Health Promotion & Education
Programs and Services
Programs: For Youth | For Adults | For Everyone
Programs for Everyone
Secondhand Smoke
This educational program focuses on the health effects of secondhand smoke on adults and children. Participants are shown a display of the ingredients in cigarettes. A discussion is included on ways to avoid secondhand smoke. Participants are provided with various handouts and pamphlets related to the topic. Contact Lisa Modrusic at 692-7040 ext. 6089.
Poison Display
This display highlights various poison “look-a-likes,” i.e. piece of Hershey candy bar and chocolate laxative. A discussion is included on how to avoid accidental poisonings, areas of concern in the home and information on the Illinois Poison Control Center. Parents are given various handouts and home safety checklists, and children are given several activity sheets related to poison prevention. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086.
Alcohol Education
A variety of programs addressing the subject of alcohol are available. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086.
Presentations targeting youth focus on explaining to middle school and high school students the dangers of alcohol use by young people and how differently alcohol affects young people than it does adults. Alcohol is defined as a central nervous system depressant drug, and it is discussed how its use can cause individuals to make poor, often life-altering decisions. Legal ramifications of youth alcohol use are reviewed.
Presentations targeting adults define alcohol as a central nervous system depressant drug and explain the difference between use and abuse. The adult program also goes on to explain youth alcohol issues and the important role that adults play in reducing youth alcohol use and youth access to alcohol.
A specific program is available to address impaired driving. Where alcohol is defined as a central nervous system depressant drug and a socially acceptable chemical, this program expands to include the effects on judgment, decision-making, vision and motor skills in relation to operating a motor vehicle.
The Other Drugs of ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs)
Informational programs are available on a variety of chemicals of abuse. These drugs include Marijuana, Methamphetamine, and Club Drugs (ecstasy, GHB, ketamine). An overview of each of these drugs is provided, or a program can be tailored to address each drug specifically. Programs are geared to both youth and adult audiences. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086.
Occupant Protection
Programs are available to all age groups on the importance of occupant protection. Information is designed to fit the appropriate age, kindergarten through adult. Topics of discussion include adult and child passenger protection laws in Illinois, crash dynamics, proper usage of a vehicle’s safety belt systems, and air bags. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086.
Stress Management
The stress management program covers many facets of understanding and dealing with stress. This program can be tailored to fit time and specific informational needs. Subject areas included in this program are: the definition of short and long-term stress, health issues related to long-term stress, dealing with internal stressors, conflict resolution, nutritional aspects of dealing with stress, and the importance of exercise, as well as relaxation. This program may also be adapted to serve law enforcement, firefighters and EMS providers specifically, with information on critical incident stress. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086.
Disaster Preparedness
Geared to youth and adult, this program provides information on how families can prepare for a possible emergency. The main focus is reviewing how to talk about and develop a family readiness plan for various types of disasters (i.e., tornadoes, earthquakes, storms, terrorism). Participants will walk through the steps of how to prepare a Family Emergency Supply Kit. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086.
Bicycle Safety
Information is available for all age groups on the bicycle Rules of the Road, proper helmet fitting, specific accessories needed for a well equipped bike, and general safety issues to follow when riding a bike in various environments. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086.
COALITIONS
The Health Education Team participates with numerous local, state, and regional coalitions that address a variety of health concerns including tobacco prevention, advocacy, secondhand smoke, ordinances, legislation, programs; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs community coalitions; a community collaboration to increase awareness of agencies and their services; child abuse and neglect, emergency medical services for children; asthma; Madison County Partnership for Community Health (MCPCH) committees including respiratory, cardiovascular disease, cancer, motor vehicle, and various state committees and professional associations.