Health

Annual Senior Health and Information Fair March 15

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013, 3:31pm

Annual Senior Health and Information Fair March 15

MOUNT VERNON, IL (KFVS) - The Annual Senior Health and Information Fair will be March 15 in the Conference Center at Crossroads Community Hospital.

The fair will begin at 8:30 a.m. It is open to all area seniors.

For more information, you can call 618-241-8567.

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IDPH offers tips to avoid norovirus outbreaks

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013, 4:29pm

IDPH offers tips to avoid norovirus outbreaks

(KFVS) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say more than 80 percent of norovirus outbreaks occur from November to April. The norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea and is very contagious.

The CDC estimates that more than 20 million people, or about one in every 15 Americans, are infected with norovirus.

“Norovirus is the most common cause of stomach illness in the country,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “However, the easiest way to avoid becoming ill is to wash your hands. Viruses can contaminate surfaces and objects touched by someone who is ill. If your hand then comes in contact with your mouth, chances are you will end up becoming ill.”

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Red Cross urges blood, platelet donations after winter storm cancels blood drives

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Monday, February 25th, 2013, 4:00pm

Red Cross urges blood, platelet donations after winter storm cancels blood drives

(KFVS) - The American Red Cross says the severe winter weather last week forced the cancellation of around 20 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 1,200 blood and platelet donations through the region.

Now that the storm has passed, eligible donors are encouraged to donate to help offset the current shortfall and ensure a stable supply.

“While inclement winter weather can hinder blood and platelet donations, patients’ needs for these lifesaving blood products is constant.” said Scott Caswell, CEO of the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “Now that the severe weather has subsided, we encourage eligible donors to give and help ensure patients’ needs continue to be met.”

According to the Red Cross, all blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. Platelets are also in great need as they have a shelf life of just five days and must be replenished regularly.

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Community blood drive Feb. 22 at health center

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, February 20th, 2013, 3:44pm

Community blood drive Feb. 22 at health center

MOUNT VERNON, IL (KFVS) - Good Samaritan Regional Health Center will host a community blood drive on Friday, February 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can donated blood at the health center by going to Medical Plaza Entrance, take the elevator down to Garden Level (G). The blood drive will be in the Mother Odilia Classroom.

For more information or to schedule a donation appointment, call 618-899-1072.

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IDPH encourages screenings, vaccination during Cervical Health Awareness Month

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, January 18th, 2013, 12:21pm

IDPH encourages screenings, vaccination during Cervical Health Awareness Month

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging regular screening for cervical cancer and vaccination for the Human Papillomavirus during National Cervical Awareness Month, observed every January.

According to the IDPH, all women are at risk for cervical cancer; however, it occurs most often in women over age 30.

“Because of advances in screening, as well as the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer is highly preventable. It is also very treatable if detected early,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “There are often no noticeable symptoms with cervical cancer, so it is important to get screened regularly. Now is also the time for teens and young women and men to talk with health care providers about the HPV vaccine, which can prevent the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.”

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Deadlines approaching to apply for RLC’s SICCM, radiology, and nursing programs

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Saturday, January 12th, 2013, 3:15pm

Deadlines approaching to apply for RLC’s SICCM, radiology, and nursing programs

INA, IL (KFVS) - Rend Lake College would like potential students to know about application deadlines to attend its programs in Radiologic Technology and Nursing, as well as those through the Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market, or SICCM.

School officials say the deadline to apply for admission into SICCM programming is March 1.

SICCM programs include Medical Laboratory Technology, Health Information Technology, Veterinary Technology, Occupational Therapy and Surgical Technology.

The deadline to apply for admission into Radiologic Technology, and RLC nursing programs in Practical Nursing (LPN), and Associate Degree Nursing (RN) is April 1.

Get started with the application process by completing Psychological Service Bureau (PSB) testing through RLC's testing center, located in the Academic Advisement area of the Administration Building. Call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1268 to find out more about testing dates and rates.

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CDC offers holiday party hints for avoiding food poisoning

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Sunday, December 16th, 2012, 1:00pm

CDC offers holiday party hints for avoiding food poisoning

(KFVS) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year roughly one in six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases.

In Illinois, it is estimated that as many as 250,000 cases of foodborne illness may occur each year. However, because these illnesses can be mild and because the vast majority of them occur in the home, many go unreported.

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