Press Releases
Year
Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, April 20th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2013
Contact
Alicia Ekhoff, Dental Program Coordinator
(217) 531-4538
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, April 20th
The Illini District Dental Society, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and SmileHealthy Participate in “Give Kids a Smile”
Champaign, IL – The Illini District Dental Society, in conjunction with the ChampaignUrbana Public Health District (CUPHD) and SmileHealthy, will be participating in Give Kids a Smile® (GKAS) Day on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. The event is part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association® (ADA) that provides free oral health care services to children of low-income families.
On April 20th, local dentists and hygienists are taking the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering time and services for GKAS and providing free dental exams, cleanings and fluoride varnish treatments to any child between the ages of one and 17. The oral health fair will offer a wide range of services and activities for everyone including: dental hygiene education; free toothbrushes; face painting; coloring contests with prizes; nutrition bingo; and visits and pictures with Flossie from the Illinois State Dental Society, the Tooth Fairy, and the Delta Dental Tooth Wizard. The Twin City Derby Girls will also be on hand to talk about their sport and the importance of wearing mouth guards. Appointments are not necessary; however, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child. There are no income or residency requirements to receive services at the fair.
According to David Wickness, DMD, local General Dentist and Secretary for the Illini District Dental Society, “The goal of the event is to create a fun atmosphere where children, and their parents, gain a greater understanding of the importance of good oral health. It also is an opportunity for local dental professionals to give back to their community.”
Alicia Ekhoff, Program Coordinator for the CUPHD Children’s Dental Clinic, reports, “The need for affordable dental care continues to grow. Basic dental care is such an important part of a child’s overall health care, and all children deserve the opportunity to receive regular, preventative dental care and restorative dental care when needed. No child should have to suffer with tooth pain.” This year’s event will feature nine dental chairs to allow providers to see more children for services.
For more information about the Give Kids a Smile® Oral Health Fair, please contact SmileHealthy at (217) 359-7404 or the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District at (217) 531-4538 or at www.c-uphd.org. Follow us on facebook at Illini Give Kids a Smile.
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Give the Gift of Yourself this Valentine’s Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2013
Contact
Nikki Hillier, Program Coordinator (217) 531-2914
Jennifer Jackson, Health Educator II (217) 531-2912
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Give the Gift of Yourself this Valentine’s Day
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Sponsor Annual Freedom From Smoking® Program
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Make this Valentine’s Day special – give the gift of yourself. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will be sponsoring the annual Freedom From Smoking® program beginning February 19, 2013. According to the American Lung Association, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death.
The Freedom From Smoking® program is an eight-week program that helps participants by working together with other quitters to develop and execute their own individualized “Quit Plan”. The program is available to anyone 18 years of age and older who lives in Champaign County. The cost is $20.00 but anyone who completes six of the eight sessions will receive a $10.00 refund. The fee includes program materials and an eightweek supply of nicotine patches for those who qualify.
“Quitting smoking can be very difficult, and we want to support individuals in making these difficult behavioral changes so they can be successful,” said Nikki Hillier, Program Coordinator at CUPHD.
Freedom From Smoking® classes will be offered at CUPHD, 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign, on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM. The program will be held at various times throughout the year but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Nikki Hillier with questions or to register at
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Radon Gas Causes More Than 20,000 Lung Cancer Deaths in the Country Each Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2013
Contact
Jennifer Simburger, Environmental Health Specialist I
(217) 531-2929 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Radon Gas Causes More Than 20,000 Lung Cancer Deaths in the Country Each Year
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Citizens to Test Their Homes with Free Radon Test Kit
CHAMPAIGN, IL – January is National Radon Action Month and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) encourages citizens to learn more about the threat of radon and to test their homes for the presence of radon. CUPHD has a limited number of FREE radon test kits available for residents of Champaign County. Test kits may be picked up at the Environmental Health Division of CUPHD located at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign; kits are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Test kits are available while supplies last.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to indoor radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released into the air from decaying matter in rocks, soil and water. While levels in outdoor air are relatively harmless, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. Radon is an invisible threat; it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. The only way to detect radon is to perform a radon test.
The free test kits provided by CUPHD are safe and easy to use. Simply open the test kit, and place the radon detector in a designated area in the home for a minimum of 48 hours, with windows and doors closed. After 48 hours, place the detector in the enclosed postage-paid envelope and send it to a lab for a free analysis. The lab will then inform you of your radon test results.
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends that homes with radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher should be mitigated. The national average home reading is about 1.3 pCi/L. The average outdoor reading is about 0.4 pCi/L.
Radon presents a serious health risk, but it can be controlled easily and cost effectively. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. Test your home and protect your health today.
For more information on radon or free radon test kits for Champaign County residents, please contact CUPHD at (217) 373-7900 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org/radon-detection.html.
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