Dear Community Resident:

This review reminds us of how common cancer actually is, not just in Winnebago County, but in developed countries in general. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death behind cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately one in three of us will develop cancer sometime in our lifetime. The risk of developing cancer typically increases with age, so everyone unfortunately as we age, will see more cancer in family, friends and co-workers.  

Because cancer is so prevalent it is essential to emphasize what can be done to reduce the risk of developing cancer (i.e. not smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, etc.) and to encourage age-appropriate recommended cancer screenings by gender. Early stages of cancer are typically more treatable and so early detection is vital.
 

Annual cancer mortality since 1998 has remained relatively level, averaging for Winnebago County between 562 to 597 deaths per year. This represents about 24% of all deaths in the County each year. Thirty-one percent of cancer deaths are considered premature (individuals <65 years of age) and the State of Illinois is about the same at 30%.   

One of the most helpful ways to evaluate cancer trends is to compare age-adjusted cancer incidence rates in our community to that of the State of Illinois. Fortunately, Illinois has a long-established, nationally recognized statewide cancer registry that tracks all newly diagnosed cases of cancer. The records on this extend from 1988 through 2009 (i.e. 22 years). The link provides a summary comparison (table by gender and race, 2005-2009) of age-adjusted cancer rates (all types of cancer together). This data suggests that Winnebago County versus the State cancer incidence is comparable, 473.0 to 491.4 per 100,000 population respectively (i.e. not substantially different).  

Child Passenger Safety Program

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States. The best way to protect children in a car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way. Child safety seats save hundreds of young lives every year, but proper use is vital. Child safety seats can significantly reduce the risk of death or injury in the event of a crash.

In FY12, with the support of a grant from IDOT/CPS, the Child Passenger Safety program at the Winnebago County Health Department was able to provide over 130 car seats to local families. With each car seat, staff provided information and installation education to the families. With an increase of grant funding of $9, 244.00 dollars for FY13, the program will be able to serve over 144 families with car seats, education and training.
To read the entire story click here. 

Winnebago County Health Department's Success Story In Reducing Childhood Lead Poisoning Exposure

This past summer, a two year old girl was screened for lead poisoning during a routine well child physical with her primary care provider. The results showed that her lead level was over 20 times the acceptable level. Because of her high blood lead level, she required inpatient treatment to bring her blood lead level to a non-life threatening degree.

When a child has an above acceptable level, the Winnebago County Health Department will conduct an environmental inspection and provide case management services.

Upon receiving this report, a Winnebago County Health Department lead inspector and lead case manager contacted the child's mother and scheduled an appointment at the child's home for the very next day.

During the home visit, a child assessment was conducted along with an environmental investigation. It was determined that the home had a number of lead hazards, notably the lead-based paint on the windows of the home. The mother reported that her daughter had been seen peeling paint from the window casings and ingesting it. For the entire story, click here.