Health And Fitness
Stars, Stripes and Safe Bites: USDA Food Safety Tips for the 4th of July BBQ
As summer grilling season heats up, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reminds Americans to declare independence from foodborne illness this holiday season.“Summer barbecues are a favorite tradition, but they also present unique food safety challenges when cooking outdoors and away from the safety of a kitchen,” said FSIS Administrator Dr.
Community Volunteers Serve Up Smiles – Rain or Shine!

State of Iowa Launches New Behavioral Health and Disability Services Systems
Today, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launches its newly designed Behavioral Health and Disability Services Systems. Now Iowans, no matter where in the state they live, can access the same sets of mental health, substance use, problem gambling, and disability support services.Behavioral Health Service SystemBeginning today, Iowans without insurance—or with limited coverage—can access care through the new Behavioral Health Service System.
LIFESERVE BLOOD CENTER INVITES YOU TO SAVE LIVES ALONG WITH OUR LOCAL HEROES
Join us for this year’s Battle of the Badges promotion, where
you’ll honor the service and sacrifice of Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and members of
EMS by donating blood in their name. Pick your team when you arrive to one of our Donor
Centers or designated blood drives. Every drop donated makes a difference in our community.
Blood donations drop during the Fourth of July holiday week, but accidents, emergencies, and
trauma cases don’t take time off.
ISU Study Examines Impacts of Collective Trauma on Iowa Farmers & Sustainability

LIFESERVE BLOOD CENTER AND VGH INVITE YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE July 25
LifeServe Blood Center and Virginia Gay Hospital
are encouraging people to give the gift of life this summer. Donating blood takes less than 15
minutes in the donor chair. The average chemotherapy session that requires blood products can
take 4-10 hours, or longer. Human blood cannot be manufactured; it must come from a volunteer
donor and is needed by many patients at Virginia Gay Hospital.
THE BEST TIME IS DONOR TIME Before the Beach, Donate Blood. Be a Lifesaver.
When the sun is shining, the music is playing, and you’re living your best summer life – donating blood might not be on your bucket list, but here is why it should be.Summer is one of the most critical times of the year for blood donation. With schools out and regular routines on hold, blood donations tend to drop, just as the need stays strong.
June Words on Wellness
Attached you will find your edition of the June 2025 Words on Wellness newsletter.This edition features:Peas PleaseRecipe for Split Pea SoupPantry Staples, Amazing Dishes: Healthy Meals on a Budget!Wearable Technology in Fitness Check out upcoming health and human sciences events on the calendar -- https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humans
July Summer Meal Menu

Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab Receives Zero Deficiency Survey
