Each year officials at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments showcase the many services they provide to protect the health of communities as a part of National Public Health Week. This year National Public Health Week will take place from April 6-12.
During National Public Health Week – NPHW, the Health Department is celebrating the 31st anniversary of the designation and rallying around a theme of “Public Health Week-Ready. Set. Action!”
Duane Stevens, public health administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments said, “Ready. Set. Action! is this year’s theme. As we celebrate, take a moment to recognize how public health has improved our daily lives, safeguarded our families, expanded our life spans, and strengthened our communities.
“This week is also a chance to honor the public health workers who show up for us every day, and to advocate for policies and practices that promote good health for all. It’s the way we are all stronger and healthier together through the efforts of organizations like the American Public Health Association and others that advocate for healthy communities.”
Join the health department in observing NPHW this year and become part of a growing movement to create the healthiest nation in one generation. During the week, they will celebrate the power of prevention, advocate for healthy and fair policies, share strategies for improving both the physical and mental health of our residents and champion the role of a strong public health system.
“People often do not realize the full impact of the Health Department’s programs and services. This Public Health Week please take a moment to remember how the Health Department is continuously striving to create healthier communities.” said Stevens.
Their staff of 52 full-time employees are dedicated to making a difference in the health of 60,000 area residents each and every day.
For more information on the programs and services available through the Henry & Stark County Health Departments in Kewanee 309-852-0197 – Main Office; 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.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that April has been designated Cancer Control Month.
RaeAnn Tucker, health department director of Health Promotion, said “While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of cancer, we can take action to reduce our chances of developing this disease. To beat this disease, prevention is the key.” Today, scientists believe most cancers may be related to lifestyle and environment – what you eat, drink, if you smoke and where you work and play. The good news is you can help reduce your own cancer risk by taking control of things in your daily life.
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, along with the American Cancer Society, offer the following 10 steps you can take to a healthier life and reduced cancer risk:
–If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop. Smoking is a major cancer risk to smokers and everyone near them. If you are going to have a baby and you smoke, you pass the smoke and the risk right on to your baby. The combination of smoking and drinking alcohol is even riskier.
–Get Vaccinated. Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B.
— Human papillomavirus – HPV. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of vaccine Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 9 to 45.
–Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for certain adults at high risk — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, people with sexually transmitted infections, people who use intravenous drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
–Have regular check-ups. Ask your health care provider about the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for early detection screenings.
–Maintaining a healthy weight will help you reduce your risk of cancer – as well as heart disease and diabetes. Watching your portion sizes – especially of foods high in fat and sugar – is an important way to help watch your weight.
–Enjoy more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Eat at least five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables each day. They are packed with disease-fighting nutrients, are generally low in fat and calories, and may help you control your weight. Try to eat at least three servings of whole-grain products each day.
–Limit how much saturated fat you eat by cutting back on red meats (beef, pork, and lamb), processed meats (bologna, salami, and hot dogs), and high-fat dairy products.
–If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are female and two a day if you are male.
–Get some physical activity like walking, gardening, or dancing for at least 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week. Check with your health care provider before you begin an exercise routine.
–Protect your skin from UV rays. Stay out of the sun as much as you can between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. When you are outside, cover up with clothing. Wear a hat with a brim that shades your face, ears, and neck. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on all skin not covered with clothing. Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Don’t use sunlamps or tanning salons.
–If you work with harmful chemicals or fibers like asbestos, wear protective clothes and follow directions exactly. Be sure to learn emergency procedures.
For information about cancer, contact the American Cancer Society anytime at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org or visit the Health Department’s website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments
April 10 has been designated National Youth HIV/AIDS Day, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding local residents of their PrEP/HIV Prevention program and services. This PrEP/HIV Prevention grant includes and provides to local residents:
● Completely confidential and inclusive safe sex education, including how to reduce risk of HIV transmission
● HIV testing for general screening or post-exposure to HIV
● Assessment of individual risk and potential need for PrEP or PEP treatment
● Counseling about PrEP and PEP treatment and necessary monitoring
● Prescribing prophylactic PrEP medication (Oral or Injectable) OR
● Prescribing PEP medication, to reduce risk of HIV after a possible exposure
The Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare staff note that another aspect to this important health grant and initiative is that funds are available to help participants to receive services and needed medications.
First Choice Healthcare Clinic staff can help participants navigate financial assistance, for different types of insurance (or lack of insurance):
● Medicaid insurance – covers treatment 100%
● No insurance or private insurance? Financial assistance is available easily through the state.
For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you Kewanee 309-852-5272 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.
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 the upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, Ill.
Friday, April 10
1-3 p.m.
GROW Ministries, Inc., 110 N. East St., Cambridge, Ill.
Tuesday, April 14
10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Dollar Tree, 150 E. South St., Suites A & B, Kewanee, Ill.
Wednesday, April 22
10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Gary’s Hometown Deli, 804 S. Oakwood Ave., Suite G, Geneseo, Ill.
Friday, April 24
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Our “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.
