RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Great Smokeout on November 20th, insurance navigators, Covid and flu vaccines, the A1C test special, the food drive blood test special, and food safety. Residents of Henry and Stark Counties are encouraged to join the Great American Smokeout on November 20th, aiming to take that important first step toward quitting smoking. Local health departments are highlighting the significant health benefits of becoming tobacco-free, especially as November marks both Lung Cancer and Diabetes Awareness Months. Area clinics are offering discounted hemoglobin A1C tests for diabetes monitoring and updated COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. As the holidays approach, officials also urge extra food safety precautions to prevent illness at gatherings. For health support, resources, and vaccination information, contact the local health department or First Choice Healthcare clinics.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments are urging residents to take their first step toward quitting smoking during the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This annual event inspires thousands nationwide to begin their journey toward a smoke-free life, supporting them as they strive to lower their risk of cancer and other health issues. With over 34 million Americans still smoking, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death. Quitting at any age brings immediate health benefits. Those seeking support, resources, or tobacco-free information can contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197, Extension 249.
November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the Henry & Stark County Health Department is highlighting the importance of lung health. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and worldwide, with smoking identified as the most common risk factor. Additional risks include secondhand smoke, family history, certain workplace exposures, and radon. The Health Department continues its work to enforce the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which bans smoking and vaping in most public indoor spaces. Area businesses should ensure compliance, including posting “No Smoking” signs.
Businesses throughout Illinois are being reminded that violating the Smoke Free Illinois Act carries financial penalties. The Health Department emphasizes that enforcement of the law protects public health and encourages compliance to avoid fines. Local establishments seeking resources, such as “No Smoking” signs or window clings, can contact the department at (309) 852-0197, extension 249. Additional information about Illinois Tobacco-Free initiatives is available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com. Updates and guidance can also be found on the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Protecting community health remains a priority, with resources available to support smoke-free environments.
The Smoke Free Illinois Act requires that all business owners:
November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, and local health agencies are urging residents to know their risks. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare, are encouraging conversations about diabetes prevention, management, and the importance of early detection. Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, and 79 million more are at risk of developing Type 2. Throughout November, diagnosed diabetics can access the Hemoglobin A1C blood test for just $30, cash only, at First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Adults over 45, especially those overweight or with a family history, are encouraged to seek testing and advice.
This discounted price is available on a cash-only basis. The test is a crucial tool for monitoring blood sugar control over the past three months. Residents in the area can access this service at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. For more details or to schedule a test, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are urging residents to take precautions as respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and the common cold begin to circulate more widely. Health officials recommend staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing frequent handwashing, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing. Those feeling unwell should remain at home until symptoms improve and fever subsides for at least 24 hours.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, continue to offer updated Pfizer Covid-19 shots for adults. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, or by scheduling an appointment at the Kewanee, Colona, or Toulon clinics. Adults ages 18 and older can also receive flu shots during these hours without an appointment. For children aged six months and up, flu vaccinations are available by appointment only. Residents can contact Kewanee at 309-852-5272, the Colona Clinic at 309-792-4011, and the Toulon Clinic at 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is reminding the public that foodborne diseases affect one in six Americans each year, surpassing even the common cold. Because symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain often resemble the flu, pinpointing the cause can be difficult. Officials advise that if many individuals become ill at the same time after a shared meal, food poisoning is likely the culprit. As large holiday meals approach, the department urges everyone to pay extra attention to safe food handling. Wash hands and surfaces, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to safe temperatures, and refrigerate leftovers quickly. Staying vigilant can help families avoid unnecessary illness this season.
The Health Department notes, “There’s no real easy way to distinguish between many types of foodborne illness and a flu bug, but with the flu, one might be more apt to see generalized aches and pains and just overall not feeling well.”
According to Health Department staff, “The holidays don’t always make it easy for food handlers to follow this advice. One reason is that people get caught up in the hectic pace of the holiday season. People get sloppy. They’re busy, and they lose the vigilance that they might follow at other times of the year. The traditional advice should always be applied: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.”
The Health Department staff offers the following food safety suggestions:
- Clean: Wash hands and food-contact surfaces often. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges, and countertops.
- Separate: Don’t cross-contaminate. Don’t let bacteria spread from one food product to another. This is especially true for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Experts caution that these foods and their juices should be kept away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook: Cook to proper temperatures. Foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
- Chill: Refrigerate promptly. Public health officials advise consumers to refrigerate foods quickly because rapid cooling to 41 degrees slows the growth of harmful bacteria. Refrigerators should be set at 41 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees, and the accuracy of the settings should be checked occasionally with a thermometer.
If you’re looking to secure health insurance or update your current coverage, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are teaming up with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program at an upcoming community event. Health Insurance Navigators will be on hand at the Colona Wreath-Making Event this Sunday, November 23rd, from 1 to 3 PM at Colona Scott Family Park. Navigators will guide attendees through the process of finding affordable plans, checking eligibility for financial help, and understanding benefits, especially for those who have recently experienced a qualifying life event. For details, call 309-852-5272.
Colona Wreath-Making Event
Sunday, November 23, 2025
1:00-3:00 pm
Colona Scott Family Park, 5775 Poppy Garden Rd, Colona, IL