Health Department shares holiday food safety tips
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department notes that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, “One in six Americans contract foodborne diseases every year, affecting more people than the common cold.” But many of the symptoms of food poisoning mimic those of the garden-variety flu, sometimes leaving people to wonder if the cause was the food they ate or a virus they picked up along the way.
Despite the prevalence of foodborne illnesses, it can be hard to recognize them. Like people with the “stomach flu,” those with foodborne illness usually suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. “There’s no real easy way to distinguish between many types of foodborne illness and a flu bug, but with the flu, one might be more apt to see generalized aches and pains and just overall not feeling well.” said Rae Ann Tucker, director of Health Promotion.
Foodborne illnesses are, by and large, illnesses that occur in close proximity to exposure. If a large number of people have the same symptoms at the same time, then the cause is most likely food poisoning. However, if people are ill at different times their symptoms are more likely to be flu-related, as it takes time to pass the virus from person to person.
Though most foodborne disease outbreaks don’t occur during the holidays, they occur most often in the summer, the holidays warrant special attention because certain foods and food practices popular during the season can increase the risk for foodborne illness.
The Health Department staff offers the following food safety suggestions:
● Clean: Wash hands and food-contact surfaces often. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges, and countertops.
● Separate: Don’t cross-contaminate. Don’t let bacteria spread from one food product to another. This is especially true for raw meat, poultry and seafood. Experts caution to keep these foods and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods.
● Cook: Cook to proper temperatures. Foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
● Chill: Refrigerate promptly. Public health officials advise consumers to refrigerate foods quickly because rapid cooling to 41 degrees slows the growth of harmful bacteria. Refrigerators should be set at 41 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees, and the accuracy of the settings should be checked occasionally with a thermometer.
“The holidays don’t always make it easy for food handlers to follow this advice. One reason is that people get caught up in the hectic pace of the holiday season. People get sloppy. They’re busy, and they lose the vigilance that they might follow at other times of the year. The traditional advice should always be applied: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.” said Tucker.
Henry and Stark County Health Department expands family planning services
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon have family planning and reproductive health services. Through the Family Planning clinic services, the First Choice Healthcare Clinics hope to give women the information and means they need to protect and improve their health, to plan pregnancies and make responsible decisions. The program also hopes to detect other health problems early in their development so that clients can be referred to other health care providers for treatment.
Many people believe they are without resources to afford reproductive health services – However, you may be eligible for free services based on your income. For some, the reason for taking birth control may have nothing to do with preventing pregnancy. Some girls who choose not to be sexually active suffer from heavy periods or need to regulate their cycles. Some birth control pills also help with acne.
Clinics are held at the health departments 2 locations: 110 N. Burr Blvd, Kewanee 309-852-5272; and 120 East Court St., Toulon 309-852-3115. Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the clinic nearest you.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear. The clinics offer contraceptive services such as: Depo, Nexplanon, free condoms and more. In addition, they offer pregnancy testing.
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client’s income, had been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you 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.
Health Departments offer Medicare annual wellness visits
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind us that preventative care is the key to a healthy and independent lifestyle.
Many may not realize that in order to help maintain personal wellness; Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit for patients. What is an Annual Wellness Visit and what does it include for the participant? During an annual wellness visit, the First Choice Healthcare staff will discuss your medical history; review your medication with you; assess your current health and safety; develop a personalized preventative healthcare plan; and answer any questions you may have about your health.
Medicare pays 100% of the cost of Annual Wellness Exams with no “out-of-pocket” expense to participants. For more information or to schedule your annual wellness exam call the First Choice Healthcare clinic nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
Health Departments remind residents of sharps disposal kiosks in six communities
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind residents that they have Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, EPA funded Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks in six communities; five in Henry County, and one in Stark County, where citizens may safely drop off their used sharps.
Medical sharps, such as needles, syringes and lancets, pose an injury risk for anyone who comes in contact with these items. Large numbers of sharps are used and generated by individuals and in homes and residences each and every day. If sharps are not disposed of correctly, they can be a safety and health hazard to any children, adults or sanitation workers that may come in contact with them.
The Health Department is partnering with local law enforcement and county officials, and a pharmacy to locate convenient disposal sites for local residents to utilize.
The Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks are located at the following locations during regular business hours:
● First Choice Healthcare Kewanee Clinic, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee
● First Choice Healthcare Colona Clinic, 103 1st St., Colona
● First Choice Healthcare Toulon Clinic, 120 E. Court St., Toulon
● Geneseo Police Department, 119 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo
● Henry County County Courthouse, 307 W. Center St., Cambridge
● Alpha Pharmacy, 211 S. 1st St., Alpha
For more information on the programs and services available through the Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare call 309-852-0197 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and follow them on Twitter.