UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - On Sunday, Governor Pat Quinn encouraged Illinois residents to take preventive action during the extremely hot weather to stay safe, cool and avoid heat-related illnesses.

Gov. Quinn urged residents to take advantage of services available from the Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Everyone is urged to check on those most vulnerable to the heat including the elderly and children.

"High heat and humidity can lead to serious health problems, particularly for the elderly and young children," said Governor Quinn. "It’s extremely important for people to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and take action to prevent becoming sick from the heat.

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold announced Thursday hospitals in Illinois have reported fewer health care-associated infections in 2010 compared to 2009.

The IDPH analyzed central line-associated bloodstream infection data as part of the Illinois Hospital Report Card, and found more than 75 percent of Illinois hospitals had the same number or fewer infection cases in 2010 than in 2009.

They say in 2009, 383 bloodstream infections were reported in adult intensive care units in Illinois and 282 were reported in 2010.

“Although results are only for two years, they indicate a significant step forward in the prevention of infection and protection of Illinois patients,” said Dr. Arnold. “Hospital surveillance of infections and public reporting on the Illinois Hospital Report Card Web site play key roles in prevention efforts.

ANNA, IL (KFVS) - Veterans with Alzheimers Disease or dementia and their families can now enjoy a sensory garden.

The Illinois Deaprtment of Veterans' Affairs opened its first ever sensory gard at the veterans' home in Anna Tuesday.

Experts say flowers and running water stimulate the senses for those with dementia, allowing them to exercise their memory as they escape distraction in a calming environment.

"In a facility of any size, you can't always give as much individual attention to each veteran as you would like and this gives us a safe space that multiple veterans can use at the same time," said Jennifer Hall, facility administrator.

Nearly 80 percent of the patients at the home suffer from some form of dementia.

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