February 27, 2008

Dining with Diabetes comes to Jo-Carroll Unit

Dining with Diabetes, a three part series designed to help you control your diabetes, is coming to both Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties.

Carroll County will hold its sessions from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 10, and 17 at the Naaman Diehl Auditorium located at the intersection of highways IL 64and IL 78 in Mt. Carroll, IL.

Jo Daviess County will host the programs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, Elizabeth, IL.

Each session includes tips for managing diabetes, cooking demonstrations, and taste testing of healthy recipes. You'll learn how to cook tasty foods using artificial sweeteners, low-fat products, herbs and spices. You'll receive a nice collection of recipes to help you plan healthy meals at home.

Sarah Todd, MS, RD, LDN will lead the sessions. Currently serving as an Extension Educator in Nutrition and Wellness for the University of Illinois Extension, Sarah will help you learn to reduce sugar, salt, and fat in foods without giving up good taste.

Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required before April 1, 2008. There is a $20 class fee ($35.00 for couples) which covers the cost of class materials and food samples. You may register online or call the Carroll County office at 815-244-9444 or the Jo Daviess County office at 815-858-2273. If you need a reasonable accomodation to attend, please call your local Extension office at the numbers above.

Posted by Robin Fisch at 2:08 PM

December 18, 2007

Reducing Diabetes Risk Program - Mark Your Calendar!

Sarah Todd, University of Illinois Nutrition and Wellness Educator will present a program on "Eating to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes" on January 15, 2008 at the Carroll County Extension office at 807D S. Clay St., Mt. Carroll at 1:00 p.m.

It is a very informative program for anyone, but very important for anyone who has been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, "pre-diabetes", or has a family history of diabetes.

The program is free for all HCE members, and open to the public with a $5.00 per person registration fee. If you need reasonable accommodations in order to participate in this program, contact the Carroll County Extension Unit at 815-244-9444.

Posted by Robin Fisch at 9:55 AM

December 17, 2007

Well Woman of Northwest Illinois Offers Free Screenings for Area Women

This time of year, women often find themselves busy with holiday preparations from baking and decorating to shopping and cleaning.It is also important to remember to take time to care for our health and wellness. Now would be a great time to schedule those forgotten health screening appointments that can slip our minds.

If you are uninsured or have a high deductible health insurance policy with a deductible of $500.00 or more, Well Woman of Northwest Illinois provides health education and screening services for women in the five county areas of Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle and Lee.

IBCCP provides free mammograms and Pap smears for uninsured women between the ages of 35 and 64 in the five counties. This program includes case management, education and outreach efforts. The WISEWOMAN program serves women between the ages of 40 and 64 who are currently enrolled in IBCCP. All participants receive total lipid profiles with glucose, interview assessments and incentives. Some participants receive a six week nutrition/physical fitness class.

Well Woman has also received grant funds from the Illinois "Ticket for the Cure" instant lottery ticket program. Net revenue from the sale of these tickets goes to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Office of Women's Health, for grants to public and private entities in Illinois to fund breast cancer research, education and services for breast cancer victims. The "Ticket for the Cure" Well Woman Pink Ribbon Campaign covers the four counties of Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Ogle.

The Well Woman Pink Ribbon Campaign provides interesting educational programs for women's church, social, philanthropic, or professional groups. The Well Woman "Hat's Off" team delivers a free, humorous, and very informative breast cancer program, which covers the importance of early detection, along with identifying risk factors and ways to lower those risks. The Well Woman team will also bring "goodie bags" with pink ribbons and helpful handouts for everyone.

The Pink Ribbon Sunday outreach to faith communities can include a special focus in the regular weekly service such as special prayers and scriptures, a short presentation by a cancer survivor, a table with information and handouts, along with pink ribbons for the congregation. We are all aware of the importance of good health as we strive to carry out the teachings of our faith. Well Woman is happy to work with the pastor, a parish nurse, or other faith leaders to provide the most effective program for each group.

Well Woman also reaches out to area beauty salons to help women learn more about the importance of early detection and lowering risk factors for breast cancer by scheduling a special week and/or weekend event at salons. The Well Woman staff will provide "goodie bags" of helpful information for clients of the salon, along with specialized information for stylists to help them pass on this important information to their patrons in a helpful and non-threatening manner.

The grant also provided funds for a Day Retreat in the fall of 2007 for breast cancer patients/survivors. This event was co-sponsored by the FHN L.C. Ferguson Cancer Center and the Well Woman Pink Ribbon Campaign. Presentations were available on the topics of spirituality, fear of recurrence, lymphedema, etc. and information on complimentary therapies such as yoga, massage, and journaling. Participants appreciated this special day of activities in an atmosphere of healing and sharing for women with breast cancer, and Well Woman is hopeful to receive additional funding to repeat this program in all the counties in the future.

The "Ticket for the Cure" Well Woman Pink Ribbon Campaign program can also provide free mammograms and breast exams for women who have insurance with a deductible of $500 or more.

Posted by Robin Fisch at 9:21 AM

December 14, 2007

Free Radon Tests Available

Did you know that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and both Jo Daviess and Carroll residences are at high risk of having elevated radon levels? Homeowners can pick up a free radon test kit at the University of Illinois Extension offices in Mount Carroll or Elizabeth.

The free radon test kits are supplied by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Posted by Robin Fisch at 3:43 PM