Are germs okay for our kids? There are many opinions out there. I keep hearing (with two small children in daycare) that they are getting used to germs and when they start school they won’t be sick all the time! I am hoping that is true, since I am not a healthcare provider, I decided [...]
Today, November 17, is the Great American Smokeout. Approximately 70% of adult smokers in the U.S. report they want to quit completely. Smokers may take part and quit for the day or make plans to quit permanently. Many also use the day as a chance to encourage their friends and loved ones to quit smoking. [...]
October 7th at 12PM Adair County Health System and Adair County Health and Fitness Center are both participating in the state wide Start Somewhere Walk.  We would love to have everyone join us in this healthy event. You can join either one of us by getting details from the website http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/start-somewhere-walk. On this website go [...]
Two human cases of West Nile Virus were confirmed this week in western Iowa. The first case occurred in an adult male from Pottawattamie County, and the second in an older adult Harrison County woman. Several additional cases are also being investigated in southwestern Iowa. The months of standing water resulting from the Missouri River [...]
September is National Food Safety Education Month and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages all Iowans to learn the truth behind some common food safety ‘myths.’ This week’s myth is about cutting boards.  Myth: Plastic or glass cutting boards don’t hold harmful bacteria on their surfaces like wooden cutting boards do. Fact: Any [...]
As farmers’ markets fill up with bounties from local fields, and backyard gardens produce more beans and tomatoes than can be eaten, experienced canners and those considering canning are getting out their jars and pressure canners. Canning is a great way to preserve food, but if done incorrectly can lead to serious consequences. In 2009, [...]
As we move into what are typically the hottest months of the year in Iowa, please remember to take measures to prevent heat stress. Anyone can suffer from heat stress, including young and healthy individuals if they are very active during hot weather or the heat index is very high; however, the following people are [...]
The Internet can be fun and informative; however, it’s important to remember that not all information presented on the Web is accurate. Especially when it comes to health information, it’s wise to consult reputable and trusted websites, such as those maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) or the Centers for Disease Control [...]
Measles Reported in Central Iowa A confirmed case of measles has occurred in a Dallas County resident. This situation is being treated as a public health emergency because measles spreads easily and can cause serious illness and death. Local public health officials in Dallas and Polk counties are working with the Iowa Dept. of Public [...]