Press Releases
Year
Ned Kelly’s Hosts C-U Smoke Free Alliance Fundraiser
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2005
Contact
Nikki Hillier, Health Educator Community Health Surveillance, Planning and Education
217-531-2914
Diana Yates, Communications Coordinator
217-531-4275
Ned Kelly’s Hosts C-U Smoke Free Alliance Fundraiser
On August 15, Ten Percent of Proceeds Will Go to Smoke Free Workplace Effort
“We came to feel that the best thing to do for our management, our staff and our non-smoking guests was to provide a healthy environment at all locations. This isn’t about them (smokers) and us (non-smokers). This is about health.”
-- John Schmitt, Managing Partner, Ned Kelly’s Steakhouse
Ned Kelly’s Steakhouse, at 1601 Cunningham Avenue in Urbana, will host a fundraiser for the C-U Smoke Free Alliance, a group dedicated to ensuring that workers, bartenders, musicians and all members of the public can work, play, eat and drink in healthy indoor environments.
On August 15, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., any diner at Ned Kelly’s who mentions the fundraiser will receive a 10 percent discount on his or her meal. And 10 percent of the cost of the meal will go to support the C-U Smoke Free Alliance.
Ned Kelly’s first went smoke free on February 1, 2005. Mr. Schmitt said management chose to eliminate its smoking section after getting a lot of smoke-related complaints on comment cards from customers.
His own health problems added to his resolve, said Mr. Schmitt. In September, 2004, he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. His doctor asked him if he was a smoker, and when he said no the doctor suggested that his workplace exposure to smoke was contributing to his health problems.
“The doctor said, ‘Anything you can do to remove yourself from second-hand smoke is a good thing,’” Schmitt said.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that second-hand smoke cannot be reduced to safe levels indoors. Workers in businesses where smoking is allowed are at a greater risk for heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease. Patrons of such businesses may also suffer the ill effects of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Both the Champaign County Public Health Department and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District have voted to support a resolution calling for the elimination of second-hand smoke in public places.
The text of the resolution, sponsored by the C-U Smokefree Alliance, is provided below.
Resolution to Eliminate Secondhand Smoke in Public Places
Whereas, the U.S. Surgeon General has determined that simple separation of smokers and nonsmokers within the same air space does not eliminate the exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.
Whereas, numerous studies have found that tobacco smoke is a major contributor to indoor air pollution, and that breathing secondhand smoke is a cause of disease in healthy nonsmokers, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute determined in 1999 that secondhand smoke is responsible for the early deaths of 65,000 Americans annually.
Whereas, the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that secondhand smoke cannot be reduced to safe levels in businesses by high rates of ventilation. Air cleaners, which are capable of filtering the particulate matter and odors in smoke, do not eliminate the known 5,000 chemicals - including arsenic, cyanide and formaldehyde and other toxins - in secondhand smoke.
Whereas, employees who work in smoke-filled businesses suffer a 25-50% higher risk of heart attack and higher rates of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as increased acute respiratory disease and measurable decrease in lung function.
Whereas, smoke-filled workplaces result in higher worker absenteeism due to respiratory disease, lower productivity, higher cleaning and maintenance costs, increased health insurance rates, and increased liability claims for diseases related to exposure to secondhand smoke.
Whereas, there is conclusive proof that smokefree air laws do not have adverse economic consequences for businesses subject to them; moreover, there is much evidence that smokefree air laws have a positive economic effect on those businesses.
Be it therefore resolved, that the undersigned organization endorses the C-U Smokefree Campaign, which will work to:
- Protect the public health and welfare by prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment
- Guarantee the right of nonsmokers to breathe smoke-free air.
Be it therefore resolved, that the undersigned organization will:
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Inform its members and the general public of its endorsement of this Resolution
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Inform local elected officials of its endorsement and urge its members to do the same
Champaign County Public Health Department and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
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“Wellness on Wheels” Moves To the TIMES Center in August
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2005
Contact
Julie Pryde, Director Division of HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management
217-239-7827
Diana Yates, Communications Coordinator
217-531-4275
“Wellness on Wheels” Moves To the TIMES Center in August
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Carle Foundation Hospital Team Serve a New Site in August
“Wellness on Wheels offers free preventive health services to the people who most need them,” said Julie Pryde, Division Director, HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management.
Champaign, IL – For two hours each Friday in August, Wellness on Wheels (WOW), Carle Foundation Hospital’s mobile health unit, will visit the TIMES Center, 70 E. Washington, in Champaign.
The free mobile health program is a joint venture of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Carle Foundation Hospital’s Regional Outreach Services.
The Carle Mobile Clinic is a comprehensive health clinic on wheels. It includes two exam rooms, basic laboratory equipment, a waiting area, restroom and storage. A lift makes the mobile unit accessible to people with physical limitations. Since 2003, it has been used by the Frances Nelson Health Center to expand space for patient visits.
Starting Friday, August 5, WOW will be parked on the southwest corner of the TIMES Center parking lot, 70 E. Washington, in Champaign. It will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday in August (weather permitting). In September the WOW mobile unit
will return to its regular location on the east side of Randolph Street, just north of Springfield Avenue.
WOW offers free blood pressure and blood sugar screening, cholesterol tests, vaccinations, Hepatitis A & B immunizations, Hepatitis C screening, anonymous HIV testing, STD testing, pregnancy tests, KidCare health insurance applications and health information. Program staff includes nurses, counselors, health educators, and a Spanish-language translator.
WOW first opened its doors in August, 2002. To date, the WOW clinic has logged more than 1,200 patient visits.
For more information about the WOW program or to find a schedule of locations for Wellness on Wheels call 239-7827.
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Health and Safety Officials Urge All to Mind the Heat!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2005
Contact
DC Tim Wild, CFD, Champaign Fire Department
217-403-7200
Deb Fruitt, Illini Prairie Chapter, American Red Cross
217-351-5861
Diana Yates, Communications Coordinator
217-531-4275
Health and Safety Officials Urge All to Mind the Heat!
During a Heat Wave, Common Sense is the Best Defense
Champaign County is bracing for a hot weekend, and health and emergency management officials are urging residents to follow some common sense guidelines. The American Red Cross, the City of Champaign Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Champaign County Public Health Department are asking all county residents to follow these guidelines, from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
During periods of high outdoor temperatures, it is best to:
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Spend some time in air conditioning, if possible;
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Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty;
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Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity;
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Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
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Keep shades drawn and blinds closed;
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Keep lights turned down low, or turned off;
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Take cool baths or showers periodically or use cool wet towels to cool down;
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Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, as they increase metabolic heat;
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Avoid boiling water for long periods or using the oven;
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Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola;
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Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician;
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Do not leave pets or children in a vehicle – even for a few minutes.
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Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes on a hot day.
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Check on elderly, disabled or ill neighbors and family members;
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Have a place to cool off. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit one of the locations listed below.
To help those in need keep cool, the American Red Cross is distributing free electric fans to those without air conditioning. You may visit the Red Cross at 404 Ginger Bend Dr., Champaign from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 22 and from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23. People with questions should call the Red Cross at 351-5861.
For Homebound individuals without air conditioning, the Red Cross will deliver a fan to your home between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To take advantage of this service, please contact the Red Cross at 351-5861. You will need to provide your name, address and phone number.
The following locations may serve as a cool haven for those lacking air conditioning:
LIBRARIES
Champaign Public Library 403-2021
Douglass Branch Library 403-2090
Homer Community Library 896-2121
Mahomet Township Public Library District 586-2611
Ogden Rose Library 582-2411
Parkland College Library 351-2223
Philo Public Library 684-2896
Rantoul Public Library 893-3955
St. Joseph Township Library 469-2159
Sidney Community Library 688-2332
Tolono Public Library 485-5558
University of Illinois Library 333-2290
Urbana Free Library 367-4405
(Peace Meal) Congregate Meal Sites
For details call 1-800-543-1770
Douglass Annex, Champaign
First United Methodist Church in Urbana
Homer City Building
Community Service Center in Rantoul
Sidney Community Building (attached to Library) Some Senior High Rise Buildings
Senior Centers and Senior Groups
Carroll Addition Community Center 1210 Carroll Street, Urbana, IL 61801 384-4022
Douglass Annex Senior Center 804 North Fifth Street, Champaign, IL 61820 398-2572
Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County 520 E. Wabash, Rantoul, IL 61866 893-1530
Hays Senior Center – Champaign Park District 1311 West Church Street, Champaign, IL 61821 398-2580
Mahomet Community Center (next to library) on Main St., Mahomet
Phillips Recreation Center – Urbana Park District 505 West Stoughton Street, Urbana, IL 61801 367-1544
Rantoul Recreation Center 100 East Flessner, Rantoul, IL 61866 893-0461
St. Joseph Seniors @ United Methodist Church 205 North 3rd Street, St. Joseph, IL 61873 469-7424
Salvation Army Golden Agers 502 North Prospect Ave., Champaign, IL 61820 373-7832
Stevick Senior Center 48 East Main Street, Champaign, IL 61820 359-6500
Rural community or senior groups or centers may also be available in Bondville, Fisher, Gifford, Homer, Ludlow, Ogden, Penfield, Philo, Royal, Seymour and Sidney.
This information was compiled by the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission – Senior Services: (217) 328-3313.
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