RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss May designations and school physicals for your kids. Local schools may be out for summer, but it’s time to think ahead about next year’s school and sports physicals. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are now booking affordable physicals at their Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon locations—$40 cash, or bring your insurance information. Immunizations and screenings are also available. This month also spotlights important health themes: free blood pressure checks thanks to an American Heart Association grant, osteoporosis awareness, and the upcoming No Tobacco Day on May 31st. For appointments or information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic.
As summer vacation begins for local schools, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics are now scheduling physical exams for school and sports. Physicals are offered at Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon clinic locations for $40 cash, with insurance also accepted—just remember to bring your insurance details. These exams cover junior high, high school, and students entering kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grades. Parents are urged to have physical forms completed ahead of time and to book appointments early to cut down on wait times. Immunizations and additional screenings are also available. More details at henrystarkhealth.com.
For more information, call our Toulon First Choice Healthcare Clinic at 309-852-3115, Kewanee at 309-852-5272, or Colona at 309-792-4011, or stop by any location, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM daily.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, are urging residents to take control of their health during National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Thanks to an American Heart Association grant, a free automated blood pressure monitor is now available in the lobby of Toulon Clinic. Residents can stop in during business hours for a quick, painless blood pressure check and receive a printout of their results. Loaner monitors are also available in the Toulon, Kewanee, and Colona clinics, allowing patients to track their blood pressure at home. For details, contact your local clinic or drop by any location during regular hours. More details at henrystarkhealth.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are shedding light on osteoporosis this May, marking National Osteoporosis Month. Each year, two million Americans suffer broken bones due to osteoporosis, often without knowing they have the condition. Nearly 60% of adults over 50 are at risk. Women are particularly vulnerable, experiencing fractures more frequently than heart attacks, strokes, or breast cancer combined. Experts recommend strengthening bones through proper calcium and vitamin D intake, regular exercise, healthy habits, and consulting with healthcare providers. To learn more or schedule a screening, contact your local First Choice Healthcare Clinic or visit henrystarkhealth.com.
May 31st marks No Tobacco Day, an annual reminder of the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting the importance of their Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities Grant during this time, focusing on education and enforcement of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. This legislation bans smoking and e-cigarette use in almost all public spaces and workplaces, aiming to protect the public from harmful exposure. Business owners are urged to comply by posting “No Smoking” signs, removing ashtrays, and discouraging smoking within 15 feet of entrances. These efforts aim to protect the state’s residents and workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke, which claims more than 41,000 lives nationwide each year, contributing to one in five U.S. deaths annually.