The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that November has been designated as National Diabetes Awareness Month and Nov. 2-8 is Diabetes Education Week. Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes and an additional 79 million are at-risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
The Health Department along with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), want to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes; as well as, its serious and life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation.
Residents are reminded that their First Choice Healthcare Family nurse practitioners can help with the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes. And for diagnosed diabetics, the Department announces they will offer the Hemoglobin A1C Blood Test – for diagnosed diabetics with a doctor’s order at a special price of $30 for the month of November. Please note, this lab special is available on a “cash only” basis. Testing is available through their clinics in Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309- 792-4011; and Toulon 309-852-3115.
Diabetes is dangerous because high blood sugar isn’t usually something you can feel. Many people have no outward type 2 diabetes symptoms at all and can go years without being diagnosed. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the type 2 diabetes symptoms and risk factors for diabetes. Get screened by a health care provider if you have the following type 2 diabetes symptoms:
If you are over age 45, talk with your health care provider about being tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight or have family members with the condition. Regardless of your age, if you are overweight and have one or more of the other risk factors listed, the ADA suggests that you be tested for diabetes.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare WIC – Women, Infants and Children Food Supplemental program staff note in this time of uncertainty, Illinois WIC families should know their staff is here for you and your family. WIC agencies are still open, and stores are accepting WIC benefits. Participants can continue to use their WIC benefits and go to WIC appointments.
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.
Heather Aldred, RN, Maternal and Child Health Services supervisor with the Health Department, said, “Henry, Stark, Marshall and Putnam County residents have fully returned to only in-person “face to face” appointments and services delivery. We do, however, still offer an online application feature to the program.”
For those who may be interested in taking advantage of all that WIC offers, the new Illinois WIC EBT card is available to all WIC participants.
“All current WIC participants and households are now issued just one Illinois WIC EBT card with all the food benefits on this one card: no more handling multiple checks for different members of your family. The WIC process remains the same, benefits are reloaded on your card every three months after contacting and checking in with our WIC staff.” said Aldred.
The Health Department WIC staff have expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program. WIC benefits are available to eligible children up to the age of five, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women.
“We are so excited about this new WIC EBT card, sometimes referred to as eWIC. Participants now have the ease of taking their shopping list to the store and then buying the food they need when they need them.” said Aldred
The Health Department WIC and case management staff promote healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. 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 on the Department’s WIC and Case Management services call the Department at 309 – 852-5272 for Kewanee or 309- 792-4011 for Colona or visit their website to apply here.
For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare remind residents this year’s seasonal flu shots for adults – 18 yrs.+ and children – 6mos+ are now available at all First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon. Adult flu shots will be available by appointment or on a “walk-in” basis Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. at all locations. Children’s flu shots are available by appointment at all locations.
Flu shots are “no-cost” for those with Medicare or insurance coverage. However, you must bring your Medicare and/or insurance card with you in order to receive the “no-cost” shot. The cost of this year’s flu shot, for those paying cash, is $60.
Remember – bring your Medicare or insurance card, cash or check at time of vaccination.
This year the Health Department will be administering the 3-component Trivalent seasonal flu shot through their First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon. They believe this vaccine is going to give our area residents the most comprehensive protection from the influenza this year.
For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee at 309 -852-5272; Colona at 309- 792-4011; and Toulon at 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 or Instagram.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program ask, “Do you need health insurance?” Their Health Insurance Navigators will be present at some upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, Ill.
Friday, Nov. 7 from 1-3 p.m.
Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Monday, Nov. 10 from 1-3 p.m.
“Get Covered Illinois” Navigators can help you:
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 – SE). 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:
Other Qualifying Life Events include:
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator Event or assistance in enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace please call 309-852-527
