Winter survival strategies
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon offer area residents some important winter survival strategies. These safety tips can help everyone get through the new year happy, healthy, and safe.
On the road
Use your low beam headlights when driving through fog or snowstorms. They will actually provide better visibility than high beams. And be prepared for breakdowns with emergency flares, warm blanket, first-aid kit, white cloth to signal distress, cat litter, flashlight, snow shovel, empty gas can, and for long trips, food and water.
At home
Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas and a by-product of combustion, is an invisible killer. Possible sources include wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, kerosene, gas or oil heaters and furnaces. For your protection: Assure proper ventilation, have these devices inspected and consider installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Under the sun
Sunburns aren’t limited to summer. Fact is, sunlight in winter can burn, especially when reflected off ice or snow. So, when skiing or otherwise enjoying the outdoors, wear sunglasses that protect your eyes against ultraviolet light, and spread sunscreen on exposed skin, including your lips.
Overexposed
Watch for frostbite or hypothermia and seek help without delay if you suspect either. Danger signs for frostbite: redness, tingling, stinging pain or small white patches on the skin. For hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, sleepiness, shallow breathing. Remember, alcohol increases loss of body heat, so avoid its use when you plan to be outdoors for a long time.
For more information on the Emergency Preparedness Services of the Henry and Stark County visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
There’s still time to get updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare remind area residents there’s still time to get your updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots as the infectious season can last into May. In addition, they have Pfizer Updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots for all adults and children (6mos.+) at 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 through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and children’s flu shots (6 mos+) are available by appointment at all locations.
The health department is offering 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
January is Cervical Cancer Prevention Month
January is National Cervical Health Awareness and Cervical Cancer Prevention Month. The following facts about cervical cancer:
Each year in the US approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die as a result. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that half of the cervical cancer occurred among women who are rarely or never screened for cervical cancer.
The true tragedy of the disease is that cervical cancer screening tests and vaccines exist that can prevent virtually every case. Today, detection tools and inoculations make cervical cancer a condition that is relatively easy to prevent and treat.
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20. Many women do not know that as they get older they are still at risk of getting cervical cancer. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular checkups with a Pap test. Early detection significantly increases chances of survival. In fact, if detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent curable.
First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon encourage early detection and prevention by providing well women exams, HPV vaccination, clinical breast exams, and pap smears (when needed). Women need to realize that the most effective tools associated with early detection and prevention are literally just a phone call away, and that they should focus on the preventative aspects of their health.
A great push in the fight against cervical cancer is increasing awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Experts believe that women must be infected with HPV before they develop cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HPV infection and therefore, cervical cancer risk. First Choice Healthcare reminds area residents that they have the HPV vaccine series available to both girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 18. The vaccine should be given before sexual activity begins and HPV exposure increases.
For more information on women’s health services, the HPV vaccine series, or to schedule an appointment at any location call Kewanee (309) 852-5272; Colona (309) 792-4011; or Toulon (309) 852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.