Health And Fitness

VPL Staff is helping to #MakeItOK! We're rocking our green OK t-shirts today to help end the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.It’s OK to talk about mental illness — talking makes people feel less alone. #makeitokIOWA is a community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations. Learn more: MakeItOKIowa.org

Bill heads to Governor's desk to sign into law, marking a milestone for medically fragile children and their familiesIowa has made history. With final approval from both chambers of the Iowa Legislature, "Mason's Law" (House File HF 933) has officially passed, making Iowa the first state poised to authorize a specialized Pediatric Palliative Care Center license.

By Clark KauffmanA Linn County dentist charged with practicing dentistry in a manner that is harmful to the public has been ordered to undergo remedial training.Iowa Dental Board records indicate the board recently charged dentist Terra Hickey of Center Point with practicing in a manner that is harmful or detrimental to the public. Hickey has been an Iowa-licensed dentist since July 2000,The board alleges Hickey, who works at Center Point Family Dentistry, at some unspecified time in the past failed to recognize tooth decay, failed to complete a thorough removal of decay, failed to properly place restorations, and failed to adequately inform patients of their diagnosis and treatment plans.

Please join us in recognizing these extraordinary team members for their compassion, dedication, and outstanding patient care. We are proud to honor the following individuals as this year’s DAISY Award winner and nominees.Awardee - Katie Steele, RN, BSNNominees Amy Olson, RN, BSNReanna Wilhelm, RN, BSNCassie Patava RNTrisha Wiese, RNJoy Nachtman

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