Health Info

« Go Back

On The Fence About COVID-19 Vaccines – Fayette County

As the community and the country at large tries to achieve herd immunity with the COVID-19 vaccine, there are many area residents who are resistant to receiving the vaccine due to its novelty and question its efficacy.

Sarah Bush Lincoln Fayette County Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director Glenn Skow, MD, MPH, FAAFP explained that medical experts and scientists overwhelmingly agree that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is much safer for people than contracting the disease itself. As such, the vast majority of physicians at Fayette County Hospital have received the vaccine and recommend to their patients that they do the same. COVID-19 has dealt a devastating blow to people’s health, regardless of age, race, gender, or background. The virus is random – testing, social distancing, and masks can help reduce infections, but vaccines drastically prevent hospitalizations that over-whelmed hospitals. Hundreds of people continue to die from COVID-19 in the United States every day.

SBLFCH has hosted numerous COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the community since January. Dr. Skow said “We continue to have people that have concerns about the vaccine. People with COVID-19 are still coming to SBLFCH with serious complications from infection. People are still dying from this disease. We want to keep our residents safe and address those who are still ‘on the fence’ about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Which vaccine should I get?
Ultimately, people should get the first vaccine that is available to them. All of the vaccines strongly protect people from hospitalizations and death, which is our ultimate goal. For instance, the only patients I have seen in the emergency room and in the hospital have been those that are not vaccinated. There is a caution though with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in women under the age of 50 for extremely rare blood clots. However, the mortality rate in Fayette County (1.7 percent) shows that there is a six million percent greater risk of dying from COVID than from these clots. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, on the other hand, have not had any clot risk associated with it, making it a reasonable alternative for women under 50 who would prefer not to receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

What happens if I only get the first dose of Moderna or Pfizer?
You are leaving yourself at a disadvantage if you do not get the second dose. Protection against COVID is incomplete and may not last as long if you only get the first dose of Moderna or Pfizer. It’s like shutting a door without locking it.

Should I get the vaccine even if I have contracted COVID-19 previously?
Even if you contracted COVID-19 previously, there is a 700 percent greater risk of getting COVID-19 again than you are to get COVID-19 after vaccination. Vaccines have been shown to provide greater antibody response and better, longer-lasting protection.

Why can a person experience side effects from receiving the vaccine?
The vaccine triggers a person’s own immune response. The body recognizes something foreign has entered it and creates antibodies to protect against it. This positive immune response is an indicator that the vaccine is working. It is important to note that your body has an antibody response with a COVID-19 infection as well.

Is COVID-19 still affecting Fayette County residents?
Yes, we continue to see people with serious complications from COVID-19. In the past few months, it is predominantly the unvaccinated that we are seeing in the hospital with serious complications from COVID-19. In Fayette County, nearly each week this past month we have seen a 150 to 200 percent increase in cases.

Is the vaccine safe for women who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or in a child-bearing age?
Absolutely. A study done at Brigham and Women’s Hospital showed that the vaccine is not only safe in pregnant women, but like any other vaccine, that protection is passed along to their child.

The COVID-19 vaccine has emergency use approval from the FDA. Should I still get it?
Absolutely. The FDA is the agency that provides that emergency use and is the same agency that would provide the full approval. Most vaccines and other medical treatments that have emergency FDA approval are later fully approved by the FDA. The COVID-19 vaccine has been rigorously tested with over 300 million doses already given in the United Sates. Fayette County, however, remains one of the lowest vaccinated counties in Illinois, which is likely why our COVID cases are increasing each week, compared to other counties that are decreasing.

Where can I get the vaccine?
The Fayette County Public Health Department hosts a two-hour clinic every week. People can register online at https://covidvaccination.dph.illinois.gov/, or by calling 618-283-1044. Walk-ins are accepted. Many drug stores such as Walmart, CVS, or Cain’s also offer the COVID-19 vaccine. To find local places where the COVID-19 vaccine is being offered, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/search/.

How can I know for sure if should I get the vaccine?
If you still have questions about whether the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, ask your primary care provider. The vaccine is free to all Americans.

Article from Sarah Bush Lincoln Fayette County Hospital

« Go Back

Growing Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic is the most significant public health and public safety crisis facing Illinois. The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The opioid crisis affects everyone in the state in some way. Its victims are of all ages, races, and walks of life. Drug overdoses have now become the leading cause of death nationwide for people under the age of 50. In Illinois, opioid overdoses have killed nearly 11,000 people since 2008. In Illinois last year, nearly 2,000 people died of overdoses—almost twice the number of fatal car accidents. Beyond these deaths are thousands of emergency department visits, hospital stays, as well as the pain suffered by individuals, families, and communities.

Can drug addiction be treated?

Yes, but it’s not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives. Due to the symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological grip heroin has on its users, a professional treatment center usually offers the best chances of a successful recovery. Medical management is important in helping wean individuals off opioids by helping to reduce cravings and prevent future use.

Macoupin County Medically Assisted Opiate Recovery Program

The substance abuse recovery program at Maple Street Clinic has been successful in treating many individuals that suffer from opioid addiction. Our services include:

  • Medical Stabilization
  • Medically Assisted Recovery
  • Outpatient Treatment Program
  • Individual Treatment Plan
  • Individual Therapy Sessions
  • Group Psycho-education Classes
  • Group Psychotherapy Sessions
  • Medical and Dental Services
  • Counselor Services
  • Family support groups

​Our clinical staff includes a team of experts in the field of opioid recovery. Components of treatment include:

  • Scientific, medically assisted, clinically proven approach
  • Best Practice Model (not a 12-step approach)
  • Integrated Medical and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approach
  • Coping and disease management, including impulse control
  • Treating the underlying issues (including anxiety, depression, panic disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, and others)

See more:

http://mcphd.accountsupport.com/opiate-recovery/

Contact Us

For additional information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact the Macoupin County Recovery Center at 217-839-7200.

If you are in crisis, please seek immediate emergency medical assistance by calling 911 or reporting to the nearest emergency room.

Article from Macoupin County Health Department

« Go Back

Macoupin County Safe Families – Ending Violence Begins at Home

Domestic violence is destructive and can be both physical or psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different, domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. Examples include insults and threats, emotional abuse, and sexual coercion. Victims experience diminished self-worth, anxiety, depression, and a general sense of helplessness that can take time and often professional help to overcome.

Domestic violence is a crime and punishable by law. If you answer yes to any other following questions you may be a victim of domestic violence. Does my partner…

  • Hit, Slap, Shove, Kick, or Restrain Me?
  • Threaten to hurt me?
  • Call me names or insult me?
  • Become jealous if I talk or go places with other people?
  • Always have to know my whereabouts?
  • Blame alcohol or drugs as the reason for becoming angry and losing control?
  • Touch me without my permission or force me to have sex against my will?
  • Threaten to commit suicide if I leave the relationship?
  • Am I afraid of my partner? Do I avoid seeing friends and family because I’m afraid my partner will get angry?

Safe Families Program offers the following confidential services:

  • Domestic Violence Support
  • Support Services
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Referral Services
  • Prevention and Education
  • Women Support Group

Emergency Information

  • If you have been the victim of violence and need information, support, or emergency shelter, call 1-888-259-6364 or 1-217-415-4610
  • If you need immediate medical attention, contact your family physician or the emergency hospital nearest you.
  • If the police have been summoned to your home and you wish to report the incident but do not wish to press charges, call the hotline about seeking legal information 1-888-259-6364 or 1-217-415-4610

To Press Charges

  • Request that the officer at the scene file a police report.
  • Have photos of the injuries taken while they are most visible.
  • Contact the State’s Attorney about filing charges.

Safe Families Program Hotline 1-888-259-6364

Article from Macoupin County Health Department

« Go Back

Taking charge of your heart health

February 18, 2021

HSHS St. Francis Hospital provides healthy eating and exercise tips during American Heart Month

While there are some health risks that you may not have control over when it comes to heart disease, such as your family history, there are factors that you can positively affect to reduce your risk. Two main factors that you can affect are maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into your lifestyle.

Are you eating the right foods? Integrating moderate to vigorous exercise in your daily life? Although you might know eating certain foods and a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of heart disease, it’s often tough to change your habits.

During American Heart Month – a month dedicated to raising awareness about the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States – HSHS St. Francis Hospital and Prairie Heart Institute are committed to educating the public on how to lead a healthier lifestyle and keep hearts healthy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every four deaths is from heart disease and stroke. These conditions are also leading causes of disabilities which prevent people from working and enjoying family activities. However, changes in eating habits and adding in exercise can prevent or fight back against heart disease.

“Symptoms can vary widely for heart disease, and some heart disease goes undetected until a catastrophic event such as a heart attack or sudden death,” said Dr. Erbert Caceres, Prairie Heart Institute cardiologist. “That makes preventive measures all the more important. You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.”

Healthy Eating

Knowing which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit can start you on your way to a heart healthy diet.

Below are a few tips:

  • Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Limiting saturated and trans fats is the most important step you can take to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Choose low-fat protein sources. Lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products and egg whites are some of your best sources of protein. Beans and peas also are good sources of protein.
  • Eat more vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Vegetables and fruits also contain substances found in plants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease.
  • Select whole grains. Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. You can increase the amount of whole grains in a heart-healthy diet by making simple substitutions for refined grain products.
  • Reduce the sodium (salt) in your food. Eating a lot of sodium (salt) can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing sodium is an important part of a heart-healthy diet.
  • A broad range of heart-healthy recipes are available online at prairieheart.org/recipes.

Activity and Exercise

According to the American Heart Association, a healthy level of exercise for adults is at least 150 minutes per week (about 20 minutes a day) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week (about 10 minutes a day) of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. Any physical movement is good and burns calories, but aerobic or “cardio” activity gets your heart rate up and benefits your heart.

If you have a chronic condition or disability, talk with your health care provider about what types and amounts of physical activity are right for you before making too many changes. But if you have a relatively sedentary lifestyle, here are some simple ways to incorporate activity into your day to improve your heart health:

  • Go for a walk. The simplest way to get moving and improve your health is to start walking. It’s free, easy and can be done just about anywhere. Even walking in place can help.
  • Take the stairs. While the elevator may be easy to climb floors, it doesn’t make your heart rate climb. Take the stairs when you can, even if just a floor or two. And don’t just ride the escalator – climb it to increase your activity.
  • Add movement to your workday. If you have lots of phone calls on your cellphone throughout your day, try walking and talking, even if it’s just marching in place. If you sit at a desk, make a habit of standing up or moving every time you make or answer a phone call.
  • Stand rather than sit at work. Explore your options for using a standing desk or sit-stand desk riser. Try alternating sitting and standing throughout the day, while also taking walking and stretching breaks.

To learn more, visit American Heart Association.

Article from HSHS St. Francis Hospital

MENU