Henry & Stark County Health Department highlights Sexual Health Resources

The month of September is Sexual Health Awareness Month.
Sexual Health Awareness Month is an annual observance held throughout September to raise awareness about the importance of sexual health and well-being. The reasons behind observing this month are manifold:

● Promoting Safe Practices. One of the primary goals of Sexual Health Awareness Month is to educate individuals on the importance of practicing safe sex. It’s an opportunity to discuss the use of contraceptives, including condoms and birth control, to prevent unintended pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
● Breaking Stigmas. Sexual health issues often carry a significant societal stigma, which can discourage individuals from seeking help or information. By observing this month, we aim to break down these stigmas, create a safe space for discussions, and encourage open and honest conversations about sexual health.
● Empowering Individuals. Education is a powerful tool for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

With these goals in mind, the Henry & Stark County Health Departments would like to remind area residents that their First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer confidential: STD Testing for males and females, treatment of STDs, contraceptive supplies, free condoms, preventive immunizations against such STDs as Hepatitis B and HPV, counseling, education and referral, along with expedited partner treatment.

Though the subject of one’s sexual health may not be a comfortable healthcare issue to discuss, they want people to remember that their First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee and Toulon are sources of confidential testing, treatment, and education. They are just a phone call away and would like people to know they offer the tools and services people need to stay healthy.

For more information or appointments call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Toulon 309-852-3115.

Health Departments urge Septic Awareness Sept. 15–19

The Henry & Stark County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division announces that Sept. 15-19 has been proclaimed Septic Smart Week. The goal of Septic Smart Week is to help residents understand the importance of septic system maintenance and healthy communities.

Owning a home is more than just having a place to live; it’s about taking on responsibilities that ensure your household runs smoothly and reliably. If your home relies on a septic system, you might not realize it, but you have an important role—you’re not just a homeowner; you’re also a wastewater treatment operator. While this might sound daunting, embracing this role is crucial for maintaining your system’s health and protecting your shared neighborhood environment.

According to Health Department officials homeowners need to understand their septic system. A septic system treats and disposes of household wastewater. When maintained properly, it ensures that harmful bacteria and pollutants don’t enter water systems, safeguarding your health and the environment. Without proper care, however, it can lead to expensive repairs, groundwater contamination, and potential health hazards.

Homeowners need to think of themselves as the operator of a mini-wastewater treatment plant. Your actions directly impact the efficiency and longevity of your septic system.

Here are six essential tips to help you become a septic-smart homeowner:

Think at the Sink

Everything that goes down your drain can affect your septic system. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink, as they can clog pipes and drain fields. Use your garbage disposal sparingly and avoid flushing non-degradable items like wipes, menstrual products, and dental floss.

Don’t Strain Your Drain

Conserving water reduces the load on your septic system. Fix leaky faucets and toilets, install high-efficiency fixtures, and spread-out laundry loads throughout the week. By reducing water usage, you can help your system treat and dispose of wastewater effectively.

Keep it Clean

Regular septic system inspections and pumping are vital. The EPA recommends having your septic system inspected every three years by a licensed professional and pumped every three to five years, depending on your household size and usage. This prevents the buildup of solids that can clog your system and cause failures.

Shield Your Field

Your drain field is an essential part of your septic system, where the soil filters and treats wastewater. Protect it by not parking or driving on it, planting trees and shrubs a safe distance away to prevent root interference and ensuring that roof drains and sump pumps direct water away from it.

Protect It And Inspect It

Keep the components of your septic system, like the tank and drain field, accessible for inspections and maintenance. Know the location of your system to prevent accidental damage during landscaping or construction activities. Regular inspections can catch potential issues early, saving you from costly repairs.

Don’t Overload the Commode

Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing non-biodegradable items can clog your septic system and lead to failures. Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Meaning NO condoms, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint and pharmaceuticals. Educate your family and guests about what can and cannot be flushed to avoid unnecessary damage.

Remember, as a septic system operator, you play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment. Proper maintenance not only ensures your system works efficiently but also extends its lifespan, saving you money and reducing the risk of pollution. Your proactive approach to septic care can prevent contamination of local water sources, safeguarding ecosystems and community health.

For more information about the Health Departments’ Private Sewage Disposal Program call 309-852-0197 or follow this link to their website: https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/161/Private-Sewage-Disposal-Program.

Protect yourself this flu season, get vaccinated locally

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce this year’s seasonal flu shots for adults -18 yrs.+ and children-6mos+ are now available at all First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon.

Adult flu shots will be available by appointment or on a “walk-in” basis Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at all locations. Flu shots are “no-cost” for those with Medicare or Insurance Coverage. You must, however, bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card with you in order to receive the “no-cost” shot. The cost of this year’s flu shot, for those paying cash, is $60.

This year the Health Department will be administering the 4-component Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu shot through their First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon. They believe this vaccine is going to give area residents the most comprehensive protection from the Influenza this year.

For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee at 309- 852-5272; Colona at 309-792-4011, and Toulon at 309-852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

Affordable Prostate Cancer Screening available in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and although its mortality rate has steadily fallen in the last decade, prostate cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States.

The First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon are offering a $10 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test special. The PSA test is open to all men ages 50-64; or any men younger who have a first-degree family member (father/brother/son) who has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

Males under 50 years of age will need a physician’s order for the screening. No fasting is necessary for this screening. This screening can be a “stand alone” test or be added to any of their other popular lab tests.

The First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be offering this special at all clinic locations in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd. 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St. 309-792-4011; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115. This special is open to all area residents. Appointments are necessary and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please note, this PSA special is available on a “cash only” basis.

To schedule an appointment or for more information contact the First Choice Healthcare Clinic location nearest you. Also, find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare.

Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance navigators at upcoming events

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do You Need Health Insurance?” Their Health Insurancenavigators will be present at some upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:

7-Eleven, 412 1st Ave., Colona, Ill.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Noon-4 p.m.

One Stop Food, 220 N. East St. Kewanee
Friday, Sept. 19
12:30-4 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 please call 309-852-5272.