As our local schools begin to welcome students back for another school year, I felt it important to remind people about a change in state law that you may not be yet be aware.
Last year, the General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting the use of cell phones in school zones. School zones are marked areas around schools where children often cross streets to board busses or walk home. It is imperative that drivers in these areas pay extra attention to their surroundings, reduce speeds to the special school zone speed limit, and refrain from using their cell phones.
I would encourage you to pay extra attention when driving near schools, reduce your speed, and put down your cell phone so our children can get to and from school safely.
Exercise and Arthritis Forum on Tuesday, August 17th
State Senator Carole Pankau (R-Itasca) and State Representative Franco Coladipietro (Bloomingdale) will be hosting an Exercise and Arthritis Forum on Tuesday, August 17th from 10:00-11:30 am at the Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Road. This event will be presented by the Arthritis Foundation.
The Exercise and Arthritis Forum will include a panel discussion with a rheumatologist, physical therapist and an exercise specialist and will conclude with an exercise demonstration. Constituents can register for this free event by contacting Rep. Coladipietro's office at (630) 582-0045.
For addition information, The Arthritis Foundation can be contacted at (312) 372-2080 or www.arthritis.org, keyword: Chicago.
Senator Pankau, Representative Reboletti hosting senior health and lifestyle fair August 4 in Addison
Bloomingdale, Illinois –Residents of the 23rd Senate District have an opportunity to attend an informative, interactive senior health and lifestyle fair Wednesday, August 4. Admission to the fair is FREE and is being sponsored by State Senator Carole Pankau (R-Itasca) and State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst).
This educational event will be held at the Addison Park District at 120 E. Oak St., Addison, Illinois from 9 a.m. to noon. Fair attendees can take advantage of free refreshments as they obtain information about prevalent senior topics such as Illinois Cash Dash, Medicare part D, nutrition, veteran’s affairs, retirement planning and passport information.
Fair attendees can also take advantage of health screenings for blood pressure, glucose (fasting recommended), glaucoma and a computerized spinal scan.
What: Senior Fair
Who: FREE admission to all
When: Wednesday, August 4 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Addison Park District, 120 E. Oak St., Addison
Don’t miss this great opportunity to gain important information on senior health and living! For more information and full list of participants and information topics click here.
Governor Quinn signs Pankau legislation to increase pandemic preparedness
Springfield, Illinois –According to State Senator Carole Pankau (R-Itasca), legislation to ensure Illinois is prepared to deal with pandemics has been signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. The legislation was prompted by the H1N1 outbreak of 2009.
House Bill 4922, sponsored by Senator Pankau, expands the scope of the Senior Pharmaceutical Assistance Review Committee by permitting it to review federal legislation regarding e-prescribing and conduct public hearings regarding pandemic preparedness and response.
“With the governor’s signature, this newly passed law allows the state to hold public hearings to determine ways that Illinois can be better prepared to respond to a pandemic, similar to what we experienced in 2009 with the H1N1 or swine flu,” explained Senator Pankau. “The public hearings are significant to pandemic preparedness because not only will the committee hear from experts in the field but also from the citizens they are seeking to protect.”
The newly signed legislation becomes effective immediately.
Beat the summer heat
I hope you are enjoying your summer and staying cool during the hottest part of the year! The Illinois Department of Health has a few tips and precautions to staying cool and healthy during the heat:
--Use a buddy system. If you are working in the heat, check on coworkers and have someone else do the same for you. If you are at home and are 65 years of age or older or have a chronic health problem, ask a friend, relative or neighbor to check on you at least twice a day, even if you have air conditioning. If you know someone who is 65 years of age or older or who has a chronic health problem, check on them at least twice a day.
--Limit outdoor activities. Try to plan activities for the coolest times of the day - before noon and in the evening. When physically active, rest frequently in the shade.
--Drink plenty of fluids. During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. Even if you remain indoors and limit your activity, your body still needs to replace lost fluids, salt and minerals. Make an extra effort to drink a minimum of six to eight 8 oz. glasses of cool fluids daily. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Parents should be sure young children get sufficient fluids. If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, or if you take diuretics, ask your physician about fluid intake during hot weather.
--Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked car, not even for just a few minutes. The air temperature inside a car rises rapidly during hot weather and can lead to brain damage or death.
If you or someone you know, doesn’t have access to air-conditioning take advantage of the DuPage County cooling stations.
if you have air conditioning. If you know someone who is 65 years of age or older or who has a chronic health problem, check on them at least twice a day.
