Health Department marks Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Oct. 19-25 has been designated National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The Health Department joins with the Illinois Department of Public Health – IDPH, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention.
This year’s theme for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.
According to Health Department officials, nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health.
Illinois identified more than 8,300 children with confirmed blood lead levels greater than the intervention level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The major sources of this lead exposure to children included lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Children can also be exposed to lead from additional sources including drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace, and lead in soil.
Lead poisoning is a preventable condition that can affect a child’s ability to learn and develop normally. Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:
1) Get your home tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
2) Get your child tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, get them tested for lead.
3) Get the facts. Your Health Department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning.
The easiest way to make sure your child is safe is by having them tested for lead poisoning at their doctor’s office or the local health department by a simple finger stick. Most children do not show any symptoms of poisoning, so testing is crucial. Testing at ages one and two and treating the child as early as possible is the best way to prevent any developmental problems.
For more information regarding lead poisoning, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD. To schedule a blood lead test at the Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
Health Department observes National Health Education Week
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that Oct. 20-24, has been proclaimed National Health Education Week. The Health Department joins with public health and health education advocates across the country to raise awareness of the importance of health education measures.
This annual observance celebrates how health educators form important partnerships with schools, medical providers, social service agencies, governmental entities, businesses, social and faith-based organizations in order to promote equitable and integrated community health. Health education and prevention measures are now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventative health and community partnerships.
RaeAnn Tucker, health department director of Health Promotion said, “Today, seven in 10 deaths in the US are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer.” Another fact is that 75% of our health care dollars are spent treating such diseases with only 3% of our health care dollars going towards prevention.
“That’s why health education is so vital to our communities’ future health. Education can make a difference. For example, more than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting recommended screening tests.” said Tucker.
For more information on the Department Health Education services call the 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.
Reproductive health services available through First Choice Clinics
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that they have family planning and reproductive health services available at their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon.
Through the Family Planning clinic services, the First Choice Healthcare Clinics hope to give women the information and means they need to protect and improve their health, to plan pregnancies and make responsible decisions. The program also hopes to detect other health problems early in their development so that clients can be referred to other health care providers for treatment.
Many people believe they are without resources to afford reproductive health services, however, you may be eligible for free services based on your income. Did you know not all adolescents are on birth control to have sex or protect against pregnancy? Some girls who choose not to be sexually active suffer from heavy periods or need to regulate their cycles. Birth control pills are also proven to help with acne.
Clinics are held at their two locations: 110 N. Burr Blvd, Kewanee Ph: 309-852-5272; and 120 East Court St., Toulon Ph: 309-852-3115. Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the clinic nearest you.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear. The clinics offer contraceptive services such as: Depo, Nexplanon, free condoms and more. In addition, they offer pregnancy testing.
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client’s income, had been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you 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 or Instagram.
Get Covered Illinois Navigators available at local events
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 at some upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Chance’s Unique Collectibles, 118 W. 2nd St., Geneseo, Ill.
Thursday, Oct. 30
Noon-3 p.m.
Geneseo Public Library, 805 N. Chicago St., Geneseo, Ill.
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Noon-3 p.m.
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, Ill.
Friday, Nov. 7
1-3 p.m.
Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee, Ill.
Monday, Nov. 10
1-3 p.m.
“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, call 309-852-5272.