Henry and Stark County Health Department Director of Health Promotion, RaeAnn Tucker conducts a health education program to Martin Engineering Employees recently during their "Lunch and Learn" Series. Health Education presentations are available to area schools, organizations, businesses or civic groups through the Department.
The Health Department joins with public health and health education advocates across the country to raise public awareness of the importance of health education measures. Prevention is now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventative health.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion notes, "Today, seven in 10 deaths in the US are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Another striking fact is that 75 percent of our health care dollars are spent treating such diseases. However, only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention."
Tucker adds, "That's why health education is so vital to our communities' future health. Many people do not realize that the Health Department is available to area employers, school districts, and residents planning a program for a local class, club, staff or organization. Our staff is always at the ready to speak on a variety of health topics; as well as, the vast array of programs and services offered to area residents through their offices."
Education can make a difference. For example, more than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting recommended screening tests.
Presentations on Health Department awareness, home health and home services, heart health, cancer prevention, emergency preparedness, nutrition topics, women's health, flu prevention, cholesterol and blood pressure control; wellness and physical activity; family planning and clinical services; osteoporosis; and prostate and cervical cancers; just to name a few, are offered free-of-charge.
Presentations can be tailor-made to meet any group's specific needs. Many presentations include informative handouts and entertaining videos. All information can be altered to the age and interests of the audience.
To schedule a presentation or for more information on the Department Health Education services call the Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
