Market Outlook Seminar Featuring Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau®

Naomi Blohm

Naomi Blohm, Senior Market Advisor, Total Farm Marketing, will be the featured speaker on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona.  Dinner will be served, followed by the local grain market update from Tom Parchert of River Valley Cooperative. Reservations are required and must be made by November 6 to guarantee your attendance.  

Naomi Blohm is a specialist at helping farmers understand how to manage their cash marketing needs. In addition, she helps them understand the importance of managing basis, delivery point considerations, cash flow needs and storage capacity. She also assists with explaining, implementing, and managing futures and options strategies for clients.   

Naomi earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Agriculture Business at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville. She has a Master of Science in Adult Education with an emphasis in Ag Economics, University of Wisconsin, Platteville, and a Master Certificate in Global Education, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. 

Additional dates and speakers for the 2025-2026 series include:

  • March 12, 2026 – Darin Newsom, Darin Newsom Analysis

  • June 30, 2026 – Kristi Van Ahn-Kjeseth, Van Ahn and Company, Inc. 

Cost for the series is $90.00 and a single session is $35.00 (if not pre-registered, cost will be $40.00). To make reservations, please contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411 or email manager@henrycofarmbureau.org.   

The Market Outlook Series is sponsored by the Henry, Mercer and Rock Island County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees and the following:  Gold Star FS, COUNTRY Financial, BankORION, Alan Davis - COUNTRY Crop Insurance Specialist, Central Bank, River Valley Cooperative, Wyffels Hybrids, Big River Resources, Hertz Farm Management, State Bank of Toulon, IAA Credit Union, Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

SNAP Spotlight at River Bend Food Bank Oct. 28

Davenport, IA - Amid the government shutdown and the impending legislative changes to SNAP, River Bend Food Bank is hosting a SNAP Spotlight event at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the food bank, 4010 Kimmel Drive, Davenport, Iowa.

The event will include remarks from a SNAP recipient and SNAP Outreach Manager Lisa Spitler, who serves 28-counties through her work with River Bend Food Bank, Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP).

Spitler’s work includes direct outreach at pantries, assisting qualified households to sign up for SNAP. She also networks with other organizations, such as WIC and community health organizations, to provide SNAP materials and provide information.

“SNAP benefits are so important,” Spitler said. “There’s an awful lot of people that really depend on them. Right now, there is a lot of confusion and uncertainty for SNAP recipients. It is overwhelming for pantries to keep up with increased demand, and it is hard on local economies because the loss of SNAP means the loss of money going into the local area.”

The event will also include remarks from Amy Jones, River Bend Food Bank board member and past SNAP recipient, and River Bend Food Bank President & CEO Chris Ford.

“Hunger does not wait for uncertainty,” said Ford. “We have 65,000 neighbors in our community who will face the hardship of not feeding their families with much-needed SNAP benefits beginning Nov. 1. Beyond the immediate shutdown pressure, we know a year from now legislative cutbacks means we expect food insecurity to spike and food pantry lines to get longer.”

Fall Health Check Clinic Oct. 23 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  The Henry County Health Department, First Choice HealthCare and the Geneseo Public Library are holding a Geneseo Fall Health Clinic from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Geneseo Library.

   The clinic is open to all people ages 18 and older.

   In keeping with the Health Department’s mission of promoting healthier living, the clinic will feature free flu shots for those with Medicare or insurance coverage.  Proof of coverage in the form of a Medicare or insurance card ensure the “no cost” shots.  For those without coverage, the cost is $60.

   Information received about the clinic states:  “The Health Department urges everyone six months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year.  People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated.  Those people include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and those 65 years of age and older.

   In addition, the Fall Health Check Clinic will offer these health screenings:

  -blood pressure checks
  -vital signs checks
  -blood glucose  screenings

   In addition to the health screenings, the clinic will feature a variety of health information and free giveaways.

   Those planning to attend are asked to bring their insurance card or Medicare card to the clinic on Oct. 23.

 

Farm Bureau to Host “Safety Starts with YOU”

Cambridge - Have you thought about safety for you and your family?  Do you want to see demonstrations and receive free giveaways and information?  Looking for a great, free event for the whole family to attend?

The Henry County Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee will hold a FREE community event focused on areas of safety, health, and wellness.  Join us on Wednesday, July 9, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Central Bank Pavilion, 218 North State Street, Geneseo, IL.  Following the event will be the Central Bank Concert Series featuring “Cats and Dragons”, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

The event will feature exhibitors that will highlight Grain Bin Safety & Rescue, CPR and “Stop the Bleed” Demonstrations, Mental Health, Ag Equipment Driving Simulator, “Touch a Tractor” and Overall Health & Wellness.  New this year, come and see WQAD’s “The Beast” and plan to enjoy food vendors and local restaurants, along with safety demonstrations, kids’ activities, giveaways and much more!

Join us for this FREE community event focused on safety and open to the public.  Enjoy great information, handouts and giveaways.  An event for the whole family!  For more information contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411 or email manager@henrycofarmbureau.org. 

Market Outlook Seminar to feature Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing

Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing, will be the featured speaker on Tuesday, July 1 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona.  Dinner will be served followed by the local grain market update from Tom Parchert of River Valley Cooperative.  Reservations are required and must made by June 24 to guarantee your attendance. 

Chip Nellinger is the President and Risk Management Consultant of Blue Reef Agri-Marketing. He was raised on a grain and livestock farm in North Central Illinois, and graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in Economics. After graduation, he spent four years on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade in International Commercial Grain Hedging. Chip has spent 28 years as a licensed commodity broker and 20 years as a licensed crop insurance agent. He is a commodity analyst on US Farm Report, Ag Day, RFD-TV, WILL and WNAX radio. Chip is a 19-year cancer survivor. He has three grown sons – Sam, Jake and Chase, and a granddaughter named Kodi.

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 Seminar Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees, in conjunction with: Gold Star FS, COUNTRY Financial, BankORION, COUNTRY Crop Insurance, Central Bank, Compeer Financial, Big River Resources, River Valley Cooperative, Wyffels Hybrids, Hertz Farm Management, Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

Henry County Reports First Mosquito Pool To Test Positive For West Nile Virus for 2025

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Henry County Health Department

The Henry County Health Department is reporting that their first mosquito pool of the year to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) was a specimen batch collected and tested on May 27.

“The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for local residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,” note Department Officials. “The best defense against West Nile virus is to practice the ‘Three R’s’: reduce, repel, and report’. IDPH urges everyone, and especially those who are older or have weakened immune systems, to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry.”

Last year in Illinois, IDPH reported that 72 counties around the state reported positive tests for WNV in mosquitos, birds, horses or humans. There were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV according to IDPH data and 13 human deaths, the highest number since 17 deaths were recorded in 2018. 

IDPH and Local Health Departments maintain a robust surveillance system to monitor WNV both in the environment, with laboratory testing of mosquito batches and sick horses, and among Illinois residents by investigating and monitoring human infections. Follow this link for Henry & Stark County surveillance numbers https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/302/Vector-Surveillance

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.  Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks.  Most people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms; however, in rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death, can occur.  People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

IDPH urges the public to Fight the Bite by practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report:

  • REDUCE - make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.  Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.  Try to keep doors and windows shut.
    Eliminate, or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers.

  • REPEL - when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone according to label instructions.  Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

  • REPORT – report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.  The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito larvae.

Market Outlook Seminar featuring Matt Bennett, AgMarket.Net

Matt Bennett, Co-Founder of AgMarket.Net, will be the featured speaker on Thursday, November 14 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona. Dinner will be served followed by the local grain market update from Tom Parchert of River Valley Cooperative. Reservations are required and must made by November 7 to guarantee your attendance.

Matt Bennett is a co-founder of AgMarket.Net. He is also a Windsor, Illinois, farmer and former grain elevator owner. He is Channel Seed’s grain marketing consultant and holds a Series 3 brokerage license doing business through AgMarket.Net, Farm Division of JSA. Matt brings the producer perspective to the table, enriched with his extensive grain marketing background. He specializes in formulating risk-management strategies for corn, soybean farmers and livestock producers.

Matt’s analysis and commentary on the grain markets appears on various TV and radio stations across the Midwest, including “AgDay”, “U.S. Farm Report”, “Market to Market” and “This Week in AgriBusiness”.

A graduate of University of Illinois, Matt and his wife Tiffany live on the family’s centennial farm north of Windsor, where they are raising their five children. He owns and operates a 3,000-acre corn and soybean farm with his father while raising 60 head of registered Angus cows.

Additional dates and speakers for the 2024-2025 series include:

    • March 13, 2025 – Joe Camp, CommStock Investments

    • July 1, 2025 – Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing

Cost for the series is $90.00 and a 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 Seminar Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees, in conjunction with: Gold Star FS, COUNTRY Financial, BankORION, COUNTRY Crop Insurance, Central Bank, Compeer Financial, Big River Resources, River Valley Cooperative, Wyffels Hybrids, Hertz Farm Management, Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

Henry & Stark County Health Department & Henry County OEM Note National Emergency Preparedness Month

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
September 27, 2024

The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) note that this September we mark the 23rd year anniversary of 9/11.   Since then, September has been designated as National Preparedness Month.  This event was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S.  RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, states, "The designation is a nationwide, month-long effort that encourages individuals, families, businesses, and communities to work together and take action to prepare and plan for emergencies." 

    The goal for National Emergency Preparedness Month 2024 is to encourage all Americans to take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared.  Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community.   This year's National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging all individuals and all communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan. 

     This year's theme for National Preparedness Month's is, “Start a Conversation.” Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but it’s important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace: 

     National Preparedness Month is a good reminder that emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.  That's why the Health Department and OEM staff are continually taking steps to become educated, trained, and better prepared, and we urge you to take time this month to do the same. 

    For more information on the Health Department's Emergency Preparedness visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or visit www.ready.gov. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Department.  Funding for this program was provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Illinois Farm Bureau, National Education Center For Agricultural Safety Celebrate National Farm Safety and Health Week

BLOOMINGTON, ILL. — The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is once again collaborating with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to promote farm safety and health during National Farm Safety and Health Week, which will take place from September 15-21, 2024. This year's theme, "Don't Learn Safety by Accident," is dedicated to raising awareness about the hazards of working in agriculture. It underscores the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of those who work tirelessly to provide our abundant supply of food, fiber, and fuel. 

“We’re excited to help promote and support NECAS’s efforts in keeping farmers and farm families safe,” said Katie Laleman, Manager, Henry County Farm Bureau. “Harvest season can be particularly dangerous for farmers with long hours and stress of weather delays, equipment breakdowns or high operating costs, and this year’s activities will reinforce the importance of organizations like ours working together to ensure farmers make it home safely to their families at night.”  

Each day of the week has a designated topic of focus to promote various aspects of farm safety:

  • Monday, Sept. 16 – Equipment and Rural Roadway Safety

  • Tuesday, Sept. 17 – Health and Wellness

  • Wednesday, Sept. 18 – Generations of Farming

  • Thursday, Sept. 19 – Confined Spaces

  • Friday, Sept. 20 – Reporting Ag Injuries

     

The 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the agricultural sector remains the most hazardous industry in America, with 453 fatalities, equating to 19.5 deaths per 100,000 workers. Fall harvest time is particularly busy and perilous for those in agriculture. Consequently, the third week of September has been designated as National Farm Safety and Health Week to emphasize the importance of safety and health in this critical industry. 

“Farmers are notorious for their work ethic and determination, both qualities that also can be a detriment when it comes to safety,” said Laleman.  “While farm safety is top of mind every week for farmers, their families and their employees, National Farm Safety and Health Week is an opportunity to spotlight safety reminders that keep those both inside and outside the agriculture industry aware and mindful during the busy harvest season.” 

For more information about National Farm Safety and Health Week, contact your local county Farm Bureau, visit www.necasag.org, or contact Donna Gallivan at 309-557-2350 or dgallivan@ilfb.org.  

The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Announce “Walk-In” School Ready Exam Clinics on Monday, August 12th from 12-6pm in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
July 30, 2024

First Choice Healthcare reminds residents they will be holding a special “Pop Up Walk-In” School & Sports Exam days on Monday, August 12 from 12pm-6pm at their clinic locations in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon. 

     These special clinics will offer school & sports physicals at a cash price of only $40.  Those with insurance coverage, please bring insurance information if billing to insurance. 

   The clinic will offer area Junior High and Senior High School Athletes, Freshmen, Sixth Graders, Kindergartners, and Preschoolers school or sports physicals.  Please note, to help reduce wait times, arrive with your physical forms (obtained through your local school districts) already completed.   

    For more information you may call the First Choice Healthcare clinic nearest you: Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd. 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St. 309-792-4011; or Toulon, 120 E. Court St. 309-852-3115.

Farm Bureau to Host “Safety Starts with YOU”

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau®
July 2, 2024

Have you thought about safety for you and your family? Do you want to see demonstrations and receive free giveaways and information? Looking for a great, free event for the whole family to attend?

The Henry County Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee will hold a FREE community event focused on areas of safety, health, and wellness. Join us on Wednesday, July 10, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Central Bank Pavilion, 218 North State Street, Geneseo, IL. Following the event will be the Central Bank Concert Series featuring “3 On The Tree”, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The event will feature exhibitors that will highlight Grain Bin Safety & Rescue, CPR and “Stop the Bleed” Demonstrations, Mental Health, Ag Equipment Driving Simulator, “Touch a Tractor” and Overall Health & Wellness. Plan to enjoy food vendors along with safety demonstrations, kids’ activities, giveaways and much more!

Exhibitors will include Gold Star FS, Wyffels Hybrids, Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Henry County Health Department, Henry County Mental Health Alliance, Geneseo Fire Department, Bishop Hill Fire Department, Geneseo Police Department, Cintas, Prairie State Tractor, Operation Lifesaver Illinois and Henry County Farm Bureau.

Join us for this FREE community event focused on safety and open to the public. Enjoy great information, handouts and giveaways. An event for the whole family! For more information contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411 or email manager@henrycofarmbureau.org.

Blood Drive Is May 28 at Geneseo Library

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, May 28, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St. The drive will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

Donors are asked to make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross).

According to information received, blood donors are needed, and anyone donating blood will receive a Tetris and American Red Cross T-Shirt while shirt supplies last, and names of donors will automatically be entered into a drawing for a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov.

Donors can complete their health history questions (Rapid Pass) online using any device before their visit at redcross.org.

The Red Cross Blood Donor app is available at Google Play or at the app store. The app allows those planning to donate to schedule their appointment, complete Rapid Pass, view previous donations/health histories and follow their blood donation.

It’s also recommended that those planning to donate increase their vitamin C to their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and Brussels sprouts.

Anyone with questions about donating, getting a Red Cross ID card or who would like more information, is asked to call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS).

The Henry & Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare Celebrate National Women’s Health Week, May 12-18, 2024

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
MAY 10, 2024

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare announce that this Mother's Day-Sunday, May 12th, acts as the official kick-off for National Women's Health Week, May 12-18, 2024. 

    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, “Empowering Women, Cultivating Health: Celebrating Voices, Wellness & Resilience,” is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their health journeys.   

    As we celebrate National Women's Health Week, we will also focus on what it means to be a well woman.  The fact is it's really a state of mind.  It's being healthy as you can be.  And, most importantly, it's about takings 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 lowfat 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/vaping, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet. 

    During Women's Health Week, the 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, Colona and Toulon offer area women such services as annual exams, pap smears, pregnancy testing, contraceptive counseling and supplies, clinical breast exams, fasting blood profiles, immunizations, and our mental health services.  Payment for Department services include private pay, medicaid, and most insurances. 

    Every woman should have access to affordable health care services. We encourage local women to take advantage of the savings offered through our 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; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115.  Also find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter and Instagram.

From the Village of Atkinson

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 & Stark County Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Note Children’s Mental Health Week, May 5th-11th

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
MAY 3, 2024

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.

Henry & Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare Note April-Cancer Control Month

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
April 5, 2024

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.