2015 Logan County Community Health Fair "5-2-1-0 Superstar"

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[March 30, 2015]  LINCOLN - On Saturday, March 28, the public was invited to a free event that supplies all the latest information to care for you and your family's health. The 2015 Logan County Community Health Fair was held at the Lincoln Park District from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The theme "5-2-1-0 Superstar" is an obesity prevention campaign. 5-2-1-0 celebrates a daily habit of 5 fruits/vegetables - No more than 2 hours of screen time - at least 1 hour of physical activity and - 0 sugary sweetened beverages.

Over 60 State and local agencies and businesses supplied information on products and services related to health and wellness, fitness, and the environment. There were lots of specials, low-cost or free screenings, and freebie stuffs.

The first to give visitors a friendly welcome on entering the health fair were Esther Boward and Bill Post. They were volunteering for the American Cancer Society. The two were taking sign-ups for the Relay for Life.

Smoking is a common preventable cause of cancer that often leads to premature death. The ACS display showed the difference between healthy and the diseased lungs of a smoker.

One of many services hosted at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital is a Sleep Disorder Clinic. The fully equipped overnight the clinic operates five days a week. Clinicians can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia. Repetitive oxygen deprivation from sleep apnea can contribute to heart and lung disease. Common symptoms are high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and fatigue.

Specialist Eddie Smith has been working in the field of sleep disorders for 13 years, the past two years at ALMH. Eddie loves what he does, and he loves being at ALMH. One of the diagnostics he performs is to fit those who stop breathing during sleep with an apparatus that provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) that delivers oxygen. Smith says that the newest apparatus are non-intrusive, lighter weight and quieter than what was available a few years ago.

Also present was Memorial Rehabilitative Services. Director Todd Mourning engaged youth in Hacky Sack foot volleys and gave lots away.

Chrissy Willoughby traded shifts with Mourning manning the station. Willoughby has been a Physical Therapist for 25 years and has been working now at the ALMH Rehabilitation Center for past two years. She loves working at ALMH and has great respect for the quality of services her department offers, plus the diversification and quality of many other services the hospital can offer.

Various agencies provided blood pressure readings, but at the Logan County Paramedics station they added pulse oxygen readings.

Nutritional health news included the newest information on the benefits of breastfeeding. Candy Letterly oversees a program for the Logan County Department of Public Health. Letterly encourages and supports new mothers in the practice. More and more studies show it is healthier for the baby. Letterly said that it is now known that practicing only breastfeeding in the first two weeks of a baby's life has substantial health benefits. Letterly can help mothers adjust to feeding, by mixing schedules and alternating with formula. She encourages qualifying mothers to sign up for Women, Infant and Children. WIC offers many benefits to new mothers, including a free breast pump.

Increasing rates of obesity, particularly in Logan County, has also increased the number of residents battling diabetes. ALMH regularly supplies diabetes counseling and programs, as does the LCDPH.

ALMH dietitian Jennifer DiPasquale provided a healthy cooking demonstration. She substituted spaghetti squash for pasta in a salad. The beautiful colors and textures and pungent aroma drew many in for a free sample.

New diabetes self-management classes begin at ALMH on April 8. Contact DiPasquale at (217)605-5535 for more information.

Nearby, there was also a booth for Saladmaster, equipment for easier vegetable processing, and cookware that offers controlled heat the prevents loss of nutrients. Easier preparation of fruits and vegetables and cooking temperatures enhance quality and nutrition. Tips and recipes can be found at recipes.saladmaster.com

A number of other booths promoted a variety of dietary and nutrition supplements. Juice Plus was one of the newer vendors present.

Many support groups, agencies, and businesses were on hand: The American Red Cross, Epilepsy Resource Center 1 (800) 800-6401, diabetes support, Hospice, home health assistance; and supplemental insurance to Medicaid; Molina, offered information.

Allison Greenfield represented Senior Services of Central Illinois, a not-for-profit organization sanctioned by the Illinois Department of Aging. Allison said the agency can help find, and/or set up a wide variety of non-medical services that aid seniors living in Central Illinois. Services provide aid in quality of life and help maintain independent living, such as to coordinate care, or assist with financial management, as in bill paying. Give field operations supervisor Kathy Smith a call at 1-800-252-2516.

The United Way is another agency that supports quality of life programs for Logan County communities. Executive Director Marla Blair is excited that the Girls on the Run program will soon be expanding to several more of the Logan County schools. The program offered to girls in fourth, fifth and sixth grades began in Logan County at Washington Monroe just a few years ago. The low-key agenda is designed to build self-esteem and gradually increase fitness levels with an emphasis on positive peer relationships.

Living Alternatives Resource Center provides women with maternity and baby supplies, and new parents with child education. Linda Nelson is excited about the upcoming Walk for Life to be held April 25th starting at 9 a.m. at Lincoln Christian Church. For more information visit hopeforafuture.com/locations/lincoln/

The booth located next to LARC, is another that helps families in need. Community Action offers many support measures. One important program is the Foster Grandparent Program. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

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Fitness at every age and level is important to good health. In Lincoln, Reps Gym opened under the ownership of Chris and Jamie Beard this past November. The facility located in the old Curves building offers equipment and quality fitness programs at affordable rates for individuals, couples, and families.

Chris holds a college degree in fitness, as well as industry credentials. Attend just one of his classes, and you will see that he is a consummate professional in the field of sports training. His natural style and knowledge make fitness training safe and enjoyable.

A wide range of exercise styles is offered for all conditions and ages including special children's classes.

Chris and Janell Woolard are the leaders of competing teams in a new 'Extreme Challenge' program that begins this week. They hope you will join one of their teams, and win for yourself. The program will remain open for others to join and lasts eight weeks.

The Lincoln Park District offers many ways to get and stay fit. In addition to courts, fields, weight training and equipment rooms, and a diversity of fitness classes led by quality instructors, the Park District has introduced youth and family together fitness programs. Jennifer Prather leads one of the newest programs, a fun spin class just for kids. And, there's yoga for kids six and up.

We all need medicine sometimes. Stacy's Family Pharmacy has most recently expanded its delivery service to Mount Pulaski. Stacy's delivers in Lincoln and to other parts of Logan County, but requests patrons supply a day's notice when possible for out of town deliveries.

The pharmacy also features a "Synchronize Your Prescriptions" program for easier pickup, fewer insurance hassles and an opportunity for an organized overview of medications.

Other health services present on Saturday included a number of chiropractic and massage therapists. Marcia Cook just became a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner this past December. You can reach Cook at (217)737-1453 or cookm75@live.com for more information.

Pets add immeasurable quality to our lives. The Humane Society of Logan County has cats and dogs available for adoption. The Society now also provides a secure after-life place to lay your pets in memorial with a cemetery on the grounds of the shelter.

Upcoming fundraisers: On April 4 from 8 a.m. till gone a Bake Sale will be held at the Lincoln IGA, April 12, 8 a.m. - noon Breakfast and Pie Sale at the American Legion; The Annual HSLC Garage Sale will be held on June 12, 13, 14, at the Logan County Fair Ground in coordination with the Rt. 66 Garage Sale. Call (217)732-1979 or 732-7853 to arrange for pick up of large items.

Entertainment on Saturday included a live radio broadcast by WLCN on 96.3 FM with guest Angela Stoltzenburg, Executive Director for Healthy Communities Partnership.

There was a constant line for the creations of a talented balloon artist.

A giant mascot dog sponsored by the Logan County Paramedics roamed the isles making best friends everywhere.

Meanwhile, a real therapy dog with a Saint John's Hospital program was a big hit with everyone of every age.

Visitors also enjoyed playing dress-up in costumes for a free photo or tackling a 65-foot obstacle course at the opposite end of the venue.

CICBC provided blood typing inside while out back, a mobile unit was set up for a Blood Drive.

Logan County Joint Solid Waste hosted several collections inside. There was also document shredding and glass collection over at the LCHS parking lot.

Environment plays a big role in staying healthy. The Health Department provided well water testing kits. Down the way, Teen Reality was promoting kick the habit with kick balls and a petition in support of legislation that would ban smoking in public parks.

Also present were Lincoln Police Department and Logan County Sheriff's Department and Crime Stoppers.

Outdoor activities being promoted in the area included the submitting names for the bicycle/fitness trail in the planning stage now.

The next community fitness activity being planned is a Bike Rodeo, which will take place in downtown Lincoln from 10 a.m. to noon on April 25.

[Jan Youngquist]

Related

HCP & ALMH to offer Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

See these websites for more information:

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
Logan County Department of Public Health Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois

Healthy Communities Partnership is a collaborative organization comprised of dozens of community agencies. It is supported by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation. For more information call 217-605-5008.

Call CICBC 1-866-GIVE-BLD to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

 

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