FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2008

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

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

CUPHD Offers FREE Wellness Workshop  for Local Women!

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Have Women’s Wellness Workshop to Celebrate National Women’s Health Week and Help Increase Healthy Habits of Local Women

Champaign, IL – On Thursday, May 15, 2008, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will be offering a FREE Women’s Wellness Workshop from 5:45pm – 8:00pm at 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL  61820.  This workshop will feature a variety of professional speakers, instructors and vendors from all facets of women’s health.  Participating women will be eligible for FREE exercise classes, blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, door prizes and much more.  The first 100 women attending will receive a free gift compliment of CUPHD.  Women are encouraged to register by calling 217-531-2914.  Registration forms will also be available at the door.

“The women of today are busier than ever before,” said Nikki Hillier, Program Coordinator for CUPHD, “Women routinely sacrifice their own health to meet the excessive trials of everyday multi-tasking including jobs, raising a family, and maintaining a home and social life.  Too often women do not realize the strain that they inadvertently place on their health, which may lead to unfortunate consequences in the future.  CUPHD hopes that this Women’s Wellness Workshop will give participants the tools necessary to meet these challenges in a healthy way.”

 “I’m excited about attending because of the variety of speakers,” said Sharon Kennedy, who recently registered for the Women’s Wellness Workshop,” I’m always looking for tips on improving my overall health.”

Professional speakers, instructors and topics include:

• Amelia Shaffer, RD, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District; “Healthy Cooking for the Busy Woman” – Participants will learn about planning and preparing healthy meals under time constraints. A healthy delicious recipe will be demonstrated and taste tested by participants.
• Darnell Cox, General Manager, iPower; “Getting Physical Activity in Throughout the Day” – Hands-on demonstrations of physical activities you can do in your home, at work, and on your own.
• Andrew Tunstall D.C.. Founder, Chiropractic Sports Council; “Stress Reduction for the Woman in Demand” & “Time Management for the Woman in Demand” – Presentation of unique methods of stress reduction and time management for women in demand. Participants will learn four things they can do NOW to simplify their lives.
• Bobbi Johnson, CSCS, CPT, Fitcamps4chicks; “Boot Camp for Chicks” – Fitness training – FREE 30 minute Boot Camp Class.
• Noel Chase, Level 4 Instructor, Romana’s Pilates Inc.; “Pilates Class” – Fitness training – FREE 30 minute Pilates Class.

National Women’s Health Week empowers women across the country to get healthy by taking action.  The Nationwide initiative, coordinated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH), encourages women to make their health a top priority and take steps for a longer, healthier and happier life.

For more information about the Women’s Wellness Workshop or other CUPHD programs and services, please call 217-352-7961 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.

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Download 2008-05-12-WWW-2008-PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2008

Contact
Cathy Propst, IBCCP Program Coordinator
(217) 531-2916

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

FREE Mammograms, Pap Tests, Breast & Pelvic Exams are Available for Uninsured Women in Illinois!

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s IBCCP Program to Hold Enrollment Days in Champaign & Danville in Upcoming Week

Champaign, IL – The local office of the Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), located at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), will be holding program enrollment days for uninsured women ages 35-64.  Once enrolled in the IBCCP program, qualified women will have access to FREE mammograms, pap tests, breast and pelvic exams.

Enrollment days will include:

Champaign County:
Monday, May 12, 2008
8:00am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Frances Nelson Health Center
819 West Bloomington Road
Champaign, IL  61820
- AND -
Thursday, May 15, 2008
9:00am – 3:00pm
Champaign Public Library
Robeson Pavilion Room A
200 West Green Street
Champaign, IL  61820

McLean County:
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Community Healthcare Clinic
902 Franklin Avenue
Normal, IL  61761
- AND -
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
9:15am – 3:00pm
Bloomington Public Library
Community Room
205 East Olive
Bloomington, IL  61701

Vermilion County:
Friday, May 16, 2008
8:30am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Aunt Martha’s Vermilion Area Community Health Center
614 North Gilbert
Danville, IL  61832

Enrollment is quick and easy.  Women are requested to bring proof of age and income to complete the enrollment process.  A representative of the IBCCP program will be available to answer questions.

Interested women unable to attend one of the scheduled enrollment days are encouraged to contact the IBCCP program at the new CUPHD location at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign or call 217-373-9281 or toll free at 1-877-811-0193 for additional information on the IBCCP program or the enrollment process.

“Breast and cervical cancer are serious concerns for women”, said Cathy Propst, Program Coordinator of the IBCCP for CUPHD.  “Statistics show that as a woman ages, her chance of developing breast cancer increases.  Mammograms, pap tests, breast, and pelvic exams promote early detection and increase the chance for successful treatment and overall survival rates for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer.”

Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women in the United States.  Last year over 40,000 women died from breast cancer, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime in their lives.

Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States.  However the deaths from cervical cancer have decreased due largely to women having access to regular pap tests and pelvic exams.  Regular pap tests are a crucial tool in identifying pre-cancer before it turns into cancer.  Last year over 11,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 3,500 died from the disease.

For more information on the Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) or any other CUPHD program, please contact CUPHD at (217) 352-7961 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.

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Download 2008-05-05-IBCCP-May-08-Campaign-PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2008

Contact
Jeffery Erdman, HIV Prevention Lead Agent
(217) 531-5366

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

Champaign-Urbana to Host Illinois Department of Public Health Client Conference

Conference Expected To Attract Over 100 Participants  Living With HIV in Illinois  

Champaign, IL – On April 29 – 30, 2008, the Illinois Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS Section will be hosting a conference for clients living with HIV in Illinois.  “Positive Voices: Living and Learning” will provide a forum for over 100 Illinois HIV clients to hear speakers from across the country address issues specific to the HIV community, including new treatments, online social networking, sexual abuse, and getting older with HIV.

“HIV directly affects many citizens living in Illinois,” said Jeffery Erdman, HIV Prevention Lead Agent for CUPHD.  “Living with HIV is difficult not only for those infected with the disease, but also for those making up the family and social circles of the client.  Advancements in HIV research and treatments have allowed clients to live longer and more fulfilling lives.  Communication is key for all involved.”

Currently, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) provides case management services for over 250 HIV-positive clients in Central Illinois. CUPHD provides HIV services in 11 counties in Illinois including:  Champaign, Coles, Dewitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, Piatt, and Vermilion. CUPHD provides medical assistance, dental assistance, utility assistance, housing assistance, legal assistance, mental health assistance, nutritional assistance, and support groups for people living with HIV.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s Infectious Disease Division also offers HIV education, prevention, testing and treatment at their new location at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign.  Appointments are available Monday thru Friday; 8:00am – 4:00pm by calling 217-239-7827.  CUPHD also offers “Rapid Testing Tuesdays” from 4:00pm – 5:30pm – no appointment is necessary.

For more information on HIV / AIDS education, prevention, testing and treatment or any CUPHD programs please contact CUPHD at (217) 352-7961 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.

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Download 2008-04-28-HIV-AIDS-Conference-PR