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ADVISORY: On Wednesday, May 8th, water will be shut off from 7:30am-5pm for all residents heading North down Washington St. to 2nd St., and from Washington to Church St. A boil order will follow until further notice.
On Thursday, May 9th, water will be shut off from 7:30am-5pm for all residents North of Route 6 and West of State St. This is for a valve replacement. A boil order will follow until further notice.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare announces that May 5-11, 2024 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 & Youth Mental & Behavioral Health Facts:
· 1 in 6 US youth experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
· 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
· Among US Adolescents (aged 12-17) – 1 in 6 experienced a major depressive episode in the last year.
· 3 million US Adolescents had serious thoughts of suicide.
· The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
· 60% 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. Our own Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Mental Health Therapists, Nurses and supportive staff are pleased to be able to offer this support to our community.
There are many reasons an individual may seek treatment. Our providers are prepared to support patients aged 5 and above who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse and addictions, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, family/parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma and loss.
For more information on Behavioral and Mental Health services or to schedule an appointment simply call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272! Help and understanding are just a phone call away.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, notes “In the battle against cancer, over decades, our Nation has made extraordinary progress. The overall rates of cancer deaths are decreasing for both women and men, and most survivors live longer and enjoy a better quality of life than ever before. Still, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in America, and there is more work to do. This month, we stand with all those touched by cancer and redouble our efforts to prevent, detect, and treat this disease.”
Tucker adds, "While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of cancer, we can take action to reduce our chances of developing this disease. To beat this disease, prevention is the key. Today, scientists think most cancers may be related to lifestyle and environment - what you eat, drink, if you smoke and where you work and play. So the good news is you can help reduce your own cancer risk by taking control of things in your daily life.”
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, along with the American Cancer Society, offer the following 10 steps you can take to a healthier life and reduced cancer risk:
1) If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop! Smoking is a major cancer risk to smokers and everyone near them. If you are going to have a baby and you smoke, you pass the smoke and the risk right on to your baby. The combination of smoking and drinking alcohol is even riskier.
2) Get Vaccinated. Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against:
· Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of vaccine Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 9 to 45.
· Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for certain adults at high risk — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, people with sexually transmitted infections, people who use intravenous drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
3) Have regular check-ups. Ask your health care provider about the American Cancer Society's guidelines for early detection screenings.
4) Maintaining a healthy weight will help you reduce your risk of cancer - as well as heart disease and diabetes. Watching your portion sizes - especially of foods high in fat and sugar - is an important way to help watch your weight.
5) Enjoy more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Eat at least five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables each day. They are packed with disease-fighting nutrients, are generally low in fat and calories, and may help you control your weight. Try to eat at least three servings of whole-grain products each day.
6) Limit how much saturated fat you eat by cutting back on red meats (beef, pork, and lamb), processed meats (bologna, salami, and hot dogs), and high-fat dairy products.
7) If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are female and two a day if you are male.
8) Get some physical activity like walking, gardening, or dancing for at least 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week. Check with your health care provider before you begin an exercise routine.
9) Protect your skin from UV rays. Stay out of the sun as much as you can between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's UV rays are the strongest. When you are outside, cover up with clothing. Wear a hat with a brim that shades your face, ears, and neck. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on all skin not covered with clothing. Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Don't use sunlamps or tanning salons.
10) If you work with harmful chemicals or fibers like asbestos, wear protective clothes and follow directions exactly. Be sure to learn emergency procedures.
For information about cancer, contact the American Cancer Society anytime at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org or visit the Health Department's website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Each year officials at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments have showcased the many services they provide to protect the health of our communities as a part of National Public Health Week. This year National Public Health Week will take place from April 1-7, 2024. During National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2024, the public health community is rallying around a theme of “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.”
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments notes, “This year’s theme, “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health,” recognizes the contributions of public health initiatives, workers and milestones, and highlights issues that are important to improving both our nation and our local communities. This week also notes that the places where we are, physically, mentally and societally affect our health and our lives. As we celebrate the 29th NPHW, we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier and safer for all. And we’re focusing not just on what we can do as individuals, but what we can do as communities to protect and improve public health.”
Stevens adds, “Join us in observing NPHW 2024 and become part of a growing movement to create the healthiest nation in one generation. During the week, we will celebrate the power of prevention, advocate for healthy and fair policies, share strategies for improving both the physical and mental health of our residents, and champion the role of a strong public health system.”
Stevens concludes, “People often do not realize the full impact of the Health Department’s programs and services. This Public Health Week please take a moment to remember how the Health Department is continuously striving to create healthier communities. Our staff of 50 full-time employees are dedicated to making a difference in the health of 60,000 area residents each and every day. And though the last three years may have tested and challenged our staff; rest assured our vigilance and resolve never ends.”
For more information on the programs and services available through the Henry & Stark County Health Departments in Kewanee 309-852-0197 (Main Office); Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.
The Staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare gather in front of their Kewanee location and invite all Henry and Stark County residents to join them in celebrating National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2024. The Health Department is showcasing their many accomplishments in improving our area citizens' health as a part of this year's observance and its theme, “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.”
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments recognize that many groups, organizations, and families may be planning festivities to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday. Those planning Easter egg hunt should be aware that hard-boiled eggs require some special attention.
In years past, various instances of food borne illnesses have been associated with the consumption of improperly prepared Easter eggs; therefore, we recommend the following guidelines to help insure a safe and enjoyable holiday.
* Use only fresh, clean, unbroken eggs that have been obtained from a reliable source and kept refrigerated.
* Eggs should be prepared by healthy persons who observe good hygienic practices such as frequent hand washing and proper cleaning of cooking utensils.
* Eggs should not be allowed to cool in standing water. They should be placed into the refrigerator immediately after cooking.
* Hard-boiled eggs must remain refrigerated after preparation and coloring, and used within seven days.
* It's safe to keep the eggs outside for an hour or two during an Easter egg hunt, but any eggs that are not consumed right away must be returned to the refrigerator. Also, hide eggs so they stay clear of pets, dirt and other sources of bacteria. To be extra cautious, cook two sets of eggs: one for hiding and decorating with, and another for eating.
* Remember, hard-boiled eggs-in the shell or peeled-do not keep as well as raw eggs, so discard any leftover eggs after one week.
Whether preparing, serving, hunting or decorating with eggs, it's easy for everyone to have a splendid Easter celebration while still staying safe from any "food borne unpleasantness."
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare note that March 26th has been designated as Diabetes Alert Day. Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes and an additional 79 million are at-risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Obviously, this disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. Yet, most Americans don't consider diabetes a serious matter. They feel it is someone else's responsibility; someone else's problem.
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, along with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), wants to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes; as well as, its serious and life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation.
Diabetes is dangerous because high blood sugar isn't usually something you can feel. Many people have no outward type 2 diabetes symptoms at all and can go years without being diagnosed. That's why it's important to be aware of the type 2 diabetes symptoms and risk factors for diabetes. Get screened by a health care provider if you have the following type 2 diabetes symptoms:
* Being unusually thirsty
* Having to urinate often
* Feeling hungry all the time
* Losing weight (without trying)
* Having blurry vision
* Feeling very tired
* Frequent infections
* Cuts and sores that heal slowly
If you are over age 45, talk with your health care provider about being tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight or have family members with the condition. Regardless of your age, if you are overweight and have one or more of the other risk factors listed, the ADA suggests that you be tested for diabetes now.
First Choice Healthcare reminds area residents that our Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon can help with the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes management; high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you don't know your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers; we have services that can help you see where you stand. And for diagnosed diabetics, First Choice Healthcare notes they have low-cost lab services available with a doctor’s order. Testing is available through their clinic offices in Kewanee (309) 852-5272, Colona (309) 792-4011 and Toulon (309) 852-3115.
RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Date: March 1, 2024
The Henry and Stark County Health Department WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program staff note that March has been designated National Nutrition Month. Therefore, it’s a great time to remind local residents that the WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
Heather Aldred, RN, Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor with the Health Department, states, “Henry, Stark, Marshall and Putnam County residents have fully returned to only in-person “Face to Face” appointments and services delivery. We do, however, still offer an online application feature to the program. We are thrilled to once again have the chance to offer these important and vital family services directly to our participants. In addition, we remind those who may be interested in taking advantage of all that WIC offers, that the New Illinois WIC EBT Card is available to all WIC participants! This makes WIC Services even more easy for area families to use.”
Aldred adds, “All current WIC participants and households are now issued just one Illinois WIC EBT Card with all the food benefits on this one card; no more handling multiple checks for different members of your family. The WIC process remains the same, benefits are reloaded on your card every three months after contacting and checking in with our WIC Staff.”
Please note, the Health Department WIC staff have expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program. WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women.
Aldred adds, “We are so excited about this new WIC EBT Card, sometimes referred to as eWIC. Participants now have the ease of taking their shopping list to the store and then buying the food they need when they need them.”
The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff promotes healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website to apply at https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/FormCenter/WIC-10/WIC-Application-Form-65
For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Entry forms for the pageant will be available on Friday, March 1 beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Contestants must live in or attend school in Henry County (or attended a Henry County high school if currently in college). The age divisions for each group are as follows:
• Little Miss, 5 - 7 on pageant day
• Jr. Miss, 12 - 14 on pageant day
• Miss, 16 - 21 on January 1, 2025
The entry forms will be available on the Henry County Fair Queen Pageant Facebook page and Instagram account, or can be emailed or texted directly if requested. For questions or additional information, please reach out to Pageant Director Kelli Patton, at henrycopageant@gmail.com or (309) 944-7743.
Henry County Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Board has been awarded funds for Phase 41 under the National Board Program.
The selection was made by a National Board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; and the United Way of America. The decision of the Board was made from statistical information compiled by the State of Illinois and the Federal Government. The Henry County EFS Board consists of volunteers from throughout the County.
Under the terms of the grant, local Henry County Agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Henry County EFS has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds since the program began. The recipient Agencies have taken immediate care of more people than can be imagined. Presently four agencies received funds last year: Colona Township Pantry, Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, Salvation Army, and Orion Area Food Pantry. There are other Certified Agencies in Henry County who did not request funds.
Public or private voluntary agencies, which meet the five requirements listed above, and are interested in applying for EFS funds should contact Karen Doy by telephone at 309-721-1592. The deadline for requests is March 1, 2024.
RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
January 26, 2024
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon; in conjunction with the American Heart Association, announce that Friday, February 2nd has been designated as National Wear Red Day. This important health observance is noted to help focus attention on women and heart disease.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments notes, "Women often do not take their risk of heart disease seriously or personally. However, Heart Disease is the number 1 killer of women, killing more than all forms of cancer combined. Many of these deaths can be prevented, but most women don't notice the symptoms until it's too late. That's why it's been called the silent killer. You can help increase awareness of women's heart health by wearing red, speaking up, and uniting with millions of women to help save lives across America."
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare offers the following Heart Health facts:
* Heart disease is the number one killer of American women age 20 and over, killing approximately one woman every minute.
* One in every 3 women dies of heart disease. One in every 30 dies of breast cancer.
* 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
* Americans can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 82% by just leading a healthy life.
Risk factors are habits or conditions that increase the chance of developing a disease. Many of the risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or controlled. Having more than one risk factor is especially serious. Women should talk to a health professional about their individual risks and how to lower them.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
* Smoking * High Blood Pressure * Diabetes
* High Blood Cholesterol * Obesity * Physical Inactivity
* Age * Family history of heart disease
For more information on heart health and the services of the First Choice Healthcare Clinics may call the location nearest you in KEWANEE 309-852-5272, COLONA 309-792-4011, or Toulon 309-852-3115 or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or First Choice Healthcare, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
“SILO is the First Ever Feature Film about a Grain Entrapment”
Inspired by true events, SILO follows a harrowing day in an American farm town. Disaster strikes when teenage Cody becomes the victim of a grain entrapment accident. Family, neighbors, and first responders must put aside their differences to rescue him from drowning in the 50-foot-tall silo where corn quickly turns to quicksand. Shedding light on an issue plaguing rural America, SILO shows how dangerous modern farming can be, while also highlighting the ways in which communities band together to look after one another.
Join us for a FREE screening of the film to be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Geneseo High School Performing Arts Center, 700 N. State Street, Geneseo. Reservations are not required, but strongly encouraged – reserve your seat by contacting the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411 or email: membership@henrycofarmbureau.org.
The film screening is sponsored by the Henry County Farm Bureau Health & Safety Committee and Gold Star FS, in conjunction with the Geneseo FFA Chapter.
SILO is the product of an extensive collaboration between city-based filmmakers and the rural American community. The entire creative team spent years working with farmers, fire/rescue workers, and trusted agricultural institutions to ensure the authentic portrayal of the all-too-common danger of grain entrapment. SILO is not just a dramatic reminder of the importance of agricultural safety — it is also a testament to what communities can accomplish when they work together.
RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
January 19, 2024
The Henry and Stark County Health Department along with First Choice Healthcare and its Mental Health Staff would like to address what many refer to as the “Winter Blues.” The winter blues are very common, with many of us experiencing a mood shift during the colder, darker days of winter. You may find yourself feeling more lethargic and down overall. Although you may feel more unhappy than usual, the winter blues typically do not affect your ability to enjoy life.
But if your winter blues start permeating all aspects of your life — from work to personal relationships — you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a subtype of major depression that is characterized by the onset of depression during winter months when there is less natural light. For many people, symptoms usually start in the fall and continue into the winter months.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder may include:
Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Having low energy
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Problems sleeping
Changes in your appetite or weight
Feeling sluggish or agitated
Having difficulty concentrating
Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide
How Do You Treat SAD? Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medication. In addition to your prescribed treatment plan for SAD, you may also try:
Making your environment sunnier and brighter
Spending more time outside
Exercising regularly
In addition to SAD, some people with major depression, unrelated to the season, may experience an increase in symptoms during the late fall and winter; it is important that they discuss this with a behavioral/mental health professional. The most important take-home message is that SAD, just like other types of depression, is treatable and people should not suffer in silence; they should seek help.
And remember, Behavioral and Mental Health Services are now available at First Choice Health Care. We are now accepting appointments in our Kewanee location! Our behavioral health staff are prepared to support patients aged five and over. For such issues as depression, anxiety, stress, substance use and addictions, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, family/parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma, and loss.
Help and understanding are just a phone call away all the Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare 309-852-5272!
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona announce that December 4-8, 2023 has been proclaimed National Influenza Vaccination Week. National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an annual observance in December to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu to be protected during the upcoming season. Therefore, we want to remind area residents that our First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona still have flu vaccine available for anyone wanting this year's flu shot.
Flu vaccinations are available to the general public, while supplies last. Flu vaccine is available for all ages: infants (6 mos+); children and adults. All payer sources will be accepted to cover the cost of vaccination including: Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, CHIP State insurance; cash and credit card.
Flu shots may be administered at “No-Charge” to those who have Medicare Part-B and some insurance plans which are accepted. You must, however, bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card with you in order to receive the shots. The cost of this year’s flu shot, for those paying cash, is $33.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion states, “Vaccination is particularly important for people who are most vulnerable to developing serious flu complications, including people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, last flu season 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition.”
Tucker adds, “There’s so much that’s beyond control this winter season. But we do have the power to get a flu shot to protect ourselves and our families from flu and its complications.”
In addition, the Health Department reminds individuals that you may practice infection preventative measures like cleaning hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth when coughing, and containing the spread of the infection by staying home when you are ill.
To make an appointment or for more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you Kewanee (309) 852-5272 or Colona (309) 792-4011 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter and Instagram.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics note it’s the time of year to look ahead to preventing sickness during the upcoming holiday and infectious season. It’s important to alert the public that Covid-19, Flu, RSV and Common Cold infections will be and are already on the rise. Therefore, we offer some suggestions on how to help keep germs away during gatherings and activities and the infectious season.
Many of these seasonal infections have some shared and in-common symptoms; thus, it can be hard to diagnose and differentiate the infections. Therefore, the Health Department is sharing messaging and guidance to help local residents and families to better understand these infections and how to prevent and treat them.
Remember, it’s important to enjoy the season’s traditions in good health by taking steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other infections:
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 & Flu vaccines
• Know what to do if you're exposed
• Stay at home when you are sick
• Avoid contact with others who are sick
• And feel free to wear a mask
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are pleased to remind local residents we now have both Pfizer & Moderna Updated Covid-19 Shots for all Adults & Children (6mos.+) at our clinics in Kewanee and Colona. Covid-19 shots will be available by appointment at both locations, simply call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Colona 309-792-4011.
Adults 18 years+ can get their Flu vaccination at either the First Choice Healthcare Kewanee or Colona location on a “Walk-In Basis” (Monday-Friday 8am-4pm).
It's that time of year again - Thanksgiving. And the staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments note as cooks across the country ready themselves for this annual feast day, handling poultry incorrectly and undercooking it are the most common problems that lead to foodborne disease outbreaks. To better guarantee that your Thanksgiving holiday is a healthy one, the Health Department offers up some helpful "Turkey Tactics:
1.Thaw Your Turkey Safely
In the refrigerator in a container; start early and thaw turkey in a refrigerator or in a place where the air temperature is no higher than 40° F. A 20-pound turkey will take about three days to thaw completely in a refrigerator.
In a leak-proof plastic bag in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes); or
In the microwave, following the microwave oven manufacturer’s instructions.
Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter. A thawing turkey must defrost at a safe temperature. When the turkey is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, its temperature becomes unsafe. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
Do not wash or rinse a raw turkey. Federal food safety advice has recommended against washing turkey or chicken since 2005, but some habits are hard to break. Old recipes and family cooking traditions may keep this practice going, but it can make you and your family sick. Poultry juices can spread in the kitchen and contaminate other foods, utensils, and countertops.
2. Handle Your Turkey the Right Way
Raw poultry can contaminate anything it touches with harmful bacteria. Follow the four steps to food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill—to prevent the spread of bacteria to your food, family, and friends.
Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling turkey.
Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey.
Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board, or other surface that previously held raw turkey.
Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing turkey and before you prepare the next item.
3. Cook Stuffing Thoroughly
Cooking stuffing separately from the turkey in a casserole dish makes it easy to be sure it is thoroughly cooked. If you cook stuffing in the turkey, put the stuffing in the turkey just before cooking.
With either cooking method, use a food thermometer to make sure the stuffing’s center reaches 165°F. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F and may then cause food poisoning. If you cook stuffing in the turkey, wait 20 minutes after taking the bird out of the oven before removing the stuffing; this allows it to cook a little more. Use a food thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature.
4. Cook Your Turkey Thoroughly
Set the oven temperature to at least 325°F. Place the completely thawed turkey in a roasting pan that is 2 to 2-1/2 inches deep. Cooking times will vary depending on the weight of the turkey. Use a food thermometer to make sure the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Check by inserting a food thermometer into the center of the stuffing and the thickest portions of the breast, thigh, and wing joint. Even if your turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator, you should still use a food thermometer to check that it is safely cooked.
Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before removing all stuffing from the cavity and carving the meat.
For more information on food safety, call the Health Department Environmental Health Division at (309) 852-0197 Extension 222 or email eh@henrystarkhealth.org.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are pleased to announce we now have both Pfizer & Moderna Updated Covid-19 Shots For All Adults & Children (6mos+) at our clinics in Kewanee and Colona. Covid-19 shots will be available by appointment at both locations, simply call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Colona 309-792-4011.
Adults & Children with “Insurance Coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination can obtain either the Pfizer or Moderna 2023-24 updated vaccine. Simply bring your insurance card with you to your appointment. Moderna “insured” appointments starting Friday, November 10th.
Adults & Children with “NO Insurance Coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination may choose either the Pfizer or Moderna 2023-24 updated Covid-19 vaccine through the “Bridge Access Program” or “VFC (Vaccines For Children) Program.”
The Health Department notes that both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC recommend vaccination with the updated COVID-19 vaccine for all persons aged ≥6 months. Older adults and persons with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death. In addition, healthy children and adults can still experience severe disease.
To schedule your appointment or for more information, call the First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee (309) 852-5272 and Colona (309) 792-4011 Colona or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter or Instagram.
RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
October 30, 2023The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare announce that this year’s updated Covid-19 Shots for Adults (18 yrs.+) are now available at both First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona. Covid-19 shots will be available by appointment at both locations, simply call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Colona 309-792-4011.
At this time, Adults with “Insurance Coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination can obtain the Pfizer 2023-24 updated vaccine. Simply bring your insurance card with you to your appointment.
Adults with “NO Insurance Coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination may choose either the Pfizer or Moderna 2023-24 updated Covid-19 vaccine through the “Bridge Access Program.”
The Health Department notes that both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC recommend vaccination with the updated COVID-19 vaccine for all persons aged ≥6 months. Older adults and persons with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death. In addition, healthy children and adults can still experience severe disease.
To schedule your appointment or for more information, call the First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee (309) 852-5272 and Colona (309) 792-4011 Colona or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter or Instagram.
What: Farm Bureau Young Leaders “Cram the Cab” Food Drive
When: Saturday, November 4; 9am-2pm
Where: Fareway Meat & Grocery, 540 Pritchard Drive, Geneseo, IL 61254
Farm Bureau Young Leaders will collect items for the local food pantries at Geneseo Fareway. Stop by Saturday, November 4, 9am-2pm and help the Young Leaders to fill the bed of a Ford Truck and the cab of a John Deere tractor! Make a donation just in time for the upcoming holidays and support your local food pantry. Food items and cash donations will be accepted.
RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
October 26, 2023
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and its First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona announce that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. About 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2023 are:
About 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 55,720 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
About 43,700 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, notes, “When considering facts such as these it's obvious that we, in the public health field, must emphasize the importance of early detection and screening. Indeed, breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. Therefore, we would like to encourage women to partner with a friend or family member to remind each other to practice monthly breast self-exam and make annual clinical exam and mammogram appointments."
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics of Kewanee and Colona remind area residents that they provide annual physical exams to area women, including a clinical breast exam and pap smear.
The clinic accepts most insurances and private pay. For more information on the First Choice Healthcare Clinics Women's Health services call (309) 852-5272 Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 Colona or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Ted Seifried, Vice President and Chief Market Strategist with Zaner Ag Hedge, will be the featured speaker on Wednesday, November 8 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona. Dinner will be served followed by an update from Tom Parchert, Big River Resources. Reservations are required and must be made by November 1 to guarantee your attendance.
Ted is a Vice President at Zaner in charge of Zaner Ag Hedge. He specializes in agricultural hedging employing various strategies using futures, futures spreads, outright options, and options combinations. He believes it is paramount to be able to use different strategies to adapt to market conditions. Ted works one on one with large to mid-size grain and livestock producers and end users throughout the world.
In the media, Ted is often quoted by Dow Jones, Reuters, WSJ, and Bloomberg. Ted is a reoccurring guest analyst on Bloomberg TV, Ag Day, RFDtv, Market to Market and Agritalk with Chip Flory.
Zaner is a family owned and operated full-service brokerage firm founded in 1980. They work with clients closely to create client specific customized hedging strategies. They employ different strategies based on client needs and market conditions. Zaner is CFTC registered, NFA member, NIBA member, Illinois Farm Bureau Member, Illinois Chamber of Commerce member, Better Business Bureau A+ accredited business.
Cost for the single session is $35.00 (if not pre-registered cost will be $40.00). To make reservations, please call the Henry County Farm Bureau (309) 937-2411, Rock Island County Farm Bureau (309) 736-7432 or Mercer County Farm Bureau (309) 582-5116.
The Market Outlook Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees in conjunction with: Gold Star FS; BankORION; COUNTRY Financial - Alan Davis, Crop Insurance; Central Bank; COUNTRY Financial - Brent Bigham, Tracy Bigham, Chad Nelson, John Waugh; Big River Resources; River Valley Cooperative; Diamond Ag; Wyffels Hybrids; Compeer Financial (Aledo & Geneseo offices); COUNTRY Financial - Dan Kniss, Mike Geuns, Eric Henderson, Julie Hessler, Tom McKie, Jerry Samuelson, Erin Spivey, Katie Spivey, Cassie Stahler; Blackhawk Bank & Trust; Hertz Farm Management.
