The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are announcing that January is National Cervical Health Awareness and Cervical Cancer Prevention Month and share the following facts about cervical cancer:
According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2025 it is estimated that in the U.S. 13,360 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and around 4,320 died as a result. It is noted that as many as half of the cervical cancer diagnoses occurred among women who are rarely or never screened for cervical cancer. The true tragedy of the disease is that cervical cancer screening tests and vaccines exist that can prevent virtually every case. Today, detection tools and inoculations make cervical cancer a condition that is relatively easy to prevent and treat.
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20. Many women do not know that as they get older they are still at risk of getting cervical cancer. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular checkups with a Pap test. Early detection significantly increases chances of survival. In fact, if detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent curable.
The Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee and Toulon encourage early detection and prevention by providing Well Women exams, HPV vaccination, clinical breast exams, and pap smears, when needed. Women need to realize that the most effective tools associated with early detection and prevention are literally just a phone call away and it is important for area women to focus on the preventative aspects of their health.
A great push in the fight against cervical cancer is increasing awareness of the Human Papillomavirus, HPV vaccine. Experts believe that women must be infected with HPV before they develop cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HPV infection and therefore, cervical cancer risk. First Choice Healthcare reminds area residents that they have the HPV vaccine series available to both girls and boys between the ages of nine and 18. The vaccine should be given before sexual activity begins and HPV exposure increases.
For more information on women’s health services, the HPV vaccine series, or to schedule an appointment at any location call Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments offer area residents some important winter survival strategies. These safety tips can help us all to get through the New Year happy, healthy, and safe.
On the road: Use your low beam headlights when driving through fog or snowstorms. They will actually provide better visibility than high beams. And be prepared for breakdowns with emergency flares, warm blanket, first-aid kit, white cloth to signal distress, cat litter, flashlight, snow shovel, empty gas can and for long trips, food and water.
At home: Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas and a by-product of combustion, is an invisible killer. Possible sources include: wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, kerosene, gas or oil heaters and furnaces. For your protection: assure proper ventilation, have these devices inspected and consider installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Under the sun: Sunburns aren’t limited to summer. The fact is, sunlight in winter can burn, especially when reflected off ice or snow. So when skiing or otherwise enjoying the outdoors, wear sunglasses that protect your eyes against ultraviolet light, and spread sunscreen on exposed skin, including your lips.
Overexposed: Watch for frostbite or hypothermia, and seek help without delay if you suspect either. Danger signs for frostbite: redness, tingling, stinging pain or small white patches on the skin.
For hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, sleepiness, shallow breathing. Remember, alcohol increases loss of body heat, so avoid its use when you plan to be outdoors for a long time.
For more information on the Emergency Preparedness Services of Henry and Stark Counties visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or follow them on Twitter or Instagram.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do You Need Health Insurance?”
Their Health Insurance Navigators will be present at the upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Shell Gas Station, 511 S. Main St., Kewanee, Ill.
Friday, Jan. 16
9 a.m.- Noon
Nosh Good Mood Food, 804 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, Ill
Friday, Jan. 23
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Our “Get Covered Illinois” Navigators can help you:
● Find affordable health coverage that meets your needs
● Fill out and submit your application
● Compare quality health plans side-by-side
● Find out if you qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium
● Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or an affordability program
● Understand your benefits
● Understand health insurance terms
Remember you may be eligible to enroll in a Get Covered Illinois health plan outside of the usual Open Enrollment, or make changes to your existing coverage, if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, SEP. The SEP may require you to enroll within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event. A qualifying life event is a life change, such as:
Loss of Health Coverage, due to:
● Losing job-based coverage
● Losing Medicaid coverage
● Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage
● A divorce or legal separation
● Turning 26 years old, no longer eligible for parents’ coverage
Other Qualifying Life Events include:
● Getting Married
● Having a baby or adopting a child
● Moving to a new ZIP code or county
● Becoming a US Citizen
● Leaving incarceration.
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator Event or assistance in enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace please call 309-852-5272.
