Public Health Week brings discounted blood tests to Kewanee and Toulon
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon will showcase their ongoing efforts “to protect and improve the health of the community,” during National Public Health Week, April 6-12 and throughout the month of April.
In keeping with National Public Health Week’s mission of promoting healthier living and achieving the goal of “healthiest nation by 2030,” the First Choice Healthcare Clinics will offer a clinic special during the month of April featuring a combination General Health/thyroid panel blood test for only $50. This test includes a full lipid “cholesterol” panel. Please note, fasting is recommended for these tests for optimum results.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be offering these specials at all their locations. The clinics are open to all area residents, and appointments are necessary and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please note, these lab specials are available on a “cash only” basis.
To schedule an appointment or for more information on the First Choice Healthcare Clinics’ Public Health Week April Lab Special call Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
Health departments highlight Diabetes Alert Day
March 24 has been designated as Diabetes Alert Day. Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes and an additional 79 million are at-risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. This disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. Yet, most Americans don’t consider diabetes a serious matter. They feel it is someone else’s responsibility; someone else’s problem.
With this is mind the health department and their First Choice Healthcare, along with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) wants to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes; as well as, its serious and life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation.
Diabetes is dangerous because high blood sugar isn’t usually something you can feel. Many people have no outward type 2 diabetes symptoms at all and can go years without being diagnosed. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the type 2 diabetes symptoms and risk factors for diabetes. Get screened by a health care provider if you have the following type 2 diabetes symptoms:
- Being unusually thirsty
- Having to urinate often
- Feeling hungry all the time
- Losing weight (without trying)
- Having blurry vision
- Feeling very tired
- Frequent infections
- Cuts and sores that heal slowly
If you are over age 45, talk with your health care provider about being tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight or have family members with the condition. Regardless of your age, if you are overweight and have one or more of the other risk factors listed, the ADA suggests that you be tested for diabetes now.
First Choice Healthcare reminds area residents that their family nurse practitioners in Kewanee and Toulon can help with the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes management; high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you don’t know your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers; they have services that can help you see where you stand. And for diagnosed diabetics, First Choice Healthcare offers low-cost lab services available with a doctor’s order. Testing is available through their clinic offices in Kewanee 309-852-5272, and Toulon 309-852-3115.
Local health officials observe World TB Day, urge TB awareness
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that March 24 has been proclaimed World TB Day. This annual event raises public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, Tuberculosis, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
RaeAnn Tucker, health department director of Health Promotion said, “Too many people in our country and around the world still suffer from TB. Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Each day, over 4100 people lose their lives to TB and close to 28,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease.” Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 66 million lives since the year 2000. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of progress made in the fight to end TB. For the first time in over a decade, TB deaths increased in 2020.” said Tucker.
The theme of World TB Day 2026 is “Yes, We Can End TB!” TB continues to devastate millions of people around the world, with serious health, social and economic consequences. This year’s theme is an ambitious call for hope, urgency and responsibility. It conveys the urgent need to invest resources to ramp up the fight against TB and achieve the commitments to end TB made by global leaders. More investment will save millions more lives, accelerating the end of the TB epidemic.
“Until TB is eliminated, World TB Day won’t be a celebration. But it is a valuable opportunity to educate the public about the devastation TB can spread and how it can be stopped,” Tucker said.
TB testing can be done at all First Choice Healthcare Clinic locations. To schedule an appointment, call Kewanee 309-852-5272; and Toulon 309-852-3115.
April Outreach Initiative set for April 29 at West Main Coffee & Books
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that their “12 Communities, 12 Months” event for April will be a special outreach display on Wednesday, April 29 from 7:30 -9:30 a.m. at the West Main Coffee & Books, 213 W. Main St., Toulon, Ill.
Their staff will offer the public: free acceptance and disposal of home expired or unused medications; and free blood pressure checks. There will also be free giveaways and health information. In addition, their Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator will be available.
Click here for instructions regarding expired/unused medication and sharps disposal for this event.
“We believe this is going to be a wonderful event as there will be something for everyone interested in getting some great information, taking advantage of free screenings, giveaways, and visiting and talking with our staff.” said RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion with the health department. “The Department and First Choice Healthcare are happy to have this year-long opportunity to showcase the many programs and services available to our area residents and families.”
For more information about the “12 Communities, 12 Months” promotions and events call the Health Department at 309-852-0197 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.