Health And Fitness

By Cortney Earhart, Prevention Specialist with ASACIt’s that time of year again when everyone’s scrambling around trying to figure out what to get the youth who says they have it all! Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch-offs are an easy gift and many like to use them as stocking stuffers, however, these may not be the best option.The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that youth problem gambling has emerged as a significant and growing public health issue.

A New Family Nest parent education program for expecting families and families with children ages 0 - 4 is coming to Benton County in January. Classes are set to begin on January 12, 2023, and will be held on the second Thursday of every month in Vinton. Class topics will include: choosing a hospital, prenatal care, appointments and nutrition, high-risk pregnancy, pumping and breastfeeding, postpartum depression, anxiety, mental health, car seat safety, sleep safety, delivery, recovery, self-advocacy, NICU time, school readiness, pregnancy after loss, Dad’s perspective, bringing baby home with an older child.

Benton and Tama counties, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with Better Tomorrows ECI, will offer “Small Talk,” a program for parents of infants, virtually beginning Monday, January 9th, 2023.“Small Talk,” which is specifically for parents of children under the age of 30 months, is based in science, according to Danielle Day, local human sciences specialist in family wellbeing, who will lead the program.

Below you will find this month's edition of the December 2022 Words on Wellness newsletter.This edition features:·    Balanced Approach Toward Health·    Recipe for Beef Stew·    Plan for Success·    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Check out upcoming human sciences events on the calendar -- https://www.

The Peer Recovery Zone meets at 811 D Ave. in the conference room on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.For anyone 18 years and older, come and join the fun! Bring a snack or drink and stay the day. This is a safe place where people can connect with others sharing same life experiences.While at the PRZ you can have healthy discussions, participate in workshops and crafts and have fun while spending time with people just like you.

The Director of Benton County Health, Katie Cox, spoke to the area Kiwanis Club sharing with the group updates on the illnesses making the round this winter. Starting with the flu, Cox reminded everyone that as we approach the winter season and are indoors together more, the same preventative measure that we've been using still applies. Hand washing, staying home if you're ill, cleaning surfaces, and not touching your face were on the top of her list.

The community blood supply has been low due to lower donor turnout. LifeServe is calling on all blood donors to help boost this blood supply this fall.Someone requires a blood transfusion every 2 seconds. 100% of the blood products needed by your community hospital come from LifeServe blood donors.Make an appointment at an upcoming neighborhood blood drive near you.