September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. 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.
In recognition of the month, the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee 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 or 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 our 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; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115. This special is open to all area residents, and 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 call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic location nearest you. Also, find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
Monthly Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification classes are being offered the the local health departments and clinics.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That’s why health officials are encouraging 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.
CPR classes are held on the fourth Tuesday, monthly. The class will be held at the health department offices, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee, Ill. The classes will run from 4 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.
To sign up for a CPR class follow this link: https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/FormCenter/CPR-14/CPR-Sign-up-87
To pay for a CPR Class follow this link:
https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a002o2
There is a set participant minimum and maximum for classes, so anyone interested or wanting more information should contact the health department at 309-852-0197, extension 250.
A “12 Communities, 12 Months” September event will be a special outreach display on Friday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Purple Onion Restaurant, 311 W. Front St., Annawan.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments 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.
Instructions regarding expired/unused medication and sharps disposal for this event can be found here.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of health promotion with the health department said, “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.”
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare utilize this year-long opportunity to showcase their many programs and services available to 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.
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.
Tuesday, Sept. 8
10 a.m.-noon
Puff Pro Smoke & Vape, 729 Tenney St., Kewanee, Ill.
Monday, Sept. 14
10 a.m.-noon
The Purple Onion, 311 W. Front St, Annawan, Ill
Friday, Sept. 18
10 a.m.-noon
My Nails, 114 W. 2nd St., Kewanee, Ill.
Monday, Sept. 21
10 a.m.-noon
