June 14 has been proclaimed Family Health & Fitness Day and June 9-13 has been proclaimed National Community Health Improvement.
The purpose of these designations is to honor healthcare professionals who work closely with communities and dedicate their lives to improving the health of the residents and families they serve.
When families strive to be healthy together, the success rate increases. Incorporating exercise, healthy diet and access to health services into a family’s lifestyle and routine takes a team effort. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments take this opportunity to remind local residents and families that in addition to the vast array of public health services; they also offer needed and vital clinical services through their First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon.
First Choice Healthcare offers a full range of clinic services which includes: sick appointments; family planning; school/sport exams; chronic disease management; STD testing and treatment; DOT/work physicals; TB testing, lead screenings and immunizations. In addition, their Kewanee and Toulon locations offer “walk-in” clinic services, and now mental health services, and community health programs. What this means is, Henry and Stark County residents are able to access integrated primary medical and mental health services in one healthcare home.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at their First Choice Healthcare Clinics call Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; and Toulon 309-852-3115.
June has been designated National Men’s Health Month and June 9-15 has been designated Men’s Week. It’s not just good luck and good genes that lead to a healthy life. Research shows that our actions have a big say in the matter. Many major health problems that affect men and boys are preventable through lifestyle changes, early detection, and treatment.
This designation is another opportunity to emphasize the importance of preventative health screening and testing. First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be offering some of their most popular lab services at special prices during the month of June to area men. The specials include: a combination general health/thyroid – TSH test for only $50; a PSA – Postate Specific Antigen blood screening for $10; and a fecal occult blood test – colon cancer screening $10. These men’s health specials are available on a “cash only” basis.
The general health panel includes a full lipid “cholesterol” panel. The PSA blood screening is open to all men ages 50-64; or any men younger who have a first degree family member – father/brother/son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Males under 50 years of age will need a physician’s order for the screening. Please note, fasting is recommended for the blood draw tests for optimum results. Appointments for these Men’s Health Month appointments may be made by calling the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you – Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
The First Choice Healthcare staff recommends that in addition to health screenings, men should include the following to maintain good health and long lives.
● Talk about your mental health.
● Get enough sleep.
● Eat healthy.
● Stay at a healthy weight.
● Get moving – take part in regular exercise.
● Be smoke-free. If you smoke, quit today!
● Avoid heavy drinking.
● Manage stress.
The Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer Clinical Health, Mental Health, and many Men’s Health Services. For more information visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do You Need Health Insurance?” Their health insurance navigators will be present in the Merchant’s Building at the Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, Ill., on Wednesday, June 18 and Friday, June 20 from 2- 4 p.m. to assist you.
“Get Covered Illinois” navigators can help you:
● Find affordable health coverage that meets your needs
● Fill out and submit your application
● Compare quality health plans side-by-side
● Find out if you qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium
● Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or an affordability program
● Understand your benefits
● Understand health insurance terms
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 – SEP. 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:
● Losing job-based coverage
● Losing Medicaid coverage
● Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage
● A divorce or legal separation
● Turning 26 years old, no longer eligible for parents’ coverage
Other Qualifying Life Events include:
● Getting Married
● Having a baby or adopting a child
● Moving to a new ZIP code or county
● Becoming a US Citizen
● Leaving incarceration.
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator Event or assistance in enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace please call 309-852-5272.
