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Features

Depression screening available
at local presentation

[OCT. 3, 2001]  It happens to everyone. The blues. Or is it depression? Either way, you feel deflated…flat. An update on "Bouncing Back from the Blues" will be presented by Marcia Stoll, director of Logan-Mason Mental Health, in a local observance of National Depression Screening Day. The presentation will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in the conference room at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 315 Eighth St.

Depression screenings and referrals will be available so that you can find out if you or a loved one has depression. The screenings are conducted privately with a health professional.

For more information on this free event or similar events in Jacksonville and Springfield, call Logan-Mason Mental Health at (217) 735-2272.

[News release]


ALMH acquires new CT scanner

[AUG. 29, 2001]  The Radiology Department of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital has acquired the latest in helical CT scanners. This state-of-the-art equipment, a GE high-speed XI scanner, will provide faster, more accurate films, according to Darla Ludolph, director of radiology at the hospital.

Among the improvements noted with the new equipment is that larger patients, up to 450 pounds, can be accommodated. Previously the maximum weight was 250 pounds. While scanning, the new equipment will simultaneously move the patient through the scanner to give one continuous picture of the area to be scanned. This will ensure that the most accurate scan is conducted with the least discomfort to the patient.

In describing the new CT scanner, Ms. Ludolph said, "This equipment will speed up the process, provide clearer images and allow us to perform a broader range of exams. This will save people from having to go to Springfield or other larger communities and will provide for better patient care all around. Some procedures not previously done at ALMH include kidney stone studies and three-phase liver scans. We can now do those here."

Computer technology provided to the helical scanner will allow for the online transfer of all CT scans to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, where technicians and physicians can view the images in real time or at a later time. As though they were in Lincoln, staff at Memorial can search the scan and adjust the images. Speeds of data transfer have also improved, with the wait time reduced to 25 percent of previous wait time.

 

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To enable the staff to operate the sophisticated equipment, Ms. Ludolph and ALMH radiology technician Ann Reichle attended a four-day course, Theoretical and Practical CT Imaging, in Milwaukee. GE also sent an application specialist to Lincoln for four days of on-site training following the installation.

In addition, Ms. Reichle recently passed an extensive examination to receive her certification as a registered CT technologist. Reichle stated, "This was a fulfillment of a personal goal for me." She felt the certification would increase patient confidence in her work.

Commenting on the acquisition of the new scanner, hospital CEO Woody Hester said: "This is one more step that ALMH has taken to improve patient care. We are committed to providing the finest in equipment and the most well-trained staff in our hospital. We are proud of this new scanner and of the fine staff in our Radiology Department."

[ALMH news release]

 


Health Matters

A monthly feature from  Logan County Health Department

October is National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month

[OCT. 1, 2001]  Today, one out of every eight American women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. (Male breast cancer incidence is small, but it is important to know the disease can affect men.) The most important thing for you to remember is that breast cancer is best treated when found early. Total breast health is the key to early detection.

How should you look for breast cancer? There are several early detection methods:

Mammogram or X-ray — A mammogram is a special breast X-ray that can detect 90 percent of cancers — even before a lump can be felt. The American Cancer Society recommends that women have annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

Clinical examination — Women should have their breasts checked by a health professional once each year. It is important to remember that most lumps found in the breast are not cancerous. However, any lump needs to be checked by a doctor as soon as it is found. Again, breast cancer can be treated best when it is diagnosed as early as possible.

Breast Self-Examination — Beginning at age 20, all women should check their breasts monthly. Look for:

•  Any lump or thickening in the breasts.

•  Any change in skin texture or in breast size or shape, or a nipple discharge (fluid coming from the nipple).

The National Cancer Institute recommends that women follow these steps in doing monthly breast self-examinations:

1. Stand in front of a mirror that is large enough for you to see your breast clearly. Check each breast for anything unusual.

2. Watching closely in the mirror, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward.

3. Next, press your hands firmly on your hips and bend slightly toward the mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward.

4. Gently squeeze each nipple and look for a discharge.

5. Raise one arm. Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your other hand to check the breast and the surrounding area firmly, carefully and thoroughly. Some women like to use lotion or power to help their fingers glide easily over the skin. Or complete this step in the shower when your skin is soapy. Concentrate on feeling for any unusual lump or mass under the skin.

 

 

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Feel the tissue by pressing your fingers in small overlapping areas about the size of dime. Make sure to change the amount of pressure to feel all levels of breast tissue. To be sure you cover your whole breast, take your time and follow a definite pattern: lines, circles or dividing the breast into "wedges."

6. It is important to repeat Step 5 while you are lying down. Lie flat on your back, with one arm over your head and pillow or folded towel under the opposite shoulder. This position flattens the breast and makes it easier to check. Check each breast and the area around it very carefully using one of the patterns described above.

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is currently offered through the Logan County Health Department and covers the following counties: Sangamon, Macon, Morgan, Cass, Piatt, DeWitt, Mason, Menard, Logan and Shelby counties. Breast and cervical screening services are provided to eligible Illinois women. Eligible women may receive:

•  Information about breast and cervical cancer.

•  No-cost screening services, including mammograms, clinical breast examinations and Pap smears by health-care professionals in their area of residence.

•  Instructions on how to do a breast self-examination at home.

•  Referrals for follow-up medical attention if abnormal test results are received.

•  Reminders to return for annual screenings.

Screening services are provided to Illinois women who meet federal income guidelines. To find out if you are eligible, call (800) 269-4019 or call the Logan County Health Department at (217) 735-2317.

[News release]


Lincoln Park District

 

Red Cross

Red Cross blood drives in October

The Logan County Health Department will sponsor the blood drives to be at the Lincoln Sports Complex on Oct. 3 and 17. Hours on Oct. 3 will be from noon until 5 p.m., and on Oct. 17 hours will be from noon until 6 p.m.

People who recently reached goals in their blood donations are Joseph Bell, nine gallons; Paul D. Estes, eight; Virginia C. Vogel, seven; Sharon Aylesworth, four; Donald E. Wheeler, four; Debbie Voelker, two; Jeanne Scheurer, one; Jeannine Pickering, one; and Amy Hale, one gallon.

There has been a tremendous increase in people wishing to donate blood. Donors are urged to call
1 (800) 728-3543 to make an appointment.


Events

October 2001


Wednesday, Oct. 3
SPONSOR: Logan County Health Department
WHO: Public
WHAT: American Red Cross blood drive
WHERE: Lincoln Sports Complex
WHEN:
noon - 5 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 17
SPONSOR: Logan County Health Department
WHO: Public
WHAT: American Red Cross blood drive
WHERE: Lincoln Sports Complex
WHEN:
noon - 6 pm

 

Honors & Awards

 

Announcements

Mobile health unit schedule

The Rural Health Partnership has announced the schedule for its mobile health unit. Effective Feb. 1, 2001, the unit will run as follows:

 

Morning: 9-11 a.m.

 

 

Afternoon: 1-3:30 p.m.

Monday

1st and 3rd

Hartsburg

1st and 3rd

Emden

 

2nd and 4th

San Jose

2nd and 4th

Greenview

Tuesday

Weekly

Chestnut

Weekly

Mount Pulaski

Wednesday

Weekly

New Holland

Weekly

Middletown

Thursday

1st, 2nd, 3rd

Elkhart

Weekly

Atlanta

4th

Friendship Manor-Lincoln

Friday

1st, 2nd, 4th

Latham

1st

Beason

     

2nd and 4th

Broadwell

 

3rd

Maintenance/ special events

3rd

Maintenance/
special events

The mobile health unit does not operate on the following dates/holidays during 2001:  Feb. 19 (President’s Day), April 13 (Good Friday), May 28 (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), Sept. 3 (Labor Day), Oct. 8 (Columbus Day), Nov. 12 (Veterans Day), Nov. 22-23 (Thanksgiving break), and Dec. 24 - Jan. 1, 2002 (Christmas break).

For more information on the mobile health unit schedule and services, contact Dayle Eldredge at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409.


This family resource list to save and use is provided by the Healthy Communities Partnership (732-2161, Ext. 409) and the Healthy Families Task Force.         

Resources for Logan County families

Agency

Phone number

Address

911

911 (Emergencies)
732-3911 (Office -- non-emergency)

911 Pekin St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital

732-2161

315 Eighth St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Aging (Department of)

785-3356

421 E. Capitol, #100
Springfield, IL 62701-1789

American Cancer Society

546-7586 (24 hour)

1305 Wabash, Ste. J
Springfield, IL 62704

American Red Cross

732-2134
1-800-412-0100

125 S. Kickapoo
Lincoln, IL 62656

Catholic Social Services

732-3771

310 S. Logan
Lincoln, IL 62656

Chamber of Commerce

735-2385

303 S. Kickapoo St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Community Action (CIEDC)

732-2159

1800 Fifth St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Community Child Care Connection

525-2805
1-800-676-2805

1004 N. Milton Ave.
Springfield, IL 62702-443

Crisis Pregnancy Center

735-4838

513 Pulaski St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

DCFS (Department of Children & Family Services)

735-4402
1-800-252-2873
(crisis hotline)

1100 Keokuk St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Heartland Community College GED Program

735-1731

620 Broadway St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Hospice Care of Illinois

1-800-342-4862
(24 hour)
732-2161, Ext. 444

720 N. Bond
Springfield, IL 62702

Housing Authority

732-7776
732-6312 (24 hour)

1028 N. College St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program

735-2317
1-800-269-4019

LCHD - 109 Third St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Illinois Department of Public Health

782-4977

535 W. Jefferson
Springfield, IL 62761

Illinois Employment and Training Center (replaces JTPA office)

735-5441

120 S. McLean St., Suite B
Farm Bureau Building
Lincoln, IL 62656

Legal Assistance Foundation

(217) 753-3300
1-800-252-8629

730 E. Vine St., Ste. 214
Springfield, IL 62703

Library - Atlanta

(217) 648-2112

100 Race St.
Atlanta, IL 61723

Library - Elkhart

(217) 947-2313

121 E. Bohan
Elkhart, IL 62634

Library - Lincoln

732-8878

725 Pekin St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Library - Mount Pulaski

792-5919

320 N. Washington
Mount Pulaski, IL 62548

Lincoln Area YMCA

735-3915

319 W. Kickapoo St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry

732-2204

P.O. Box 773
Lincoln, IL 62656

Lincoln Parents’ Center

735-4192

100 S. Maple
Lincoln, IL 62656

Lincoln Park District

732-8770

1400 Primm Rd.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Logan County Department of Human Services (Public Aid)

735-2306

1550 Fourth St., P.O. Box 310
Lincoln, IL 62656

Logan County Health Department

735-2317

109 Third St., P.O. Box 508
Lincoln, IL 62656

Logan Mason Mental Health

735-2272
1-888-832-3600
(crisis line)

304 Eighth St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Logan-Mason Rehabilitation Center

735-1413

760 S. Postville Dr.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Oasis (Senior Citizens of Logan County)

732-6132

501 Pulaski St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Project READ

735-1731

620 Broadway St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Salvation Army

732-7890

1501 N. Kickapoo
Lincoln, IL 62656

Senior Services of Central Illinois

732-6213
1-800-252-8966
(crisis line)

109 Third St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Sojourn Shelter & Service Inc.

732-8988
(217) 726-5200 (24-hour hotline)

1800 Westchester Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704

U. of I. Division of Specialized Care for Children

524-2000

1-800-946-8468

421 S. Grand Ave. West, 2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62704

U. of I. Extension Service

732-8289

122 S. McLean St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

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