May 31 is No Tobacco Day. Tobacco use is an important risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases kill more people than any other cause of death worldwide. Therefore, No Tobacco Day is an important time to remind area residents about the Health Departments’ Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities Grant activities.
In both Henry and Stark County, the health department staff work continually to enforce, educate and encourage compliance with the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (SFIA). The SFIA protects residents, workers, and visitors from the harmful effects of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and e-cigarette vapor by prohibiting smoking of all forms of combustible tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, and hookah, and e-cigarettes, vapes, and any other electronic smoking device, in public places and places of employment.
The Smoke-free Illinois Act prohibits smoking 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.
Failure to comply with the Smoke Free Illinois Act can result in fines.
The health department in coordination with the State of Illinois has taken these important steps to protect its residents, workers and visitors from the harmful and hazardous effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.
Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. This is about one in five deaths annually, or 1,300 deaths every day.
For more information about the Health Department’s Illinois Tobacco-Free activities, or for “No Smoking” signs or window clings for your business; call 309-852-0197 Extension 249 or download a sign by visiting their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments ask, “Did you know that two million broken bones occur every year in the U.S. due to osteoporosis?” It’s true, but most people get their fracture fixed without ever realizing they have osteoporosis or low bone mass. Join their First Choice Healthcare Clinics and the National Osteoporosis Foundation, in celebrating National Osteoporosis Month this May by taking action to Break Free from Osteoporosis. Break Free from Osteoporosis is a campaign that encourages everyone to get to know their risk factors for osteoporosis and make the lifestyle changes needed to build strong bones for life.
Here are some important facts about osteoporosis:
First Choice Healthcare Clinics Staff and the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends five steps to improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
For more information about their First Choice Healthcare Clinics and any of their women’s health services or to schedule an appointment, just call Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
As schools let out for the summer the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind everyone that August will come soon enough and the First Choice Healthcare Clinics are offering Sports and School Physical Exams appointments throughout the summer.
First Choice Healthcare will offer school & sports physicals at all their locations at a cash price of only $40. Those with insurance coverage, please bring insurance information if billing to insurance. Appointments are available at their clinics in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd. 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St. 309-792-4011; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St. 309-852-3115.
The clinics will offer area junior high and senior high school athletes, freshmen, sixth graders, kindergartners, and preschoolers school or sports physicals. To help reduce wait times, arrive with your physical forms – obtained through your local school districts already completed.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics encourage parents to call early for their appointments; and thereby avoid the end of the summer rush.
Parents make sure your children are up-to-date on their required immunizations before school begins this fall. Immunizations, TB checks; blood lead screenings, and other needed lab tests are also available to participants at additional charges. The First Choice Healthcare Clinics have all immunizations that are required for school entry as private pay vaccines. Please call for eligibility, costs, and for vaccine availability.
In addition, the Department reminds area parents that certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971 can be obtained through the Health Department office, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee. The charge for obtaining birth certified copies is $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy.
