The Henry County Mental Health Alliance along with the Henry County 708 Mental Health Board is sponsoring a free NAMI event, Family-To-Family. This 8-week series is designed for family members supporting an adult loved one living with a mental health condition. The series begins on Oct. 1 and goes through Nov. 19. Participants will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Hill Church located at 107 N. Main St. For more information or to register, click here.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced that Sept. 25 is World Lung Day. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the United States and worldwide.
Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. Other risk factors for lung cancer include being exposed to secondhand smoke, having a family history of lung cancer, being treated with radiation therapy to the breast or chest, exposure to asbestos, chromium, nickel, arsenic, soot, or tar in the workplace, and exposure to radon. When smoking is combined with other risk factors, the risk of lung cancer is increased.
In both Henry and Stark County, health department staff work continually to enforce, educate and encourage compliance with the Illinois Smoke-Free Act.
The Smoke-free Illinois Act prohibits smoking and use of e-cigarettes and vapes in virtually all public places and workplaces, including offices, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores, restaurants, bars, private clubs and gaming facilities.
The Smoke Free Illinois Act requires that all business owners:
*Do not permit smoking, vapes & e-cigarettes within 15 feet of entrances, exits, windows, that open and ventilation intakes.
*Post “No Smoking” signs at each entrance.
*Remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited.
The Health Department notes that failure to comply with the Smoke Free Illinois Act can result in fines.
For more information about the Health Department’s Illinois Tobacco-Free activities, or for “No Smoking” signs for your business, call (309) 852-0197 Extension 249 or visit the website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them On Facebook or Follow on Twitter.
First Choice Healthcare offers mental health services. There are many reasons an individual may seek treatment. Providers are prepared to support patients ages 5 and above who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, family/parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma and loss.
For more information on mental health services or to schedule an appointment simply call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272. Help and understanding are just a phone call away.
The HSCHD and First Choice Healthcare, along with the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will conduct one drive-thru Adult Flu Shot Clinic in Kewanee on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 11 am-1 pm in the health department’s west parking lot at 110 N. Burr Blvd.
The flu clinic is for adults (18 years of age and older) only. Children’s flu shots are available by appointment at the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
Flu shots will only be given on a drive-thru basis only. No walk-ups. In addition, participants must have working car windows. Bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card, $45 cash or check at the time of vaccination.
For more information on the drive-thru Flu Clinic call the department’s First Choice Healthcare Clinics at 309-852-5272 Kewanee or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
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.
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.
In addition, those who 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 it to their appointment.
Appointments for DOT physicals are necessary and can be made by contacting the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you; Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Colona 309-792-4011. For more information visit the website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow on Twitter and Instagram.
Sexual Health Awareness Month is an annual observance held throughout September to raise awareness about the importance of sexual health and well-being. The reasons behind observing this month are manifold:
–Promoting Safe Practices. One of the primary goals of Sexual Health Awareness Month is to educate individuals on the importance of practicing safe sex. It’s an opportunity to discuss the use of contraceptives, including condoms and birth control, to prevent unintended pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
–Breaking Stigmas. Sexual health issues often carry a significant societal stigma, which can discourage individuals from seeking help or information. By observing this month, we aim to break down these stigmas, create a safe space for discussions, and encourage open and honest conversations about sexual health.
–Empowering Individuals. Education is a powerful tool for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
With those goals in mind, Sexual Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to remind area residents that the First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer confidential:
~ STD Testing for Males and Females
~ Treatment of STDs
~ Contraceptive Supplies
~ Free Condoms
~ Preventative immunizations against STDs as Hepatitis B and HPV
~ Counseling, Education, and Referral
~ Expedited Partner Treatment
For more information or appointments call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
