The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare WIC and Case Management staff are joining the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in noting January as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The theme for 2025 is “Every Journey Matters.”
Annually, National Birth Defects Prevention Month raises awareness of birth defects and promotes strategies that reduce the risk of birth defects and their complications. Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, all of those who are pregnant or are prospective parents are encouraged to make healthy choices and adopt healthier habits to help lower their risk of having a baby born with a birth defect.
“Many steps can be taken to increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby.” said Heather Aldred, maternal and child health services supervisor at the Health Department. “While we can’t prevent all birth defects, the following steps increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby.”
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. 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. ” said 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.”
For more information on Health Department WIC and Case Management services call their First Choice Healthcare locations at Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; and Toulon 309-852-3115.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are telling area residents that there’s still time to get their updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu vaccines as the infectious season can last into May. They have Pfizer Updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots for all adults & children (6mos.+) at their clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon while supplies last.
Covid-19 shots are available by appointment at all locations, simply call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011 and Toulon 309-852-3115.
Adults 18 years+ can get their flu vaccination on a walk-in basis Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Children’s Flu shots (6 mos+) are available by appointment at all locations.
In addition to Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination; they offer some suggestions on how to help keep germs away during upcoming gatherings, activities and the infectious season.
It’s important to stay in good health by taking steps to protect yourself and others from Influenza, COVID-19 and other infections:
First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon are offering family planning services. 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, you may be eligible for free services based on your income.
Not all adolescents who are on birth control need it to protect against pregnancy. Some utilize it when they suffer from heavy periods or need to regulate their cycles. Birth control pills also help with acne breakouts.
Clinics are held at their four locations: Kewanee at 110 N. Burr Blvd., Ph:309-852-5272; Colona at 103 1st St., Ph: 309-792-4011; Toulon at 120 East Court St., Ph: 309-852-3115; and Rock Island at 2112 25th Ave., Ph: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.
