Health And Fitness

As part of May being Mental Health Awareness month, the Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition would like to invite you to an event to help "Break the Stigma."  On Thursday evening, May 15th beginning at 5:30 p.m. you can join in a family friendly event at the Benton County Courthouse.It will be a time of talking about mental health while chalking the walk at the Benton County Courthouse in Vinton.

By Robin OpsahlMembers of Iowa’s federal delegation have introduced multiple measures related to health care, weighing in on Medicaid coverage and maternal care options.Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Ashley Hinson, both Republicans, helped introduced the “More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed” (MOMS) Act in the Senate and House respectively, legislation that they said would help provide more services and support for expecting and new mothers.

Kim Reynolds, Governor, announced the passing of bill HF 887: A bill for an act removing birth centers from the meaning of institutional health facility.Passage of the bill has been a long hard battle for Iowa Midwives. In less than two years after Iowa passed the midwifery licensure, a bill that removes the barrier that has kept midwives from opening birth centers, HF887 passed unanimously out of the Iowa House and Senate.

Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved a demonstration project submitted by Iowa Health and Human Services for the state’s own summer food pilot program. Healthy Kids Iowa is an alternative to the summer EBT program that serves Iowa children healthier foods at a lower cost by leveraging Iowa’s already-existing, successful network of summer feeding programs and community providers.

The American Red Cross will be sponsoring its next blood drive in Vinton on Thursday, June 5th, from 12-5:00 p.m. at the Vinton Skate Center.  Go to www,redcross.org/blood to sign up or call 800-red-cross. Please sign up!

You will find the May 2025 Words on Wellness newsletter below.This edition features:The Link between Sleep and ObesityRecipe for Mushroom QuinoaUpdate on Food AllergiesHandle with Care: Fruits and Vegetables Check out upcoming health and human sciences events on the calendar -- https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/events 

The Virginia Gay Hospital diabetes self-management education program in Vinton, Iowa has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association. The program was originally Recognized in February of 2022. This program offers high-quality education services to the patients it serves.The ADA Education Recognition effort, begun in the fall of 1986, is a voluntary process which assures that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.

Date: May 5, 2025  Time: 1800 Location: In person and virtualJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us05web.zoom.us/j/7095171854?pwd=Y2oAQ7dqObFiGwa6HGzLK1qarvIjAr.1&omn=81387153670Meeting ID: 709 517 1854Passcode: 39bTnvCall to Order*Introductions*This is a safe place to be open and vulnerable if you wish*Please refer emails/names of people who should be here to the SPC email*Updates from individuals and/or organizationsApproval of Minutes:Treasurer's Report:Subcommittee Reports Youth-Calli/HollyPlanning-Julie/Skye/JenElderlyAgriculture-GregSuicide Prevention/Awareness walk-GraceSupport GroupOld Business:BCSPC ScholarshipsVS had two recipients that split the $500 between them both.

By Robin OpsahlAny communication from schools on immunization requirements would have to include information and requirements for families seeking an exemption under a bill sent to the governor Tuesday.House File 299 was passed by the Senate 32-16. The bill requires all Iowa K-12 schools, as well as child care centers, community colleges, universities under the Iowa Board of Regents as well as private universities using the tuition grant program, to include information on exemptions when communicating with students and families about vaccine requirements.

Chalk the Town GreenMay is Mental Health Awareness Month and we're joining Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative campaign to Chalk the Town Green! Stop by the library anytime between 9am and 8pm on Thursday, May 1st and decorate our library sidewalks with green sidewalk chalk! All chalk will be provided.When?Thursday, May 1, 2025, 09:00 AMWhere?510 2