The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that May is
National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. In recognition of this health
observance the Health Department staff realizes that many may be surprised
if your health professional says you have high blood pressure, because it
produces no obvious symptoms and can occur in an otherwise healthy person.
Although scientists do not yet know how to prevent high blood pressure,
there are simple ways to control the condition by bringing blood pressure
readings down to safe levels.
First off, what is high blood pressure actually? Well, as blood flows
from the heart of to the blood vessels, it creates pressure against the
blood vessel walls. Your blood pressure reading is a way of measuring this
pressure and it tells you if the pressure is normal, high, or low. Another
name for high blood pressure is hypertension.
Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers, such as 120/80.
Although the average blood pressure reading for adults is 120/80, a slightly
higher or lower reading (for either number) is not necessarily abnormal or
unsafe. Lower readings are usually considered safe for most people. For
older people, many experts feel that readings up to 140/90 are acceptable.
Once the blood pressure goes above this level, however, some form of
treatment should be considered.
When a health professional takes your blood pressure reading, he or she
may want you to stand, sit, or both. The blood pressure test is painless
and takes only a few minutes. The health professional should take several
readings on different days before deciding if your blood pressure is too
high. All of these steps are necessary because blood pressure changes so
quickly and is affected by many factors
It appears that high blood pressure runs in families. Also, high blood
pressure is more common in blacks than in whites. Other risk factors
include obesity and diets high in salt. Many health professionals now feel
that not just one but a combination of many factors may be responsible for
high blood pressure.
The good news about high blood pressure is that for most people it can
be controlled by drugs and sometimes by changes in daily habits. The type
and severity of a patient's high blood pressure, as well as his or her other
medical problems, will determine which drug, or combination of drugs, is
used.
High blood pressure can lead to many serious conditions in older people,
including stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. You can reduce your
risk of developing these problems by getting proper treatment if a blood
pressure test shows that you have high blood pressure.
The Health Department reminds area residents that free blood pressure
screenings can be obtained at either of their office locations: Main Office,
Rt. 78 South, Kewanee and 103 1st St., Colona during office hours 8:00am -
4:00pm. For more information, call the Health Department at 852-5272
(Main), 792-4011 (Colona), or 852-3115 (Stark). You can also visit our
website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and
Stark County Health Departments.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments wish to remind area parents
that certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry
County since 1971 can be obtained through the Health Department office, Rt.
78 South, Kewanee.
According to Jeanne Carlson, Deputy Registrar, "The complimentary record
of a child's birth certificate that is provided by the hospital is not a
legal document." Parents are required to show proof of the child's
birthdate upon applying for security benefits or for a social security
number which is necessary to open a savings account."
"Proof of birthdate is also required for school entrance," adds Carlson,
"and a certified copy of the original birth certificate is necessary." In
some areas of the United State non-custodial parents may attempt to register
children in school without legal birth certificates. School officials have
been warned to be suspicious of this practice, noting that each year, many
children are reported taken from their custodial parents and illegally
transported to other areas of the country.
(Either) Birth parents, listed on the child's birth certificate, or
court ordered legal guardians may request a certified copy of their child's
birth certificate by contacting the Henry County Health Department at 4424
US Hwy 34, Kewanee or (309) 852-0197.
The charge for obtaining certified copies is $9 for the first copy and
$4 for each additional copy. For more information on obtaining certified
birth (or death) certificates, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197.
Request forms are also available on our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com
under vital records. Enclose a photo ID, such as a driver's license along
with your request and fee. You may also find us on Facebook at Henry and
Stark County Health Departments.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that this
Mother's Day-Sunday, May 13th, acts as the official kick-off for National
Women's Health Week, May 13-19, 2012.
RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall, Health Department Public Information Director,
states, "The theme for 2012 is 'It's Your Time." National Women's Health
Week encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple
steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life."
In keeping with this theme , the Health Department is pleased to
announce that it will be conducting a special "Health Check" Clinic. The
clinic will be held on Wednesday, May 16th from 11am to 6pm at Advance Rehab
Services, 300 Tenney Street, Kewanee. The Clinic will offer area residents
Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks, Free Non-Fasting Cholesterol
Checks, Free Osteoporosis Screenings, Free ColoCare Testing Kits, and the
collection of any Expired/Unused medications.
Tucker-Marshall adds, "We encourage everyone to take advantage of this
special free clinic. During Women's Health Week, the Health Department hopes
to raise awareness of women's health issues and educate women about simple
steps they can take for longer, healthier and happier lives. In addition,
we hope to promote the many health programs and services available to our
area women through the Health Department."
In addition to all the free health screenings, the "Health Check" clinic
will feature free snacks, doors prizes and giveaways to participants.
For more information on the Department's upcoming Free "Health Check"
Clinic call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.com. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.
Ann Jetel, LPN (right) of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments
conducts a blood sugar check on Donna Johnson of Bank Orion (left). Free
community clinics were held at 10 locations throughout Henry and Stark
counties and gave local residents a chance to "Drop-Off" Unused/Expired
Medications, as well as, receive free blood pressure and blood sugar checks.
The clinics were held in honor of National Public Health Week, April 2-8th.
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents
that their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9th at 7:00pm at
Kewanee Hospital. "Avoiding Difficulties" will be the evening's program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will
want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides.
Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League
International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has
something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a
successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers,
pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational
meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or
questions.
Please join La Leche on Wednesday, May 9th for "Avoiding Difficulties."
Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For more information
call Malissa at (309) 927-3027.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department's recently hosted a meeting
of over 50 Henry and Stark County Community Partners. The exercise followed
the local response to a "Contagion-The Movie" type influenza pandemic
scenario.
Betty McNaught, RN Health Department Director of Emergency Services,
noted "We were so pleased by the turnout and support we got from our local
community partners. Participants represented such fields as Public Health,
Hospitals, Schools, Law Enforcement, Coroners, Long-Term Care Facilities,
and Resource Agencies."
McNaught adds, "The goal of the day’s exercise is to practice how the
Health Department and other response partners will work together during a
public health emergency, and to strengthen our emergency plans by
identifying areas that need improvement. By the end of the exercise
participants were able to: 1) Describe their individual and agency’s roles
in the response, 2) Identify at least one gap in their agency’s existing
Emergency Operations Plan, and 3) Know how to contact the appropriate
partnering agencies during business hours as well as after hours."
McNaught notes, "We were gratified with the response we received from
those participating. We feel it is a great reflection of the progressive
work we do here at the health department in keeping our area up-to-date on
the latest information and technologies in the fields of emergency
preparedness and response."
For more information on the Emergency Preparedness Program through the
Henry and Stark County Health Departments call the Department at (309)
852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on
Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
You are invited to hear Clay Johnson of the University of Illinois College of Medicine present “HIV/AIDS in Central Illinois – Alive and Well!” at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1 in the Black Hawk College East Campus auditorium.
He will discuss basic HIV information, central Illinois HIV statistics, prevention and what it means to be HIV positive in 2012.
This presentation is sponsored by the BHC Counseling Department, the Liberal Arts and Sciences Department and SGA.
Questions? Contact Wendy Bock at bockw@bhc.edu or Kirk Watson at watsonk@bhc.edu.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that April is STD
(Sexually Transmitted Disease) Awareness Month. Sandy Sommer, RN Director
of Clinical Services, notes, "With an estimated 19 million new sexually
transmitted infections occurring every year in the US, it is clear that STDs
remain a widespread health threat in this country."
Sommer adds,"STD Awareness Month is an opportune time to remind area
residents that the Health Department offers confidential:
~ STD Testing for Males and Females
~ Treatment of STDs
~ Contraceptive Supplies
~ Preventative immunizations against such STDs as Hepatitis B and HPV
~ Counseling, Education, and Referral
~ Expedited Partner Treatment
Testing and knowledge of infection are vital to reducing the incidence
and spread of STDs. Because many infections have no symptoms, those at risk
need to get tested and find out if they are infected.
There are many actions you can take to protect yourself and others from
STDs:
* Abstinence - The most reliable way to avoid infection with an STD are
to abstain from sex or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship
with an uninfected partner.
* Correct and consistent use of condoms - Consistent use of latex
condoms reduces the risk of HIV and other STDs. (Supplies are available
through the Health Departments Kewanee and Colona offices.)
* Screening - Getting tested and treated for STDs can protect you from
serious health consequences caused by STDs. (STD Testing available at the
Health Department.)
* Immunizations - Receiving recommended Hepatitis B and HPV
immunizations can almost completely prevent infections covered by the
vaccines.
Adds Sommer, "Though the subject of STDs may not be a comfortable
healthcare issue to discuss, we want people to remember the Health
Department is a source of confidential testing, treatment, and education.
And we are literally just a phone call away. People should know we offer
the tools and services people need to stay healthy."
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee
scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist
low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are
available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Health
Department at (309) 852-5272 or visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.com. You may also find us on Facebook at Henry and
Stark County Health Departments.
Henry and Stark County Health Department Environmental Health Director,
Dorothy David addressed a meeting of vendors and potential
vendors to this year's local farmers' markets held recently at the Black Hawk
College Community Outreach Center, Kewanee.
David advised participants on the rules and regulations that apply to farmers' markets. In addition, she noted that as summer approaches more food events will pop up. If you are
planning to prepare and sale food for LESS than 14 days at one location,
please contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 for more information.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that
Blood Profiles are now available at clinics held Monday through Friday
starting at 7:30am at the Health Department's Main Office, Rt. 78 South,
Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona Office 103 1st St., Colona.
The fasting blood profile clinics offer area residents the opportunity
to receive indepth profiles like the Chem Screen/CBC basic blood profile, a
Thyroid Panel, and the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. These tests
are available without a physician's order.
Insurances, such as Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Mutual
Medical, can be billed with a physician's order.
The basic blood profile offers 39 different blood results including a
total cholesterol, tri-glyceride, high and low density lipoprotein (HDL and
LDL), and red and white blood cell count results.
The PSA, for males age 50 and over, is a blood test to be used as a
screening tool by physicians and should only be used in conjunction with a
doctor's physical exam. The Thyroid panel gives indicatives of thyroid
functioning by giving T3/T4/CFT4 and TSH results.
Fasting is required for the basic blood profile. Therefore,
participants should not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12
hours prior to the blood draw. Test results will be sent by mail to
participants and their physicians.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the
Health Department at (309) 852-5272. For more information visit our website
at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that with the
approach of the warm summer weather so does the season for West Nile Virus
infection. Dorothy David, Health Department Environmental Health Services
Director notes, "Key to the surveillance efforts of West Nile Virus
throughout the state is the continued testing of the local mosquito and bird
populations. Mosquitoes and birds are the key vectors of West Nile virus
transmission. Therefore, the Health Department would like to alert area
residents that they will be accepting dead birds for West Nile Virus
testing."
David adds, "Birds that will be accepted would include the following
"Perching Bird" species: crows, blue jays, grackle, starling, robin,
cardinal, catbird, mockingbird, sparrows, finches, flycatchers, swallows,
warblers, wrens, and small or medium sized hawks and owls."
Please note, no waterfowl, gulls, larger birds such as vultures,
endangered birds including the bald eagle will not be accepted for testing.
Birds should only be submitted if they have not been damaged by
scavenging animals and are not decomposed. Decomposed animals can be
recognized as having a strong odor, deflated or dried eyes, maggots present,
or bloated from decomposition gases. Those specimens should be discarded.
Dead birds can be submitted to either Health Department office location:
Main Office, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee and the West Office, 103 First St.,
Colona, IL.
For more information on dead bird collection or West Nile Virus
surveillance, contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our
website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and
Stark County Health Departments.
The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Department's announce
that April has been designated as Cancer Control Month. Today, scientists
think most cancers may be related to lifestyle and environment - what you
eat, drink, if you smoke and where you work and play. So the good news is
you can help reduce your own cancer risk by taking control of things in your
daily life.
The Health Department along with the American Cancer Society offer the
following 10 steps you can take to a healthier life and reduced cancer risk:
1) If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop! Smoking is a major cancer risk to
smokers and everyone near them. If you are going to have a baby and you
smoke, you pass the smoke and the risk right on to your baby. The
combination of smoking and drinking alcohol is even riskier.
2) Maintaining a healthy weight will help you reduce your risk of cancer -
as well as heart disease and diabetes. Watching your portion sizes -
especially of foods high in fat and sugar - is an important way to help
watch your weight.
3) Enjoy more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Eat at least
five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables each day. They are packed
with disease-fighting nutrients, are generally low in fat and calories, and
may help you control your weight. Try to eat at least three servings of
whole-grain products each day.
4) Limit how much saturated fat you eat by cutting back on red meats (beef,
pork, and lamb), processed meats (bologna, salami, and hot dogs), and
high-fat dairy products.
5) If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are female
and two a day if you are male.
6) Get some physical activity like walking, gardening, or dancing for at
least 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week. Check with your
health care provider before you begin an exercise routine.
7) Protect your skin from UV rays. Stay out of the sun as much as you can
between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's UV rays are the strongest. When you
are outside, cover up with clothing. Wear a hat with a brim that shades
your face, ears, and neck. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on all skin
not covered with clothing. Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Don't use
sunlamps or tanning salons.
8) If you work with harmful chemicals or fibers like asbestos, wear
protective clothes and follow directions exactly. Be sure to learn
emergency procedures.
9) Have regular check-ups. Ask your health care provider about the American
Cancer Society's guidelines for early detection screenings.
10) For information about cancer, contact the American Cancer Society
anytime at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org or visit the Health Department's
website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us Facebook at Henry and Stark
County Health Departments.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that April 21st-28th
has been designated National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). This is a
special week put aside to promote the benefits of immunizations and to
improve the health of children two years old or younger.
Each year, thousands of children become ill from diseases that could
have been prevented by basic childhood immunizations. Countless more miss
time from day care and school because they are under-immunized or
inappropriately immunized.
The Health Department staff notes that recently, several important
milestones have been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases
among infants and adults worldwide:
* Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public
health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help
protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by
preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
* Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases; that is
why it is critical to protect them through immunization. Each day, nearly
12,000 babies are born in the United States who will need to be immunized
against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.
* Immunizations are extremely safe. Vaccines are thoroughly tested
before being approved for public use and monitored carefully by doctors,
researchers, and public health officials.
* Vaccines not only prevent disease, they reduce the costs associated
with missed time from work, doctor visits, and hospitalizations.
Yet without diligent efforts to maintain immunization programs in the United
States and to strengthen them worldwide, vaccine-preventable diseases will
remain a threat to children. For examples, it's only necessary to consider
the 2010 California outbreak of whooping cough where over 8,000 cases were
reported in the state and where there were 10 infant deaths, or measles,
which took the lives of more than 100,000 children globally each year.
Sandy Sommer, RN Health Department Director of Clinical Services, notes,
"What people need to remember is that immunization is a shared
responsibility. Families, healthcare providers, and public health officials
must work together to help protect the entire community. In addition, a
record of immunization is a lifelong responsibility. Schools, employers,
and travel all require a proof of immunization. So please keep these
up-to-date and in a secure location for all members of the family."
The Health Department Clinical services staff reminds area residents
that immunizations can be obtained through the Health Departments' clinic
offices in Kewanee and Colona by appointment. For more information on the
Health Departments' Immunization program call the Department at (309)
852-5272 (Kewanee) 852-3115 (Stark) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website
at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and co-sponsor,
Hammond-Henry Hospital announce they are pleased to offer a "Freedom From
Smoking(R) Class." The program is a 7-Week (8 sessions) evidence based
smoking cessation program from the American Lung Association.
Carrie Boelens, Community Health Educator with the Health Departments
notes, "Freedom from Smoking (R)" is designed to provide the best possible
information and supportive educational materials. The program offers a
systematic approach to quitting. There is a logical progression from
awareness of smoking dependence to actual behavior change. The program has
a positive focus and emphasizes the benefits of better health and improved
lifestyle habits. The activities provide individuals who smoke with proven
strategies for changing their behavior and lifestyle."
The group will meet Tuesday evenings, May 1 – June 12 (also Thursday,
May 24) from 6:00-7:30pm at the First Lutheran Church, 114 E. Main St.,
Geneseo. Freedom From Smoking (R) is open for participants over the age of
18. A $25 registration fee includes all educational supplies and materials
for the program.
Boelens adds, "In addition, Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be
complimentary for all participants. Methods such as nicotine patches, gum,
and lozenges will be provided. We're also now pleased to offer the
prescriptive smoking cessation product Chantix for $25 per month. Numerous
past participants have been successful utilizing Chantix to support their
journey to becoming tobacco free."
As one past participant noted, "The interaction among other
participants, information from the class, and the availability of free
Nicotine Replacement Therapy made for a successful combination for me to
finally kick the habit after 40 years of smoking."
Space is limited for this program. To register or receive information
about the upcoming sessions, please call Carrie Boelens at (309) 852-7255.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and co-sponsor, Hammond-Henry
Hospital announce they will be conducting a Mental Health First Aid Training
in Cambridge. The training will be held on Monday, April 16 and 23 and
Wednesday, April 18 and 25. The sessions will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00
p.m. at the Cambridge Fire Station, 303 S. East Road, Cambridge.
The Health Department encourages mental health and medical professionals,
leaders of the faith community, school personnel, law enforcement, community
leaders, emergency response personnel, and interested members of the public
to attend this important training.
Mental Health First Aid is a 12-hour training certification course which
teaches participants a five-step action plan to assess a situation, select
and implement interventions and secure appropriate care for the individual,
the certification program introduces participants to risk factors and
warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their
impact and overviews common treatments. Thorough evaluations in randomized
controlled trials and a quantitative study have proved the CPR-like program
effective in improving trainees’ knowledge of mental disorders, reducing
stigma and increasing the amount of help provided to others.
Participants must attend all four sessions. There is a $10 fee for
educational supplies. This training will offer 12 hours of CEUs to
attending EMTs. A light supper will also be provided for those attending the
training.
To register for the upcoming Mental Health First Aid Trainings in Cambridge,
call Carrie Boelens at (309) 852-7255.
The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents
that their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 11th at 7:00pm at
Kewanee Hospital. "Early Days of Breastfeeding" will be the evening's
program.
Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed? Then you will
want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides.
Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League
International. Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has
something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a
successful breastfeeding relationship.
Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers,
pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."
Services available through La Leche include monthly informational
meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or
questions.
Please join La Leche on Wednesday, April 11th for "Early Days of
Breastfeeding." Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome. For
more information call Malissa at (309) 927-3027.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that members of
their Home Health Nursing staff recently attended the Illinois Homecare and
Hospice Council's Annual Conference and Exposition. Gail Ripka, RN Health
Department Administrator and Pam Bennett, RN, Department Director of Home
Health Services attended this important conference held recently in Chicago,
IL.
Bennett states, "The goals for the conference were to identify specific
elements affecting home health care in the current health care reform
legislation, and help home health care providers to discover innovative
strategies and resources, keep abreast of the latest rules and regulations,
and build alliances with partners who are passionate about the home health
care industry."
Bennett notes, "The Annual Conference featured a multitude of
interesting topics covering such topics as Re-Hospitalization; Fraud and
Abuse; When Providing Good Care Isn't Good Enough; the Future of Therapies
in Home Care; and the Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Home Health and
Hospice."
"In addition, the conference hosted a home care exposition featuring 60
exhibit booths, special event sponsorships, and valuable networking
activities. By attending conferences such as these, the Health Department's
Home Health Division continually strives to keep up-to-date on the latest
trends and innovations. This will only result in better home health
services being offered to our area patients," adds Bennett.
For more information on the Home Health Services offered through the
Henry and Stark County Health Departments call the Department at (309)
852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com. or find us on
Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of
their Well-Child Clinic program. Clinics are held in Kewanee at the Health
Department offices, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee.
Through their Well-Child clinic the Department hopes that by offering
comprehensive health services to area children today; health problems will
be prevented in the future.
Clinic services include: periodic "head to toe" well-child exams for
children from birth to age 20; hemoglobin tests, blood lead screenings,
immunizations, developmental screenings, and counseling and referral.
The services of the well-child clinics are available to all area residents.
The clinic will accept medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee
scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist
low-income families to obtain services.
For more information or to make an appointment for the Health
Department's Well-Child clinic, call the Department at (309) 852-5272 or
visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at
Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department reminds area residents they
will now be offering Monthy CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Certification Classes. The Department will offer both a Medical CPR Class
and a Non-Medical CPR Class.
Sandy Sommer, RN, Health Department Director of Clinical Services,
states, "CPR training will teach participants to recognize and care for
breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children, and adults.
Instruction will also be given on how to recognize emergencies and take
action, and understanding the role of AEDs (Automated External
Defibrillators) in the Cardiac Chain of Survival."
The Medical CPR Classes will be held the 3rd Tuesday of each month, and
the Non-Medical Class will be held the 4th Wednesday of each month. The
classes will run from 4:30pm to 8:30pm. The cost of the Medical Class is
$30 and the cost of the Non-Medical Class is $20.
These rates are per participant. There is a set participant "minimum"
and "maximum" for each class; so anyone interested should contact the
Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our
website at www.henrystarkhealth.com for more information or find us on
Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments recognize that many
groups, organizations, and families may be planning festivities to celebrate
the upcoming Easter holiday. Those planning Easter egg hunt should be aware
that hard-boiled eggs require some special attention.
In years past, various instances of foodborne illnesses have been
associated with the consumption of improperly prepared Easter eggs;
therefore, we recommend the following guidelines to help insure a safe and
enjoyable holiday.
* Use only fresh, clean, unbroken eggs that have been obtained from a
reliable source and kept refrigerated.
* Eggs should be prepared by healthy persons who observe good hygienic
practices such as frequent handwashing and proper cleaning of cooking
utensils.
* Eggs should not be allowed to cool in standing water. They should
be placed into the refrigerator immediately after cooking.
* Hard-boiled eggs must remain refrigerated after preparation and
coloring, and used within seven days.
* It's safe to keep the eggs outside for an hour or two during an
Easter egg hunt, but any that are not consumed right away must be returned
to the refrigerator. Also, hide eggs so they stay clear of pets, dirt and
other sources of bacteria. To be extra cautious, cook two sets of eggs: one
for hiding and decorating with, and another for eating.
* Remember, hard-boiled eggs-in the shell or peeled-do not keep as well
as raw eggs, so discard any leftover eggs after one week.
Whether preparing, serving, hunting or decorating with eggs, it's easy
for everyone to have a splendid Easter celebration while still staying safe
from any "foodborne unpleasantness."
For more information on food safety, call the Health Department at
852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark). You can also visit our
website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and
Stark County Health Departments.
