Women’s Health Week kicked off on Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day-Sunday, May 10, was the official kick-off for National Women’s Health Week, May 10-16

The goal of Women’s Health Week is to empower women to make their health a priority. National Women’s Health Week also serves as a time to help women understand what it means to be well.

This year’s theme, “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health.” This theme focuses on proactive, science-based care, early detection, and translating scientific breakthroughs into practical, everyday health improvements for women and girls.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that as we celebrate National Women’s Health Week, it is a good time to focus on what it means to be a well woman. The fact is it’s really a state of mind. It’s being as healthy as you can be. And, most importantly, it’s about taking steps to improve your physical and mental health. Important steps include:

• Continue to take steps to protect yourself by staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations.
• Getting at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week.
• Eating a nutritious diet. Eat mainly fruits and vegetables; grains, at least half should be whole grains; fat-free or low fat milk and dairy products; fish, skinless poultry and lean red meats; and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
• Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventative screenings.
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
• Avoiding unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and vaping, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

During Women’s Health Week, the health department hopes to raise awareness of the women’s health services available at their First Choice Healthcare locations. The First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon offer area women such services as annual exams, pap smears, pregnancy testing, contraceptive counseling and supplies, clinical breast exams, fasting blood profiles and lab services, immunizations, and our mental health services. Payment for clinic services include private pay, Medicaid and most insurances.

Every woman should have access to affordable health care services. They encourage local women to take advantage of the savings offered through their First Choice Healthcare Clinics. To find out more about the First Choice Healthcare Clinic’s health services for women call at Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Toulon 309-852-3115.

Children’s Mental Health Week observed May 9–15

The Henry and Stark County Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare announce that May 9-15, has been designated as Children’s Mental Health Week. This nationally recognized observance aims to increase public acceptance, educate communities and expand the general public’s understanding of children’s mental health needs and its resulting impact on their parents, caregivers, and families across the lifespan.

Children’s Mental Health Week allows all of us to celebrate children of any age while promoting the importance of their mental health as well as their need for services and acceptance that support recovery, resilience and success for children and their families.

Consider the following Children and Youth Mental and Behavioral Health Facts:

● One in six U.S. youth experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
● Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
● Among U.S. adolescents, aged 12-17 – one in six experienced a major depressive episode in the last year.
● Three million U.S. adolescents had serious thoughts of suicide.
● The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
● Sixty percent of Americans are concerned about the stigma and around mental illness.

With limited resources for mental health in our community, it is now more important than ever to provide individuals with the behavioral and mental health support they need. The health department’s psychiatric nurse practitioner, mental health therapists, nurses and supportive staff are pleased to support patients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse and addictions, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, family and parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma and loss. Services for counseling and therapy begin at age 5; and begin at age 6 for medication management.

For more information call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272; visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com; or like or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

May marks National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

May has been designated National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents they have family planning and reproductive health services.

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 may believe they are without resources to afford reproductive health services; however, they may be eligible for free services based on their 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. Many birth control pills also help with acne.

Clinics are held at their two locations: 110 N. Burr Blvd, Kewanee 309-852-5272; and 120 East Court St., Toulon 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. In addition to contraceptive services, the clinic also offers 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.

Health board recognizes Dr. Glenn Miller for 33 years of service

Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, and the members of the Stark County Health Board recently honored retiring health board member, Dr. Glenn Miller for his 33 years of service to the citizens of Stark County.

Dr. Remi Satkauskas, Stark County Health Board president, said “Dr. Miller has been devoted to the community; and has given 33 years of service to the Stark County Board of Health and the betterment of health services to Stark County citizens.”

Stevens said, “Dr. Glenn Miller has been a dedicated member of the Stark County Health Board, having served on the health board from 1993-2026. Dr. Miller has been a wonderful advocate for the health of all Stark County residents. I will personally miss working with him.”

The Stark County Health Board consists of 2 physicians; 1 dentist; 1 county board member; and 4 other residents of the county with an interest in the county’s health needs. The health board meets quarterly and members serve with no compensation.

For more information on the Stark County Health Department call 309-852-0197. You can also visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

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 insurance navigators will be present at the upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:

Rescued, 825 1st Ave., Silvis, Ill.
Tuesday, May 19
10 a.m.-noon

Special Kneads Bakery, 326 Front St., Galva, Ill.
Friday, May 22
9-11 a.m.

Their “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

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.