SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) – Health officials in Illinois have announced that  the week of October 23-29 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

According to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois has one the highest numbers of lead poisoning cases in the nation.

In observing Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, IDPH officials say they are working to raise awareness about the importance of testing children in homes for lead, and learning how to prevent exposure that can result in serious health effects.

The IDPH says around 3,300 of the state’s children had elevated blood lead levels in 2010.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said almost a quarter of a million children in the US have blood lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health.

According to IDPH, major sources of lead exposure among Illinois children are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in homes built before lead-based pai

(KFVS) - In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sam's Club announced they will be offering free women's health screenings.

On Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sam's Club Pharmacy will be offering all women, members and non-members, free and simple tests that check thyroid health.

“The estimated number of people with undiagnosed thyroid disease may be 10 percent. For women, the risk is even higher. A woman faces as high as a one in five chance of developing thyroid problems during her lifetime, and that risk increases with age and for those with a family history of thyroid problems,” said Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president, Sam’s Club Health and Wellness. “Our free thyroid screenings are a quick and easy way for women to make sure their bodies are functioning and will continue to function in a healthy way.”

The free screenings will include a TSH test, blood pressure and BMI tests.

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Health says Wednesday, September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global campaign to spread the word about rabies prevention.

The theme this year is "Working Together to Make Rabies History." It was founded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alliance for Rabies Control to bring people from around the world together.

“Rabies can be prevented through increased awareness and education about the disease, as well as pet vaccinations,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “Preventing and controlling rabies starts at the community level.  World Rabies Day is an excellent time to talk with a veterinarian about pet vaccinations and learn what animals typically transmit rabies and how to avoid them.”

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals.