Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Participates in the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Program

Champaign, IL - On April 28, 2011, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will participate in a national public education program, Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work®. This year's theme is "Invent the Future". According to the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Foundation, more than 35 million youth and adults participate at over 3 million workplaces each year.

This will be the seventh year for CUPHD to participate in this interactive program. Over 20 children, ranging in age from 4-16, will join their CUPHD parents at work to participate in this annual event. The day will begin with a healthy breakfast and an agency tour with the Administrator, Julie Pryde. In addition to a "business lunch", the group will participate in activities including hand washing, Petri dish experiments, dental health, physical activity, and... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Supports Water Fluoridation

Champaign, IL - Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reduced the optimal levels of recommended fluoride in drinking water to 0.7 parts per million, fluoride remains the most cost-effective way to combat tooth decay. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) Children's Dental Clinic continues to support water fluoridation and encourages both children and adults to drink tap water to help prevent decay. Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in most water supplies. It helps improve the quality of life through less tooth decay; reduced time lost from school and work; and less money spent to restore, remove, or replace decayed... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Helps Teachers to Model Healthy Behaviors for Students

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is helping schools in Champaign County implement CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health). The CATCH program is a multi-component program that promotes positive healthy behaviors in students and emphasizes the need for a healthy lifestyle to improve both living and learning. A coordinated approach to promoting wellness involves modeling healthy behaviors. In order to model those behaviors, area CATCH schools have challenged each other to change their behavior for the better. Fisher Grade School, Thomasboro Grade School, Unity West Elementary School, and Carrie Busey Elementary School are competing in the first-ever CATCH Staff Challenge: A New Year A New... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Kicks Off a New Wellness Program

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is getting ready to kick off a new wellness program focused on activity and healthy food choices for families. "Let's Get It Started" is a new four-week program that educates families on how to plan, purchase, prepare, and enjoy healthier meals as well as develop active living plans together and set and monitor goals as a family.

During the program, participants will learn about Go, Slow and Whoa foods, label reading, portion control, and different types of physical fitness. One of the four classes will include a grocery store tour. In addition, CUPHD will be working with the U of I Extension who will be performing cooking demonstrations during each class and the families will be able to prepare and eat the food during... more...

From the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The dangers of cold weather and how to stay warm
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - As Illinois recover from this week's snowstorm, the state now faces bitterly cold temperatures. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds people of the health dangers of extreme low temperatures and tips on how to stay warm.

Frostbite/Hypothermia
Without heat, exposure to cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and/or hypothermia. Parts of the body most commonly affected by frostbite include the face, ears, hands and feet. Frostbitten skin is whitish and stiff, and the area will feel numb rather than painful. To treat frostbite, warm the affected part of the body gradually. Wrap the frostbitten area in blankets, sweaters, coats, etc. and seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub frostbitten areas because the friction can damage the tissue.

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From the Illinois Department of Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 24, 2011 - Ian's is voluntarily recalling specific lot numbers of two products due to a risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short- term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

For all of the details read the full press... more...

From the Illinois Department of Public Health.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 12, 2011 - Barry Callebaut USA LLC is conducting a voluntary recall on its product sold by Kroger Stores under the brand "Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips", 12 oz., UPC Code is 11110-86603 as the product may contain undeclared milk protein.

The "Best By" date is found printed in black on the end of the back of the bag. The following "Best By" dates are affected by this voluntary recall: People with allergies or severe sensitivity to milk protein may be at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

November 20, 2012
December 1, 2012
December 3, 2012
December 4, 2012

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From the IDPH,

Not too late to get a flu shot

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting flu activity has increased to the "regional level", meaning many regions in Illinois are reporting recent laboratory confirmed influenza. The most recent surveillance data shows an increase in influenza activity in Illinois, but the flu is not yet widespread.

"Although each influenza season is unpredictable, we typically see the peak in January and February," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. "It is not too late to get a flu shot. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, and those around you, from getting influenza and potentially becoming sick for a week or... more...

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Everyone to Get Tested.

Champaign, IL - Annually, December 1st is observed as World AIDS Day in an effort to raise awareness of the global impact of HIV/AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States and 33.4 million worldwide. More than 18,000 people with AIDS die each year in the... more...

An estimated 9,320 women in Illinois will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Governor Pat Quinn today declared October 2010 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Illinois to educate women about breast cancer and the importance of early detection through mammography. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women. The Illinois State Cancer Registry projects 9,320 women in Illinois will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and an estimated 1,880 women in Illinois will lose their life to breast cancer this... more...