A week from Tuesday, I will be presenting the annual State of the County address to the McHenry County Board. In the tradition of State and the Federal Government, the County Board Chairman gives an annual address to the Board on the condition of the County. The speech will include what the County has achieved over the last year and what the County is planning on accomplishing in 2012.

McHenry County will continue its commitment to conservative fiscal management while providing superior services for our residents in 2012.  We believe our financial stewardship serves as a model for the sensible and effective management of County government. It is these qualities that make McHenry County a leader, and will allow us to thrive in 2012.

Sincerely, 

In recognition of February's American Heart Month, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will offer a cardiovascular screening on Saturday, February 11, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd Street, Woodstock. The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment.  Call MCDH for an appointment at 815-334-4536.  The cost is $35.00.    

Certain conditions - high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes - as well as some lifestyle factors such as being a smoker, being overweight and lack of exercise can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease.  Everyone can take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing these risk factors. For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/what_you_can_do.htm.

February 3 is National Wear Red for Women Day

"Make it your mission to fight heart disease" 

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the American Heart Association (AHA) on Friday, February 3rd in its nationwide campaign "Go Red for Women" to encourage awareness and support of women and heart disease. "Go Red" challenges women to know their risks for heart disease and to take action. Anyone can participate by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, scarf, tie or Red Dress pin.    

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the #1 killer of women 20 years and older at a rate of one woman every minute. Effective prevention strategies are needed to limit the growing burden of CVD.  According to a January 4, 2011 policy statement published in the Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the cost to treat heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030.  "Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy environments have contributed to a tidal wave of risk factors among many Americans," said Nancy Brown, American Heart Association CEO. "Early intervention and evidence-based public policies are absolute musts to significantly reduce alarming rates of obesity, hypertension, tobacco use and cholesterol levels."

Show your commitment to improving health and saving lives. Wear Red on February 3rd. For more information, visit the American Heart Association's website at www.goredforwomen.org.