[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]

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.

Flu shots now available on a limited basis

[OCT. 25, 2000]  Logan County Health Department has received a partial shipment of flu vaccine and will begin offering flu shots immediately on a walk-in basis at the Logan County Health Department office at 109 Third St. in Lincoln. Logan County Health Department expects to receive its entire order of flu vaccine within the next month. Flu shots are available between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. At this time flu shots will be administered only to those individuals at high risk for complications. These individuals include people 65 and older and adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, respiratory or metabolic difficulties. Adults under age 65 and children with these chronic diseases must bring a physician's order with them.

Medicare covers the cost of the influenza vaccination. Medicare recipients are reminded to bring their Medicare card to the Health Department when they come to receive their vaccination. For non-Medicare clients the cost for the flu vaccine is $10.

Logan County Health Department asks that the public cooperate with us to administer this early shipment of flu vaccine to the individuals most in need. We will notify the public by news releases when the vaccine is available for general distribution.

[Logan County Health Department news release]

[click here for more information about the availability of flu vaccine this year]

Pneumonia shots are available

[OCT. 25, 2000]  Logan County Health Department has received its full shipment of pneumococcal vaccine and is administering pneumonia shots on a walk-in basis at the Logan County Health Department office at 109 Third St. in Lincoln. Pneumonia shots are available between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease that causes much sickness and death. People at greatest risk from this disease are people 65 and older, the very young and people with special health problems such as heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, HIV infections or certain types of cancer.

Usually one dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is all people need throughout their lifetime. However, under some circumstances a second dose may be given:

• A second dose is recommended for those people 65 and older who got their first dose when they were under 65, if five or more years have passed since that dose.

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• A second dose is also recommended for people who

• have a damaged spleen or no spleen

• have sickle-cell disease

• have HIV infection or AIDS

• have cancer, leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma

• have kidney failure

• have nephrotic syndrome

• have had an organ or bone marrow transplant

• are taking medication that lowers the immunity (such as chemotherapy or long-term steroids)

Children 10 years old and younger may get this second dose three years after the first dose. Those older than 10 should get it five years after the first dose.

Medicare covers the cost of the pneumonia vaccine. Medicare recipients are reminded to bring their Medicare card to the Health Department when they come to receive their vaccination. For non-Medicare clients the cost of the pneumonia vaccine is $16.

[Logan County Health Department news release]

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.

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.

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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