The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare would like to remind everyone that with the onset of the summer season the importance of practicing summer safety measures. In the summer season Americans will spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunny weather.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of health promotion said, “The Department recognizes the importance of outdoor physical activity, but we encourage people to exercise precaution when spending time in the sun in order to reduce their risk of developing skin problems.
“One American dies every hour from Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. With more than one million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, skin cancer is more common than all other major types of cancer combined,” said Tucker. “In some parts of the world, melanoma is increasing at rates faster than any other cancer. Yet it’s probably the most preventable type of cancer since the vast majority of cases are simply due to overexposure to the sun.”
Of special concern to the health department staff is educating residents about sun safety with children’s health as the focus. Children spend a great deal of time in the sun, getting an average of three times more exposure to the sun’s rays than adults. Since unprotected sun exposure early in life can be life-threatening later, it is critical to form positive sun safety habits at a young age. According to a recent study:
● More than half of an individual’s lifetime exposure to UV (ultra violet) rays occurs during childhood.
● If you have one or more blistering sunburns before the age of 18, you will be twice as likely to develop melanoma later in life.
● And, 65-90% of melanomas are caused by sun exposure and UV rays.
With these disturbing statistics in mind; the Health Department their First Choice Healthcare staff offer the following sun safety tips:
● Keep in mind the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
● Always wear protective clothing when outdoors.
● Wear a wide brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses.
● Do not use tanning beds.
● Keep very young children (6 months or less) out of the sun.
● Sunscreens need to be applied liberally and evenly over all exposed areas.
● Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever outdoors and reapply often.
● For children, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
● And remember, stay in the shade whenever possible.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare are announcing that DOT physicals are available to area drivers at their clinics in Kewanee and Toulon.
First Choice Healthcare notes that the Department of Transportation requires some drivers to get regular physical exams to make sure they can drive safely. If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle.
● You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes.
● You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes.
● You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities.
Rae Ann Tucker, director of health promotion for the health department said, “If you want to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. Our nurse practitioners in Kewanee, and Toulon are certified DOT medical examiners.”
DOT physical participants should expect the examiner to review their health history and ask the participant to list the medications taken on a regular basis.
In addition, those who are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression and other mental health issues and seizures. Participants need to obtain a clearance letter from the provider of care and bring it to their appointment.
Please note appointments for DOT physicals, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you Kewanee 309-852-5272; and Toulon 309-852-3115.
For more information visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or 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 would like to inform area residents that their offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at 110 N. Burr Blvd., Colona at 103 1st St. and Toulon at 120 E. Court St. will be closed Friday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
However, limited home services staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.
For more information, call the health department or First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-0197; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115; or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or 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 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:
Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, Ill.
Thursday, June 18
2-4 p.m.
Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, Ill.
Friday, June 19
2-5 p.m.
Colona Dollar General, 901 1st St., Colona, Ill.
Monday, June 22
1-3 p.m.
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.
