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Features

[OCT. 15, 2001]  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s most recent "National Household Survey on Drug Abuse" showed a dramatic increase in the first-time use of marijuana by youngsters ages 12 to 17. Although the rates are still well below the peak of 15 years ago, they have more than doubled since 1992. Because of this alarming trend in drug use, there is an urgent need to educate young people about the dangers associated with marijuana use.

SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention has joined forces with Logan-Mason Mental Health to respond to this alarming trend in drug use. Logan-Mason Mental Health is a local organization that is dedicated to prevention efforts. Alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse prevention programs are accessible to every seventh- and eighth-grader in Logan County through Logan-Mason Mental Health’s prevention specialist. Through its efforts, the local organization is fighting to prevent a continued increase in marijuana use among the young people in Lincoln and Logan County.

There are numerous misconceptions about marijuana, which lead many teens and preteens, and some parents, to believe it is harmless — even though marijuana is an illegal drug, and using it can bring serious consequences. Consider the following facts:

•  Marijuana use increases risk of injury. Marijuana or hashish-related emergency room visits increased by 17 percent between 1994 and 1996, and increased 219 percent since 1990.

•  Marijuana is often used in combination with other illegal and dangerous drugs, such as PCP and crack cocaine, and its use increases the risk of involvement in other criminal activities.

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•  In 1995, more than 120,000 people who entered drug treatment programs reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse.

•  Marijuana use causes a loss of inhibitions, which can lead to behaviors that have lifelong negative consequences.

"It is vital that we educate the young people in our community about the dangers of marijuana use," said Kristi Simpson, prevention specialist for Logan-Mason Mental Health. "Many teens and preteens think marijuana is cool — use is on the rise even for 12-year-olds. We must fight the glamorization of marijuana by arming our kids with the facts."

Simpson goes into all the Logan County public schools presenting programs on life skills to seventh-graders and the truth about drugs to eighth-graders.

To receive free, valuable information about marijuana and other illicit drugs, contact the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 1 (800) 729-6686 or TTY 1 (800) 487-4889, or visit http://www.health.org/reality.

For more information about substance abuse prevention efforts in Lincoln and Logan County, call Kristi Simpson of Logan-Mason Mental Health at (217) 735-2272.

[Logan-Mason Mental Health news release]

[OCT. 5, 2001]  Logan County Health Department will have flu and pneumonia immunizations available beginning Monday, Oct. 15. 

The flu and pneumonia shots will be available at the Health Department, 109 Third St., on a walk-in basis during normal business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on the Mobile Medical Van at regular scheduled times of operation. Both facilities are closed on Monday, Oct. 8, and Monday, Nov. 12.

The cost for flu shots is $14, and pneumonia shots are $17. Medicare will pay for flu and pneumonia shots; clients must bring their Medicare card to the clinics with them. Medicaid will also pay for flu shots; clients must bring their Medicaid card with them.

People at high risk should get the flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available. Those at high risk include:

•  People 65 years of age or older.

•  People with serious long-term health problems.

•  People with immune system problems.

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

•  Children receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

•  Employees of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities.

•  Health-care workers or anyone coming in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza.

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Everyone else should wait until November for flu shots. October and November are the optimal months for receiving flu vaccination. Centers for Disease Control recommends, however, that vaccination continues into December, January and beyond — as long as vaccine is available.

Flu clinics on Monday, Oct. 22, and Monday, Oct. 29, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. are recommended for women only, as Logan County Health Department will also offer free osteoporosis screenings and breast cancer awareness information, along with flu shots. Women over 50 years of age are encouraged to get the free bone density screening as well as educational materials. The bone density screenings will be done by radiology technicians at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. The screenings are funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health. No other Health Department services will be available during these times except WIC.

For more information, contact Logan County Health Department at (217) 735-2317.

[News release]

Health Matters

A monthly feature from  Logan County Health Department

[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

The Heart of America Region of the American Red Cross has advised the local office that due to the large amount of blood donations recently it is necessary to cut back on a few blood drives. The blood drive scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the Lincoln Sports Complex has been postponed.

Events

October 2001

Monday, Oct. 22
SPONSOR: Logan County Health Department
WHO: Women
WHAT: Clinic offering flu shots, free bone density screening and breast cancer awareness information
WHERE: Logan County Health Department, 109 Third St.
WHEN: 8-11:30 am

Sunday, Oct. 28
SPONSOR: Lincoln Junior Woman's Club and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHAT: Special Deliveries sibling class
WHERE: ALMH Education Room, third floor, 315 Eighth St.
WHEN: 1-3 pm

Monday, Oct. 29
SPONSOR: Logan County Health Department
WHO: Women
WHAT: Clinic offering flu shots, free bone density screening and breast cancer awareness information
WHERE: Logan County Health Department, 109 Third St.
WHEN: 8-11:30 am

Honors & Awards

Announcements

Special Deliveries sibling class scheduled

[OCT. 17, 2001]  The Lincoln Junior Woman’s Club, in conjunction with Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, is hosting a Special Deliveries sibling class on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Education Room on the third floor at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 315 Eighth St., Lincoln.

The sibling classes, which are offered quarterly, are designed to help children become more comfortable with a new baby brother or sister. The afternoon will consist of safety tips for children, a tour of the hospital’s new Family Maternity Suites, craft time and refreshments.

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

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

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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