Weekly Update from RaeAnn from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments

Raeann Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Juneteenth Holiday Closure, IDOT Exams, Sun Safety, and School Physicals. Offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be closed Friday, June 19th, for Juneteenth, with limited home services still available. The departments will also host a “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach event at the Henry County Fair in Cambridge on June 17th and 18th from 2 to 4 PM, offering medication disposal, blood pressure checks, health information, and insurance navigator help. First Choice is also offering DOT physicals in Kewanee and Toulon by appointment. Health officials are urging summer sun safety, especially for children.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments say their offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be closed Friday, June 19th, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The closure includes clinic locations in Kewanee at 110 North Burr Boulevard, Colona at 103 First Street, and Toulon at 120 East Court Street. Officials note that limited home services staff will still be available that day to provide necessary in-home care.

The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Clinics are available by phone in Kewanee at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, and Toulon at 309-852-3115. Community members can also find updates, programs, and service information online at henrystarkhealth.com. The department shares additional announcements through Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, with updates also available on Twitter and Instagram. Residents are encouraged to reach out to the clinic nearest them for more information.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will host their June “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach event at the Henry County Fair in Cambridge. The display will be open Wednesday, June 17th, and Thursday, June 18th, from 2 to 4 PM in the Merchants Building.

Visitors can safely dispose of expired or unused medications, receive free blood pressure checks, pick up health information, and enjoy giveaways. A Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator will also be available.

Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind residents to safely dispose of expired or unused medications and sharps at their upcoming event. Proper disposal helps prevent misuse and protects the environment. For full instructions on handling unwanted medications and sharps, visit the department’s official “website”—links are available on Facebook and other social media platforms. Details are also posted at henrystarkhealth.com. For more about the “12 Communities, 12 Months” initiatives or for event dates, call 309-852-0197. Stay connected by following Henry and Stark County health departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on community health events.

DOT physicals are available for area drivers through First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, in partnership with the Henry and Stark County Health Department. The exams are required for certain commercial drivers, including those operating larger vehicles, transporting some hazardous materials, or driving passenger vehicles under specific interstate conditions. First Choice says a certified medical examiner must complete the physical, and its nurse practitioners in Kewanee and Toulon are certified to provide the service. Anyone being treated for conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac issues, anxiety, ADHD or ADD, depression, other mental health concerns, or seizures should bring a clearance letter from their healthcare provider. Appointments are required: call Kewanee at 309-852-5272 or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Information on programs, services, announcements, and community health resources is available online at henrystarkhealth.com. Updates are also shared on social media, including Facebook pages for the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics, as well as on Twitter and Instagram. Health officials say these channels are a convenient way to keep up with local guidance, clinic information, and important reminders.

If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:

• You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers. You drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work, and you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes.
• You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes.
• You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities.

With summer approaching, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are reminding residents to protect their skin while enjoying time outdoors. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, says outdoor activity is important, but sun exposure can raise the risk of serious skin problems. Health officials note one American dies every hour from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Children are a major concern, because they receive about three times more sun exposure than adults. Families are urged to avoid peak sun from 10 AM to 4 PM, wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, use SPF 30 or higher for children, and seek shade whenever possible.

According to a recent study:

• More than half of an individual’s lifetime exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays occurs during childhood.
• If you have one or more blistering sunburns before the age of 18, you will be twice as likely to develop melanoma later in life.
• And 65-90% of melanomas are caused by sun exposure and UV rays.

With these disturbing statistics in mind, the Health Department & First Choice Healthcare staff offer the following sun safety tips:

• Keep in mind the sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Always wear protective clothing when outdoors.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Do not use tanning beds.
• Keep very young children (6 months or less) out of the sun.
• Sunscreens need to be applied liberally and evenly over all exposed areas.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever outdoors and reapply often.
• For children, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• And remember, stay in the shade whenever possible.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are offering local help for anyone needing health insurance coverage.

Navigators will be at the Merchant’s Building at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Cambridge on Wednesday, June 17th, and Thursday, June 18th, from 2 to 4 PM, and Friday, June 19th, from 2 to 5 PM. They’ll also be at the Colona Dollar General on Monday, June 22nd, from 1 to 3 PM.

Assistance includes applications, plan comparisons, Medicaid eligibility, financial help, and understanding benefits. For details, call 309-852-5272.

Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, IL
Wednesday, June 17th
2:00-4:00 pm

Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, IL
Thursday, June 18th
2:00-4:00 pm

Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, IL
Friday, June 19th
2:00-5:00 pm

Colona Dollar General, 901 1st St., Colona, IL
Monday, June 22nd
1:00-3:00 pm