Raising Awareness: Health Department address Heart Disease risks this February
February is American Heart Month. The Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) note during the month of February people tend to view the human heart as the symbol of love, admiration and affection. But this February show yourself the love by learning the risks for heart disease and stroke and stay “heart healthy” for yourself and your loved ones.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the number 1 killer of women and men in the United States. It is a leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities.
Truth is many CVD deaths could have been prevented through healthier habits; but it helps if you have a plan and carry out some strategies for better heart health:
Work with your health care team – Get a checkup at least once each year, even if you feel healthy. A doctor, nurse, or other health care professional can check for conditions that put you at risk for CVD, such as high blood pressure and diabetes—conditions that can go unnoticed for too long.
Monitor your blood pressure and get your cholesterol checked – Family Nurse Practitioners can help with the management of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you don’t know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers; they have services that can help you see where you stand.
Eat a healthy diet – Choosing healthy meal and snack options can help you avoid CVD and its complications. Limiting sodium in your diet can lower your blood pressure. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least five servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber.
Maintain a healthy weight – Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for CVD.
Exercise regularly – Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Don’t smoke – Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for CVD. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible.
Limit alcohol use – Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure.
Manage your diabetes – If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your health care team about treatment options.
Take your medicine – If you’re taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or another condition, follow the instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something.
For more information on the Heart Healthy services available through the First Choice Healthcare Clinics can call Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; and Toulon 309- 852-3115.
Know your numbers: Free blood pressure checks at Toulon First Choice Healthcare Clinic
February is American Heart Month. Therefore, it’s the perfect time to remind residents that with funding from a grant from the American Heart Association (AHA), the Toulon First Choice Healthcare Clinic now has a free automated blood pressure monitor in their lobby. Therefore, they invite the public to stop in during regular business hours and learn their numbers.
You can have high blood pressure and not know it. That is why it is called the silent killer. It is also why it is so important to have your blood pressure checked. If you know family or friends who haven’t had their blood pressure checked recently, encourage them to have it checked as well.
Amanda Rediger, Toulon Clinic Family nurse practitioner said that anyone who stops in to try their new automated blood pressure monitor will receive a printout of their results to keep. So ask yourself:
● Have you had concerns about your blood pressure lately?
● Do you have a family history of hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases?
● Have you recently started or changed your blood pressure medication?
● Or, it’s simply been a while since you’ve had your blood pressure checked.
If so, their staff encourages you to stop by the Toulon Clinic and “Know Your Numbers.” It’s free, painless and only takes a few minutes.
In addition, the AHA grant funding has created a new automated blood pressure loaner program. Their clinic now has single and two-person monitors in various sizes. These monitors can help you keep track of your blood pressure and heart rate at home. These monitors are a great tool to help you and your healthcare provider to track your blood pressure over time.
For more information, call the Toulon First Choice Healthcare Clinic at 309-852-3115 or stop by their clinic anytime Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm daily.
CDC releases high flu infection numbers: Health Department offers flu and COVID shots
According to the Health Department, U.S. influenza infections are at or near their highest levels in at least 15 years and are still rising, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far this season, the flu has contributed to at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 fatalities, according to the CDC.
Therefore, residents are reminded that there’s still time to get your updated Covid-19 and Seasonal Flu & Covid-19 shots as the infectious season can last into May. They have Pfizer updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots for all adults and children (6mos.+) at their clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon while supplies last.
Covid-19 shots are available by appointment at all locations, simply call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011 and Toulon 309-852-3115.
Adults 18 years+ can get their flu vaccination on a walk-in basis, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm and Children’s Flu shots (6 mos+) are available by appointment at all locations.
In addition to Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination; they offer some suggestions on how to help keep germs away during upcoming gatherings, activities and the infectious season.
Remember, it’s important to enjoy the season’s traditions in good health by taking steps to protect yourself and others from Influenza, COVID-19 and other infections:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 & Flu vaccines
- Know what to do if you’re exposed
- Clean hands frequently
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing
- Stay at home when you are sick
- Avoid contact with others who are sick
- And feel free to wear a mask
Special clinic hosted by Health Department, First Choice Healthcare and Henry County Farm Bureau set for March 7
The Henry County Health Department, First Choice Healthcare, and the Henry County Farm Bureau will be holding a special Health Check Clinic for all Henry County Farm Bureau members on Friday, March 7 at the Henry County Farm Bureau, 128 N. Prospect St., Cambridge. The clinic is open to all men and women 18 years of age and older.
In keeping with the Health Department’s mission of promoting healthier living, the Health Department’s Farm Bureau Health Check Clinic will be featuring a combination general health/thyroid & lipid panel blood test for only $50. This test offers 45 results, including a full lipid “cholesterol” panel. Please note, fasting is recommended for this test for optimum results.
The Department will offer a $10 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test for men aged 50-64.
In addition, free blood pressure checks will also be available to clinic participants.
Appointments for the March 7 clinic are necessary and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please note, these lab specials are available on a Cash Only basis and the Farm Bureau Discount has already been applied.
To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the upcoming Henry County Farm Bureau Health Check Clinic, call the Farm Bureau at 309-937-2411.
In addition to the health screenings, the clinic will feature free donuts, coffee and juice courtesy of the Henry County Farm Bureau. A variety of health pamphlets, brochures and giveaways will also be on display.