezing time and also enable them to be thawed more quickly later on by reducing the time needed between thawing and cooking. What's more, meat and poultry products should never be allowed to thaw at room temperature. Defrosting such items in the refrigerator or microwave is a much safer practice.
* Pay close attention to how foods are prepared for cooking outdoors. Wash all countertops, cutting boards and knives with hot soapy water before and after using them for raw foods. Such "cross contamination" could be unhealthy. Always wash hands before and after handling raw meat items.
* When packing up foods for a picnic or outing, place perishable items including hot dogs, cheese and luncheon meats in a well insulated cooler and cover with plenty of ice. Keep coolers in the shade and open them only when necessary.
* While it is usually safe to store picnic leftovers in an ice filled cooler, it's a good idea to package up remaining foods immediately after the meal is finished. Food items left out at room temperatures for three hours or more should be discarded, but those exposed to warmer outside temperatures should be disposed of much sooner. Actually, the best rule to follow is "when in doubt, throw it out."
David add, "Food poisoning may often go undetected, as the symptoms often mimic those of the flu and include headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. However, food poisoning can be serious and anyone who suspects that they have such a condition should consult their health care professional right away."
The staff of the Health Department urges everyone to practice good food handling habits before, during and after warm weather meals. Help make summertime fun, delicious and safe. For more information on the Health Department's Food Program visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com , find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS OF UPCOMING FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents they will be holding a Food Service Manager's Certification Course that will meet on Monday, July 16th and Wednesday, July 18th from 9:00am-3:00pm.
The classes will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the course is $140. An optional text book can be purchased in advance through our office or in class for $30.00.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food managers improve their operations. The food manager's certification course is designed to help area food service establishments in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Code.
Those who participate in the course receive intensive training in such areas as foodborne disease, food protection, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, personal hygiene, building construction, public health codes, insect and rodent control and personnel training.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
Jenna Nowlan, Environmental Health Sanitarian with Henry & Stark County Health Departments readies a mosquito trap. The Health Department posts area mosquito traps for testing and surveillance of the presence of West Nile Virus. The Health Department is noting National Mosquito Awareness Week, June 24-June 30 and is encouraging area residents to help in the effort to cut down the local mosquito population.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES NATIONAL MOSQUITO CONTROL AWARENESS WEEK, JUNE 24-30, 2018."
How's the song go? "Summer time and the living is easy." That is until you're bothered by that old seasonal nemesis the mosquito. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that June 24-30 has been designated National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. In honor of this national observance the Health Department staff offers the following information on the summer mosquito season and the potential health risks associated with mosquito bites.
Over the last few years, the U.S. has had increased cases of mosquito-borne illnesses such as the West Nile Virus and other exotic diseases such as Zika virus, Dengue Fever and Chikungunya threaten our shores. While Zika virus is also primarily transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, the main type of mosquito that carries Zika virus, Aedes aegypti, is different and is rarely found in Illinois. However, taking some simple precautions can help you avoid mosquito bites, regardless of the type of mosquito or the diseases they carry.
Precautions include practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report.
REDUCE - make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut. Eliminate, or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers.
REPEL - when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
REPORT – report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito eggs.
The Culex mosquito is the most common vector of West Nile Virus and other viral illnesses. The Culex mosquito relies mostly on artificial containers for breeding sites. Adds David, "An artificial container is anything that will hold water more than 4 to 5 days. Enormous numbers of mosquitoes are produced day after day in such containers."
Therefore, the Health Department urges area residents to take the following steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites:
* Discard all useless containers such as tin cans, tires, and stack buckets upside down when empty.
* Turn boats and canoes down when not in use.
* Don't allow water to stand in low areas for more than one week, add small amounts of fuel oil each week to standing pools of water that can't be drained.
* Empty and clean wading pools and bird baths once a week.
* Drain all livestock tanks once a week.
* Cover rain barrels and cisterns with mesh wire screening.
* Puncture holes in the bottom of tire swings to drain accumulated water.
* Clean out gutters and spouts of accumulated debris.
* Repair or replace screening on doors and windows with appropriate mesh.
For more information on West Nile Virus or Mosquito Control Measures call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or (309) 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FIREWORK SAFETY SUGGESTIONS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' staff notes it's that time of year again - a time for Fourth of July picnics and Independence Day celebrations. In accordance with June's designation as Fireworks Safety Month, the Department offers the following facts on fireworks safety.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments notes, "Malfunction and careless use of fireworks results in nearly 10,000 injuries every year. More than 65 percent of all fireworks-related injuries occur during the month around the July 4th holiday. Of those, more than half are to the hands, fingers, and eyes. The most common fireworks that cause injury are firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, fountains, and sparklers that are legal in many states."
Of special note, those most often hurt in firework accidents are children less than 15 years old. And the injuries they receive include blindings, amputations, severe burns and even death.
All fireworks should carry the message, "Use only under close adult supervision." Children cannot appreciate the dangers involved, and cannot always act correctly in case of emergency. Even the "sparkler," considered by many the ideal "safe" firework, burns at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Here are some other firework safety facts:
* Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
* Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
* Firework directions and warning labels should be read and heeded.
* Fireworks should be ignited only outdoors - away from houses, dry grass and bushes and other flammable materials.
* Fireworks should be lit one-at-a-time after everyone is out of the way. They should never be lit in metal or glass containers.
* Malfunctioning fireworks should not be relit or handled.
* Never experiment with fireworks, or mix anything with their contents.
* Fireworks should always be stored in a cool, dry place.
* And finally, make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
So follow these safety suggestions and declare your independence from firework injuries and mishaps. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4th in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.
However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Mr. Aaron Fowler kicks off the Stark County Senior Living Series in June with a professional presentation entitled “LIBRARIES ROCK,” featuring his guitar and therapy dog, Ms. Bella. This engaging program will be presented on Tuesday, June 26th at 2:00pm at the Courtyard Estates, 100 Courtyard Estates, Bradford, IL. This a cooperative effort between the Bradford Public Library’s Summer Reading Program and the agencies that sponsor the Stark County Senior Living Series of summer programs.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS OF JUNE SENIOR LIVING SERIES WITH LIBRARY CO-OP"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, and Petersen Health Care remind area residents they are once again sponsoring a special Senior Living Series. The Senior Living Series is a schedule of informational programs aimed to give the latest, up-to-date information, that matters, to our area senior population.
The June program will be a professional presentation of entitled “LIBRARIES ROCK,” featuring Mr. Aaron Fowler and his guitar and therapy dog, Ms. Bella. This engaging program will be presented on Tuesday, June 26th at 2:00pm at the Courtyard Estates, 100 Courtyard Estates, Bradford, IL.
Mr. Aaron has a gift of engaging his audience. His warm personality and program content invite participation, and he crafts his “sing along” programs to be educational without appearing so.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, states, “We are so excited about our June “Kick-Off” to the program series. This is a cooperative effort between the Bradford Public Library’s Summer Reading Program and the agencies that bring local residents the Stark County Senior Living Series of programs.
The special event is FREE-OF CHARGE and open to all local residents of any age, 1-100. Grandparents and Parents are encouraged to come with their grandchildren and children and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of fun, adventure, and imagination courtesy of and funded by the Bradford Public Library.
Free giveaways and a door prize will be given out at each Senior Living Series session.
For more information about the upcoming Stark County Senior Living Series you may contact RaeAnn Tucker at the Health Department at (309) 852-3115 or Sarah Boehm at the Bradford Public Library at 897-8400.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNONCES UPCOMING FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATION COURSE"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents they will be holding a Food Service Manager's Certification Course that will meet on Monday, July 16th and Wednesday, July 18th from 9:00am-3:00pm.
The classes will be held at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee. The cost of the course is $140. An optional text book can be purchased in advance through our office or in class for $30.00.
Through the course, valuable information is given which will help food managers improve their operations. The food manager's certification course is designed to help area food service establishments in the county meet the requirements of the IDPH Food Code.
Those who participate in the course receive intensive training in such areas as foodborne disease, food protection, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, personal hygiene, building construction, public health codes, insect and rodent control and personnel training.
Registrations are limited. Those interested in registering or for more information, should contact the Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
Jessica Hand, LPN (right) Clinic Nurse with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, goes over test results with a patient during his annual blood draw and exam appointment. Lab work and exams are just some of the men’s health services available to local residents through the Health Department’s clinics in Kewanee and Colona. The Health Department is promoting June as Men's Health Month and June 11-17 as Men's Health Week. The Health Department is reminding area men about the importance of good health through lifestyle habits, prevention, early detection and treatment.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES JUNE NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH MONTH & JUNE 11-17 MEN’S HEALTH WEEK!"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department’s announce that June has been designated National Men’s Health Month and June 11-17 has been designated Men’s Week. It’s not just good luck and good genes that lead to a healthy life. Research shows that our actions have a big say in the matter, too. Many major health problems that affect men and boys are preventable through lifestyle changes, early detection, and treatment.
The Health Department staff notes Men’s Health Week by focusing on these top tips for men to maintain good health and long lives.
*Get routine exams and screenings. Ask your doctor how often you need to be examined.
*Get enough sleep.
*Eat healthy.
*Stay at a healthy weight.
*Get moving - take part in regular exercise.
*Be smoke-free. If you smoke, quit today!
*Avoid heavy drinking.
*Manage stress.
The Health Departments note that as many people consider health care today; the ideas of prevention and early detection of disease will become increasingly important. To illustrate this point the Department staff notes the following statistics:
* Despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of five years less than women, with African-American men having the lowest life expectancy.
* Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, afflicting 1 out of every 11 American men and killing 34,000 men every year.
* If prostate cancer is detected early it can be treated effectively, but early prostate cancer has no symptoms.
* Appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) exams, blood pressure screenings, cholesterol checks, etc., in conjunction with clinical examination can result in the detection of many of problems in their early stages and increase survival rates to nearly 100%.
The Health Department offers many Men’s Health Services, to schedule an appointment call (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona). For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT WIC PROGRAM BUILDS HEALTHY FAMILIES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents that they offer the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program. The WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
Sandy Sommer, Director of Clinical Services with the Health Department, states, “We are thrilled to announce that WIC Services are now available to local families ‘without borders.’ Which means, if you reside in a neighboring county; but actually live closer to one of our WIC locations in Kewanee or Colona, we can serve your WIC needs!”
In addition, the Health Department has expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program.
Sommer adds, “We also want to stress that WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women.”
The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff encourages healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
Sommer concludes, "Our WIC and Casemanagement staff feel it's important that all area residents and families have the information and encouragement to make healthy decisions; not only for themselves but for their entire family. Thereby, hoping future generations are more healthy and active."
For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter. For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
"EVENT FOOD VENDORS MUST REGISTER WITH HEALTH DEPARTMENT"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division notes that most local community calendars from the Memorial Day holiday to the Labor Day observance will feature many community events. Summertime is outdoor activity time. It's the season for community activities, festivals, and events, family reunions, backyard barbecues and other friendly get-togethers.
Therefore, the Health Department would like to remind area residents that if you are preparing to serve food to the Public through an event that is serves food on less than three consecutive days and/or no more than 12 intermittent days in any calendar year that you are required to register with the Health Department so that we can better assist you in the sanitation standards of food preparation.
Dorothy David, Environmental Health Services Director with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, states, "The aim of this registration is not to dictate but to educate. We really want local food handlers to have the latest and most up-to-date information on food safety. By registering with the Health Department local food vendors can have the Health Departments staff's expertise and guidance at their disposal."
David adds, "Offering this education to local event food vendors really is a win-win for everyone. Food vendors can be confident in the food they prepare and serve, and local residents can rest assured that food purchased at local events is safe."
The staff of the Health Department urges everyone to practice good food handling habits before, during and after warm weather meals. Please remember to send your completed food registration forms if you are serving to the public. Help make summertime fun, delicious and safe. For more information on the Health Department's Food Program visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments (left) presents retiring Stark County Health Board member, Nancy Eagelston of Wyoming (right) with a service award. Eagelston is leaving the Health Board after 21 years of service to the citizens of Stark County.
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments (left) presents retiring Stark County Health Board President, Sharon Sager of Speer (right) with a service award. Sager is leaving the Health Board after 27 years of service.
"STARK COUNTY HEALTH BOARD HONORS SHARON SAGER & NANCY EAGELSTON FOR YEARS OF SERVICE"
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, and the Stark County Health Board recently honored retiring Health Board Members: Sharon Sager of Speer, for her 27 years of service; and Nancy Eagelston of Wyoming, for her 21 years of service to the citizens of Stark County.
Remi Satkauskas, Stark County Health Board President, notes "Sharon Sager and Nancy Eagelston have been devoted to the community; and their many years of service to the Stark County Board of Health in the betterment of health services to Stark County citizens. Their service has been and will always be appreciated."
Stevens adds, "Both Sharon and Nancy have been devoted members of the Stark County Health Board. They are wonderful advocates for the health of all Stark County residents. I will personally miss working with both of them."
The Stark County Health Board consists of 2 physicians; 1 dentist; 1 county board member; and 4 other residents of the county with an interest in the county's health needs. The Health Board meets quarterly and members serve with no compensation.
For more information on the Stark County Health Department call the Department at (309) 852-0197. You can also visit our website at www.henrystarkhealthcom or find us on Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT CANCELS JUNE 13TH FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATION CLASS"
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announces that the Food Handler's Certification Class scheduled for Wednesday, June 13th from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Henry and Stark County Health Department, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee has been canceled.
The Health Department apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this cancellation.
For more information please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Health Department at 852-0197.
"HENRY COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN JUNE"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force, and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance ask, “Are you or someone you love experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Experience the power of giving and receiving support.”
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance invites you to attend the one of the two support group meetings they will be holding each month:
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For friends and family of people with mental illness.
And, PEER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP-
For those personally struggling with mental illness.
Both groups will meet on Tuesday, June 19th at 6:00-7:30pm at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center, 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee.
David Harris, of the Mental Health Alliance and Black Hawk College Community Education Center adds, “We encourage interested individuals to come to an evening of sharing, support, new knowledge and new skills. Join others living with similar obstacles to share your stories, offer encouragement, and lend your support.”
For more information about the upcoming mental health support group meetings, you may contact Mr. Harris by calling (309) 738-2146.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS CERTIFIED DOT PHYSICALS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents their Clinical services program is offering area drivers low cost DOT Physicals. Appointments are available at their Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and by special arrangement and at their West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department notes that the Department of Transportation requires some drivers to get regular physicals to make sure they can drive safely. If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:
You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities
Sandy Sommer, RN Clinical Services Director with the Health Department notes, “If you want to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. Our Nurse Practitioner, Josefina Foreman is a Certified DOT medical examiner.”
DOT Physical participants should expect the examiner to review their health history and ask the participant to list the medications taken on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
Sommer adds, “If you are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression and other mental health issues, and seizures. Participants need to obtain a “Clearance Letter” from the provider of care and bring to their appointment.
Please note, appointments for DOT Physical, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 - Kewanee Office or 792-4011-Colona Office. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Sponsors of the upcoming Senior Living Series gathered to promote their first event and display the poster advertising the event. The Series kicks off in June with a professional presentation entitled “LIBRARIES ROCK,” featuring Mr. Aaron Fowler and his guitar and therapy dog, Ms. Bella. This engaging program will be presented on Tuesday, June 26th at 2:00pm at the Courtyard Estates, 100 Courtyard Estates, Bradford, IL. This is a cooperative effort between the Bradford Public Library’s Summer Reading Program and the agencies that sponsor the Stark County Senior Living Series of summer programs. (Pictured from Left to Right - Sitting) Sarah Boehm of the Bradford Library and Doris Bogner, Stark County Health Board Member and Bradford Library Board Member. (Standing) Jill Walker, Petersen Health Care and RaeAnn Tucker with the Henry and Stark County Health Department.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES KICK OFF OF SENIOR LIVING SERIES WITH LIBRARY CO-OP"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, Stark County Citizens' Mental Health Task Force, and Petersen Health Care announce they are once again sponsoring a special Senior Living Series. The Senior Living Series is a schedule of informational programs aimed to give the latest, up-to-date information, that matters, to our area senior population.
The June program will be a professional presentation of entitled “LIBRARIES ROCK,” featuring Mr. Aaron Fowler and his guitar and therapy dog, Ms. Bella. This engaging program will be presented on Tuesday, June 26th at 2:00pm at the Courtyard Estates, 100 Courtyard Estates, Bradford, IL.
Mr. Aaron has a gift of engaging his audience. His warm personality and program content invite participation, and he crafts his “sing along” programs to be educational without appearing so.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, states, “We are so excited about our June “Kick-Off” to the program series. This is a cooperative effort between the Bradford Public Library’s Summer Reading Program and the agencies that bring local residents the Stark County Senior Living Series of programs.
The special event is FREE-OF CHARGE and open to all local residents of any age, 1-100. Grandparents and Parents are encouraged to come with their grandchildren and children and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of fun, adventure, and imagination courtesy of and funded by the Bradford Public Library.
Free giveaways and a door prize will be given out at each Senior Living Series session.
For more information about the upcoming Stark County Senior Living Series you may contact RaeAnn Tucker at the Health Department at (309) 852-3115 or Sarah Boehm at the Bradford Public Library at 897-8400.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS "READY FOR SCHOOL" SERVICES TO AREA STUDENTS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff announces that their Clinical services program is offering Sports and School Physical Exam clinics throughout the summer.
Appointments are available at their Main Office, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and at their West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The clinic will offer area Junior High and Senior High School Athletes, Freshmen, Sixth Graders, Kindergartners, and Preschoolers school or sports physicals.
In order to encourage parents to call early for their appointments; and thereby avoid the end of the summer rush, the Health Department will offer the exams at a cost of $20 per person in May and June; $25 per person in July; $30 per person in August; and $50 per person in September and October.
Also, the Department reminds area parents to be sure your children are up-to-date on their required immunizations before school begins this fall. Immunizations, TB checks; blood lead screenings, and other needed lab tests are also available to participants at additional charges. The Health Department has all immunizations that are required for school entry
