New Lyme disease screening services available at health department

The Henry & Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare note that hunting seasons continue throughout Illinois; and they are reminding everyone who enjoys the outdoors of the importance of protection against ticks and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Ticks are active into the fall and pose a serious health risk to humans and pets.

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Illinois. Have you been exposed? Lyme Disease Screening is a great opportunity to be tested for tick-borne diseases that have been detected in the state.

Due to this continued risk, First Choice Healthcare has joined with MDL Labs and the Illinois Lyme Association to announce they have Lyme disease screening now available at all of their clinic locations: Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd., 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St., 309-792-4011; Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm.

Most insurances are accepted. MDL labs files insurance claims, and participants will receive “in-network” benefits, including Medicaid and Medicare.

For appointments or for more information call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you.

Health department to offer CPR classes

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare will offer monthly CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification classes.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That’s why the health department encourages people to take a CPR class. As the American Heart Association says, “Learn to save a life, learn CPR. The Life you SAVE could be that of a loved one.”
CPR training will teach participants to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children, and adults. Instruction will also be given on how to recognize emergencies and actions to take, and understanding the role of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.

CPR Classes are held the fourth Tuesday monthly. The class will be held at the health department offices, located at 110 N. Burr Blvd. The classes will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the class is $45 per participant. Payment and registration is due prior to the class date.
There is a set participant “minimum” and “maximum” for classes; so anyone interested should contact the Department at 309-852-0197 Ext. 266.

Nurse Practitioner’s Week Nov. 10-16

Nov. 10-16 has been proclaimed National Nurse Practitioner’s Week. The theme for National Nurse Practitioner Week 2024 is “At The Heart of Health Care”. This theme highlights the important role that nurse practitioners play in the healthcare industry.

In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, nurse practitioners focus on health promotion, disease prevention and health education and counseling, guiding patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices.”

“During National Nurse Practitioner’s Week we celebrate and remind area residents of our clinic & psychiatric mental health Family Nurse Practitioners at our First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon,” said RaeAnn Tucker, health promotion director of the HSCHD. “During the cold and flu season many of us may need to seek medical attention for sick appointments. Our clinics are a great option for those without a regular health care provider, or for someone who may not be able to get into their provider in a timely manner. An acute ill visit may include such ailments as sore throats, earaches, and urinary tract infections. Our psychiatric mental health practitioners see patients needing help with such things as depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral issues, trauma and loss.”

Because many of the health department’s programs receive federal and state funding, savings can be passed on. Clinic services can offer access to low-cost healthcare to those without health insurance or those who have a high insurance deductible. You do not have to be a resident of Henry or Stark County to access many services, and they accept most insurances. Call the health department offices to see if your insurance is one of them.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at First Choice Healthcare Clinics, call the location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115 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 and Instagram.

Health department to residents: Get your updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots before the holidays

The health departments and First Choice Healthcare are reminding residents that now is the perfect time to get your updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots before residents start gathering and participating in holiday events.

The health department has Pfizer updated Covid-19 and seasonal flu shots for all adults and children (6mos.+) at our 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.