School Physical Requirements
The Illinois State Board of Education allows physicals to be completed up to one year prior to the start of school.
Please have these items with you and ready to present:
1. The parent’s/guardian’s current Stickney Township ID Card.
2. Your picture ID – Driver’s License or State ID.
3. Medicaid paperwork/insurance information.
4. Immunization record of person(s) to have physical exam (The exam cannot be completed without this information).
5. Physical Form with “To Be Completed and Signed by Parent” section completed (Do not complete any other section of the physical). This physical form is available on this website.
6. Please be familiar with and ready to answer questions concerning the medical history of the person getting the physical. You must know current medications, allergies, illnesses, etc.
7. There is no charge for the physical exam. However, there may be some minor charges associated with a need to complete the exam, so please be prepared. Cash and checks are the only accepted forms of payment.
8. Please note the area of the website that addresses “Echo Screenings”. This is a screening offered to those 14 years of age and older. This is recommended, so please read about this screening if your child is within this age range.
Be aware that the physical exam process is time consuming. We appreciate your patience due to the amount of paperwork, immunizations, lead testing and other tests that may need to be completed.
The Stickney Public Health District clinics operate on a fast track, triage protocol to attempt to accommodate as many clients as possible during clinic hours. Thank you for your cooperation. We hope to see you soon!
New Required Vaccine for Children
Due to recent pertussis outbreaks (also known as whooping cough), the Illinois Department of Public Health is requiring that all students 6th grade through 12th grade to be immunized with Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis). Please have your child immunized as soon as possible to ensure their health and the health of the community.
The Health District is ready to provide this vaccination for a reasonable fee. Checks and cash are accepted but not credit or debit cards. Don’t wait until the last minute. The clinics get exponentially busier as the new school year approaches - increasing your wait time!
Important! Bring your child’s up-dated immunization record. It is needed for this service to be completed.
Township Offers Cardiac Screening for Young Adults
On April 30, 2009, Robert Regalado, a member of the Reavis High School sophomore baseball team, returned home after practice complaining of a headache. A short time later, Robert was dead.
His mother, Laura Regalado later learned that Robert died of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, also known as HCM, a disease of the heart in which the muscle “hypertrophies” or thickens without any obvious cause. It is the leading cause of sudden death in athletes and young people.
Robert had undergone a basic physical before trying out for the team and was declared fit, but had he undergone an Echocardiogram, his condition might have been discovered. Hoping to save other young lives, Laura Regalado urged the Stickney Public Health Department to offer echocardiogram screening.
Frequently there are no signs and symptoms (asymptomatic) associated with HCM until sudden cardiac death. Sometimes there are mild symptoms. These include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness or fainting, or an uncomfortable awareness of the heart beat (palpitations). Some studies suggest there may be an inherited genetic trait associated with HCM. If any of these symptoms have been noted or if there is a family history of sudden death, be sure to inform your health care provider of these facts.
Since HCM is frequently asymptomatic until sudden cardiac death and is the leading cause of death in young athletes, an echocardiogram screening may help to identify those at risk. HCM can be detected with an echocardiogram with 80%+ accuracy. Detection of this condition is a key component in the prevention of sudden cardiac death.
An echocardiogram screening is a non-invasive ultrasound that is painless, easily tolerated, and quick — about a minute or two to perform. Stickney Public Health District schedules the procedure and will give you a time to return for the screenings. The screenings are performed by “Agape Global Outreach” which is a Chicago based company whose motto is “We Bring Health Care In Your Reach.”
The cost of the screening will be absorbed by the Stickney Public Health District during a promotional time period. Screenings will be routinely offered to high school students presenting for school and sports physicals, but are also available if the physical has already been completed for the 2011/2012 school year. Screenings are not completed at the time of a physical exam. If you have a high school student who wishes to have this screening completed, please call for an appointment. Screenings are performed at the north and south sites.
For appointments call:
Jackie/South, 708-424-9200
Melissa/North,708) 788-9100
This is a unique opportunity and a health benefit offered to Stickney Township residents.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I arrive for the screening?
You need to arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time to complete some paperwork.
Do I need a parent?
If you are not 18 years of age, you need to bring your parent or guardian. If your parent or guardian has completed power of attorney forms that are on file already, you may be accompanied by the appointed pre-authorized person on file.
What should I wear?
Please wear a button down shirt/blouse or a v-neck top so you will not have to disrobe for the screening.
Who gets the results of my health screening?
The results of your health screening will be mailed directly to the parent/guardian or adult receiving the screening directly. The Health District will also receive a copy for your records.
What is the expected wait time for the results?
You should receive screening information and results within 2 to 3 weeks. This allows adequate time for a board certified physician to review the screening , send their recommendation to Agape Global Outreach, and for Agape to prepare the information to be mailed.
Is this the same as a 2-D Echo?
No. This is a screening to measure the thickness of the heart muscle and is particularly useful in detecting HCM. The cost of this screening is $25 each (paid by Stickney Public Health District), where a 2D echo could run anywhere from $400 to $1200 when performed.
Better Health for $5.00 a Month? $60 a Year?
Did you know that many illnesses and/or chronic conditions can be treated for just $5 a month? Many pharmacies are participating in programs that allow their clients to purchase medication for just $5 per month. This allows many people the opportunity to literally change their lives for the better. Life changing medication that you may not have been able to afford in the past, may now be available at the $5 price. If you take medication, there may be a generic substitute comparable for your condition that is available at this price. If you need to take advantage of these programs being offered, talk to your physician or pharmacist. Most physicians support generic medications, especially if it may make a difference as to whether you continue to treat your condition. So… go ahead and take that step to a healthier you!
Don't Let High Blood Pressure Change Your Life!
Do you know your blood pressure numbers?
High blood pressure affects 1 in 4 adults. Many adults tend to develop high blood pressure with age, however, it is not considered a part of the healthy aging process. High blood pressure is a serious disease that increases the workload of the heart and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and even blindness. You may have heard high blood pressure referred to as the “silent killer” because many times there are no symptoms to indicate you have the disease. The only way to know you have high blood pressure is to check it regularly!
Factors outside of your control that contribute to high blood pressure include: race, heredity, and age. Factors that are within your control include: avoid obesity and maintain a health weight, avoid too much salt or “sodium” in your diet, limit alcohol intake, stop smoking, and have an active lifestyle which includes a regular exercise routine.
Please, feel free to come into any of the clinics and have a blood pressure evaluation. A single elevated blood pressure reading does not mean you have high blood pressure, but it is a sign that further evaluation is needed. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure the staff will work with you to gain control of the disease. If medication is needed, many pharmacies now offer medications for $5 per month. Since there is no charge to see the doctor at the clinics, this means you can gain control of your blood pressure and avoid heart disease, stroke or kidney disease for only $60 a year! Come in to see us soon!
Podiatry Services Available
Feet tired? Sore? Problematic?
Make an appointment to visit the podiatrist. There is a minimal fee or medicare billing is available. Don’t suffer needlessly.
All podiatry services are offered at the North location due to construction at the South location.
Please call (708) 424-9200 for more information or to schedule an appointment
Identifying and Understanding Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and
spinal cord. It can be caused by a number of infectious agents including
viruses and bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is often more severe than the
viral form.
Meningitis inhabits the mucosal membrane of the nose and throat, where it usually
causes no harm. Up to 5 – 10% of a population may be asymptomatic
(shows no symptoms) carriers. This serious, debilitating and life
threatening disease is spread by contact with nose and throat secretions of a
person carrying the bacteria, e.g., kissing, drinking from a shared glass or
straw, sharing eating utensils, coughing or sneezing directly into the face of
another person, etc.
Early signs and symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck
(except in infants), nausea, often vomiting, a purplish-red rash in some cases,
confusion or difficulties awakening from sleep. In infants, poor feeding,
extreme listlessness, irritability and sometimes vomiting may be the only symptoms
present.
Transmission of viral and bacterial meningitis can be prevented by raising the
level of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Persons should cover
their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and discard used tissues promptly. Wash
hands thoroughly following exposure to respiratory secretions, including handling
of soiled tissues and handkerchiefs. Persons should not share straws, cups, glasses,
water bottles, eating utensils, cigarettes, etc. Discouraging persons from
kissing infants or toddlers on the mouth also can help prevent the spread of
illness. Also, of primary importance, is proper hand washing technique. Wet
hands with soap and warm water. Rub hands vigorously for 10 to 20 seconds,
making sure you clean under fingernails. Rinse well under warm, running water.
When paper towels are available, use a paper towel to turn off the water faucet
and throw the paper towel away.
The Stickney Health Department has meningitis vaccines available at your request. Vaccinations
differ upon the age of the recipient. The HIB Vaccine is available starting at
age 2 months through 4 years of age. Starting at age 11, the vaccine for Meningitis
(Groups A,C, Y and W-135) is available. This last vaccine would give immunity
to the strain of meningitis in the Chicago area. Stickney Public Health Department
does have this vaccine in stock. It is also presently being offered to Chicago
residents through mass vaccinations in the City of Chicago.
Of course, the Chicago incident is a recent outbreak and deserves attention. However,
vaccine preventable diseases are not extinct as we have seen with other recent
outbreaks of whooping cough, measles, hepatitis, mumps, etc.. Protect yourself
and your family. Come in to the clinic, ask your family physician or visit
us online at www.stickneypublichealthdistrict.org to see if your immunizations
are up-to-date. We would hate to see any of you become ill, when prevention was
possible.
—Sharon Foy, R.N.
Director of Nursing..
Did You Know?
You can get many immunizations free through Stickney Public Health District programs? Congratulations if you and your children are up-to-date. Being vaccinated means that you have reduced your risk of illness if ever exposed to a dangerous disease. But, if you have delayed this important health detail, or have questions about immunization, please feel free to call or come in at your convenience. Stickney Public Health offers vaccinations for children, teens and adults.
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The Stickney Public Health District participates in the state’s “Vaccines
for Children Program” which translates to free vaccines for many infants
and individuals under the age of 18. Stickney Township offers a “Well
Child Clinic” every third Wednesday of the month. This is a great
time to get your child checked for growth and development and update immunizations. Since
this is a scheduled appointment for well children only, your child won't be exposed
to sick patients which may be the case during regular clinic hours. Call
Shar for any appointment at 708.424.9200.
• • •
Health physical season has already begun. Stickney Public Health Clinics have
a doctor available for school or work physicals Monday through Friday. If your child will be entering kindergarten, sixth grade, high school or college a physical will be required. Beat
the rush by coming in now. You may call ahead to be sure the doctor is
available, however, no appointments are taken.
Don’t forget about your child’s state required dental screenings for kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade. Screenings are available by appointment at the dental Central and North Sites. The dental trailer is located in Burbank, call 708-878-3828 for appointments and location.
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Seniors over the age of sixty can get help with grocery shopping, household chores, personal care or other activities of daily living through Stickney Township’s Community Care Program. For information call Teri at 708.424.9200.
• • •
If you need nursing assistance, Stickney Public Health District has nurses available to make free home visits. These nurses provide disease monitoring, medication management, referrals when necessary and general advice with the objective of assisting seniors to remain comfortable and independent in their homes as long as possible.
• • •
If an agent for the State’s All Kids Insurance Program assists you with the necessary forms, there is a higher rate of acceptance. Two agents at the South Township building (Burbank location) are ready to help you get the job done. Feel free to call 708.424.9200 and ask for Lynn or Shar to get your application.
