Health

Red Cross asking residents to beat the heat, donate blood

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011, 1:16pm

Red Cross asking residents to beat the heat, donate blood

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The American Red Cross will host several blood drives during the end of July in Du Quoin.

According to the Red Cross, the following blood drives will be open:

July 20 - Holiday Rambler, 655 Executive Drive (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
July 21 - DuQuoin American Legion, 900 South Jefferson (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

The American Red Cross encourages potential donors to "beat the heat," drink plenty of fluids, eat a well-balanced meal and donate blood at an air-conditioned blood drive or center.

“Patients need blood regardless of the summer heat,” said Scott L. Caswell, CEO, Red Cross Biomedical Services, Missouri-Illinois Region.

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Gov. Quinn: Stay safe in the heat with IDPH services

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Monday, July 18th, 2011, 10:00am

Gov. Quinn: Stay safe in the heat with IDPH services

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - On Sunday, Governor Pat Quinn encouraged Illinois residents to take preventive action during the extremely hot weather to stay safe, cool and avoid heat-related illnesses.

Gov. Quinn urged residents to take advantage of services available from the Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Everyone is urged to check on those most vulnerable to the heat including the elderly and children.

"High heat and humidity can lead to serious health problems, particularly for the elderly and young children," said Governor Quinn. "It’s extremely important for people to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and take action to prevent becoming sick from the heat.

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See how the hospitals in Perry Co. rate

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Saturday, July 16th, 2011, 10:00am

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health has an interactive map available with hospitals throughout Illinois, including Southern Illinois.

To see reviews and information on the hospitals in Perry County, click here.

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IDHS provides almost $1 million in disaster food relief

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Friday, July 15th, 2011, 10:00am

IDHS provides almost $1 million in disaster food relief

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Human Services announced Friday they have finished processing applications for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for Southern Illinois flood victims.

The department distributed $970,451 in federally-funded Disaster SNAP benefits to 3,314 households with 7,775 residents in 15 counties affected by the flooding.

“The unprecedented flooding in southern Illinois had a devastating effect for many families and businesses,” said IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B.

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Ill. Dept. of Health: Hospitals reporting fewer infections

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Thursday, July 14th, 2011, 11:42am

Ill. Dept. of Health: Hospitals reporting fewer infections

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold announced Thursday hospitals in Illinois have reported fewer health care-associated infections in 2010 compared to 2009.

The IDPH analyzed central line-associated bloodstream infection data as part of the Illinois Hospital Report Card, and found more than 75 percent of Illinois hospitals had the same number or fewer infection cases in 2010 than in 2009.

They say in 2009, 383 bloodstream infections were reported in adult intensive care units in Illinois and 282 were reported in 2010.

“Although results are only for two years, they indicate a significant step forward in the prevention of infection and protection of Illinois patients,” said Dr. Arnold. “Hospital surveillance of infections and public reporting on the Illinois Hospital Report Card Web site play key roles in prevention efforts.

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Gov. Quinn passes new legislation to protect those with disabilities

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011, 11:50am

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) Governor Pat Quinn announced Wednesday she signed a legislation to improve the security of Illinois residents with different disabilities using a remotely-activated bracelet.

The bracelet will contact emergency services during a missing persons incident.

“We need to make sure that our most vulnerable citizens can get help when they most need it,” said Governor Quinn. “This measure will greatly help caregivers and emergency personnel respond to someone who needs assistance and return them safely.”

Under the current law, it is a Class A misdemeanor to install or connect an automatic alarm, alarm altering device or mechanical dialer that contacts 911. House Bill 1610 is an exemption for bracelets that can be remotely activated to alert emergency response personnel of a person in need.

The bracelets are activated under the new law are activated upon alert from a missing person's registered caregiver.

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Tips on child safety in summer

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011, 11:49am

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois State Police is reminding people that children and pets should never be left alone in a hot car.

According to the police, recent research by the National Safe Kids campaign shows that at least 25 children die each year after being left in a hot car. During the summer months, the temperature inside a parked car can reach over 120 degrees in as little as 10 minutes.

Police day direct sunlight and a dark colored car can speed the process.

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