February outreach event set for Feb. 27 at Kewanee YMCA
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics are holding their “12 Communities, 12 Months” event for February with a special outreach display on Friday, Feb. 27 from 9 -11 a.m. at the Kewanee YMCA, 315 W. 1st St., Kewanee.
Their staff will accept and dispose of home expired or unused mediations, as well as offer free blood pressure checks. There will also be free giveaways and health information. In addition, their Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator will be available.
Find information for instructions regarding expired/unused medication and sharps disposal for this event here.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion with the Health Department notes, “We believe this is going to be a wonderful event as there will be something for everyone interested in getting some great information, taking advantage of free giveaways, promotions, and just talking with our staff. This year-long opportunity is a great way to showcase the many programs and services available to our area residents and families.”
For more information about the “12 Communities, 12 Months” promotions and events call the Health Department at 309-852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
In honor of American Heart Month, Henry & Stark County Health Department Director of Health Promotion, RaeAnn Tucker has been visiting with local school children to teach them heart healthy habits that will serve them well throughout their life. In addition, the participating classes watched entertaining video shorts and conducted activities that illustrate how the heart works and the importance of keeping it healthy.
Teaching heart health early: Local students learn lifelong habits
February is American Heart Month. During this month many tend to view the human heart as the symbol of love. But this February the Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to remind residents to show themselves some love. They recommend learning about your risks for heart disease and stroke and stay “heart healthy” for yourself and your loved ones.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion with the health departments states, “Cardiovascular disease CVD -including heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure—is the number one killer of women and men in the United States. The truth is many CVD deaths could have been prevented through healthier habits.
In honor of American Heart Month, Tucker has been visiting with local school children to teach them heart healthy habits that will serve them well throughout their life. In addition, the participating classes watched entertaining video shorts and conducted activities that illustrated how the heart works and the importance of keeping it healthy by:
● Exercising daily
● Eating healthy foods
● Getting a full night’s sleep
● Regularly visiting your healthcare provider
● Drinking your water
● Staying positive, kind and happy!
This heart health program is just one of a number of health education programs available to area schools through their Henry and Stark County Health Departments. For more information on the Department’s health education programs, contact the Health Department by calling 309-852-0197.
Health Departments share heart‑smart tips for American Heart Month
As February has been designated American Heart Month, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that there is good news about heart disease – the number one killer – and that is, a healthy heart is within everyone’s reach.
The Health Departments are reminding area residents that their Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee and Toulon can help with the management of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you don’t know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers; they have services that can help you see where you stand.
According to the health department in addition to routine health screenings; there are more ways to boost heart health, including some you probably didn’t know:
DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST Fact: Most heart attacks occur between 7am and noon – possibly because the cells that help blood to clot, called platelets, are stickiest then. Eating breakfast appears to make platelets less sticky…and less likely to clump together and block a vital artery.
CUT SWEETS Sugar is not directly related to heart disease. But cutting back on limits empty calories in your diet and helps leave room for heart-friendly fiber and nutrients.
MEET THE “Bs” You may have heard about the “antioxidants” – vitamins C, E, and beta carotene – which appear to slow plaque formation in the arteries. Now there’s evidence that folic acid, a B vitamin, and vitamins B6 and B12 may help prevent heart attacks. You’ll get all three “Bs” from a balanced diet.
LIGHTEN UP People who overreact to stressful situations appear more likely to have heart trouble. Example: In one study, people whose blood pressure and heart rate jumped the most during frustrating tests were also most likely to have reduced blood flow to the heart.
ASK ABOUT ASPIRIN Aspirin has been shown to protect the heart by preventing clot formation. But don’t start taking aspirin regularly without your doctor’s approval. Besides its many side effects – like stomach irritation – long-term aspirin use may present other potential dangers, like risk of bleeding to the brain.
QUIT SMOKING IF YOU DO Smoking doesn’t just affect your lungs. Fact is, you’ll cut your risk of heart attack by 50-70% within five years if you quit. Amazing: At that point, ex-smokers have about the same risk of heart attack as people who never smoked.
GET OFF THE COUCH Sedentary living – not high cholesterol – is the single biggest factor in heart attack deaths. But you don’t have to run marathons. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three times a week delivers the benefits of regular exercise. So walk briskly. Climb stairs. Play actively with kids. Live longer!
For more information on heart-friendly programs and services call the First Choice Healthcare clinic nearest you Kewanee 309-852-5272; and Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or follow them on Twitter.
Health Departments, First Choice Healthcare offer monthly CPR Classes
February is American Heart Month. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare offer monthly CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification classes.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That’s why they encourage people to take a CPR certification class. As the American Heart Association says, “Learn to save a life, learn CPR. The life you save could be that of a loved one.”
CPR training will teach participants to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children and adults. Instruction will also be given on how to recognize emergencies and actions to take, and understanding the role of AEDs, Automated External Defibrillators in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.
CPR classes are held on the fourth Tuesday monthly. The class will be held at the Health Department offices, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee, Ill. The classes will run from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost of the class is $45. Payment and registration are due prior to the class date. These rates are per participant.
There is a set participant “minimum” and “maximum” for classes; so, anyone interested should contact the health department at 309-852-0197 Ext. 231.
February marks National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month.
According to the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, research has shown that more than 40% of all cancers diagnosed and nearly half of all deaths from cancer in the United States can be attributed to preventable causes – things like smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity and excessive exposure to the sun.
As a result, steps such as quitting smoking or never starting in the first place, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun and getting vaccinated against the pathogens that cause certain cancers can dramatically reduce your risk of certain cancers.
While there is no certain way to prevent cancer, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood. You can take action to lower those risks through healthy lifestyle choices, getting recommended cancer screenings and vaccinating against certain viruses.
Factors that are known to increase the risk of cancer:
● Cigarette smoking and tobacco use
● Infections
● Radiation
● Immunosuppressive medicines
Factors that may affect the risk of cancer:
● Diet
● Alcohol
● Physical activity
● Obesity
● Environmental risk factors
SIX TAKE ACTION Tips for Reducing your Risk
- Maintain a Healthy Weight and Active Lifestyle
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
- Sun protection
- Get Immunized
- Get Screened
- Know your family history
The Henry and Stark County Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare Clinics may be able to help you with clinic and lab services, mental health clinic services and therapies, immunizations, women exams and health education and counseling. These services are available at their clinic locations in Kewanee and Toulon, many for a nominal fee. For more information call the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at 309-852-5272 or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Navigators at upcoming events
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do You Need Health Insurance?” Their Health Insurance Navigators will be present at the upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
YMCA-Kewanee, 315 W. 1st St., Kewanee, Ill.
Friday, Feb. 27
9-11 a.m.
Grow Ministries, 101 N. East St., Cambridge, Ill.
Tuesday, March 3
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Uptown Vapors, 1325 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, Ill.
Friday, March 6
Noon-3 p.m.
“Get Covered Illinois” Navigators can help you:
● Find affordable health coverage that meets your needs
● Fill out and submit your application
● Compare quality health plans side-by-side
● Find out if you qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium
● Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or an affordability program
● Understand your benefits
● Understand health insurance terms
Remember you may be eligible to enroll in a Get Covered Illinois health plan outside of the usual Open Enrollment, or make changes to your existing coverage, if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, SEP. The SEP may require you to enroll within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event. A qualifying life event is a life change, such as:
Loss of Health Coverage, due to:
● Losing job-based coverage
● Losing Medicaid coverage
● Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage
● A divorce or legal separation
● Turning 26 years old, no longer eligible for parents’ coverage
Other Qualifying Life Events include:
● Getting Married
● Having a baby or adopting a child
● Moving to a new ZIP code or county
● Becoming a US Citizen
● Leaving incarceration.
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator Event or assistance in enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace please call 309-852-5272.