February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics, in conjunction with the American Dental Association, are raising awareness about good dental health habits.

This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.

The theme for National Children’s National Dental Health Month 2025 is “Feed Your Smile!”

“The theme emphasizes the importance of diet for good continued oral health,” said RaeAnn Tucker, director of health promotion with the health department. Tucker is reminding area residents that when teaching children about good dental health habits, “It’s best to keep to the basics of brushing and flossing, eating nutritional foods, and scheduling regular trips to the dentists to get a healthy and confident smile.” she said.

In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Health Department offers the following oral health tips to start your little ones on their journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

● Schedule routine check-ups.
● Clean your baby’s gums daily. Until those teeth come.
● Start brushing with the first tooth.
● Brush twice each day for two minutes.
● Begin flossing.
● Snack healthy!
● Keep them hydrated!
● Replace your child’s toothbrush every two to three months.

This dental education program is just one of a number of health education programs available to area schools through the Health Department.

For more information on the Department’s education programs, contact the Health Department by calling 309-852-0197.

Health Department, Farm Bureau to host special Health Check Clinic on March 7

The Henry County Health Department and the Henry County Farm Bureau are reminding local residents that they 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 located at 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 feature a combination general health/thyroid and 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 serve 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.

Health Department offers free gun locks

It’s a small device that can save a life. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are announcing to local residents that free gun locks are available through their offices and clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon.

Every day, 64 Americans die by firearm suicide — one every 22 minutes. Also of note, households that locked both firearms and ammunition were associated with a 78 percent lower risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries and an 85 percent lower risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens, compared to those that locked neither.

These simple steps can be life saving for the adolescent or adult who reaches for a firearm in an impulsive gesture during a moment of crisis. Or for a school-age child who thinks the firearm is a toy. The initiative, aimed at reducing the stigma of addressing gun safety, is part of a growing effort by public health and medical professionals who are treating the country’s gun violence epidemic as a public health crisis.

These gun locks are available through the Veterans Crisis Line. This is a 24/7 Confidential Crisis Support Network. Simply: Dial 988 the Press 1; or Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat; or Text 838255.

The purpose of this program is to limit young people having easy access to guns. In addition, this initiative is being used to prevent readily accessible guns being in the hands of the wrong people or individuals in mental crisis. Therefore it is encouraged that family members of those with mental health concerns take advantage of these free gun locks.

Residents can pick up free gun safety locks by stopping by the Henry and Stark County Health Department Offices and First Choice Healthcare clinic locations in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd; and Colona, 103 1st St.; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.