May has been designated National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments have family planning and reproductive health services available at their First Choice Healthcare Clinic.
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 may believe they are without resources to afford reproductive health services – However, they may be eligible for free services based on their 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 may suffer from heavy periods or need to regulate their cycles. Birth control pills also help with acne.
Clinics are held at their 3 locations: Kewanee – 110 N. Burr Blvd., Ph:309-852-5272; Colona – 103 1st St., Ph: 309-792-4011; and Toulon – 120 East Court St., Ph: 309-852-3115.
Appointments, which are necessary, may 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.
Mother’s Day-Sunday, May 11, was the official kick-off for National Women’s Health Week, May 11-17.
The goal of Women’s Health Week is to empower women to make their health a priority. National Women’s Health Week also serves as a time to help women understand what it means to be well.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Women, Cultivating Health: Celebrating Voices, Wellness and Resilience,” is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their health journeys. The theme highlights steps women can take to improve their health, emphasizing preventive and positive health behaviors.
As we celebrate National Women’s Health Week, we will also focus on what it means to be a well woman. The fact is it’s really a state of mind. It’s about being as healthy as you can be. And, most importantly, it’s about taking steps to improve your physical and mental health.
Important steps include:
● Continue to take steps to protect yourself by staying up to date on recommended vaccinations.
● Getting at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week.
● Eating a nutritious diet. Eat mainly fruits and vegetables; grains (at least half should be whole grains); fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products; fish, skinless poultry and lean red meats; and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
● Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventative screenings.
● Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
● Avoiding unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking/vaping, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.
During Women’s Health Week, the health department hopes to raise awareness of the women’s health services available at their First Choice Healthcare locations. The First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon offer area women such services as annual exams, pap smears, pregnancy testing, contraceptive counseling and supplies, clinical breast exams, fasting blood profiles and lab services, immunizations, and our mental health services. Payment for Department services include private pay, medicaid, and most insurances.
Every woman should have access to affordable health care services. They encourage local women to take advantage of the savings offered through their First Choice Healthcare Clinics. To find out more about the First Choice Healthcare Clinic’s health services for women call at Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments offer monthly CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification classes.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Which is why it is so important 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, IL. The classes will run from 4 – 6 p.m. The cost of the Class is $45. Payment and registration are due prior to the class date. The 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.
