FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2007

Contact
John Dwyer, Emergency Preparedness Planner
(217) 531-2932

Lori A. Holmes, Public Relations
(217) 531-2927

Equation for Disaster:  High Temperatures + High Humidity = High Risk for Heat Related Illness

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges the Public to Watch for Symptoms of Heat Related Illness in High Risk Populations Such as Children and the Elderly.

Champaign, IL – Summer is reportedly the time for “fun in the sun”, however when high temperatures combine with high humidity the “fun” may be short lived.  The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) urges the public to watch for the symptoms of heat related illness, and to take precautions to keep their families and communities safe.

Heat related illness can take many forms from a mild case of Heat Exhaustion to a more serious and life-threatening case of Heat Stroke.  Heat related illnesses occur when the body becomes unable to control its temperature.  The body’s temperature rises rapidly and the body losses its ability to perspire and cannot cool down.  Rising to temperatures of 106° F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, heat related illness can result in death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Signs & Symptoms of Heat Related Illness:

• An extremely high body temperature of 103° F or higher
• Red, hot and dry skin (no signs or perspiration)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing Headache
• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea

Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked car – even for a few minutes with the windows partially open.  The metal of the vehicle conducts and concentrates the intense heat and brain damage or even death can occur from the rapid rise of temperature in the vehicle.  Children, the elderly and pets are especially susceptible to heat related illness due to a variety of factors including but not limited to the inability to adjust to sudden changes in temperature, lack of access to adequate fluids, tendency to retain more body heat, and over activity or exertion leading to dehydration.

Precautions to Avoid Heat Related Illness:

• Stay hydrated. Drink at least 48-64 ounces of cool non-caffeinated and nonalcoholic beverages (caffeine & alcohol are diuretics and will increase dehydration).  Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Reduce the amount of activity in hottest parts of the day. If you must be active during those times, strive to take frequent breaks in a shady or cool area.
• Wear light colored and lightweight clothes.
• Take a cool shower or sponge bath if you being feeling over heated.
• Retreat to an air-conditioned environment if you begin feel overly warm. If you do not have air-conditioning, consider visiting a mall, grocery store or other public place to cool off.

If you or someone you know shows signs of a heat related illness, have someone call for medical assistance while you begin the cooling process:

• Take the person to an air-conditioned, cool or shady area.
• Cool the person rapidly by spraying with cold water form a shower or garden hose.
• Monitor the body temperature carefully until the temperature drops below 101° - 102° F.
• Give plenty or cool (not cold) non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Anyone can suffer a heat related illness.  CUPHD urges every one to take precautions in the summer heat, and to check on children and the elderly frequently.

For more information, please contact CUPHD at (217) 352-7961 or visit our website at www.c-uphd.org.

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Download 2007-08-09-Heat-Stroke-Danger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2007

Contact
Nikki Hillier, Program Coordinator
(217) 531-2916

Lori A. Holmes, Public Relations
(217) 531-2927

Champaign County Tobacco Prevention Coalition and Champaign-Urbana Smokefree Alliance to Celebrate Smokefree Illinois

Comprehensive Smokefree law to provide healthier environment for all Illinois Citizens

Champaign, IL – On Thursday, August 2, 2007 at 11:30am at Billy Barooz in Champaign, the Champaign County Tobacco Prevention Coalition (CCTPC) will celebrate a long awaited win for health advocates with the Champaign-Urbana Smokefree Alliance.  The Champaign-Urbana Smokefree Alliance was created as a result of initiatives taken on by CCTPC’s policy subcommittee.  Beginning January 1, 2008, Illinois will join the ranks of 21 other states in the nation that have laws that protect workers from second hand smoke.

Many attribute the success of Smokefree Illinois to the extraordinary efforts of groups such as the Champaign-Urbana Smokefree Alliance.  “The road to a Smokefree Illinois has been very challenging” said Nikki Hillier, Chair of the CCTPC.  “The CCTPC was devastated when Champaign-Urbana elected to partially rescind the city-wide smoking ordinance, but we continued to press for state-wide reform.  This new Smoke Free Illinois Act will undoubtedly result in a healthier environment for all our residents, and will exponentially reduce the number of second hand smoke related health issues.”

Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States.  It contains more than 4,000 chemicals and more than 69 carcinogens which are the leading causes of cancer, stroke, heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory ailments and even inner ear infections in children.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) realizes that the new Smokefree Illinois law will produce a new and potentially challenging atmosphere for individuals and businesses alike, and in partnership with CCTPC, will provide programming and educational opportunities for those in need.

As an additional service to those community members that have the desire to stop smoking, CUPHD offers smoking cessation programs such as “Freedom From Smoking” and “Break the Habit” to provide support and education where necessary.  Information regarding CUPHD’s smoking cessation program may be obtained by calling Jennifer Jackson at 217-531-2912.

For more information about other CUPHD programs and services, visit us on the web at www.c-uphd.org.

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Download 2007-08-01-Tobacco-Prevention-PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2007

Contact
Julie Pryde, Acting Public Health Administrator
(217) 531-5369 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Moves  All Operations To New Kenyon Road Facility

Champaign, IL—Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is moving to a new location at 201 West Kenyon Road.  Beginning Monday, July 30^th, all operations will be located at the new building. The main entrance will be located to the south of the building.  The Divisions of Infectious Disease, Maternal and Child Health, Dental, Health Promotion, Vital Records, Human Resources and such services as STD clinics, WIC, HIV testing, TB testing, Health Works, vision services, and immunizations will all be accessible through the south, main entrance.  Environmental Health will be located on the north side of the building, accessible from the small lot off of Kenyon Road.

“This is an exciting time for staff, clients, and our Board of Health”, said Julie Pryde, Acting Public Health Administrator.  “For the first time in over 12 years, CUPHD will have all staff and all services for Champaign and Urbana operating from the same building”.  “Our new building is much larger and much more client-friendly than our previous buildings”.  Services will still be offered through the Urbana Schoolbased Health Center, the Rantoul Satellite Clinic, and through the mobile outreach programs.

The new 99,000 square foot building, previously Colwell Systems, was purchased by CUPHD in August of 2006.  CUPHD has renovated 41,000 square feet for their operations.  In August, Child Advocacy Center will move into their leased space in the middle of the building.  Champaign County Christian Health Center will also be leasing exam rooms and offices in the Kenyon Road Facility.

All clinics and services will be operating on regular schedules out of the Kenyon Road facility.  There are several hundred parking spaces available so parking at public health will now be easy. The new building is easily accessible by car from Kenyon Road, just west of Neil Street, but it is not yet accessible by MTD bus service.    CUPHD is working with MTD and the City of Champaign to find options for those people who access public health services via MTD. The Colwell building was never set up for public use and currently has no sidewalks.  If you have questions, please call 352.7961 or check out the website at www.c-uphd.org.

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Download 2007-07-29-Move-to-Kenyon-PR