Oct. 20-26 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 the 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.
Nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health. 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 lead exposure to children include 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.”
Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead by:
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.
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 First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011, or Toulon 309-852-3115.
Oct. 21-25, 2024, is 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 annual observance celebrates 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 equitable and integrated 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.
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.
Health education is vital to the community’s future health. Education can make a difference. 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.
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 them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or follow on Twitter and Instagram.
First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon have family planning services available. Through the family planning clinic services, the First Choice Healthcare Clinics hope to give women the information and means they need to protect and improve their health, 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.
Many people believe they are without resources to afford reproductive health services – However, residents may be eligible for free services based on your income.
Did you know not all adolescents are on birth control to have sex or protect against pregnancy? Some girls who choose not to be sexually active suffer from heavy periods or need to regulate their cycles. Birth control pills can also help treat acne.
Clinics are held at four locations: 110 N. Burr Blvd, Kewanee (309) 852-5272; 103 1st St., Colona (309) 792-4011; 120 East Court St., Toulon (309) 852-3115; and 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island (309) 794-7088. Appointments are necessary and can be made by contacting the clinic nearest you.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear. In addition to contraceptive services, the clinic also offers pregnancy testing.
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.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
