Health And Fitness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and The Iowa Departments of Public Health and Human Services, soon to be the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are urging Iowans to prioritize their mental health. After the last two years of pandemic living, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being.

The Iowa State Patrol is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Region 7 states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska for the Slow Down Move Over enforcement campaign to remind drivers to obey the speed limits and to move over for emergency vehicles this Mother’s Day weekend. Mother’s Day is May 8 and law enforcement agencies from our region will be out trying to prevent crashes, save lives and raise awareness about the dangers of speeding all weekend, from May 6 – 8.

 Lung cancer is the third most common and the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.  Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages, and effective early screening strategies are a major public health priority.  As with all cancers, early detection is key to a better prognosis.   Low dose CT is a chest CT scan performed at settings to minimize radiation exposure compared to normal CT chest exams.

The CDC now offers a COVID "Quarantine and Isolation Calculator" to help you determine what you should do if you become ill with COVID-19 or have symptoms. Click here  to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.Video  

Atkins Family Medical Clinic will be closed today Friday, April 22nd.

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness of alcohol abuse and encourage Iowans to make healthy, safe choices. Alcohol is the most frequently used substance in Iowa. Alcohol use in the past 30 days is higher for Iowans compared to the national rate. From 2008-2019, the rate of alcohol-involved deaths increased by more than 73%.

There will be a  blood drive on Thursday, April 21 at the High School from 8:30-1:20 p.m.The blood drive will be in the high school auxiliary gym. It’s from 8:30-1:20. The goal is to have 45 appointments and am currently at 37. Appointments are required. The link to sign up is below! https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_s

LifeServe Blood Center is offering community blood donors a way to help support Ukrainian relief efforts through blood donations.Unfortunately, individual volunteer blood donations are unable to be sent directly to the country of Ukraine. However, local blood donors have a unique opportunity to save lives locally while also extending a helping hand to send much-needed blood collection supplies to Ukraine.

On Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 9:00 AM to noon at the Vinton Public Library, a free health and wellness event will be held for families with young children.The following services will be available at this event:· Childhood vaccinations· Car seat safety inspection and installation· Vision screening· Hearing screening· Dental screening· Lead screening· Developmental screening· Social-emotional developmental screening· Flower planting activity with a Master Gardener· Officers from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office will also be on hand to visit with families.