| Health Promotion and Assessment |
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The Health Promotion and Assessment section informs the community of important health issues and services available at the health department. Activities include the distribution of health literature, development of health promotion campaigns, and community outreach in schools and with other groups IPLAN Every five years, the health status of McLean County is evaluated. Based on this community-wide evaluation, the health department identifies the three most pressing health issues and leading causes of death in the county. Task forces are then assembled and work together to plan and execute interventions to address the health issues. Currently, the three leading causes of death in McLean County are heart disease, stroke and cancer. Click here to read the Community Health Plan Visit our Resources and Links page to learn more about what you can do to prevent heart disease, cancer and stroke. Breast Health-TakeTime for You
Visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website or email them at sgkmcleanco@gmail.com for more information on breast health and breast cancer. Tobacco The Tar Wars program sees approximately 2000 4th and 5th graders each year in McLean County. Health promotion specialists go into various schools and teach about the consequences of tobacco use. McLean County Health Department is also a vehicle for the Illinois Tobacco Quitline. Through the Quitline, McLean County residents can access nicotine replacement therapies and other tools to help them quit smoking. Heart Smart This nine week program funded through the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Women’s Health educates girls in grades six through 10 about risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease and teaches the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. Participants learn about foods high in fat, calories, cholesterol, and sodium as well as the need for calcium rich foods. In addition, educational sessions offer interactive activities including exercise and cooking demonstrations. |
The goal of the health department’s breast health promotion program is to encourage women to seek regular mammograms, clinical breast exams and self breast exams, in order to have the best chance at early detection and survival. It is partially funded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure McLean County Affiliate and the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Women’s Health Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure Grant.