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Cancer Education & Support
The Breast Cancer Support Group offers education and support for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and meets on a monthly basis September through May. Additionally, special programs on cancer are presented throughout the year. The MDH Cancer Committee has a Cancer Resource Guide available to all newly diagnosed cancer patients. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Cholesterol – “Read My Lipids”
The educational portion of this program is designed to help you understand blood cholesterol values, learn how diet and exercise impact cholesterol and provide practical action steps to lower one’s cholesterol.
Screening option: A simple fingerstick test will give total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride results in less than five minutes. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Colorectal Cancer Screening
Each March, MDH offers free fecal occult blood test kits. This is the first step in detecting colon and rectal cancer and is recommended every year for anyone over 50 or at an earlier age if you have a family history of the disease. The kit checks for blood in the stool and is completed in the privacy of your home. Colorectal Cancer Education Program is also offered in March. Learn how family history, diet and other factors increase your risk of colorectal cancer and what diagnostic tests are available. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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CPR Class
Learn the technique that saves lives! This 4-hour course is taught by instructors trained through the National Safety Council on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Basic life support concepts and techniques are taught and demonstrated, with 2-year certification granted upon successful completion. Reviews and re-certifications are also available. This one-evening class will teach you what to do if an adult, child, or infant chokes, stops breathing, or experiences cardiac arrest. The fee for the class is $25.00 and pre-registration is required. A minimum of ten participants is necessary for a class to be held. All CPR classes begin at 6:00 PM and in 2009, the class will be offered on the following dates: January 13, February 10, March 10, April 13, May 12, July 14, August 18, September 15, October 13, and November 10. Classes in 2010 will be held on the following dates: January 19, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, July 13, August 17, September 14, October 12, and November 9. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, anyone having special needs should give advance notice when pre-registering for the class. For more information and to register, contact MDH Outreach Services at 309-836-1584. You may also download a 2010 CPR and First Aid Class flyer.
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Diabetes Education Center
When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, it is common to have many questions and concerns. The Diabetes Education Center (DEC) at McDonough District Hospital can help relieve your fears and give you the tools you need to successfully manage your diabetes. For more information, call 309-836-1584.
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First Aid Course
Learn up-to-date first aid knowledge that will help you respond appropriately and confidently to an emergency situation that could save a life. This 4-hour course is facilitated by MDH Paramedic and Health Education staff. This class covers injury assessment, first aid techniques and safety / injury prevention. Course completion cards are valid for 3 years. The fee for the class is $25.00 and pre-registration is required. A minimum of ten participants is necessary for a class to be held. All First Aid courses begin at 6:00 PM and in 2009, the course will be held on the following dates: February 4, March 4, April 1, May 5, September 1, October 7, and November 3. Classes in 2010 will be held on the following dates: February 3, March 2, April 6, May 4, September 1, October 6, and November 3. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, anyone having special needs should give advance notice when pre-registering for the class. For more information and to register, contact MDH Outreach Services at 309-836-1584. You may also download a 2010 CPR and First Aid Class flyer.
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Fitness Testing (Obesity, Body Fat / Body Composition Analysis)
What is considered overweight or obese? Fit or fat? Learn what your body is composed of and how to balance that composition.
This program is an in-depth look at:
- body fat percentage (by bioelectric impedance)
- body mass index
- waist / hip proportion
- flexibility (by sit and reach box)
- grip strength (by dynamometer)
This physical fitness screening is an excellent baseline test before entering a fitness or weight loss program. Find out where you rank and how you can change it. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Handwashing / Infection Control
The best defense to avoid getting sick is proper handwashing techniques. Request a demonstration of how germs spread – and see current practices and proper handwashing procedures. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Memory Support Services
Alzheimer and Memory Support Services (AMSS) is made up of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families suffering from Alzheimer Disease or related memory disorders. Support services include diagnostic evaluation and follow-up, adult day health services, and education for families or community groups. For more information, call 309-836-1584.
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Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis is a silent, yet debilitating disease, weakening your bone tissue and leaving you vulnerable to hip, spine, and wrist fractures. Knowing the importance of prevention and early detection, MDH offers education and technology to aid in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. This two step approach will help you prevent onset or progression of osteoporosis. The first step is an educational program covering the importance of calcium intake, weight-bearing exercise, risk factors, fall prevention and treatment options. The second step, The Achilles Express Test, is a portable ultrasound machine that offers a quick and painless test on your ankle. For more information, contact 309-836-1584. You may also contact the MDH Radiology Department at 309-836-1550 to learn about DEXA Bone Densitometry Scan which offers physicians the most accurate method to determine bone density.
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Poison Prevention / Intervention
Facilitated by Illinois Poison Center trained MDH Health Educators, this program covers common causes of poisonings, protecting from potential poisonings, poison look a likes, and safety and first aid tips. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Sun Safety / Skin Cancer Prevention & Detection
Education is provided to the community about skin cancer and skin protection. The educational program includes risk factors, detection, treatment, and prevention of skin cancer. You will get an eye-opening look at the reality of skin damage with a Sun Damage Screening by our special UV (Ultraviolet Light) camera that detects cell damage in the deeper layers beneath the skin’s surface. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Smoking Cessation
Freedom from Smoking® is a smoking cessation program that will take you through the process of preparing to quit, quitting, and maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle. Designed by the American Lung Association and facilitated by MDH Health Educators, this program uses a combination of educational material and group support to provide smokers with the tools to successfully kick the habit. The piCO Smokelyzer, a breath monitor measuring carbon monoxide levels in the system, is a screening option that is provided with this program. There is a fee for this class. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Stroke PLUS Screening
MDH wants you to be as healthy as possible. One goal in accomplishing this is to lower the number of strokes that occur and result in death or disability. Given the impact of stroke, it is important that you know about the disease, risk factors, prevention and detection. Through healthy lifestyle changes and early detection, you can prevent a stroke from occurring. The Stroke Plus Screening program will provide non-invasive, painless tests that can quickly detect arterial abnormalities, which can cause irregular blood flow leading to stroke, aneurysm and vascular disease. For complete details regarding test options, fees, and dates, download a copy of the flier or call 309-836-1584.
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Pedometer program
Daily use of a pedometer to track steps is a great way to measure and motivate physical activity. This tool provides awareness of activity levels and can help motivate change. 10,000 steps a day is recommended by many health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control, for improving and maintaining health as well as decreasing risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. For more information, contact 309-836-1584.
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Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care at MDH
The CWOCN collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, physical therapists, dieticians, social workers, and other members of the health care team to develop and implement a well-balanced and comprehensive plan of care for wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) patients. For more information, call 309-836-1584.
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