Health

Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department conducts tetanus clinics

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Monday, May 16th, 2011, 12:44pm

Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department conducts tetanus clinics

Franklin County and Williamson County, IL (KFVS) - A walk-in tetanus clinic will be offered at both Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department locations on Wednesday, May 18.

One clinic is located at 8160 Express Drive in Marion, Ill. and the other is located at 403 East Park Street in Benton, Ill. The clinics will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The vaccine is available for those affected by flood waters, although the clinic says not everyone may need a dose at this time.

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IDPH: floodwater mosquitoes don't carry West Nile virus

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, May 13th, 2011, 5:49pm

IDPH: floodwater mosquitoes don't carry West Nile virus

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, weeks of rain and flooding in Southern Illinois are the perfect conditions for mosquitoes.

The department said within weeks, floodwater mosquitoes will appear, but they are rarely infected with the West Nile virus. However, as floodwater recedes into ditches, catch basins or other areas where water will sit stagnant, house mosquitos will appear and they are often infected with WNV.

“With the floodwaters and increasing temperatures, we’re going to start seeing increased mosquito activity,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “It is important to protect yourself against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent and taking other precautions.”

Last year 30 of Illinois' 102 counties had a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case.

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Franklin Co. launches earthquake preparedness campaign

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011, 3:45pm

Franklin Co. launches earthquake preparedness campaign

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency will highlight earthquake preparedness throughout the state for earthquake preparedness month in April.

FCEMA's Bureau of Emergency Prepardness will be launching a new program this month. It will include community speaking engagements, presentations and a new program that is designed to teach children how to prepare for an emergency.

The new program features Ready Rex, the last surviving dinosaur in Franklin County who will teach kids how to prepare.

FCEMA and the Benton Public Library will introduce Ready Rex at a presentation and town hall meeting on April 20 at 6 p.m. at the library.

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Red Cross blood drive in Benton

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011, 2:34pm

BENTON, MO (KFVS) - A blood drive with the Red Cross is scheduled for Benton on April 25.

The blood drive will be at the Elks Lodge located at 167 Industrial Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The American Red Cross is teaming up with NASCAR for the fourth year of Red Cross Racing, a donor rewards program designed to increase the number of donors and the number of times they donate.

Rewards members get points for different activitis like donating blood and/or platelets and recruiting other blood donors to join. The points can be exchanged for prizes such as limited edition die-cast cars, golf balls, computer bags and other merchandise.

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West Frankfort Dist. schools lunch menu

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, April 8th, 2011, 11:54am

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (KFVS) - Below is the lunch menu for schools in the West Frankfort school district for the week of April 11-15.

The schools include Franklin Community High School, Central Junior High School, Frankfort Intermediate School and Denning Elementary School.

Monday, April 11:

Breakfast- donuts and oatmean
Lunch- hot ham and cheese, green beans, mixed fruit and pudding

Tuesday, April 12:

Breakfast- eggs and toast
Lunch- hot dogs, baked beans, rosy applesauce and cookies

Wednesday, April 13:

Breakfast- biscuits, gravy and sausage
Lunch- chicken patty sandwich, peaches, baked fries and vanilla wafers

Thursday, April 14:

Breakfast- pancakes on a stick and fruit
Lunch- beef vegetable soup, grilled cheese and apple crisp

Friday, April 15:

Breakfast- muffins and fruit
Lunch- fis

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Ill. Dept. of Public Health to participate in health week

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Monday, April 4th, 2011, 12:52pm

Ill. Dept. of Public Health to participate in health week

ILLINOIS (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Health is participating in National Public Health Week April 4-10 with safety tips for each day of the week.

"We will find real change when we shift from a reactionary health system to one focused on preventative measures," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold said. "Many injuries are not accidents and can be prevented by taking action.”

"Safety is No Accident: Live Injury-Free" include each day this week focuses on preventing injuries in five different areas.

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Walk-in clinics offered for National Infant Immunization Week

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, April 1st, 2011, 10:41am

Walk-in clinics offered for National Infant Immunization Week

MARION AND BENTON, IL (KFVS) - The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Departments in Marion and Benton, Ill. will be offering walk-in immunization clinics for National Infant Immunization Week April 25-29.

The immunization week is an annual event to highlight the importance of immunizing infants and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs.

The health department will offer walk-in immunization clinics for children of all ages and at both clinics. The departments are located at 8160 Express Drive in Marion, Ill. and 403 East Park in Benton, Ill. They will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All children under 18 have to have a parent or guardian with them and an up-to-date immunization record is required.

National Infant Immunization Week is April 23-30.

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