Henry & Stark County Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Note National Wear Red Day – Friday, February 2nd

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.

Farm Bureau to Host Free Screening of SILO Film

“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.

Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Mental Health Staff Address the “Winter Blues

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!

Henry & Stark County Health Department Notes National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4-8, 2023

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
December 1, 2023

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 & Stark County Health Departments Offer Guidance For The Infectious & Holiday Season

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
November 22, 2023

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).

HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS SOME FOOD SAFETY-TURKEY TACTICS

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
November 15, 2023

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.

Henry & Stark County Health Departments Announce They Now Have Both Pfizer & Moderna Updated Covid-19 Shots For Adults & Children Available in Kewanee & Colona

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
November 8, 2023

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.

Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Note 2023-24 Updated Covid-19 Shots For Adults Now Available in Kewanee & Colona

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
October 30, 2023

The 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.

"Cram the Cab" Food Drive to be Held

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau®
128 N. Prospect Street | Cambridge, IL 61238

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.

Henry & Stark County Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Note October-National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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.

Market Outlook Seminar featuring Ted Seifried

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.

Henry & Stark County Health Departments Note National Health Education Week, October 16, 2023

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
October 13, 2023

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare announces that October 16-20, 2023 has been proclaimed National Health Education Week.  The Health Department joins with public health and health education advocates across the country to raise awareness of the importance of health education measures.  This year's theme of National Health Education Week is “Advancing Health Equity & Civil Rights.” This year’s focus will celebrate how health educators form important partnerships with schools, medical providers, social service agencies, governmental entities, businesses, social and faith-based organizations in order to promote equitable and integrated community health.  Health education and prevention measures are now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventative health and community partnerships. 

    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. Another striking fact is that 75 percent of our health care dollars are spent treating such diseases.  However, only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention."

    Tucker adds, "That's why health education is so vital to our communities' future health. 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.”

    For more information on the Department Health Education services call the Department at (309) 852-0197 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.

Farm Bureau to hold Program for Driver's Ed students

What:  “Share the Road” – Program for Driver’s Education Students in Henry County, IL

Close to 200 high school students will rotate through five stations and learn about sharing the road with farm equipment and safe driving in rural areas.  Presenters will include Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Gold Star FS, Farm Bureau and area farmers.

 When:   Thursday, September 21, 2023

               Two sessions:  9:00am-11:00am and 12:00-2:00pm

 Where:  Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E North Street, Cambridge, IL

 Any questions contact Henry County Farm Bureau Manager, Katie Laleman at (309) 337-1348