Look, but Don’t Touch

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Ike’s Youth Fishing Derby

This big and very popular event will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The hours are from 8 a.m. to Noon. It is all free including lunch. Glen Anderson, “Birdman of Henry County,” and Lorna Dauw will do the registration that begins at 7:30 a.m. Kids from ages 2 to 16 are eligible. There will be a lot of neat prizes. It all takes place at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo. Look for signs. Free bait and if you need a fishing pole, it will be provided free.

Look, but don’t touch

Unfortunately, the other day I was mowing our lawn and I ran over a rabbit’s nest. With all the woods and cover by our house, “Mom Rabbit” has to build her birthing place in a wide-open space.

It reminds me, if you find a nest with babies inside, it’s okay to look,but leave them alone. I have read two different things on touching baby rabbits or some other wild youngsters. I was always the understanding that the mother will reject her babies if she detects human scent.

I read the other day that is not true and that mom rabbit will not reject her young if she smells human scent. Whatever, I think it’s best to take a quick look, but leave them alone.

Humor

  1. Ask not what your country can do for you, but how close the restrooms are located.

  2. Among Hollywood celebrities, a marriage is considered a success if it makes it through the commercial.

  3. This fits for today. “Have you heard about the new Politician’s Diet? You only eat your words.”

Color of Eyes

Rock bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass have red eyes, but some others have brown. It’s like us humans, having blue, green, or brown eyes. Some think the red pigment helps the fish see better in the dark.
Friend Tony Petreikis, retired game warden, does fish taxidermy as a hobby. Over the years, he has noticed differences in fish eyes. In a taxidermy supply catalog it always gives “suggested” eye sizes for a fish form. When doing “Illinois” fish, the eyes size is typically “right on.”
However, when doing Canadian fish, he found the eyes are always too small. He believes this is because fish eyes never quit growing. It takes a Canadian walleye more years to reach ten pounds. He believes their eyes are bigger than a ten pound “Illinois” walleye.
It is just a theory, but interesting. It may be one way to identify fish that have “stunned growth,” big eyes on a smaller fish.

Armored Tank of the Animal World

Our son, Lance, lives in St. Louis and occasionally he sees an armadillo He thinks more of these “armored creatures” are moving into Missouri. The nine-banded armadillo almost always gives birth to four babies, no more, no less! The babies are either all males or all females.

Speaking of the Olympics

Well, sort of. What was the first American city to host the Summer Olympic Games? Nope, ‘yer wrong! It was St. Louis.

Mask Banded

We are not big fans of raccoons as they make messes on our decks and with some success, get at our bird feeders. They do what they have to do and they were here long before we came on heir turf, but we still find them annoying.
Last night it really did a number on our oriole feeder. Geeez, do I have to move it so high not even we can reach it???

Memorial Day

It originated during the Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. It used to be called,
Decoration Day. It became a national holiday in 1971. Through the years a lot of men and women gave their lives for old Glory. For those who set fire to our flag in protest, well, they should be so lucky they live under democracy.

God bless those souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Quote of the Week

“Bullies are always to be found where there are cowards.”

  • Mahatma Gandhi

Hospital Auxiliary 2024 Ice Cream Social June 6

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary volunteer/auxiliary supervisor; Lisa Farrell and Linda VanDerLeest, Auxiliary members; will be helping at the group’s annual ice cream social on Thursday, June 6, in Geneseo City Park.  Sandwiches, chips, a variety of pies and cakes, along with ice cream and beverages will be served, beginning at 5 p.m.  This year’s scholarship recipients will be introduced at 6:25 p.m. at the ice cream social. The Miracle Blue Grass Band will provide music for dancing and listening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the social benefit the Auxiliary’s Health Career Scholarship Fund. Claudia Loucks Photo

Greg Mullin Honored With Valor Award

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Greg Mullin is a Senior Federal Wildlife Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stationed at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah, and is the recent recipient of the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award.  (Contributed Photo)

Greg Mullin, formerly of Geneseo, recently was awarded the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award at the Department of Interior’s 77th Honor Awards Convocation Ceremony on May 7 in Washington, D.C.   

   A 1987 graduate of the former JD Darnall High School, (now Geneseo High School), Officer Mullin is a Senior Federal Wildlife Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stationed at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah.  He is the son of Dr. Randy and Linda Mullin, Geneseo; and the late Fran Mullin.

   The Valor Award is presented to Department of the Interior employees for acts of heroism involving a high degree of personal risk in the face of danger and Mullin received the Valor Award for his rescue of two waterfowl hunters by airboat on Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during a severe winter storm last December.  He was assisted by Officer Connor Curtis from the Perry City, Utah Police Department, who was honored with the Department of Interior Citizen’s Award for Bravery.

Contributed Photo

   In our conversation, Officer Mullin was asked to comment about receiving the award and he said, “I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive the Department of the interior’s Valor Award. I am proud to serve as a Senior Federal Wildlife Officer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

   It was early evening on Dec. 1 of last year and Greg Mullin was pulling into the driveway of his home after finishing his shift at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah, when he received a call from a hunter who was in distress.

   The call was forwarded to Officer Mullin’s cell phone from the main office phone system at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge….”Therefore, my caller ID showed the main Refuge telephone number and not the hunter’s,” Mullin explained.

   The hunter told Officer Mullin that his boat would not start and it was his impression that the hunter was having difficulty walking out of the hunting unit.

 “The call disconnected mid-conversation, likely due to poor cell coverage and weather conditions,” Mullin said and added that the area was experiencing freezing conditions, high winds and snow. 

   Due to concern for the hunter’s safety, including increased risk of hypothermia, Officer Mullin returned to the Refuge, navigating miles of icy and snow-covered roads to search by airboat.

   When he reached the Refuge boat ramp where the hunter had likely launched from, the local emergency services dispatcher (911) gave Officer Mullin additional information to help him find the hunter, including his cell phone number.

   “It’s my understanding that the hunter called 911 while I was driving back to the Refuge so the dispatcher was able to get a call-back number.  Because of a severe winter storm, it took me over an hour to reach the Refuge and retrieve an airboat.”

   Officer Mullin asked Perry City Police Officer Connor Curtis, who had just gone off duty, for assistance.

   He contacted the hunter’s cell phone and the hunter told him he had a respiratory issue and felt very ill. He texted his location on a GPS map screenshot before the cell connection was lost.

   Officers Mullin and Curtis launched the airboat in steady snow with sustained winds that pushed snow horizontally, making visibility less than 10 feet. Using the GPS screenshot, Officer Mullin piloted the airboat in hazardous whiteout conditions for approximately one mile to the stranded hunters. The hunters were extremely cold and wet after having been on the water for more than five hours. The officers brought the hunters onto the airboat and towed their boat back to the ramp. On shore, they warmed and provided supportive care to the hunters. When the hunters felt capable of leaving and were in good cognitive condition, Officer Mullin escorted them safely off the refuge.

   He said, “Without Officer Connor Curtis’ help, I would not have been able to navigate to the stranded hunter in the severe weather conditions.”
   Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is approximately 76,000 acres; he explained and added, “The hunter’s location was within a large management unit open to hunting, so we were searching in a big, open water area with no landmarks.”

   After graduating from high school in Geneseo, Officer Mullin graduated from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, in 1991. He has worked in law enforcement for 28 years for the Federal Government. His career began as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service, and for the last 18 years as a Federal Wildlife Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

   He lives in Utah with his wife, Lisa Mullin, and their daughter Caroline Mullin. His adult children are John Mullin and Christine Mullin, both living in Illinois.

Hammond-Henry Foundation To Offer Program To Combat Dementia

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Katie Orwig, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Dr. Hamid Sagha, invite area residents to a program on information about preventing Dementia.  The program will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 3(doors open at 5:30), in the Performing Arts Center at Geneseo High School, 700 North State St. (Contributed Photo)

Katie Orwig, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Dr. Hamid Sagha, invite area residents to a program on information about preventing Dementia.  The program will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 3, with doors opening at 5:30 at the Performing Arts Center at Geneseo High School, 700 North State St.

   Dr. Sagha is the author of the book, “Dementia Action Plan.”  He will discuss the importance of nutrition, sleep, stress reeducation as well as other factors that contribute to arming oneself against the memory stealing disease.

   Hammond-Henry CEO David Smith will give the introduction for Dr. Sagha. Reservations are requested for the program to ensure sufficient materials, however there is no charge to attend the program.  Reservations may be made by visiting www.hammondhenry.com/dap.

Richmond Hill Players Staging a Mystery - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players continue their 2024 season with the classic mystery “Laura,” by Vera Caspary & George Sklar, based on Caspary’s novel. The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, May 30 – June 9, at the Barn Theatre in Richmond Hill, Geneseo.

John Donald O’Shea, Moline, directs the show.

When Laura Hunt is shot-gunned to death at the door of her upscale New York apartment, Detective Mark McPherson is assigned to investigate the case. In the process, he meets the three men in her life, peruses her personal effects and letters, and falls in love with Laura, or, at least, with her portrait which hangs above her mantel. Then, when Laura appears at the door of her apartment, McPherson realizes the victim has obviously been mistakenly identified.

So, who was the woman killed at the apartment door? What was she doing there ? And who killed her?

Suspicion falls on Laura’s friend and mentor Waldo Lydecker, on her fiancé Shelby Carpenter, on Danny Dorgan, a brilliant young pianist and friend of Laura, on Danny’s mother, who believes Laura is a corrupting influence on Danny, or perhaps, even upon Laura herself.

The cast features Dana Skiles, Perry Farley, Tricia Fox, and Jonathan Friedhoff, all of Geneseo; Tom Akers, Cambridge; Alexandra Champagne, Colona; Eric Friedman, East Moline; and Jim Strauss, Davenport.

The staff includes stage manager Mike Skiles, Geneseo, and Patrick Kelley, Kewanee; assistant stage manager Jim Strauss; set builder Jim Skiles, Colona; costumer Suzanne Rakestraw; light and sound designer Jennifer Kingry, both of Geneseo; and light and sound operator Mimi Switzer, Lyndon.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are 3 p.m. matinees with the doors opening at 2 p.m.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244 or by visiting the website at rhplayers.com.

Late seating is not permitted; no one will be admitted to the theater after the show has started.

Admission to all performances is $12.

An audio description performance will be held Friday, June 2. Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), which can be requested at the time reservations are made.

Tom Akers, left, Cambridge; and Eric Friedman, East Moline, rehearse a scene from “Laura,” which opens May 30. Contributed Photo

Tricia Fox and Dana Skiles, both of Geneseo, are photographed in a scene from “Laura.” Contributed Photo

Dana Skiles, left, and Alexandra Champagne, Colona, are among the cast members of the Richmond Hill Players production of “Laura,” which opens May 30, at the Barn Theatre. Contributed Photo

GEF Provides Lunch for Staff at Geneseo Schools

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The administration and staff at Geneseo High School were among the Geneseo School District employees who received sack lunches from the Geneseo Education Foundation in observance of Teacher Appreciation Week. In the photo are, from left, Jenna Rushing, representing Hanford Insurance, Geneseo; Bethany Winkleman, GEF board member; and Jo Lea Holevoet, vice president of Farmers National Bank Geneseo Location. Contributed Photo

The administration and staff at Geneseo High School were among the Geneseo School District employees who received sack lunches from the Geneseo Education Foundation in observance of Teacher Appreciation Week. In the photo are, from left, Jenna Rushing, representing Hanford Insurance, Geneseo; Bethany Winkleman, GEF board member; and Jo Lea Holevoet, vice president of Farmers National Bank Geneseo Location. Contributed Photo

The Geneseo Education Foundation recognized Geneseo School District 228 employees and Henry-Stark employees by delivering lunches to all schools in the District.

Representatives of the GEF delivered a total of 285 sack lunches, prepared by Atkinson Hometown Deli.

According to GEF director Sharon Neumann, “The GEF wanted to recognize all of these employees, including support staff and substitutes, to thank them for their efforts. The gesture is a way to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of these educators during Teacher Appreciation Week and to give back to the community. Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, it is a win-win for everyone involved, and a reminder of the importance of supporting our local schools and educators.”

The Geneseo Education Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation, was established to solicit and receive gift bequests and grants to complement, enrich, and enhance the educational opportunities and experiences for students of the Geneseo School District beyond existing tax support.

For more information about GEF, and supporting its mission, visit http://www.geneseoeducation.com or contact Neumann at geneseoeducation1@gmail.com or call 309-945-5326.

Geneseo Memorial Day Program May 27 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, May 27, in Geneseo City Park. The annual event is sponsored by the Don Cherry VFW, VFW Auxiliary and the Aisle of Flags.

Music will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the speakers scheduled for 10 a.m.

There will be a “by donation” pork chop lunch served after the ceremony and veterans will eat at no charge. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Geneseo High School Performing Arts Center.

The invocation will be given by the Rev. Stephen Mueller, Concordia Lutheran Church; Introduction of Distinguished Guests will be by Todd Sieben, U.S. Navy Veteran and Retired Illinois State Senator; with Geneseo Mayor Sean Johnson; Gettysburg Address by Jonathan Freadhoff; In Flanders Field by Hazel Harris; America’s Answer by Beth Mroz; VFW Scholarship Winner, Addison Dykstra Music ;by the Geneseo Middle School Band;

The Memorial Address will be given by Jason Kinnard, Major in the U.S. Army Ret.

Special recognition to area people will be given by Master of Ceremonies Sieben.

The benediction will be given by Rev. Mueller.

Mary Pratt is president of the VFW Auxiliary; Todd Lindstrom is VFW Commander; Ann Heller is DAR Regent and Sara Alexander is Aisle of Flags President.

Gary Gray is the Officer of the Day, with Rhonda Borkgren and Joe Bedford as President of the Day and Sieben will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Musical selections will be presented by members of the Middle School seventh and eighth grade band under the direction of Sara Hawkins and Jamie Kotovsky.

The Firing Squad and Color Guard – VFW - will be under the direction of Gary Gray. Julia Buzard will be the Bugler and Ben Ott will be the Echo.

The Star Bangle Banner will be played by the seventh & eighth grade band.

The Older I Get the Earlier it Gets Late - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Bishop Hill, IL

Besides being an historical town, it has lots of neat little stops and 21 points of interest, 15 shops and services plus 7 museums.

Depending on the time of day it has 5 great places to eat.

So, if you’re looking for a unique place to visit, by all means take a hike over to this beautiful little town in Henry County.

Testing for Contaminants

Just a short reminder, but it is a good idea to check your home for radon, lead paint and water checks. Exposure to any of these contaminants can have serious health implications.
Radon is a dangerous element when it comes to your home. It is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas underground. It can find its way through cracks in your home’s floors and walls.
Prior to 1978, lead paint was widely used on the interior and exterior of homes. Homes built before 1980 may very well contain lead paint.
As to well water, it should be tested annually for bacteria and nitrates. In our Colona subdivision we have our well water tested every year. I take a well water sample annually to a place in LeClaire, Iowa, for testing.

Foreign Owned Land

Good for Iowa’s Governor Kim Reynolds for signing into law, legislation that requires more transparency in foreign ownership of Iowa farmland. China is one of the biggest countries that has purchased large acres of land in our country.
There are other states that already have limits on foreign ownership of land.
I’m not sure where our “Land of Lincoln” stands on this topic. Hopefully, it is closely monitored. I don’t trust the Chinese Government. I think world domination is in their DNA.

Solar or Farmland

So, if you’re a farmer, do you want to lease some of your land for solar panels at over $1,000.00 or more per acre? Conversion of farmland to solar or wind power is a big topic that is widely discussed. Making more money planting corn or beans on the acre or are there more bucks leasing the acre for solar or wind?

No Noise Yet

Where we live no vibrating tymbals from cicadas have we seen, or more noticeable, heard, their roaring noise. Cicadas flex their muscles to the tune of between 300 and 400 times a second. I guess only Mother Nature knows exactly when they will appear here in Henry County.
I’m sure I won’t be around for their next appearance so I’m kind of glad ( I think?) to witness them this year.

Geneseo Izaak Walton League and the “90” Guy

Their spring “Members Breakfast” was recently held on Saturday in the Ikes Lodge. I counted 19 members and guests, but I think there might have been more. The breakfast was excellent and the cooks did a nice job.
Glen Anderson, alias “Birdman of Henry County,” turned the big “90” last Tuesday, May 7, 2024. All his friends got together and got him a candy bar for his birthday. I don’t think the wrapper was open, either!

Senior Humor

  1. The older I get the earlier it gets late.

  2. I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.

  3. My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb.

  4. I run like the winded.

  5. Vic Bianchetta should have remembered what the valet who parked his car looked like. There is a big sign on the entrance door, “We Do Not Have Valet Parking.”

Quote of the Week
“Listen at the keyhole and you’ll hear news of yourself.”
— Proverb

Hammond-Henry Hospital Welcomes Neurologist - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Hammond-Henry Hospital officials announced today that Dr. Waseem Ahmad will start his neurology practice at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo on July 10. July appointments are being accepted by calling the Geneseo Medical Group at 309-944-1275.

Dave Smith, Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO, said, “We are excited to have Dr. Ahmad join our team and also to announce a specialty that will allow us to keep care close to home for our patients. In conversations with many community groups, the expressed need is for local access to additional specialty care providers. Dr. Ahmad will provide high quality neurology services and fulfill that need on the local level.”

Information received from Hammond-Henry states that Dr. Ahmad specializes in General Neurology and Sleep Medicine which includes neurological testing, EEGs (electroencephalograms), EMGs (electromyographies), and the evaluation and treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system. He specializes in the treatment of epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, neck and back pain, vertigo, and dementia and memory loss. Dr. Ahmad also performs home sleep studies, clinical Botox injections, and offers injections for excessive sweating in the palms, feet, and underarms, and drooling.

He received his MC from Allama lqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan, in 1995, and Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan, in 1996. For this post graduate training, Dr. Ahmad worked at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, NY, from 2002-2003, and then served as Chief Resident in the Department of Neurology for the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, from 2003-2006.

He has served as Director for the REM Center, Moline; the Memory Disorder Clinic, Moline; Stroke Director for the Trinity Hospital System; Neuroscience Department Director for Trinity Medical Center, Rock Island; Sleep Lab and Neuroscience Director for genesis Medical Center, Davenport; and currently is Sleep Lab Director at KSB Hospital, Dixon, and Sleep Lab Director, CVM, Moline.

Thank you From the Family of Mark Hutchinson

  The family of Mark Hutchinson would like to thank everyone for remembering him and us at the time of his recent death.  

   The flowers, plants, food, cards, memorials, and other expressions of sympathy were greatly appreciated and will always be remembered by us.  

   Ann Hutchinson, Julie Hutchinson Huygens, and John Hutchinson

Richmond Hill Players Auditions May 18-19

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Richmond Hill Players will hold auditions this weekend for the last three shows of the 2024 season. Auditions are scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo.

Auditions are for “The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase,” a comedy by Pat Cook, directed by Joe DePauw, with show dates of Aug. 15-25; “Of Mice & Men,” a drama by John Steinbeck, directed by Justin Raver, with show dates of Oct. 3-13; and “My Son is Crazy, But Promising,” a comedy adapted by Tim Kelly, directed by Dana Skiles, with show dates of Nov. 14-24.

Roles are available for 18 males (ages 20’s to 60’s) and 14 females (one teen, the rest ages 20’s to 60’s). “Of Mice & Men” has a role specifically written to be played by a black male.

For more detailed information about the shows and auditions, visit www.rhplayers.com/auditions.

GHS 2024 Graduation Ceremony and Parade May 19

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School Class of 2024 will graduate at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, in a ceremony on the Bob Reade Field.

In the event of inclement weather, the time and date will remain the same, but the ceremony will be held in the GHS main gym rather than outside.

Each graduate will receive eight tickets for guest admission and the tickets are necessary only if the ceremony is held in the main gym. Tickets are not required if the ceremony is outside.

The Graduation Parade which was established for the Geneseo High School Class of 2020 has become a tradition and will be held for the Class of 2024, beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 19. Graduates will gather at Fareway Grocery and travel by each of the district’s elementary buildings, Millikin, Southwest and Northside; and by St. Malachy’s and Geneseo Middle School before concluding at GHS. The graduates will gather in the main gym, where they will receive instructions to line up for the graduation processional to the football stadium.

The commencement program will be broadcast live on Geneseo’s TV50, can be viewed on Mediacom Cable channel 50/80.1, itv50.tv, wb6network.com, and Amazon Prime Video/Fire TV and Roku by searching WB6network and downloading the TV50 app.

Parade Route

Students Gather in City Park Prior to Geneseo High School Prom

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo City Park became a rainbow of color Saturday afternoon when students, dressed in formal attire, gathered to socialize prior to the 2024 Geneseo High School Prom. Parents and friends of the students also were in the Park taking photos. The Prom was held at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island. Photos by Claudia Loucks

Dru Curcuru & Addison Espe

Cael Terronez, Taylor Clark, & Lauryn Newkirk

Hayden Moore & Lindsay Herington

Millie Henkhaus & AJ Weller

Cooper Schaad & MIa Kelly

Rachael Roodhouse, Avery Burbridge, & Olivia Marshall

Evan Wash & Molly Neumann

Grace Schilling & Sydney Nelson

Jeslen Rink & Aaron Betcher

Addi Snodgrass & Kendall Ellerbrock

Annie Maxwell & Luke Johnsen

Kruiz Ludwig & Alex Moe

Russell Brown, Colton Herberg, & Will Baum

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.