Press Releases
Year
Cold Weather Health Tips
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2011
Contact
Melaney Arnold (217) 558-0500
Kelly Jakubek (312) 520-5242
Cold Weather Health Tips
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.
Hypothermia is caused by a drop in body temperature to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or less and can be fatal if not detected promptly and treated properly. The condition usually develops over a period of time, anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Even mildly cool indoor temperatures of 60 degrees to 65 degrees F can trigger hypothermia. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk of hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include:
- Forgetfulness
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Weak pulse
- Slow heartbeat
- Very slow, shallow breathing
Do not give a hypothermia victim a hot shower or bath because it could cause shock and do not try to treat hypothermia at home. The condition should be treated in a hospital.
Dressing for the cold
If you need to be outside, the following suggestions will help keep you warm and protect your body from excessive heat loss.
- Wear several layers of lightweight clothing rather than one or two layers of heavy garments. The air between the layers of clothing acts as insulation to keep you warmer.
- Cover your head. You lose as much as 50 percent of your body heat through your head.
- Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves.
- Wear warm leg coverings and heavy socks or two pairs of lightweight socks.
- Wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes that give you maximum traction.
- Cover your ears and the lower part of your face. The ears, nose, chin and forehead are most susceptible to frostbite. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect the lungs from directly inhaling extremely cold air.
Shoveling
Cold weather itself, without any physical exertion, puts an extra strain on your heart so know your limits when shoveling snow, especially if you do not exercise regularly. If you have a history of heart trouble or any chronic health concerns, talk to your health care provider before shoveling snow. You should rest frequently and pace yourself when shoveling. Remember to lift the snow with your legs, not your back. If you use a snow blower, never use your hands to unclog the machine. If you become breathless, stop, go indoors and warm up before continuing. If you experience chest or arm pain or numbness, stop immediately and go indoors; you may need to call 911. Overexertion can cause sore muscles, falls and heart attacks.
Heating Safety
For people still needing to use alternative sources of heat, IDPH has the following reminders:
- Any heater that uses wood, coal, natural gas or kerosene produces carbon monoxide (CO), so adequate ventilation is essential.
- Never use a generator indoors, even with open doors or windows.
- Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors.
- Do not use a gas oven to heat your home.
You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes.
Symptoms of mild to moderate CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea and lethargy. Higher levels of CO exposure can cause fainting, confusion and collapse and if exposure continues, death can result.
Additional safety information is available on the state’s Ready Illinois Web site at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
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Learn to Make Better Health-Related Choices
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2011
Contact
Jennifer Jackson, Health Educator
(217) 531-2912
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Learn to Make Better Health-Related Choices
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 class.
“The only way to really improve the health of our children is to improve the health of our families. Parents can be great role models, and taking a class on healthy eating and active living together is a great start,” said Jennifer Jackson, Health Educator at CUPHD.
CUPHD will register one adult and one child per family on a first come, first served basis and the cost of the four-week program is $20.00. This program is open to residents of Champaign and Urbana. Classes will be offered at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign, on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:00 PM beginning February 8th.
For additional information or to register contact Jennifer Jackson at (217) 531-2912 or email
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Ian's Recalls Products Due To Risk Of Contamination By Listeria Bacteria
TO: Local Health Departments, Regional Offices of Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs
FROM: Bill Beaty, Division Chief
DATE: January 25, 2011
SUBJECT: Ian's Recalls Products Due To Risk Of Contamination By Listeria Bacteria
The Illinois Department of Public Health received the following recall notice. It is being forwarded for information purposes only. There is no action required.
Media Contact: Laura Kuykendall, 1-800-543-6637,
The following two products with the specific use-by dates and UPC codes listed are being recalled because they may have been distributed to retailers nationwide and sold in the frozen foods section of the supermarket:
- 8-ounce boxes of Ian’s Wheat Free, Gluten Free Mac and No Cheese with a use-by date of 26Aug2011 and UPC code 7-49512-43670-8 (372 packages impacted)
- 8-ounce boxes of Ian’s Wheat Free, Gluten Free French Bread Pizza with a use-by date of 28Aug2011 and UPC code 7-49512-91572-2 (120 packages impacted)
A total of 492 individual boxes are potentially affected. Consumers who purchased the above products with the specific use-by dates and UPC codes listed are asked to return the products to the place of purchase to receive a full refund. Products that do not contain the specific use-by dates and UPC codes listed are not affected by the recall, and can be used by consumers. Consumers with questions can contact Ian’s at 1-800-543-6637 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, or at
More information is available on the Ian’s website at www.iansnaturalfoods.com.
About Ian’s Ian’s offers an extensive line of great-tasting, better-for-you foods for families on-the-go. Ian’s creates and manufactures frozen entrees, fries, kids meals, breakfast foods, snacks and breadcrumbs. Ian’s also offers several food items designed with special dietary needs in mind. Today, Ian’s is based in Lawrence, Massachusetts and is a certified carbon neutral company through the Canadian GHG Challenge Registry.
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