Henry & Stark County Health Department

CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month and share the following facts about cervical cancer:

Each year in the US approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die as a result. The true tragedy of the disease is that cervical cancer screening tests and vaccines exist that can prevent virtually every case.

Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20. Many women do not know that as they get older they are still at risk of getting cervical cancer.

Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular checkups with a Pap test. Early detection significantly increases chances of survival. In fact, if detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent curable.

In accordance with this health designation, the Health Department staff is pleased to remind area women that they have clinic services that addresses the prevention of deaths from breast and cervical cancer.

Sandy Sommer, RN Director of Clinical Services adds, łOur clinic program encourages early detection by providing well women exams, clinical breast exams, pap smears, and teaching healthy breast care by educating women in breast self-exam awareness. Women need to realize that the most effective tools associated with early detection are literally just a phone call away, we just need area women to focus on the preventative aspects of their health.˛

The Health Department accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on client income, has been established to assist everyone to obtain services. For those that are uninsured please contact the Health Department for more information about the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

Sommer adds, a great push in the fight against cervical cancer is increasing awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Experts believe that women must be infected with HPV before they develop cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HPV infection and therefore, cervical cancer risk. The Health Department reminds area residents that they have the HPV vaccine series available to both girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 18. The vaccine should be given before sexual activity begins and HPV exposure increases.

For more information on women's health services, the HPV vaccine series, or to schedule an appointment at either Department office location call (309) 852-5272 (Main Office) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona Office)

The WIC and Case Management staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments in conjunction with the March of Dimes and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network announce that January has been designated as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. In accordance with this important health observance, the WIC and Case Management staff is alerting the general public to take positive steps to reduce the risk of congenital heart defects. Congenital health defects are one of the most common types of birth defects and some forms may be preventable though healthy life style choices and medical interventions before and during pregnancy.

"Congenital heart defects include abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. Some have only a minor and brief effect on a baby's health and some have very serious and life-long effects. Nearly 40,000 cases (approximately 1 in 110 live births) are reported annually in the US," says Heather Aldred, RN Health Department WIC/Case Management nurse.

"Public awareness, accurate diagnosis, and expert and early medical care are all essential for adequate prevention and management of these all too common and deadly conditions."

The heart forms in the early weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman realizes she is pregnant. Diet, life-style choices, factors in environment, heart conditions and medications all can play a role in preventing or causing congenital heart defects.

Aldred adds, "Small steps like visiting a health care provider before pregnancy and taking a multivitamin everyday can make a big difference.

Also, women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant can take control of their health to improve their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Good habits include regular physical activity, about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or more. Healthy eating means having a balanced diet, low in fats, with at least 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables. A woman should talk to her healthcare provider about making healthy changes for a successful pregnancy."

For more information on the Health Department WIC and Case Management services call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Henry) or (309) 852-3115 (Stark)

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES MONTHLY CPR CLASSES

Henry and Stark County Health Department Clinical Services Nurses, Ann Jackson, LPN and Ann Jetel, LPN display some of the CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) educational and practice models they will be using for their upcoming CPR classes. The Health Department announces their new schedule of monthly Medical and Non-Medical CPR Certification Classes they will be offering to area residents needing CPR training.

HOW TO AVOID FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA

The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that frostbite and hypothermia are the greatest threats facing anyone who ventures outside in temperatures below freezing. It only takes a few minutes in subzero weather for problems to occur.

Frostbite occurs when the cold outside slows circulation and tissue begins to die. The hands and feet are usually affected first. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature is lowered, and can result in death if the drop in body heat slows the heart rate too much. Frostbite symptoms include numbness in the fingers, ears, nose, or feet. The affected areas may be red or white and hurt when rewarmed.

Medical treatment for frostbite usually consists of rewarming the affected area. Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in significant destruction of tissue. Serious cases of frostbite can result in gangrene, leading to possible amputation of the affected body part.

To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, persons should wear hats which cover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, mittens instead of gloves so fingers can warm each other, and several layers of clothing to trap the body heat. Dampness increases the risk of frostbite and clothing should be changed if it becomes wet. Drinking alcohol increases the chance of both hypothermia and frostbite.

Alcohol slows down the heart and blurs the judgement of how cold the person really is. Smokers are more apt to experience spasms in blood vessels which interfere with circulation, thus increasing the threat of frostbite.

The Health Department reminds everyone to avoid exposure to extreme cold for more than a few minutes. Serious tissue damage can occur in a short period of time.

The Henry and Stark County Health Department offers area residents some important winter survival strategies. These safety tips can help us all to get through the new year happy, healthy, and safe. 
On the road. Use your low beam headlights when driving through fog or snowstorms. They will actually provide better visibility than high beams.

And be prepared for breakdowns with emergency flares, warm blanket, first-aid kit, white cloth to signal distress, flashlight, snow shovel, empty gas can, and for long trips, food and water.

At home. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas and a by-product of combustion, is an invisible killer. Possible sources include: wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, kerosene, gas or oil heaters and furnaces. For your

protection: Assure proper ventilation, have these devices inspected and consider installing carbon monoxide detectors.

Under the sun. Sunburns aren't limited to summer. Fact is, sunlight in winter can burn, especially when reflected off ice or snow. So when skiing or otherwise enjoying the outdoors, wear sunglasses that protect your eyes against ultraviolet light, and spread sunscreen on exposed skin, including your lips.

Overexposed. Watch for frostbite or hypothermia, and seek help without delay if you suspect either. Danger signs for frostbite: redness, tingling, stinging pain or small white patches on the skin. For hypothermia:

uncontrollable shivering, sleepiness, shallow breathing. Remember, alcohol increases loss of body heat, so avoid its use when you plan to be outdoors for a long time.

For more information on the services of the Henry and Stark County Health Department call (309) 852-0197 (Main Office), (309) 792-4011 (Colona Office), (309) 852-3115 (Stark)

HEALTH DEPARTMENT PARTNERS WITH IDOT & IDPH FOR NEW YELLOW DOT PROGRAM

Henry and Stark County Health Department Employees (from left to right) Donna Ericson and Public Information Director, RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall display some outreach materials promoting the new Yellow Dot Program. The Health Departments along with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Transportation is rolling out this new livesaving program.