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Saturday, February 7, 2015
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Measles are in Illinois Vaccines available at the county health department By Dixie Schroeder Shaw Media Service
Measles has recently surfaced in many states, with one multi-state outbreak linked to exposure received at Disneyland in California. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first case of measles in an adult, along with an outbreak at a daycare in the suburban Chicago area. In the adult case, an unnamed suburban Cook County resident became ill this past month. In the daycare outbreak, five children have contracted the measles at a
Kindercare Daycare center. IDPH said vaccinations are an effective way to prevent the measles infection. The vaccine is a requirement for all Illinois school children. Diana Rawlings, director of the Bureau and Putnam County Health Department, noted measles should be taken very seriously. “Measles is highly contagious and highly preventable through vaccination. The CDC recommends that anyone not already immunized against measles get immunized at this time,” she said. “Two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97 percent effective in preventing measles. If you are unsure of your vaccine status, check with
your doctor. Getting immunized for measles not only protects you and your family, it helps to protect infants under age 1, who are too young to get immunized.” Rawlings confirmed the Bureau/Putnam County Health Department has MMR vaccines available. To receive a measles vaccination, residents can call the Princeton office at 815-875-5091 or the Hennepin office at 815-925-7326. Symptoms of measles include a rash that starts on the face and neck and then spreads; a high fever; runny nose; cough; and red, watery eyes. The fever starts about 10 days (range seven to 18 days) after exposure. The rash appears about 14 days after exposure. Infants and adults usually are
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100 days of school
A heart-y concern
February is American Heart Month By Zita Henneberry zhenneberry@bcrnews.com
With love on the mind ... and hearts on sleeves during this month of love ....remember cardiovascular disease! President Barack Obama has proclaimed February as American Heart Month. In this month of love, Obama hopes Americans will remember to care for their hearts in every way. Medical Director of Princeton Prompt Care Dr. Paul Bonucci believes heart health is a great topic and should be examined, as it’s America’s No. 1 cause of death. Obama’s proclamation reminded Americans cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure are responsible for one out of every three deaths. Bonucci agreed with Obama that as the No. 1 killer in the nation, cardiovascular disease needs an American focus. While explaining the importance of heart health, Bonucci offered an analogy. He likes to think about the human body like a car; the only car a person will have for his or her entire life. He explained maintaining that car and taking care of what goes into it is the only way to make it last. When the engine fails, there’s no replacing the car. In his proclamation, Obama said, “During American Heart Month, as we honor their (those killed by heart disease) memories, let us recommit to improving our heart health and continuing the fight against this deadly disease, for ourselves and our families.” Deaths from heart disease, said Bonucci, if caught early enough or if proper steps are taken are preventable. This and
Heart Page 3 Year 169 No. 17 One Section - 16 Pages
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BCR photo/Goldie Currie
Students at Douglas Elementary School in Princeton on Wednesday were among many in the area who celebrated the 100th day of school. In honor of the day, students took part in numerous fun activities including, trying to be silent for 100 seconds, keeping a balloon in the air for 100 seconds and getting to pop all 100 balloons.
Taking care of one of their own ‘We knew we needed to give back to him’ By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley Fire Department has pulled together to help out one of its own men who lost his home and possessions in a house fire earlier this week. The department recently presented donations and gift cards to Spring Valley firefighter Nick La Vanway to help him and his family get back on their feet following the
devastation. The La Vanway home, located near the Spring Creek Golf Course, suffered heavy damage after a fire Monday evening Spring Valley Fire Chief Todd Bogatitus confirmed the department was dispatched to the home for a possible chimney fire. Upon arrival, Bogatitus said flames could be seen coming out of the upstairs windows. When firefighters entered the home, they also found fire in the first story of the home.
Gaining Strength Each and Every Day! After having joint replacement surgery, the Bounce Back Team helped Margaret feel like herself again.
Firefighters worked to put out the fire on the first floor before making their way to the second story in the home. Bogatitus said eventually, firefighters were forced to evacuate the second story, as the whole upstairs became totally engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire was determined to be from a wood burner at the home. “They lost quite a few of their possessions,” Bogatitus said. “The fire totally damaged the outside, and there was smoke, fire
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