Health

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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Wednesday is "National Walk@Lunch Day"

Submitted by Steve Pobst on Monday, April 23rd, 10:56 am

(KFVS) - The 5th Annual National Walk@Lunch Day will be Wednesday, April 25.

National Walk@Lunch Day is created to improve personal health and decrease the costs of health care for employers and employees.

The goal is to make Nationa Walk@Lunch Day the start of a new daily walking routine for participants.

Participants are encouraged to bring or wear comfortable shoes and take a walk at lunch, rain or shine.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the cost to treat illness and chronic disease caused by inactive lifestyles in nearly $1,000 for every family in America, every year.

They say simply getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk at least five times a week, has significant health benefits, lowering the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and improving the health of muscles, bones and joints.

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New immunization requirements for next school year

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Friday, April 20th, 2012, 10:11am

New immunization requirements for next school year

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - Now may be the time to start thinking about shots for the next school year.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, National Infant Immunization Week is April 21-28.

State health officials say that Illinois students entering the 6-9th grades next school year (2012-2013) will be required to have a school physical and show proof of receiving Tdap vaccine. Otherwise, students must have an appointment to get the vaccine or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file.

According to state health officials, students who don’t get the required shots will not be allowed to attend school.

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IDPH encourages discussion, testing during National STD Awareness Month

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012, 3:00pm

IDPH encourages discussion, testing during National STD Awareness Month

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to discuss sexual health and get tested during National STD Awareness Month in April.

According to the IDPH, nationwide, there are an estimated 19 million new STD infections annually with nearly half of all cases occurring in young people aged 15 to 24. They say Illinois ranks in the top 10 in the nation for the number of reported cases for the two most common STDs: gonorrhea and chlamydia.

“Most STDs are treatable and many are curable. Early detection through testing is key, and increased screening, especially among high-risk populations, is critical to detect and treat infections, some of which are asymptomatic,” said IDPH Acting Director Dr. Arthur Kohrman. “We are fortunate in Illinois to be able to provide access to comprehensive information about STDs, as well as clinics to get tested.”

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New 911 ambulance service to begin in Franklin County

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Sunday, April 15th, 2012, 2:00pm

New 911 ambulance service to begin in Franklin County

BENTON, IL (KFVS) - Abbott EMS of Illinois will provide 911 advanced life support and non-emergency ambulance services for Franklin County beginning Monday, April 16 at 12:01 a.m., according to Abbott.

The ambulance service is for residents and visitors of Franklin County, excluding Frankfort and Denning townships, served by the West Frankfort Fire Department.

The contract was signed on March 21 which the EMS service says called for a 90-day transition period for new service to begin.

The date was moved up after the current provider announced they would cease service in 30 days, according to Abbott.

According to Abbott, they have added new ambulances and a computer aided dispatch system that has an automatic vehicle locator system. Abbott says dispatchers will be able to see the location of every ambulance, and this will shorten response times.

Five years is the initial contract terms for the service.

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Parents encouraged to do more outdoor activities with children

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, April 12th, 2012, 3:37pm

Parents encouraged to do more outdoor activities with children

(KFVS) - The University of Illinois Extension is encouraging parents to take children outside and enjoy the outdoors.

"Playing outside is not only a physically healthy activity, but is good for the overall wellbeing of the child," said Youth Development Educator Michelle Bisel.

Bisel said playing outdoors stimulates the senses and is important to the development of children. She said some studies even state that there are negative affects to a child who is not exposed to nature.

According to U of IE, some possible nature activities this spring include:

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