[OCT. 14, 2000]  The Lincoln Park District recently hired a personal trainer. Her name is Pam Nemith, and she is available to assist you with a number of fitness needs.

Pam is a veteran of the fitness industry. She has been teaching aerobics for 18 years and in 1984 was certified by IDEA to teach group exercise. She taught her own classes in Indianapolis for 10 years and was in "semi-retirement" before moving to Elkhart 2½ years ago, when her husband was transferred here for his job. When the opportunity opened up to teach at the Lincoln Park District, she couldn't say no.

[Pam Nemith]

In the course of her experience, Pam also developed an interest in wellness issues and the more personal side of fitness. She studied for and received a certificate as a personal trainer from the American Council on Exercise in June of this year. With that expertise, Pam can design personal exercise programs for her clients and discuss general diet concerns — though she cannot prescribe a specific diet, which must be done by a nutritionist. Pam can also measure blood pressure and body fat and can make general fitness assessments.

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In her continuing quest for knowledge, Pam is working toward a certificate to assist clients who have diagnosed cardiovascular disease. She also is certified to teach exercise classes for older populations. Pam is certified in CPR.

Philosophically, Pam believes it is important to note that a number of health problems can be helped with proper exercise and lifestyle choices and that medications, while often helpful, are not the only answer.

Pam looks forward to working with more clients from Lincoln and the surrounding communities. If you have questions or would like to sign up with a personal trainer, Pam can be reached at the Lincoln Park District, (217) 732-8770, or at (217) 947-2925.

[Cherie Rankin]

Informational packets on breast cancer were distributed at the Eighth Street parking lot of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and in the lobby at the Lincoln Wal-Mart on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Packets are also available at various other locations throughout the month.  Click here for more information.

Free depression screenings offered

Logan-Mason Mental Health, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Healthy Communities Partnership offered a free presentation and depression screenings at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Conference Room A, as part of National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, Oct. 5. The screenings focused on both adult and adolescent depression.

The program began at 7 p.m. and was presented by Dr. Ken Sagins of Lincoln Health Care Specialists. In addition to the presentation, individuals had the opportunity to ask questions and privately review a confidential depression checklist with a mental health professional.

According to figures from the National Institute of Mental Health, depression strikes more than 17 million Americans each year. Common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Logan Mason Mental Health is an affiliate of Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois.

For more information, call Logan-Mason Mental Health at (217) 735-2272.

New pulmonary rehabilitation
program starts at ALMH

[OCT. 6, 2000]  A new pulmonary rehabilitation program has been implemented at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from chronic lung problems, such as emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and other lung-related diseases.

It's a program that is really needed here, according to the pulmonary specialists who see patients in Lincoln. Until now patients who had chronic lung problems have had to go out of the area to get pulmonary rehabilitation.

The pulmonary rehab program includes education that is essential to lifestyle changes needed to increase endurance and improve the quality of life for these patients. Patients enjoy the stories shared from other patients and see that they are not alone with their problems.

Dr. Dru Hauter, medical director of the pulmonary rehabilitation program, provides consultative services for the new ALMH program, which is modeled after the pulmonary rehabilitation program at Memorial Medical Center.

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Sharon Koester, RT, is the program coordinator. She explained that all participants are referred to the program by their primary care physician or specialist. She begins the program with three educational sessions, and the safe exercise workouts begin with the fourth session. The exercise equipment used in pulmonary rehab is also used in ALMH's cardiac rehab program. Patients are monitored on the heart monitor for the first month by a cardiac rehab nurse. Each patient's program is individualized to meet his or her particular needs.

For more information, talk with your physician or call 217-732-2161, Ext. 418.

[ALMH news release]

[OCT. 2, 2000]  Logan County Health Department will not be administering any flu vaccinations until November. Influenza flu manufacturers have told the Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expect delays in flu vaccine shipments. There is also a possibility that there will be reductions of available influenza virus vaccine for the 2000-01 season.

Last season, approximately 80 to 85 million doses of influenza vaccine were produced for distribution in the United States. The exact number of doses that will be produced this year is uncertain at this time. There are four companies licensed to distribute influenza vaccine in the U.S. These companies are Parkedale Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Rochester, Mich.; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories Inc. of Marietta, Penn.; Aventis Pasteur of Swiftwater, Penn.; and Medeva Pharma Ltd. of the United Kingdom.

The cause of the delay and potential shortage of influenza vaccine is twofold. First, some influenza vaccine manufacturers have reported that one of the three influenza virus components used to make this year's vaccine has not grown as well as the corresponding strain used last year. Secondly, two manufacturers licensed to distribute this vaccine in the U.S. have been experiencing manufacturing problems. Both manufacturers are working closely with the Food and Drug Administration to address these problems.

As a result of this delay, Logan County Health Department is following the recommendations of the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These recommendations include:

• Implementation of organized influenza campaigns should be delayed. Mass influenza campaigns for the 2000-2001 season should be delayed until early to mid-November. The purpose of this recommendation is to minimize cancellations of vaccine campaigns.
• Vaccine providers should administer influenza vaccine to unvaccinated high-risk persons after mid-November and throughout the influenza season.
• Once vaccine is available, routine influenza vaccination of high-risk persons and their contacts should proceed normally.
• In the context of a possible vaccine shortage, contingency plans for persons aged 50-64 years old should focus primarily on vaccinating individuals with the high-risk conditions rather than the entire 50-64-year-old age group.

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If Logan County Health Department receives a significantly smaller amount of influenza vaccine than ordered, those at highest risk for complications from influenza will be given top priority in the flu vaccine campaigns. Persons at high risk for complications from influenza should receive annual vaccination and include the following:

• Persons aged 65 and older.
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities with residents of any age who have chronic medical conditions.
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including asthma.
• Adults and children who have chronic metabolic diseases, kidney dysfunction, blood disorders or immune system problems.
• Children and teenagers who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye Syndrome after influenza infections.

• Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

Other persons who should be vaccinated each year include:

• Health care workers, employees of hospitals, clinics, offices and chronic-care institutions who directly care for and have close contact with persons at high risk from complications of influenza.

• Household members of persons in high-risk groups.

Logan County Health Department will issue further press releases as more information becomes available. Current information is also available from the Centers for Disease Control at their website of www.cdc.gov/od/media.

Special Deliveries sibling class scheduled

[OCT. 11, 2000]  The Lincoln Junior Woman’s Club, in conjunction with Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, is hosting a Special Deliveries sibling class on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Conference Room A at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 315 Eighth St. in Lincoln. This class is to help children become more comfortable with having a new brother or sister. The afternoon will consist of safety tips for children, a tour of the Obstetrics Department, craft time and refreshments.

All ages are invited to attend. There is no fee for this class, but reservations are required. For more information or to register for the class, please call the Obstetrics Department, (217) 732-2161, Ext. 235.

[ALMH news release]

Tami Kennett is ALMH September Employee of Month

[OCT. 9, 2000]  Tami Kennett, LPN (Medical/Surgical) was named the ALMH September Employee of the Month.

Tami's nominator said, "Tami is so organized in her nursing. ALMH is very fortunate to have this kind and considerate nurse on their staff. Also makes good coffee!"

Tami will be with ALMH for 20 years this December. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, boating and caring for her dogs and parrots.

Tami enjoys the rural aspect of the hospital. She mostly likes knowing that she can count on the people she works with, not just in nursing, but throughout the hospital, to help us provide quality healthcare.

ALMH congratulates Tami!

[ALMH news release]

[OCT. 3, 2000]  A representative of the Department of Human Services will be at the Logan County Health Department on Tuesday, Oct. 10, to assist clients with the application for KidCare. KidCare is a health insurance program for Illinois children 18 or younger and pregnant women. KidCare matches the insurance plan to the family's income and situation. It covers doctor visits, dental care for children, well-child visits, prenatal care, specialty medical services, hospital care, emergency services and prescription drugs. Applications will be completed on a walk-in basis on Oct. 10 at the Logan County Health Department, 109 Third St. in Lincoln, between 9 a.m. and noon.

Senior Sunday – Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations required. Call 732-2161, Ext. 195.

Free Blood Pressure Screening – Oct. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31 from 9 a.m. to noon in First Floor waiting area. No appointment necessary.

Diabetes Support Group – Monday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A. (Meets in conjunction with the Congestive Heart Failure Support Group this month.) Call 217-732-2161, Ext. 443 for more information.

Congestive Heart Failure Support Group – Monday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. in Conference Room A. (Meets in conjunction with the Diabetes Support Group this month). Call 217-732-2161, Ext. 443 for more information.

Depression Screening – Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A. Call 735-2272 for more information.

Lupus Support Group – Monday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. in Conference Room B. Call 217-732-2161, Ext. 443 for more information.

Breast Cancer Awareness – Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A. Call 217-732-2161, Ext. 443 for more information.

Parkinson’s Support Group – Monday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A. Call 217-732-2161, Ext. 427 for more information.

"Always In Our Hearts" Bereavement Support Group – Thursday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Fifth Floor Physician’s Lounge. Call 217-732-2161, Ext. 405 for more information.

Pain Management Service – Oct. 10 and 24 Physician referral necessary. Call 217-732-2162, Ext. 403 or 444 for more information.

Pediatric Cardiology Clinic – Tuesday, Oct. 17. Call 217-732-2616, Ext. 444 for more information.

Elks Clinic – Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 8 a.m. on Fourth Floor. Call 217-732-2161, Ext.444 for more information.

[SEPT. 28, 2000]  A 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 & Training Center (JTPA)	735-5441	812 Lincoln Ave. 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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