Prevention Bulletin

Break the Habit
The Wabash County Health Department, along with the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, is sponsoring a program called “Break the Habit”. This program is designed to help people who want to quit smoking. When a tobacco user calls the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, they will be informed on the Break the Habit program. If the caller decides to participate, the quitline counselor contacts the health department staff regarding contact data, consultation content, and use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy or medication. The tobacco user can then receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy or a voucher for the prescription medication Chantix from the Wabash County Health Department Prevention Office. For more information, contact the Wabash County Health Department at 262-5968 or the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES (1-866-784-8937).
For information, contact: prevention@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 12/17/2004 11:22:48 AM

WINTER STORM SAFETY
Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Hypothermia and frostbite can cause loss of fingers or toes, kidney/pancreas/liver injury, or even death.Everyone needs to prepare to avoid the dangers of severe winter weather. A winter storm can last several days and can trap people in their homes or their vehicles without utilities, food, or other necessities for survival.Go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/winterstorm/winterstorms.pdf to download a free informational pamphlet "Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers."
For information, contact: gbrooks@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 1/9/2007 7:02:35 AM

BREAST HEALTH LUNCH AND LEARN EDUCATION
WCHD Prevention Division is pleased to offer Breast Health Lunch & Learn Educational Outreach Program through a grant funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation KOMEN FOR A CURE. Give us a call today to schedule this educational opportunity to provide Breast Health information to your employees. We can provide group presentations, one on one presentations, or we can set up in your employee break room for the employee to take a break, get informative information on breast cancer awareness, breast health, and breast self-exams. Contact Cathy Ile RN at 262-5968 or email breastinfo@wabashhealth.org.
For information, contact: breastinfo@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 7/11/2007 9:36:20 AM

AOK - CHECK OUT THE VIDEO LENDING LIBRARY
Wabash County Health Dept. has a Video Library. Some of the Titles are: 14 Steps to Better Breastfeeding; A Parents Guide to Infant Massage; It's Potty Time; Disciplining Kids and so many more. Stop in at the Wabash County Health Dept. at 7th and Chestnut and check out the lending video library. For more information call 263-3873 and ask for or Audra Spray.
For information, contact: aok@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 9/21/2009 6:56:39 AM

SAVE THE DATE - APRIL 10, 2010
APRIL 10, 2010 - AOK Networks, Hope Pregnancy & Resource Center, WADI, and Wabash Co. Health Dept. will host the AOK Carnival Health Fair & Baby Expo at WABASH VALLEY COLLEGE - Mt. Carmel, IL. New time too.....10am - 2pm.
For information, contact: aok@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 10/6/2009 9:27:52 AM

AOK - EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING
DOES YOUR CHILD NEED an EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING???? YES, ABSOLUTELY! The early childhood years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. From birth, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help Before they Start School. As a Parent, screeenings will show you what your child's strengths are and let you know if there is an area your child might need some help. Contact our office to see where to get your child screened. (618)262-5968
For information, contact: aok@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 10/6/2009 9:39:09 AM

Smoke Free Illinois Act
Smoke-Free Illinois - Smoking is prohibited in all public places and places of employment. Smoking is also prohibited within 15 feet of an entrance to a public place or place of employment, unless exempted by the act. For more information on Smoke-Free Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at www.idph.state.il.us; to read the Act in full go to www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts.
For information, contact: prevention@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 11/21/2007 7:05:57 AM

Car Seat Safety Checks
4 OUT OF 5 CAR SEATS ARE USED WRONG. Could yours be one of them? The Wabash County Health Department Safe Kids Chapter provides free Car Seat Safety Checks by appointment. Call the prevention office at 618-262-5968 for an appointment. Here are a few things that every parent should know before your next ride.*Infants should ride in REAR-FACING SAFETY SEATS as long as possible; at least until they are 12 months old and weigh at least 20 pounds.Keep them rear-facing as long as possible because facing the rear of the vehicle helps to protect a young child's neck and spinal cord. NEVER put a rear-facing child in a front seat.*Kids over 1 year old, who weigh 20-40 pounds and can no longer ride rear-facing, should ride in FORWARDING-FACING CHILD SAFETY SEATS.
For information, contact: mgidcumb@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 2/6/2009 9:21:51 AM

Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fat for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. Calculating BMI is one of the best methods for population assessment of overweight and obesity. Because calculation requires only height and weight, it is inexpensive and easy to use. The use of BMI allows people to compare their own weight status to that of the general population. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. After BMI is calculated for children and teens, the BMI number is plotted on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) BMI-for-age growth charts (for either girls or boys) to obtain a percentile ranking. Percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of individual children in the United States. The percentile indicates the relative position of the child's BMI number among children of the same sex and age. The growth charts show the weight status categories used with children and teens (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese). To calculate yours or your childs BMI, follow one of these links: Adults: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html Children: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/
For information, contact: prevention@wabashhealth.org
Posted on: 5/29/2009 10:32:14 AM