"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE OF HENRY & STARK COUNTY ADULT FLU CLINICS"
RELEASE:
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce they are once again sponsoring Adult Flu Clinics at various sites throughout the area in 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 will be given on a traditional “Walk-In” basis; however, participants must wear a mask and social distancing will be conducted.
The Health Department will be giving Seasonal Flu vaccinations at these times and locations:
Kewanee: Monday, October 11th from 9:00-11:00am, Central School Steamer Gym,
215 E. Central Blvd.
Friday, October 15th from 1:00-2:00pm, Kewanee Public Library,
102 S. Tremont
Geneseo: Tuesday, October 12th from 9:00-10:00am, Moose Lodge, S. State St.
Friday, October 15th from 9:30am-10:30pm, Geneseo Public Library,
805 N. Chicago St.
Cambridge: Tuesday, October 12th from 11:00am-12:00pm, United Methodist Church,
120 W. Exchange
Toulon: Wednesday, October 13th from 9:00am-10:00am, State Bank of Toulon,
102 W. Main St.
Wyoming: Wednesday, October 13th from 11:00am-12:00pm, Church of the Nazarene,
517 N Madison Ave.
Bradford: Wednesday, October 13th from 1:00pm-2:00pm, Carmody Center,
218 1st St.
Galva: Thursday, October 14th from 9am-10am, 1st United Methodist Church,
214 NW 2nd Ave.
Woodhull: Thursday, October 14th from 11:00am-12:00pm, United Church of Woodhull,
105 W. 3rd Ave
Orion: Thursday, October 14th from 1:00-2:00pm, United Methodist Church,
407 12th Ave.
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 cost of this year’s flu shot, for those paying cash, is $30.
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 First Choice Healthcare 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 reminds individuals to practice Flu and Covid preventative measures: wear a mask when in public, indoors and in congregate settings; observe social distances of 6 ft; clean hands frequently; cover your nose and mouth when coughing; and contain spread of infections 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.
Date: September 16, 2021
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT & FIRST CHOICE HEALTHCARE NOTES SEPTEMBER CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION MONTH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona announce 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 First Choice Healthcare Clinic staff reminds area residents they have Lab Services that are available at clinics held Monday through Friday starting at 7:00am in the Kewanee location, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona location, 103 1st St., Colona.
The First Choice Healthcare 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 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 First Choice Healthcare 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 & FIRST CHOICE HEALTHCARE CLINICS NOTE PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona announce that September has been designated National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Although its mortality rate has steadily fallen in the last decade, prostate cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. In 2019 alone, 174,650 men were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer; and 31,620 men died from this disease.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Health Department states, "National Prostate Cancer Awareness month gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to fight this disease by finding better ways to prevent, detect, and treat it."
Today, 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only 1 man in 34 will die of the disease. More than 2 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. When detected during these earliest stages the 5 year survival rate is close to 100%.
The exact causes of prostate cancer are not known, but awareness can help men make more informed choices about their health. Researchers have identified several factors that may increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer including age, race, and family history.
Tucker adds, "This designation is another opportunity to emphasize the importance of prostate screening and testing." The Department and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind area residents, in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, they have PSA blood screening is available to area men through their locations in Kewanee and Colona.
The PSA blood screening is open to all men ages 50-64; or any men younger who have a first degree family member (father/brother/son) who has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Males under 50 years of age will need a physician’s order for the screening. No fasting is necessary for this screening. Test results will be sent by mail to participants. Appointments for the blood draws may be made by calling the First Choice Healthcare Clinics at 852-5272 (Kewanee) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona).
For more information on the First Choice Healthcare Clinic’s men's health services visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter.
Date: September 9, 2021
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES PROTECT YOUR GROUNDWATER DAY"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division notes that September 1st is designated National Protect Your Groundwater Day. This annual observance has been established to highlight the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater. Life, as we know it, would be impossible without groundwater. It is the world’s most extracted natural resource. Don’t take groundwater for granted. Therefore this designation is also a platform to encourage yearly water well testing and well maintenance.
National Protect Your Groundwater Day was designed to urge each of us to consider various ways to protect our most valuable natural resource. So remember about not running water while you brush your teeth. Or about getting that leaking faucet fixed. Or about the farmers that rely on groundwater to grow the food we eat. And remember to have your well inspected to protect your drinking water system.
Kaylee Halberg, Health Department Director of Environmental Health Services states, "Through National Protect Your Groundwater Day, we would like to recommend to area residents that maybe it's time for your annual water well checkup!"
Just as you check your furnace or smoke detector batteries seasonally, autumn is a good season to have an annual water well checkup before the peak water use season begins, according to the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).
Why is it a good idea to have my water well checked annually? "The truth is an annual checkup is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water," says Halberg. "Also, preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance ‹ like good car maintenance ‹ can prolong the life of your well and related equipment. NGWA further recommends you test your water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or when the system is serviced."
Schedule your annual water well checkup. Wells can provide high-quality drinking water, and about half the U.S. population receives its drinking water from wells. But with well ownership comes the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order.
Halberg also recommends that well owners:
Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a "clean" zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels and livestock operations.
Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, and chemical storage areas.
Maintain your waste water systems.
Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair and securely attached. Its seal should keep out insects and rodents.
Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
Make sure abandoned well are sealed properly within 30 days of abandonment.
For more information on the Health Departments' Water Program, water testing and sealing abandoned wells, contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 Main Office. You can also visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
Date: August 26, 2021
"Health Department Offers Information Concerning Bats & 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 19 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.
Alicia Johnson, Director of Clinical Services with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona 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. Treatment with rabies immune globulin and a vaccine series must begin quickly.
Kaylee Halberg, 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 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 WARNS THAT WET & WARM WEATHER CAN MEAN AN INCREASE IN MOSQUITO POPULATION”
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department notes that wet and warm summer weather can mean an increase in our local mosquito population.
Kaylee Halberg, Director of Environmental Health Services at the Health Department notes, “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. 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 offers the following information on how to decrease the number of possible mosquito breeding sites and the potential health risks associated with mosquito bites.
* 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.
Other 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.
For more information on West Nile Virus or Mosquito Control Measures call 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 or Follow Us On Twitter.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind area residents they have Lab Services that are available at clinics held Monday through Friday starting at 7:00am at the Health Department's Kewanee Clinic, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona Office 103 1st St., Colona.
The First Choice Healthcare 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 Kewanee Clinic at (309) 852-5272 or the Colona Clinic at (309) 792-4011. 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.
August 5, 2021
"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 their office at 110 N. Burr Blvd, 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 110 N. Burr Blvd., 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.
Date: August 5, 2021
"HENRY & STARK 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.
Heather Aldred, RN, Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor with the Health Department, states, “We are thrilled to announce that the New Illinois WIC EBT Card is available to all WIC participants! This makes WIC Services even more easy for area families to use.
Aldred adds, “All current WIC participants and households are now issued just one Illinois WIC EBT Card with all the food benefits on this one card; no more handling multiple checks for different members of your family. The WIC process remains the same, benefits are reloaded on your card every three months after contacting and checking in with our WIC Staff.”
In addition, the Health Department WIC staff have expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program. WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women.
Aldred adds, “We are so excited about this new WIC EBT Card, sometimes referred to as eWIC. Participants now have the ease of taking their shopping list to the store and then buying the food they need when they need them.”
The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff promotes 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.
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 Health Department 110 N. Burr Blvd. Kewanee, IL 61443 309-852-0197 Copyright 2007 All rights reserved
