CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The SIH Cancer Institute will offer free screenings for head and neck cancers on Friday, April 19, at the Center for Medical Arts in Carbondale.

Oral, head and neck cancers account for about three to six-percent of all new cancer diagnoses each year, according to Paul Schalch, M.D., an ear, nose and throat specialist. Dr. Schalch and colleague, Dr. David Hohuan, will conduct the free screenings. Both specialists are members of the SIH Cancer Institute’s  treatment planning team for all head and neck cancers.

Dr. Schalch says individuals who smoke and/or drink alcohol regularly, chew tobacco, have difficulty swallowing, a nagging earache or voice changes such as hoarseness are appropriate candidates for the free screening. Other suspicious symptoms include sores or tender spots in the mouth that do not heal, lip lesions, problems with teeth or dentures or a persistent lump on the neck.

Smoking is a leading indicator.

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - On Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.at the Carbondale Superblock, the Kohl’s Movers and Shakers will host "Spring into Motion," an event that will celebrate the completion of the fitness station set and teach families the importance of being active together.

The unveiling of the completed fit stations will be held at 11:30 a.m.

Also during this ceremony, the announcement of the 15 winners of the Southern Illinois Smoke-free Poster Contest will be announced. All winners in attendance will receive a prize bag. Additionally, each winner will have their posters incorporated into a smoke-free metal sign that will be located in a public place for all to see.

Lunch will be provided as well as instruction on using the fit stations, games for all ages, and a prize drawing for those attending.

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) -  This Able Veteran Heroic Veterans service dogs are set to graduate on Friday, April 12.

This will be the second graduation the group.  The organization was founded by Behesha Doan, who is also the chief trainer and president. 

Doan says she and other volunteers spend countless hours training the dogs that will provide a new lease on life for each of the service personnel recovering from the trauma of war.

The four veterans arrived in Carbondale from their homes around the country on Monday, April 1, and meet their new service animals for the first time at 11 a.m at the This Able Veteran facility.

The four servicemen will all meet with a veterinarian the morning of April 6 to learn to care for their dogs.

Organizers say the men enjoyed a dinner sponsored by the Carbondale Rotary and took to the skies on flights from the SIU Airport.