By The Kewanee Voice    August 6, 2026

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Officials remind residents to follow water safety rules during summer swimming

Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury and related death. Drowning incidents may involve any source of standing water, including swimming pools, spas, buckets, bathtubs and toilets.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting advice from the Home Safety Council. The organization warns that drowning is a sudden, silent danger, noting that victims often make no noise once in distress. Constant adult supervision around any body of water remains the most effective way to prevent drowning.

The Health Department urges families to take the following basic safety precautions around water outdoors and in‑home:

• Always practice constant adult supervision around any body of water.
• Older children should not be left in charge of younger children in the pool area.
• Install four‑sided fencing that isolates the pool from the home. Four‑sided pool fencing is proven to be an effective drowning‑prevention intervention. While many communities have codes or regulations requiring some form of pool fencing, there is not a consistent national standard.
• Pool fencing should be at least five feet high and have self‑locking and self‑closing gates.
• Position gate latches out of the reach of young children.
• Never prop the gate open or disable the latch.
• Clear debris, clutter and pool toys from the pool deck and adjoining pathways to prevent falls.
• Enroll non‑swimmers in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor. Pediatricians recommend that children ages 5 and older learn how to swim.
• Never swim alone. Even adults should always swim with a buddy.
• Learn and practice basic lifesaving techniques, including First Aid and CPR. Insist that anyone who cares for your children learn CPR.
• Keep poolside rescue equipment close to the pool area.
• Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions prominently near the pool area.

Heath officials encourage everyone to follow these guidelines to ensure a fun and safe summer swimming season.

Officials highlight breastfeeding’s role in maternal health and recovery

August 1–7 has been proclaimed National and World Breastfeeding Week and August has been proclaimed Breastfeeding Month. The theme for the 2026 celebration is “RISE: Resilience, Interdependence, Self‑Determination, Empowerment,” highlighting community strength, policy advocacy and the power of families and networks in reinforcing lactation support systems worldwide.

Breastfeeding peer counselor Tironica Watts with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare said that breastfeeding benefits are numerous, well‑known and research‑based. Babies who are breastfed are protected against respiratory and ear infections, asthma, allergies, childhood cancer and obesity. Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

During Breastfeeding Week and Month, local WIC agencies across Illinois work within their communities to help mothers and babies get a strong start. WIC continues the education and counseling moms receive prenatally by coordinating with hospitals, healthcare providers and La Leche League chapters to ensure seamless support as families return home and transition back to work or school. Through the statewide Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program, mothers also receive one‑on‑one guidance from experienced breastfeeding moms.

“What people have to remember is that there are so many benefits to breastfeeding. Even if new mothers are able to do it for only a short time, a baby’s immune system can benefit from breast milk,” said Watts.

Benefits for baby:

• Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. A mother’s milk has the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein needed for growth and development. Babies find it easier to digest breast milk than formula.
• Premature babies do better when breastfed compared to premature babies fed formula.
• Breastfed babies score slightly higher on IQ tests, especially premature babies.

Benefits for mom:

• Nursing uses extra calories, making it easier to lose pregnancy weight. It also helps the uterus return to its original size and lessens postpartum bleeding.
• Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and possibly hip fractures and osteoporosis after menopause.
• Breastfeeding saves time and money — no formula to buy, measure or mix, and no bottles to warm.
• Breastfeeding helps mothers bond with their babies. Physical contact helps newborns feel secure, warm and comforted

For more information on breastfeeding call 309‑852‑5272 or visit www.henrystarkhealth.com.

Local clinics join national observance highlighting community health centers

Aug. 2–8 has been designated National Health Center Week. This year’s theme, “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” highlights the commitment of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers.

The Heath Departments remind residents of the wide array of public health services they offer, along with clinical services available through First Choice Healthcare clinics. Services include sick appointments, family planning, school and sports exams, chronic disease management, STD testing and treatment, work physicals, TB testing, lead screenings and immunizations. The Kewanee and Toulon clinics offer walk‑in services. Mental health services are also available, with counseling beginning at age 5 and medication management beginning at age 6.

For appointments, call Kewanee 309‑852‑5272 or Toulon 309‑852‑3115.

First Choice Healthcare provides $50 school and sports physicals

Sports and school physical appointments are being offered by the Henry and Stark County Health Departments throughout the summer.

School and sports physicals are available at all locations for a cash price of $50. Those with insurance should bring insurance information. Appointments are available at Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd., 309‑852‑5272, and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309‑852‑3115.

The clinics will offer physicals for junior high and senior high athletes, freshmen, sixth graders, kindergartners and preschoolers. To reduce wait times, families are encouraged to arrive with school physical forms already completed.

Parents should ensure children are up‑to‑date on required immunizations before school begins. Immunizations, TB checks, blood lead screenings and other lab tests are available at additional charges. All required school‑entry immunizations are available as private‑pay vaccines.

Certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971 can be obtained at the health department office. The cost is $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy.

For more information visit www.henrystarkhealth.com or find the department on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance navigators at upcoming events

Do you need health insurance? The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program are announcing that navigators will be present at upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up coverage.

Subway, 250 Exchange St., Galva
Thursday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Subway, 223 1st St., Colona
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Abilities Plus Resale Shop, 310 N. Main St., Kewanee
Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.–noon

Purple Onion, 311 W. Front St., Annawan
Friday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Salvation Army, 119 N. Tremont St., Kewanee
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.–noon