Health

IDPH releases 4th of July, summer safety health tips

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Saturday, June 30th, 2012, 10:00am

IDPH releases 4th of July, summer safety health tips

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is offering Fourth of July and summer safety health tips to help avoid injury and illness.

Food Safety - for cookouts and picnics, temperature is key to avoiding food-borne illness.

Use a meat thermometer to make sure all meat and poultry are properly cooked. Ground beef hamburgers to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and hot dogs to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
Use a clean plate when taking food off the grill
Keep hot food hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit or above), and cold food cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or below)
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours

IDPH says the symptoms of most food poisoning include severe cramps, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and blood diarrhea. Symptoms can begin from 30 minutes to three or more days after eating contaminated food. If food symptoms are severe or last longer than two days, contact a doctor or health care provider.

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Cooling Centers available in Union Co., throughout Southern Ill.

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, June 29th, 2012, 3:35pm

Cooling Centers available in Union Co., throughout Southern Ill.

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn announced Monday there will be services available throughout the state to protect people from the heat.

The Governor also encouraged residents to check on family members and neighbors who are vulnerable to hot weather, including the elderly and children.

“Rising temperatures like those we’re expecting in the days ahead can be extremely dangerous, especially for elderly residents and children,” Governor Quinn said. “I urge people to take steps to stay safe and cool. If you have children, or elderly neighbors or relatives, please check on them regularly to make sure they are safe.”

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Red Cross has some safety tips to keep in mind for the 4th of July holiday

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012, 10:27am

Red Cross has some safety tips to keep in mind for the 4th of July holiday

(KFVS) - The American Red Cross is sharing some safety tips for Independence Day.

The holiday is just around the corner and many people will visit the lake, enjoy fireworks or fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue.

“The American Red Cross wants everyone to have a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday, and taking a few simple steps to stay safe can help ensure that this will be an enjoyable holiday for all,” said Nigel Holderby, Red Cross Chief Communications Officer.

LAKE SAFETY: If swimming in the lake is part of someone’s holiday plans, they should check the weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day, swim only within the designated swimming area and obey all safety rules. Avoid alcohol before and during any water activities and make sure to never swim alone.

Other tips to keep in mind:

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Red Cross offers signs of, safety tips for heat-related emergencies

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Monday, June 25th, 2012, 10:42am

Red Cross offers signs of, safety tips for heat-related emergencies

(KFVS) - The American Red Cross is urging residents to take precautions against the heat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 400 Americans die each year due to summer's sweltering heat. In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

The Red Cross says everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. People with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Amy, Kaleigh, Craven and Gaven stay cool in Bertrand (Source: cNews)

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Tips on how to stay safe as the heat builds

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Sunday, June 24th, 2012, 12:00pm

Tips on how to stay safe as the heat builds

(KFVS) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is reminding people to take steps to protect themselves as the heat builds

As the first major heat wave of the summer engulfs the continental United States, health experts are urging people to take special precautions when dealing with scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity.

One of the most important things to do is to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Sports drinks that contain electrolytes such as sodium and potassium with small amounts of glucose may help to combat dehydration, Glatter noted, but caffeinated beverages and products with high amounts of sugar can worsen dehydration.

Because children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, they should be checked on often and encouraged to drink lots of fluids, he added.

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Boil water order issued for Dongola

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, May 31st, 2012, 10:59am

DONGOLA, IL (KFVS) - The Village of Dongola has issued a boil water order Thursday for all customers until further notice.

They say the boil order was issued because of a water main break.

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IDPH acting director shares his vision for future of public health

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, 11:59am

IDPH acting director shares his vision for future of public health

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Acting Director shared with local Murphysboro officials his vision for the future of public health, eliminating health disparities and chronic disease, and providing greater access to healthcare in Illinois.

Acting Director LaMar Hasbrouck also mentioned Gov. Pat Quinn's $1-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax as an effective way to close the $2.7 billion Medicaid deficit and improve health benefits statewide by curbing the number of smokers.

“Local health departments are the front lines of public health and are our strongest allies in the effort to address and eliminate health disparities, provide access to quality health care and improve the overall health of Illinois residents,” said Dr. Hasbrouck.

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