The Bureau, Henry and Stark Regional Office of Education, BHSROE #28 and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are rolling out “The Basics, IL” initiative to local communities.
Kathy Marshall, Regional Office of Education superintendent notes, “Science shows that 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three. Beginning from birth, young brains develop like small muscles, getting bigger and stronger the more you or your family interact with your child.”
That’s where “The Basics” program comes in – the Basics are five, fun, simple and powerful ways to help all our local children ages 0-3 grow to be happy and smart. These include:
Maximize Love, Manage Stress; Talk, Sing and Point; Count, Group and Compare; Explore through Movement and Play; and Read and Discuss. This program will empower families to enhance their children’s cognitive growth through positive interactions. The program focuses on nurturing essential skills that contribute to optimal brain development.
“We are already partnering with many local agencies to roll out this important program which includes,” said Marshall.
● Henry and Stark County Health Departments
● Bureau, Putnam, Marshall County Health Department
● Bureau, Henry and Stark Birth-3 Program
● Birth to 5 Illinois Region #28
● Early Beginnings Parents as Teachers
The local “Basics, IL” initiative looks to expand their community partners in this effort to include hospitals, libraries, health centers, schools, community centers, childcare providers, churches and many more. Community partners can help by having family engagement stations for local families featuring engaging books, Mega Blok sets, tables and stools and educational posters.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents that their “12 Communities, 12 Months” event for March will be a special outreach display on Friday, March 20 from 8-10 a.m. at the Cash Cow Coffee Shop 18 13th Ave., Orion, Ill.
Their staff will offer the public: Free FIT Home Test for colorectal cancer screening; free acceptance and disposal of expired or unused mediations; and free blood pressure checks. There will also be free giveaways and health information. In addition, their Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator will be available.
Click here for instructions regarding expired/unused medication and sharps disposal for this event.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion with the Health Department said, “We believe this is going to be a wonderful event as there will be something for everyone interested in getting some great information, taking advantage of free giveaways, promotions, and just partaking in a pleasant time visiting and talking with our staff. We are happy to have this year-long opportunity to showcase the many programs and services available to our area residents and families.”
For more information about the “12 Communities, 12 Months” promotions and events call the Health Department at 309-852-0197 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.
March 15-21 is National Poison Prevention Week. For the past 65 years, National Poison Prevention Week has worked to educate and inform consumers of the dangers of unintentional poisonings. These efforts have contributed to a significant decline in injuries and deaths.
Still more than two million poisonings are reported each year to the Nation’s poison centers. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, approximately 90% of poisonings happen at home, and 51% of poisonings involve children under the age of 6. The majority of fatal poisonings occur among adults, especially older adults.
“By educating local residents about preventative steps in the home and in their lives, we believe we all can make serious progress in keeping our families safe,” said Heather Aldred, RN Health Department Maternal and Child Health Services supervisor. “But it is vital that people arm themselves with basic information on poison prevention in the home, such as keeping chemicals out of reach of children and carefully reading the labels and dosages on all products.”
In addition to the poison prevention tips above, parents and caregivers should follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of unintentional poisonings.
–Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use or, if available, choose child-resistant unit packaging, which does not need to be re-secured.
–Call 800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
–Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young children.
–Always turn the light on when giving or taking medicine so you can see what you are taking. Check the dosage every time.
–Avoid taking medicine in front of children.
More than two million poisonings are reported each year to the Nation’s poison centers. Among the potentially toxic household products referenced in calls to the poison control centers were:
● Personal care products, including baby oil and mouthwash containing ethanol;
● Cleaning substances, including drain openers and over cleaners;
● Over-the-counter pain relievers – including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin – and cough and cold medicines;
● Hydrocarbons, such as lamp oil and furniture polish; and
● Adult-strength vitamins and supplements containing iron.
According to the Health Department, while significant strides have been made in poison prevention, every day there are new parents, grandparents and childcare providers who may not be aware of the potential for poisonings.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are announcing that March is National Nutrition Month. Whether it’s starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a real difference. Preparing your food to go further by planning meals and snacks in advance can also help reduce food loss and waste.
Each March, National Nutrition Month encourages Americans to return to the basics of healthy eating. This year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition.” This campaign focuses on how food and beverages can fuel the body, boost energy, sharpen focus, strengthen immunity, and foster long-term health, emphasizing the impact of making informed food choices.
“Knowing which nutrients your body needs, the foods that contain them, and how much fits into your healthy eating plan are all part of making smart and savory choices ,” said RaeAnn Tucker, health department director of Health Promotion. “Age, gender, body type, family history, existing health conditions and daily routines all play a factor in determining which foods we should eat more of and which we should avoid when trying to optimize our health.”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents that they offer the Women, Infants and Children Food Supplemental program (WIC). The WIC program promotes the health of local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants, and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
In addition, they would like to remind everyone the new Illinois WIC EBT card is available to all WIC participants. This makes WIC Services even more easy for area families to use. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal, fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
For more information about the WIC program, Family Case Management Services, or the other nutrition education services available through the Health Department call 309-852-5272 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com to apply for WIC benefits here.
For more information visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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:
Briggs Bistro, 119 W. Exchange St., Cambridge, Ill.
Monday, March 23
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Caffeine & Carbs, 1225 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, Ill
Wednesday, March 25
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
“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.
