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World AIDS Day observance Sunday

[NOV. 30, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George Ryan announced Wednesday that the Capitol dome lights and lights at state government buildings in Springfield and Chicago will be dimmed on the evening of Dec. 1 as part of the nation’s 15th annual observance of World AIDS Day.

"This is a day to remember those who have been lost to this deadly disease and to give compassion and hope to those who live courageously with HIV/AIDS every day," Gov. Ryan said. "It is important that we continue to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in order to help prevent further spread of this disease."

In Illinois, there have been 28,087 reported cases of AIDS since 1981, and of those diagnosed with the disease, 15,948, or 57 percent, have died. Illinois has the seventh highest number of AIDS cases in the nation.

With the theme "Live and Let Live," this year’s World AIDS Day focuses on eliminating stigma and discrimination, the major obstacles to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care.

The Capitol dome and holiday lights will be turned off from 5 to 5:15 p.m., as will lights at the Illinois Department of Public Health headquarters in Springfield (525-535 W. Jefferson St.) and in Chicago at the James R. Thompson Center (100 W. Randolph St.) and the State of Illinois Building (160 N. LaSalle St.).

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The White House and public and private buildings throughout the nation also will dim lights Sunday evening.

First observed on Dec. 1, 1988, World AIDS Day is held annually and serves to strengthen global efforts to address the challenges of the AIDS pandemic, which continues to spread throughout every region of the world.

The toll-free Illinois AIDS/HIV and STD hot line is available to answer questions about HIV/AIDS and to provide locations of free counseling and testing services. The hot line can be reached at 1 (800) 243-2437 or TTY 1 (800) 782-0423 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekdays and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekends.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

Governor announces infant mortality rate drops to record low

[NOV. 26, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George Ryan announced last week that Illinois’ infant mortality rate dropped to an all-time low in 2001, continuing a downward trend that has seen the rate decline by 30 percent since 1990.

"We are encouraged by the good news," Gov. Ryan said. "This is an indication that our efforts to provide Illinois babies with a better chance of living a healthy life are successful. However, we must remain committed to state initiatives, such as family case management, that educate women to the importance of comprehensive prenatal care and to reducing the health disparities between blacks and whites."

The infant mortality rate for 2001 was 7.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, a decline of 9.8 percent from the 8.3 rate in 2000 and a 30 percent decline since 1990, when the rate was 10.7, according to statistics compiled by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Prior to 2001, the previous record low was 8.2, which was recorded in 1997 and 1998.

All-time low infant death rates were recorded among African-Americans and whites and in Chicago and downstate.

Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, heralded the reduction in infant mortality rates and reminded expectant mothers of the importance of taking care of themselves and their unborn child through proper nutrition and prenatal care.

"In order to help assure a healthy baby, women should eat nutritional foods; not smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs; and make regular visits to their doctor or health care provider during pregnancy," Dr. Lumpkin said.

Dr. Lumpkin said the single greatest threat to newborns is low birth weight. Babies born with low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams or 5 pounds, 8 ounces) are 40 times more likely to die during the first month of life, and those who survive suffer chronic physical and learning disabilities up to three times more often than normal weight infants.

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The 2001 rate for African-American babies was a record-low 14.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from the previous low of 16.3 deaths in 2000. The infant mortality rate for whites was also an all-time low of 5.9. The previous low white rate was 6.2 in 1997 and 1999.

Geographically, infant mortality rates in Chicago fell from 10.5 in 2000 to 9.0 in 2001, the lowest rate ever recorded in the city. Since 1990, the infant mortality rate in Chicago has fallen 42 percent. Downstate (all geographic areas outside the city of Chicago) infant deaths decreased from 7.4 in 2000 to 6.9 in 2001. The lowest previously recorded was 7.0 in 1999.

The infant mortality rate is figured annually by taking the number of children who die before reaching 1 year of age and dividing that figure by the number of babies born in the same year, then multiplying by 1,000.

In 2001, 1,379 babies died before their first birthday (67 percent died within the first 27 days of life). The number was the lowest for any year recorded.

A total of 184,022 babies were born to Illinois women in 2001 compared with 185,003 in 2000.

For a county-by-county breakdown of infant mortality rates in Illinois for 2000 and 2001, contact Wanda Taylor at (312) 814-3158.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

Health Matters

A monthly feature from  Logan County Health Department

How to quit smoking

[DEC. 2, 2002]  As the New Year approaches, we all begin to make resolutions for a healthy and happy New Year. If you smoke, you may be contemplating giving up cigarettes as your New Year’s resolution. There is nothing easy about giving up cigarettes. But as hard as quitting may be, the results are well worth it. In the first year after stopping smoking, the risk of heart disease and lung disease drops sharply. Quitting will also save you money. With the average cost of a pack of cigarettes reaching $4.25, a pack-a-day smoker can save $1,400 a year by not smoking cigarettes.

Take time to think about other benefits of being an ex-smoker. This is an important first step in kicking the smoking habit — figuring out for yourself what you have to gain. And don’t just switch to smokeless tobacco — the dangers and the addiction are just as damaging as with cigarettes.

Once you decide to stop smoking, a few preparations are in order. Set a target date for quitting. Don’t choose a time when you know you will be under a lot of stress. To help you stick to your quit date, write the date on your calendar, find another friend or family member to give you special support in your efforts to quit or another smoker to quit with you, and make a list of how you’ll reward yourself for becoming an ex-smoker.

On the evening before your quit day, throw away all cigarettes, matches and lighters and give away your ashtrays. Plan some special activities for the next day to keep you busy. Ask family members and friends not to smoke in front of you. Your goal is to get through that first important day smoke-free.

To quit successfully, you need to know your personal smoking "triggers." These are the situations and feelings that typically bring on the urge to light up. Especially during the first weeks after quitting, try to avoid as many triggers as you can.

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Replace "triggers" with new activities that you don’t associate with smoking. For example, if you always had a cigarette with a cup of coffee, switch to tea for awhile.

Keep busy. Get involved in projects that require you to use your hands. When you feel the need to put something in your mouth, have low-calorie snacks on hand.

Know what to expect. You may experience some temporary withdrawal symptoms. It is important to know that these are signs that your body is recovering from smoking and symptoms will end.

Call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline 1 (866) QUIT-YES — 1 (866) 784-8937 — for help.

If you "slip," don’t worry. It doesn’t mean that you’ve become a smoker again. Most smokers "slip" three to five times before they quit for good. Get back on the nonsmoker track: (1) Don’t get discouraged. Keep thinking of yourself as a nonsmoker because you are one. (2) Learn from experience. What was the trigger that made you light up? (3) Take charge. Make a list of things you will do the next time you are in that particular situation. Reread your list of all the reasons you want to quit.

You’re on your way!

[Logan County Health Department]

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Announcements

Blood drive Monday

[NOV. 29, 2002]  Across the nation blood shortages occur every day. Fortunately for our families and friends here in central Illinois, local donors have responded and helped fill the blood needs of patients in our hospitals. However, blood is a renewable resource and must be constantly replaced. For instance, last summer one central Illinois accident victim used over 100 units of blood in 24 hours, but he is alive and recovering because of faithful central Illinois blood donors.

There can be no greater gift given than the gift of life. Patients in our hospitals cannot suspend their need for blood just because of the holiday season. Please share your health with those less fortunate during this season of love and caring.

You will have an opportunity to help on Monday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 6 p.m. at West Lincoln-Broadwell School. Central Illinois Community Blood Center will have a small token of appreciation for each donor.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center provides all of the blood and blood products for 12 area hospitals, including those in Lincoln, Hopedale and Springfield. CICBC is a community-based blood center whose mission is to provide a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in local hospitals in a cost-effective manner. No other organization provides blood in these hospitals.

Please give the gift of life this holiday season and help save lives in your community by donating blood to your community blood center.

[CICBC press release]

The Rural Health Partnership has announced the schedule for its mobile health unit for 2002.

For more information on the mobile health unit schedule and services, contact Dayle Eldredge at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409.

Community resource list

This family resource list to save and use is provided by the Healthy Communities Partnership and the Healthy Families Task Force, 732-2161, Ext. 409.         

(updated 2-15-02)

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