Health department offers monthly CPR classes
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are offering monthly CPR Certification Classes.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That’s why we encourage people to take a CPR Certification 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.
Classes are held the fourth Tuesday monthly. The class will be held at the health department offices at 110 N. Burr Blvd.in Kewanee, and run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the class is $45. Payment and registration is due prior to the class date. These rates are per participant.
There is a set participant “minimum” and “maximum” for classes; so, anyone interested should contact the Department at 309-852-0197 Ext. 266.
World Infection Prevention Week, Oct. 13-19
World Infection Prevention Week is Oct. 13-19. The goal for this week is to keep the world safe from healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks.
The 2024 theme is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” This theme emphasizes the role that individuals can play in the health and safety of their community. Therefore, we offer some suggestions on how to help keep germs away during autumn gatherings, activities and the infectious season.
The health department reminds residents that 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
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare now offer Pfizer updated Covid-19 Shots for all ddults and children (6mos.+) at our clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon while supplies last. Covid-19 shots will be 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.
National Case Management Week Oct. 13-19
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, in conjunction with the American Case Management Association (ACMA), will celebrate National Case Management Week Oct. 13-19.
This week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion and quality of patient care outcomes achieved by case managers across the healthcare continuum. The theme for this year is “Encouraging, Engaging and Empowering.”
Case managers, usually registered nurses, social workers or physicians, provide collaborative clinical assessment, care coordination, patient education, counseling, case monitoring, resource management and patient advocacy.
Heather Aldred, RN Maternal and Child Health Supervisor with the Health Department notes, “Our staff is thrilled that a national recognition has been set aside to celebrate the things we do, each and everyday, that helps build strong and healthy families.” Aldred adds, “To participate in our Family Case Management Program we ask: *Are you pregnant? * Do you have a child under age 1? *Do you have a high risk infant?”
If so, Health Department Family Case Management nurses can help you:
Find a Doctor for prenatal care
Find a Doctor for your children’s care
Understand proper nutrition
Depression Screening
Understand stages of child development
And, be a better parent
In addition, Health Department Family Case Managers can offer program participants assistance in utilizing other programs and services like WIC, Family Planning, Child Care and Immunizations.
For more information on the Department’s WIC and Case Management services call the Department & our First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee (309) 852-5272; Colona (309) 792-4011; or Toulon (309) 852-3115. For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Ameren Illinois urges quick action when detecting or smelling natural gas leaks; encourages routine HVAC inspections
With cooler temperatures in the forecast, some homeowners and renters will turn on their natural gas furnaces for the first time this season. Ameren Illinois encourages residential and business natural gas customers to have their furnaces inspected by a professional HVAC technician to check for potential leaks and other appliance operational hazards.
Natural gas in its pure form is odorless and colorless. Ameren adds an odorant called mercaptan to the natural gas it distributes. Mercaptan gives the natural gas a distinctive rotten egg smell that makes it easier to detect.
“Natural gas is a safe and exceptionally reliable source of energy, but it poses a danger if people are not vigilant in reporting a suspected leak,” said Eric Kozak, vice president, Gas Operations and Technical Services, Ameren Illinois. “We strongly urge our customers to play it safe and alert us if they even suspect a problem.
Responding quickly to reports of suspected natural gas leaks is a high priority for Ameren. Natural gas leak calls are responded to in an average of about 22 minutes, and within 60 minutes in all situations.
“A customer should never smell natural gas in or around their home or business. If they do, they need to leave the premises immediately and call Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000,” Kozak said. “Our crews will respond immediately no matter what time of day, seven days a week, and there is absolutely no charge to the customer.”
A qualified professional should inspect their natural gas appliances, piping, fittings and connections on an annual basis. Potential safety concerns include:
Unplugged gas lines – If you have gas lines that are no longer in use, be sure to install a plug sized for the pipe above the valve. Turning off the valve is not enough because it could be accidently bumped and release gas.
If you Smell Gas, Act Fast and follow these safety tips:
• Evacuate the location immediately.
• Do not operate light switches, thermostats, garage door openers, appliances, fans, or anything that could generate a spark.
• Do not unplug phone chargers or any other electrical equipment that could cause a spark.
• Do not light cigarettes, matches, candles or use anything with an open flame.
• Do not open windows or doors to ventilate.
• If you are calling from a landline phone, put the phone down after this call but do not hang up.
• If you are calling from a cell phone, carry it outside with you and then hang up.
• Do not re-enter the property for any reason until Ameren personnel tell you it is safe to enter.
• After vacating the premises, watch for Ameren from a safe distance up or down the street. Do not wait close to the home or building in question.
About Ameren: Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. Our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.