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Depending on the requirements set by the state in which you are employed, you may be required to obtain ACLS certification or PALS certification (Pennsylvania requirements may vary from Illinois’, for example). Your location may also determine how your healthcare training is used on a day-to-day basis. Like any other state, Illinois faces a unique set of health issues that medical professionals must be prepared to handle. Here are five health trends that Illinois healthcare providers should know.

Health risks due to obesity – The United States is facing an ongoing increase in obesity rates, a trend to be aware of as a healthcare provider with ACLS certification. Illinois is consistent with the national rate, with 63 percent of the population designated as overweight or obese, according to StateHealthFacts.org. Obesity can lead to serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

Heart disease – Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults. Healthcare providers will learn many of the skills needed to manage the outcomes of heart disease in ACLS recertification. Illinois, in 2007, had a death rate of 193 per a 100,000 population, which was slightly above the U.S. rate for that year. Chronic heart disease puts individuals at higher risk for heart attack and other conditions that may require emergency care.

Diabetes – IL currently ranks 26th in the country for the most diagnosed cases of diabetes. In 2008 alone, 2,839 deaths in Illinois were the result of diabetes. An individual’s risk for developing diabetes is dramatically increased by being overweight or obese, and can lead to additional health problems. 

Unintentional injuries – Unintentional injury is one of the leading causes of death among adults. According to the IL Department of Health, there were 4,173 unintentional injuries resulting in death in 2008. Motor vehicle crashes accounted for nearly 30 percent of those accidents, which is consistent with the national average for that year. 

Occupational injury – In comparison to other states, a higher frequency of job-related injuries may be seen by healthcare providers with ACLS certification. Illinois has the 5th highest death rate for occupational injury in the U.S. with 203 deaths in 2010. This is partially due to the number of higher-risk occupations in the state (e.g. farming, ranching and logging).

Health Ed Solutions and ACLS Certification/ACLS Recertification: Illinois

Health Ed Solutions offers online courses in ACLS certification and ACLS recertification (Illinois healthcare professionals may be required to maintain this certification). HES also provides online PALS certification courses. Learn more about ACLS and PALS certification courses, and ACLS and PALS online recertification at HealthEdSolutions.com.