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Diabetes workshop Oct. 4 at Mt. Vernon library

Diabetes workshop Oct. 4 at Mt. Vernon library

MOUNT VERNON, IL (KFVS) - The C.E. Brehm Memorial Library will host a Diabetes Workshop October 4 at 2 p.m.

The class is offered by the Jefferson County Health Department and is a free, one time a week workshop for six weeks. The health department says it is an evidence-based program where you will set your own goals and make a step-by-step plan to improve your own health and life.

For more information, you can call 618-242-6322.

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All rights reserved.

Peanut butter recalled after salmonella outbreak

Peanut butter recalled after salmonella outbreak

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning Illinois residents to not eat Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter or peanut butter and other products that has nuts and seeds from Sunland, Inc.

Both companies have issued voluntary recalls after preliminary results from a multi-state outbreak investigation of salmonella show these products may be the source of the outbreak.

IDPH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the investigation of the outbreak which has affected 30 people in 19 states, including one case in central Illinois.

Those who are reporting to be sick range in age from 1 to 77 years and first became ill from June 11 to September 11 of this year. About 63 percent of people who have become sick are under the age of 10. Four people have been hospitalized.

There have been no deaths reported so far.

St. Mary's Good Samaritan to offer free prostate cancer screenings

St. Mary's Good Samaritan to offer free prostate cancer screenings

MT VERNON, IL (KFVS) - St. Mary’s Good Samaritan will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, at the Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care in Mt. Vernon.

One in every six men in the United States will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.  The ACS reports only skin cancer occurs more frequently among American men, and only lung cancer leads to more cancer-related deaths than prostate cancer.

American Cancer Society recommends that all men age 50 and older should have an annual PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal examination.

According to the American Cancer Society, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. More than 2.5 million men in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.

Red Cross: Donate blood for National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Red Cross: Donate blood for National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - The American Red Cross wants you to help meet the needs of patients by donating blood during September, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

Hospital breaks ground for child development center

Hospital breaks ground for child development center

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS) - Hospital and local officials broke ground on Tuesday for the addition of a $1.8 million child development center to be located on the campus of the new Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon.

The 10,000-square-foot Good Samaritan Child Development Center will be located just south of the new hospital under construction off of Veterans Memorial Drive. It is being constructed by Shores Builders. Construction is expected to be complete by Patient Move Day on January 20, 2013.

The new child development center will have eight classrooms, a gym, a playground and a safe room to protect children from extreme storms.

IDPH reminds parents to schedule back-to-school dental exams for children

IDPH reminds parents to schedule back-to-school dental exams for children

(KFVS) - With a new school season approaching, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding parents and caregivers that August is a good time to schedule dental exams for children.

IDPH will have free dental screenings during the weekdays at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield from Aug. 9-19.

Illinois law requires schoolchildren entering kindergarten, second and sixth grades to have a dental examination prior to the start of the school year, although yearly dental exams are encouraged for all schoolchildren.

“During my recent statewide tour, access to oral health was a primary concern in many communities.” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “Healthy teeth are an important part of overall health and we want every child in Illinois to have a healthy start to the new school year.”

Illinois students now required to get whooping cough vaccine

Illinois students now required to get whooping cough vaccine

ILLINOIS (KFVS) - A rise in whooping cough caused new vaccine requirements for Illinois sixth and ninth graders.

Illinois sixth and ninth grade students will now be required to have the Tdap vaccine before entering school for the 2012-2013 year.

The Tdap vaccine immunizes against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. Students will be required to show proof of receiving the vaccine, have an appointment scheduled to get it, or an approved medical or religious exemption on file. Students who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to attend school.

Whooping cough has been on the rise this year in Illinois and across the country. Medical experts have found that the disease is particularly on the rise among pre-teen and teens. Combatting this is the reason for the new requirements.