The Peoria City/County Health Department is reminding the public about the risk of extremely hot weather which can cause serious health problems for everyone.

When temperatures are extremely high, it is important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating. If sweating is not enough to maintain the body’s normal temperature, blood chemistry can change and internal organs including the brain and kidneys can be damaged. Heat also can be stressful if the temperature changes suddenly, since it usually takes several days for the body to adjust to heat.

The most common heat-related conditions are heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the most serious conditions. Heat exhaustion can result when too much time is spent in a very warm environment, resulting in excessive sweating without adequate fluid and electrolyte (salt and minerals) replacement. This can occur either indoors or outdoors, with or without exercise. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, shallow breathing, cool and clammy skin, muscle tremors and heavy sweating.

Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heatstroke can result from overexposure to direct sunlight, with or without physical activity, or to very high indoor temperatures. It can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Symptoms of heatstroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally); red, hot and dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency. If a person has the symptoms of heat stroke, you should seek immediate medical attention.
To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke during hot weather, take the following measures:
• Try to keep cool during extremely high temperature.
• Stay in a cool environment (preferably air conditioned).
• Limit outdoor activities.
• Drink plenty of cool fluids (like water) regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – they cause you to lose more body fluids.
• Avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
• Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself.
• Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes.
• Take care of your pets. Give extra water and be sure to place the water dish in a shaded area if outdoors. Make sure pets have a protected place where they can get away from the sun.

Use common sense. Heat related injuries may develop with or without feelings of discomfort. Young children, particularly infants, are extremely sensitive to heat and can easily become dehydrated (lose more body fluids than usual) from high air temperatures. To help avoid dehydration during extremely hot weather, adults should make sure children drink plenty of fluids. Young children should be kept out of direct sunlight.

For more information on heat-related illness, please contact the Peoria City/County Health Department at (309) 679-6131. For more information on other public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.

Legislator introduced measure to identify ways to lower cost of specialty tier medications

State Representative Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) partnered Tuesday with the Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois to host a free community forum to discuss navigating the challenges and costs of specialty tier medications at the Peoria RiverPlex. Dr. Dennis McManus, internist and neurologist with OSF St. Francis Hospital, led the discussion, which was intended to educate local community members on an issue that potentially impacts chronically ill patients statewide.

Gordon welcomed attendees and addressed the importance of informing local residents of insurance policies that create a barrier for patients to access critical medications. She also announced legislation, House Resolution 450, she filed on Tuesday to request the Illinois Department of Insurance to review the effects specialty tiers are having on chronically ill patients and what measures can take place to reduce the financial burden on these patients.

“Patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis are already facing great difficulties without the added burden of increasing health care costs,” said Gordon. “It’s important to me to understand how exactly these specialty tiers are affecting local residents and what we can do to help cut back on their rising co-pays, which is why I introduced legislation as a first step to address these issues. This forum is an opportunity for Peoria residents to ask questions and finds ways to navigate the health care system if they’re having trouble accessing their life-saving medications.”

In general, specialty drugs are high-cost injectable, infused, oral or inhaled drugs that require close supervision and monitoring and are usually prescribed for patients with serious chronic diseases such as: cancer; autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myositis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis; hemophilia and other bleeding disorders; hepatitis; primary and secondary immune deficiencies; neuropathy; and transplant patients.

The Annual Flag Day Observance will be conducted at the City of Peoria Constitution Garden located at the foot of Morton Street on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

The Sons of the American Revolution, dressed in period uniform, will present a program saluting the American Revolution. During the ceremony, Boy Scout Troops will raise the banners of each of the original 13 colonies in order as they signed the Constitution of the United States.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Peoria City Council Member Eric Turner. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis will read Old Glory: “I Am One of the Immortals.” Lee Wenger, WCBU FM, will lead Songs with former Mayor Jim Maloof. A Peoria County Sheriff’s Department squad will act as Honor Guard and the Minier Police Department Explorer Post will perform the Rifle Inspection Ceremony.

At the conclusion of the program, American Legion Post 2 will conduct a Retirement Ceremony for worn United States Flags that have been collected by Goodwill or brought to Constitution Garden.

Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) will be awarded the National Bipartisan Leadership Award by the Bradley University Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service on Monday, June 13, at 11 a.m. in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Room HVC-201 with a luncheon following in H-137.

The award recognizes a national public servant who has modeled ethical, civil, and bipartisan leadership. The inaugural National Bipartisan Leadership Award was presented in October 2009 to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, a Bradley alumnus.

Secretary LaHood will participate in the event along with Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock, former House Republican Leader Robert H. Michel and Bradley President Joanne Glasser. Other national dignitaries have been invited to participate.

Now in his 16th term in Congress, Hoyer served as House Majority Leader from 2007 to 2011. As House Democratic Whip for the 112th Congress, he is the second-ranking member of the House Democratic Leadership. In a survey of congressional Republicans by The Hill newspaper, he was found to be the most bipartisan Democrat in the House.

Speaking at a forum sponsored by Georgetown University and Politico in 2009, Hoyer said, ³Ultimately, the keys to bipartisanship are respect, decency, and fair input. What matters is listening attentively to our opponents, responding to them with facts, not emotion, and with arguments, not with talking points. What matters is never questioning the motives of the other side.

For the last 54 years, a Bradley University alumnus has demonstrated those values, representing central Illinois in Congress with distinction. From Michel, the longest serving minority leader in history; to LaHood, the first Bradley graduate to serve in the Cabinet; to Schock, the youngest member of Congress.

REMINDER
June 15, 2011 at 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
ASTD-HOI Meet & Mingle

During this month’s Meet & Mingle we will network with each other, enjoy some refreshments and discuss the May luncheon with our speaker Jennifer Cross and her topic “Linchpin – Are you indispensible?”

This event is free, there will be a menu with food options but these are at your own expense.

Location: Embassy Suites, 100 Conference Dr., East Peoria, IL
(In the private dining room next to the restaurant in the back of the lobby)

For more information or to RSVP for the event please email Ashley Lovell at: alovell@webtechservices.com

Legislator files measure to address critical health issues

WHAT: In response to continued rising costs for specialty tier medications, State Representative Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) filed House Resolution 450 Tuesday that would require the Illinois Department of Insurance to study the impact of rising costs of specialty tier medications on chronically ill patients and to identify ways to lower the cost of specialty tier medications.

While the legislation is under consideration, Gordon is partnering with the Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois to address the concerns of community members and local organizations by hosting a forum discussing how to navigate the challenges and costs of specialty tier medications.

Tiers are often labeled “generic,” “preferred,” and “non-preferred” and each tier has a set amount that we are required to pay for the medication. In response to the increasing costs of specialty drugs, many health plans have instituted a fourth tier, called “specialty tier” that requires individuals to pay a percentage of the cost of the most expensive medications as opposed to a fixed amount.

Peoria area residents will hear from Dr. Dennis McManus from OSF St. Francis Medical Center and Heidi Koll-Pio from the Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois as they discuss the rising costs of specialty tier drugs and how this impacts individuals with chronic diseases.

WHO: State Representative Jehan Gordon; Dr. Dennis McManus, OSF St. Francis Medical Center; Heidi Koll-Pio, director of health promotions for the Arthritis Foundation, Greater Illinois Chapter, Peoria; and Peoria area community members

WHEN: Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Public check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Peoria Riverplex, 600 NE Water Street, Peoria

President Obama officially declared June as “Great Outdoors Month” by recently signing a proclamation. Governor Quinn also adopted the proclamation saying it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty and rich blessings of our nation and our state. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway Director, Anaise Berry, says “This designation emphasizes the significance of not only utilizing our region’s natural resources to gain a greater appreciation for the natural beauty all around us, but also the impact ‘getting outdoors’ has in adding to happier and healthier lives.” Supporters of the proclamation hope it will have a positive impact on young people, on bringing families together, on our environment and on promoting stewardship and conservation of natural resources.

Locally the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway provides many opportunities for people to experience the great outdoors. “People can enjoy guided nature walks and outdoor theater, as well as music, arts, botanical and wine festivals from Ottawa to Havana. See the results of the largest wetland restoration outside of the Florida Everglades at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve in Lewistown, view waterfalls and hike paths in the lesser explored Matthiessen State Park in Utica.

Grab an Illinois River Road Birding Guide or a new Geocaching Guide.” Berry says there are literally hundreds of things to do and see. Visit www.illinoisriverroad.org to experience it all.

Experience the Great Outdoors during the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway’s 3rd Annual River Stories Cruise on Wednesday, June 8th aboard the Spirit of Peoria at 5:00 p.m.

With the warmer weather, gas prices at more than $4 per gallon and the upcoming “Bike to Work Week” from June 11-17, more people are considering riding their bike to work. It is much easier to go from “thinking” about it to actually riding, if there are some helpful tips to get you on your way.

First and foremost, you need a bike but do not feel a need to rush out and buy a new one. Most people already have a bike and, besides dusting it off, just have to make sure the bike is in working order. Pump up the tires, make sure the brakes and shifters work and use a bike-specific lubricant on the chain. Your local bike shops may have discounts on bike maintenance leading up to “Bike to Work Week.”

Route selection will probably take the most consideration. The way that you drive to work will likely not be the same route you would like to bike. Residential streets will have less traffic than main thoroughfares. The League of Illinois Bicyclists has produced maps for several communities showing bike-friendly routes and has produced “Bike to Metra” guides for more than 20 towns and villages that provide routes and commuting tips. Google and MapQuest also both have bicycling trip options but are new features and should be cautiously considered. If possible, pre-ride your route by bike or at least drive it before the big bike commute day.

Give yourself enough time to travel by bike without having to sprint. Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic and, by state law, have all the rights and responsibilities as the driver of a motorized vehicle. Bicyclists should obey all traffic signals and use hand signals to indicate when they are turning and changing lanes.

Besides wearing a helmet, your clothing may be the same if you are only riding a short distance. Alternatively, you can leave clothes at work or bring them with you to change once you arrive at the office. Deodorant and baby wipes can help you freshen up once you arrive. If you cannot bring your bicycle into your workplace, lock both the frame and tires with a good quality lock.

After the first ride, many are hooked on bike commuting. “Riding your bike is a great way to help you lose weight or stay in shape, reduce stress and save money that would be spent on gas,” LIB executive director Ed Barsotti said. For more commuting tips and other bicycling resources, visit http://www.bikelib.org/maps-and-rides/bike-commuting/.

9TH ANNUAL RHAPSODY IN BLOOM ARTS FESTIVAL
The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will present the ninth annual Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival on Saturday, June 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 26, noon to 5:00 p.m. This event—a celebration of art, music, food and bloom—is sponsored by WCBU 89.9 fm radio and the Times Newspapers.

Come see the inspired works of a diverse selection of local artists; listen to the beat of talented musicians and performers; and taste culinary creations from some of Peoria’s best eateries – all in a fragrant garden setting! Highlights of the event include:

KIDS’ ENTERTAINMENT AT LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN RHAPSODY IN BLOOM ARTS FESTIVAL TO FEATURE KIDDIE ROCK BAND & STORYTELLER
Children’s entertainment at the Peoria Park District’s 9th annual Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival – Saturday, June 25, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 26, noon to 5:00 p.m. – will include kiddie rock band Mindy Hester & the Time Outs and author/storyteller Dr. Mike Lockett on Sunday.

Mindy Hester & the Time Outs
Mindy Hester & the Time Outs is described as a Kiddie Rock Band for ALL ages. Lead vocalist and guitarist Mindy Hester graduated from the Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago in 1992 and went on to do television and film roles in Los Angeles. She then started teaching at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music in the adult guitar and Wiggleworms children’s music program. She currently lives in Chicago and tours the Midwest year round.

Dr. Mike Lockett
Mike Lockett is a life-long educator and storyteller who has won many awards for his recorded stories and bilingual children’s books. He tells his tales across the U.S. and internationally and was recently appointed as the Illinois liaison for The National Youth Storytelling Showcase (NYSS), previously held by his friend Brian “Fox” Ellis. Experience Dr. Lockett’s storytelling skills online on his website, www.mikelockett.com

To learn more about the ninth annual Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival at Luthy Botanical Garden, visit www.peoriaparks.org. For more information about the children’s activities/entertainment at the Festival, call events coordinator Ann Kizer at (309) 681-3507.

The Giraffes at the Peoria Zoo were successfully introduced to their large outside yard on May 24th and were joined by the gerenuk and Thomson gazelle on May 31. Weather permitting; all three species will be on public exhibit daily.

The male giraffe, Taji, came to Peoria in 2008 for the opening of the new Africa! exhibit. A 14 month-old female, Vivian, joined him in October of 2010.

Because giraffe are susceptible to respiratory infections during cold weather, the animals are kept in their heated barn until the temperature is at least 50 degrees. Unfortunately, when the spring temperatures warmed up, the rain and storms prevented Zoo staff from introducing the animals to the yard. Another complication was being able to reliably deliver contraceptive to the female (Taji and Vivian are not good genetic matches for each other so pregnancy is unwanted). During this time, the giraffe not only had access to their spacious barn, but also an outdoor holding area.

On the morning of the 24th, animal staff members arrived early. hey made one last sweep of the yard looking for any hazards and then opened the door between the holding yard & exhibit yard. It took several minutes for the animals to walk out, both ran around the yard a couple of times and then they settled down as if they had always been there. When it was time to come into the barn, both walked calmly inside.
For the next week, the giraffe where in the exhibit yard when weather permitted but the gerenuk and gazelle were kept in their holding yard. This allowed the giraffe to get completely comfortable before the addition of another potential distraction. When all three species were put together, the smaller species were a little leery but not enough to keep them from grazing on the fresh grass. Taji ran around the exhibit once and they simply moved out of his way.

For questions or more information on the Peoria Zoo, please contact Dawn Petefish at 309-681-3501 or Yvonne Strode at 309-696-6504.