Children’s Health Services2022-01-27T12:19:53-06:00

Children’s Health Services

Family Case Management and its Vital Role in Public Health

New families with young children often face unexpected challenges. From managing hectic work and personal schedules to navigating medical and social concerns, these families may need support to ensure they can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. This is where Family Case Management steps in, and serves families with young children by providing information and services to help them access health care and other resources.

How Does the WIC Program Impact Families?

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is considered one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective public health nutrition programs. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC’s mission is to safeguard the health of women, infants, and children under age 5 who are otherwise at nutrition risk.

Tricks to Make Halloween Treats Safer for Our Kids

Halloween is an exciting time for kids. They eagerly anticipate their costumes and the delicious treats they'll collect during their trick-or-treating activities. However, as parents, it's crucial to ensure that this fun-filled holiday remains safe for our “costumed wonders.” In this article, we'll share some tricks to help your children enjoy their Halloween treats while prioritizing their safety.

How Better Nutrition Supports Academic and Athletic Performance

Emerging research and existing data continue to shed light on the crucial role of proper nutrition in supporting overall student well-being. Researchers are still working to prove the connection between nutrition and student performance. However, current studies strongly suggest that students with a balanced diet are more likely to achieve academically and athletically.

The 2023 Seasonal Flu Booster, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines

As autumn approaches, the need to stay vigilant against respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) remains critical. Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have recently approved new vaccines to safeguard the U.S. population from these potentially deadly viral illnesses.

The High Cost of Loneliness

Some describe loneliness as a feeling of distress caused by a lack of meaningful, close relationships. In other words, loneliness can be defined as a lack of emotional connectedness. With this definition, it is important to acknowledge that one can be lonely in a crowd.

Thanksgiving: Preparing Your Turkey and Trimmings Safely

If you are among the millions of Americans planning to prepare a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, it's essential to know how to do so safely. Otherwise, a turkey and its juices can be contaminated with germs that could make you, your family, and other guests sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers recommendations that can help you safely thaw, handle, and cook your Thanksgiving turkey. Additionally, they provide tips on how to take care of your leftovers safely.

Do You Really Need Both a Flu Shot and a COVID-19 Booster?

This year will mark the third flu season with COVID-19 still circulating. Both viruses can cause health problems ranging from mild symptoms to illnesses requiring hospitalization and medical support measures. Likewise, both illnesses can also be deadly for the most susceptible individuals, such as those with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems. Learn how you can stay healthy.

Why Should You Build an Emergency Kit?

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) recommends that everyone create and periodically update their family emergency plans and establish a family communications plan. They also recommend building an emergency kit to support all family members during and after a disaster. According to IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau, “It could be a matter of life or death because if you need to evacuate within minutes, you will need that kit packed and ready to go.”

How Do We Monitor Vaccines for Safety?

All vaccines approved in the United States are continually monitored for side effects and adverse events reported after vaccination. Although several agencies are involved in this effort, the primary system for receiving and reviewing vaccine reports is the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Announcing COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for Children and Teens

Currently, the circulating variants of the Covid-19 virus are relatively mild and typically result in symptoms similar to a prolonged summer cold. However, like all viruses, Covid-19 affects all people differently. The Covid-19 virus can make those who are immune-compromised, including the elderly and some children, very ill for prolonged periods. Reducing the risk of infection is most important for these individuals because they are also at greater risk for lingering or long-term health problems.

Schedule Back-to-School Immunizations Today

If your children return to school in August, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to ensure they are ready. You may want to start thinking about their clothes, school supplies, and whatever else they need to begin their school year. The Moultrie County Health Department encourages you also to think ahead and schedule appointments for their vaccinations as you plan for your child’s return to school. If you wait until mid-August, your child may be delayed in getting the vaccines required to start school.

Staying Safe in Sunny Weather

Many of us look forward to bright and sunny weather because of the numerous recreational activities we enjoy. Regardless of the season, too much exposure to the sun can prove hazardous to your health. This sun damage is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Vector-borne Diseases in Central Illinois

Some vector-borne diseases will produce few noticeable symptoms in an infected person, and the illness may go undetected. However, the same diseases can also cause significant discomfort and illness, Including life-long disabilities or even death. The following is basic information on West Nile virus and Lyme disease, both of which are carried by vectors common in Central Illinois.

Summer Food Safety: Facts and Best Practices

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in six Americans (48 million people) become sick from food poisoning each year. These incidents send 128,000 Americans to the hospital, and an estimated 3,000 die annually from foodborne illnesses. Food safety is especially important as we approach Memorial Day weekend. This weekend traditionally marks the beginning of summer activities, many of which will involve preparing and serving food for family and friends.

Health Alert: Human Vector-Borne Diseases

West Nile virus (WNV), Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), are the most commonly reported human vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Illinois. As summer approaches and more people are inclined to engage in outdoor activities, tick and mosquito vectors are also becoming more active, increasing the risk of disease transmission to humans.

Herd Immunity and Vaccinations

Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease, limiting disease spread. When there are limits on the spread of the disease, even those not already immune have a reduced risk of exposure. Reducing the risk of disease spread is especially critical in protecting individuals who can’t be vaccinated. These would include newborns, those with compromised immune systems, and those who cannot tolerate the vaccine.

National Poison Prevention Week: March 20-26, 2022

National Poison Prevention Week is observed the third week of March every year. Congress established the observance in 1961 to highlight the risks of being poisoned by household products. Although we’ve made substantial progress since the early 1970s, over 2 million poisonings are reported in the U.S. every year. What may surprise you is that over 90% of these occur in the home, and those affected most often are children under the age of 12.

WIC Farmer’s Market Program

The Moultrie County Health Department is pleased to announce the arrival of WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in Moultrie County!

The WIC FMNP was established by Congress in 1992, to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers’ markets. Pregnant & Breastfeeding women and children one year and older who are certified to receive WIC program benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification are eligible to participate in the WIC FMNP. A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs may be purchased with FMNP coupons.

Farmers Market Coupons will be distributed by the MCHD beginning July 1st, 2018, to all eligible WIC participants. Come to the Moultrie County Health Department and get your WIC- FMNP coupons to enjoy the fresh produce of Moultrie County all summer long! No appointment needed.

Vision and Hearing Testing

Vision And Hearing Screening services provided through the Moultrie County Health Department are available to all pre-school & school-age children in Moultrie County.

Interpretation of results and referrals to medical providers are made for clients as appropriate. Moultrie County Health Department staff are certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health in Vision and Hearing Screening.

Lead Screenings

The Moultrie County Health Department provides lead exposure screening and testing to all Moultrie County residents for whom such services are indicated. Assessment of lead risk exposure and testing are available any time at the Moultrie County Health Department. Interpretation of testing results and professional, confidential follow-up on lead exposure reduction are provided free of charge to Moultrie County residents.

Child Safety Seat Program

The Moultrie County Health Department continues to provide Child Safety Seat Assistance as a service to Moultrie County residents. A Certified Child Safety Seat Technician is available to provide education, evaluation, and assistance with proper child safety seat installation and use.

Immunizations

The Moultrie County Health Department provides all required immunizations to children through the age of 18 years as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC. The Moultrie County Health Department also provides adult vaccines, including Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccines. Immunization clinics are offered at the Moultrie County Health Department three times per month. Individual appointments may be made if a client cannot be accommodated during routine clinics.

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