Health Departments offer monthly CPR Classes
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That’s why the Heath and Stark County Health Departments 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 the fourth Tuesday monthly. The class will be held at the Health Department offices, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee, IL. The classes will run from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The cost of the Class is $45. Payment and registration are due prior to the class date. These rates are per participant.
There is a set participant “minimum” and “maximum” for classes; so, anyone interested should contact the Health Department at 309-852-0197 Extension 231.
Fluoride Teeth Varnishing Clinics Now Open in Kewanee, Colona & Toulon
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments is offering fluoride teeth varnishing, and appointments are available to local children.
Healthy gums and teeth are important to your child’s overall health. Once a child has a tooth, then the child’s healthcare provider may recommend that they receive fluoride varnish treatments to help prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel.
The Health Departments First Choice Healthcare staff are trained to apply fluoride varnish because many young children do not see or have access to a dentist until they are older.
Though fluoride varnishing is available to everyone, they encourage children 3-6 years to take advantage of this great service that helps prevent tooth decay.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics are offering fluoride varnishing appointments at their 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.
Your Health, their mission: Area groups benefit from expert presentations
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents they offer various health education programs to local schools, employers, clubs and organizations. Therefore, if you are planning a program, department staff are available to speak on a variety of health topics and the services offered to area residents through their offices.
Prevention is now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventative health.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department director of Health Promotion notes, “Today, seven in 10 deaths in the US are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer.” Seventy-five percent of health care dollars are spent treating such diseases. “However, only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention.” said Tucker
Education can make a difference. For example, more than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting recommended screening tests.
“That’s why health education is so vital to our communities’ future health. Many people do not realize that the Health Department is available to area employers, school districts, and residents planning a program for a local class, club, staff or organization.” said Tucker.
Presentations on health awareness, heart health, cancer prevention, lung health, anti-vaping and tobacco use, handwashing, hygiene-good health habits, nutrition topics, women and men’s health, infection prevention, seasonal health and safety, cholesterol and blood pressure control; wellness and physical activity; family planning and clinical services; just to name a few, are offered free-of-charge.
Presentations can be tailor-made to meet any group’s specific needs. Many presentations include informative handouts and entertaining videos. All information can be altered to the age and interests of the audience.
To schedule a presentation or for more information on the Department Health Education services call the Health Department at 309-852-0197, visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.