Health And Fitness
Americans Are Walking More to Improve Their Health
Improve your health by increasing your physical activity. Start with walking more as part of your daily routine.
Most everyone knows that physical activity is important for good health, but not enough actually do it. Obstacles abound, not the least of which is limited time. Fitting regular physical activity into your daily schedule may seem difficult at first, but the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are more flexible than ever, giving you the freedom to reach your physical activity goals through different kinds of activities.
How problem gambling affects more young Iowa adults
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released two studies focused on gambling attitudes and behaviors among Iowa adolescents and college students, and a third study on problem gambling treatment outcomes.
The Iowa Youth Survey 2012: Problem Gambling Questions Report, prepared by the Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation at the University of Iowa, reviewed gambling attitudes and behaviors among Iowa’s 6th, 8th, and 11th graders.
It's Time for an Annual Check-Up!
It's time to take charge of your health! Schedule an appointment with your Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics health care provider for your annual check-up/physical exam.
Student Physicals - Avoid the last minute rush for athletic physicals, camp physicals, etc. and schedule your examination now. If you have any physical forms that need to be filled out please bring those to your annual exam appointment.
Memorial Day Weekend Kicks off Outdoor Adventures
Remember to protect against bug-borne diseases
The long Memorial Day weekend often includes outdoor activities. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages Iowans to enjoy the many opportunities to be active outdoors, while remembering to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. Both bugs can transmit serious illnesses. Ticks can carry the organisms that cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis.
Genomics, Family History & Osteoporosis
If one of your parents has had a fracture, especially a hip fracture, then earlier screening for osteoporosis might be right for you. Share your family health history with your doctor.
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which bones become weak and brittle. People with osteoporosis have an increased risk for fractures, most commonly of the hip, forearm/wrist and spine.
Staying Safe and Healthy in the Water
IDPH recognizes Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week
Each year, the week before Memorial Day has been designated National Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week. This year’s observance, May 19-25, 2014, marks its tenth anniversary. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) urges all Iowans to take simple steps to ensure healthy and safe swimming for everyone.
VIDEO: Celebrating Hospital Week at VGH
Virginia Gay Hospital is celebrating Hospital Week! Enjoy this video and see if you recognize anyone.
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Asthma and School
Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and adolescents in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. On average, in a classroom of 30 children, about 3 are likely to have asthma. Low-income populations, minorities, and children living in inner cities experience more emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to asthma than the general population.
Research Helps People and Pets
Where would we be without our furry friends? Pet dogs and cats stand by us with love and loyalty, sharing our lives’ ups and downs. Our beloved pets can also share many of the same medical problems that we have, like asthma, diabetes, and even cancer. Doctors, veterinarians, and scientists work together to study diseases that affect both pets and people.
Tick Talk: Block Tick Bites and Lyme Disease
When warm weather arrives, you might get the urge to walk barefoot through the grass. But before you stroll through your lawn or head out on a hiking trail, you’ll want to protect yourself and your loved ones from ticks that often lurk in tall grass, thick brush, and wooded areas. Many ticks carry disease, so do what you can to keep ticks from taking a bite out of you.