Next Week's Calendar
of Events:

Welcome

Coming up in this week's issue of The Focus you'll find:

FHN Offering Two Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinics

FHN is offering an easy, convenient drive-through seasonal flu shot clinic. "If your last flu shot was before June 1, 2024, you need a new one for the coming season," said FHN Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CIC.

This year's public drive-through flu shot clinic is Oct. 12, 8 - 10 a.m.; FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills.

Adults under 65 years of age will get a trivalent vaccine that protects against three strains of influenza for $35. Persons 65 and over will receive a high-dose version of the three-strain vaccine ($85).

Immunizations may be paid for by cash, credit card, or check payable to FHN. Per government regulations, no Medicaid cards can be accepted at these events. Receipts will be available to submit to individuals' healthcare insurance provider for reimbursement.

There will be no out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location - covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for the billing process).

Please note that these prices are only available at this flu shot clinic; other rates may apply in FHN offices.

Children cannot receive their flu shot at the drive-through clinic, but FHN provider offices will have appropriate dosages for pediatric patients as well as for adults.

Because of federal guidelines to prevent identity theft, everyone must present a photo ID to receive an immunization. Participants are asked to wear a shirt or top that makes their upper arm easily accessible.

Persons with allergy to eggs or the flu vaccine, those with an illness accompanied by a fever or depressed immune system should not receive the flu immunization at these locations. For more information, call FHN Community Services at 815-599-7437.

For more information on FHN's flu shot clinic and how you can avoid the flu, visit www.fhn.org/flu2024.

FHN Specialists Share ‘Slice of Time – and Pizza’

FHN’s popular “A Slice of Time – and Pizza – Just for You” event will return with another free event for women in October.

From 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14 at Cannova’s Italian Cuisine, 1101 W. Empire Street in Freeport, women from across northwest Illinois are invited to enjoy some pizza and conversation about health with FHN team members.

FHN Otolaryngologist Terry Donat, MD, FACS, FICS will discuss the modern understanding of hygiene goals for the nose, paranasal sinuses, and external ear canals and ENT capabilities at FHN.

New FHN Podiatrist Sherjeel Hassan, DPM, will talk about current trends in podiatry and services available at FHN.

New FHN Breast Health Nurse Navigator Krystle Lang, BSN, RN is the special guest of the evening, and will share insights into her role at FHN and its impact on breast health.

Members of the FHN team will be on hand to answer questions, and each attendee will receive a special goodie bag. The event is free to attend, but registration is required, and the limited number of seats fill up fast.

For more information or to register, visit www.fhn.org/sliceoftime.

Rx Renewal Available on MyFHN

FHN Career Corner

There are many career opportunities within FHN. If you or someone you know is interested in new challenges go to our Career page, displaying the latest open positions.

Help Spread the News: We’re Here, For You!

We have a lot to be proud of at FHN, from our talented, dedicated staff to the many advanced capabilities we offer our patients. We’re working hard every day to be sure we provide excellent care to our patients.

Each week, look to the Focus for good news to share about FHN in the form of downloadable flyers you can print and post or hand out to patients who may be interested. Also look for links to our most recent radio interviews and past interviews to listen to and recommend to others. Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook! Please encourage patients, friends, and family to also take advantage of these FHN information resources. Thanks for your help in promoting FHN!

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion and Worldwide Health

October is …
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Health Literacy Month
Healthy Lung Month
Home Eye Safety Month
Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
National ADHD Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Physical Therapy Month
Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month

Weeks to Note:
October 6 – 12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week            
October 6 – 12 is National Primary Care Week   
October 6 – 12 is National PA Week        

October 12 – 20 is Bone and Joint Health Action Week

October 13 – 19 is International Infection Prevention Week

Days to Note:

October 10 is World Mental Health Day 

October 10 is World Sight Day   

October 11 is International Day of the Girl

October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day

October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

October 15 is World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

October 16 is World Food Day   

The United States observes Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. In 1945, in an effort to assist disabled veterans, Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In the 1970s, a historic shift in disability public policy occurred. For the first time, the exclusion of people with disabilities was viewed as discrimination. The efforts of disability activists led to significant changes in laws, such as the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990 and the designation of a full month to recognize the potential of America’s millions of working-age people with disabilities.

Canada observes Women’s History Month in October. Established in 1992 by the Government of Canada, this special month provides an opportunity to learn more about women’s historic accomplishments and their contributions to Canadian society.

In the United Kingdom, October is Black History Month. In Britain, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987 as part of African Jubilee Year. The decision to make this an annual event each October was endorsed by the Association of London Authorities. It has since grown to recognize and embrace the contributions and traditions of other Black communities.

Canada observes Latin American Heritage Month in October. Proclaimed by the Parliament of Canada on June 21, 2018, this month is an opportunity for Canadians to recognize the valuable contributions of members of the Latin American community to the country’s social, economic, political, and cultural fabric.

The Hindu celebration of Navratri on October 3. It means nine nights, beginning on the new moon and ending on Dussehra. It is dedicated to the goddess Durga, who had 9 incarnations and has the power of good to destroy demons.

During the Chung Yeung Festival on October 11 in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, families visit the graves of their ancestors.

In Thailand, October 11 is Chulalongkorn Day, which commemorates the birth of Rama V, a progressive ruler who lived in 1868 – 1910.

The people of Mexico and Argentina observe Dia de la Raza on October 12. The Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity in many South American countries celebrates the Hispanic influence and Latino heritage in the Americas.

Brazilians celebrate Nassa Senhora de Aparecida on October 12. In 1717, a group of Brazilian fishermen pulled up a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, which was followed by an abundant catch after a fruitless fishing day. They enshrined the statue and in 1929, the nation declared Nassa Senhora de Aparecida the Patroness of Brazil.

October 12 is Yom Kippur for those of the Jewish faith. The Day of Atonement is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. They believe that once you atone for your mistakes, you can be at one with God. Jews do not work and fast from sunset to sunset for Yom Kippur.

The Zoroastrian Gahambar Ayathrem celebration is held October 12 – 16, celebrating the creation of life.

Hindus and the people of Nepal observe Dussehra on October 12. Dussehra means the tenth and celebrates the triumph of Lord Ram over the demon Ravan, who stole his wife, Sita. The great Hindu epic poem, the Ramayana, is read and enacted, called Ram Lila. A big effigy of Ravan is burned, accompanied by fireworks. In Nepal it is called Dashain and is a major holiday.

Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving Day on October 14. Early Canadian settlers give thanks for good harvests by decorating their churches with fruits and vegetables and celebrated dinner with venison and waterfowl.

October 14 is Indigenous Peoples Day in the United States. Many cities are replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the country’s Native American heritage.

Health-Sports Day, or Taiiku no hi, is celebrated October 14 in Japan. It’s a national holiday held annually on the second Monday in October. It commemorates the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics being held in Tokyo, and exists to promote sports and an active lifestyle.

Buddhists observe Pavarana on October 16. Buddha went into intensive practice during the rainy season. This holiday marks the end of the retreat.

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