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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. |
