Press Releases
Year
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2011
Contact
Cathy Propst, IBCCP Program Coordinator
(217) 531-2916
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Women to Get a Mammogram for Early Detection
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) offers support of the State of Illinois’ proclamation setting forth October 2011 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 21, 2011 as Mammography Day. A mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer and early detection can result in successful treatment.
According to Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early detection through screening is the best defense against morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. Breast cancer is second to skin cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Breast cancer is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The encouraging news is breast cancer is curable if found in the earliest stages. The 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer detected early is 98 percent. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage, an average of 1 to 3 years before a woman can feel a lump.
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), provided through CUPHD, will hold enrollment days throughout the month of October supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. IBCCP assists women who are without insurance between the ages of 35-64. CUPHD serves the Champaign, McLean and Vermilion County areas. When enrolling in the program, participants will be required to bring proof of age and income to complete the process.
Upcoming enrollment days include:
Champaign County – Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Frances Nelson Health Center
819 W. Bloomington Road, Champaign
8:30 AM – Noon; 1:00 – 4:30 PM
McLean County – Wednesday, October 26, 2011
John M. Scott Health Resources Center (new location for this event)
607 S. Gridley, Bloomington
9:00 AM – Noon; 1:00 – 3:30 PM
Vermilion County – Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Aunt Martha’s Vermilion Area Community Health Center
614 N. Gilbert Street, Danville
8:30 AM – Noon; 1:00 – 3:30 PM
Routine mammograms and breast exams, including monthly self exams and annual exams by a physician, can detect cancer early and can provide women with better treatment options and results.
Ways to help lower the risk of getting breast cancer include:
- Stay physically active by getting regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or find out the risks and benefits of HRT and if it is right for you.
- Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.
For more information on IBCCP services and eligibility requirements, call (217) 373-9281 or toll free at 877-811-0193.
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Additional Cats Test Positive for Tularemia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2011
Contact
Awais Vaid, Epidemiologist
(217) 531-5360
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Additional Cats Test Positive for Tularemia
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Citizens to be Keep Cats Indoors to Help Minimize Tularemia
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is encouraging area residents to keep cats indoors to reduce the likelihood of contracting tularemia. An additional two cats have been confirmed to test positive for tularemia; one cat from Champaign and one from Urbana. Three cats from two households in Savoy were previously diagnosed with tularemia at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine in July and September.
Four of the five cats have either died or been euthanized due to the onset of the disease. Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis found in animals (especially rodents, rabbits and hares).
Cats may prey on rabbits and rodents and become infected or they may become infected through tick exposure. Cats may develop a variety of symptoms including high fever, mouth ulcers, depression, enlarged lymph nodes and behavioral changes including not eating. Persons whose cats have contact with the outdoors should take their pet into the veterinarian if they should develop these symptoms.
People may also contract tularemia developing sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, joint pain, muscle aches, cough and weakness if they become infected with tularemia. People can become infected by handling pets or wild animals with tularemia, being bitten by ticks or by inhaling the organism. If you develop symptoms of tularemia see your health care provider.
To reduce the chances that your cat will become infected:
- Do not allow your cat to hunt outdoors
- Consult with your veterinarian to make sure your cat is protected from tick bites
- Report any unexplained large die-offs of rodents or rabbits to your local animal control
To reduce the chance that you or your family members will become infected:
- Wear tick protection when outdoors
- Do not mow over sick or dead animals
- Do not handle wild animals
- Cook wild game meat thoroughly before eating and use gloves when handling the animal and preparing the meat for cooking
- Take any pet with symptoms of tularemia to the veterinarian
If you have questions about tularemia in humans, please contact Awais Vaid, Epidemiologist, with CUPHD at (217) 531-5360 or your health care provider. If you are a cat owner or have questions about tularemia in animals, please contact your veterinarian. Visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/tularemia/facts.asp or http://www.avma.org/public_health/biosecurity/tularemia_facts.aspfor additional information.
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September is National Preparedness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2011
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
September is National Preparedness Month
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Citizens to Take Part during National Preparedness Month
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is encouraging citizens to take time during National Preparedness Month and prepare for potential disasters. A disaster can strike at any time and being prepared is the best way to help protect yourself and your family.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) recommends that all households have at least a three-day supply of food and water stored in their homes; one to two weeks is preferred if ample storage space is available. An emergency preparedness stockpile should contain drinking water, at least one gallon per person per day, non-perishable food supplies that are not high in salt, household emergency supplies such as a flashlight, portable radio, batteries and a manual can opener and medical supplies including prescription medications and a first aid kit. Don’t forget about extra supplies for pets too. Keep extra food, water and medications for pets as well.
Keep items in a place where you won’t “borrow” from the stockpile. A cool, dark place is ideal but don’t store food close to any solvents or cleaners. Keep supplies together in a box or plastic bin to avoid pests and humidity. Check your supplies once or twice a year. The APHA is encouraging the public to check their supplies through a Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign. It is recommended to check your supplies when the clocks change for daylight savings time. Check expiration dates and physically examine contents.
Creating an emergency kit doesn’t have to be expensive. Simply purchase one or two extra items each time you go to the store. Another option is to buy bulk products and split the cost with a family member, friend or co-worker.
For more preparedness information, visit any of the following websites:
www.aphagetready.org
www.stock2forflu.com
www.getreadyforflu.org/clocksstocks
www.c-uphd.org
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