Health And Fitness

Insurance Commissioner Reminds Iowans Experiencing Economic Impact Due to Covid-19 to Consider ACA Special Enrollment Periods and Other Health Coverage OptionsDes Moines – Iowans who have experienced change in employment status due to COVID-19 may be eligible to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage through healthcare.gov.  A special enrollment period (SEP) is a period outside of open enrollment when a person can enroll in or switch ACA coverage.

Soap and water really do work and is probably better for you in the long run. However, if they are NOT available, hand sanitizer is your go-to.From the FDA:"Each of us can help stop the spread of COVID-19 disease by washing our hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds – especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, clinic hours at the Atkins, Urban and Vinton Family Medical Clinics will change as follows until further notice:Atkins: Monday-Thursday, 7 am - 5 pm and Friday 7 am-4 pmUrbana: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7 am - 5 pm and Wednesday 7 am-4 pmVinton: Monday-Friday 7 am-5 pm and Saturday 8 am-NoonThere are no changes to the hours at the Van Horne location at this time.

Attached you will find your edition of the April 2020 WOW newsletter. This edition features:Be Active as a FamilyRecipe for Chicken Salad (Great on a sandwich!)Visit a Farmers MarketFarmers Market Food Safety Bonus Links: Meals and Snacks from the Pantry, Prepare Your Pantry- But Don't Panic, and more.

 The Benton County Public Health Department reminds residents that although they are spending more time away from friends and family because of social distancing, state, county and local leaders recognize and appreciate the vital role they serve in stopping the spread of COVID-19.“This unprecedented time is not easy,” said Benton County Public Health Director Katie Cox “We want everyone to know that the actions they are taking - staying away from groups of people and keeping a 6-foot distance from other individuals – are important and make a difference.

Effective Tuesday, March 24, visitors are NOT allowed unless the visitor is a designated caregiver and the patient falls into one of four categories listed below:1. The patient is imminently dying.2. The patient is an infant or small child. In this case, only one designated parent/caregiver may be present in the room to support care of the patient.

County Public Health Department and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) remind residents they play a vital role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. A critical part of containment is practicing social distancing.“Social distancing is a term used to describe certain action public health and individuals can take to stop or slow the spread of an infectious disease,” said Benton County Public Health Director Katie Cox.

Traditional and social media have been full recently of stories and pictures of people stocking up on toilet paper in preparation for COVID-19. Benton County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) remind residents that hoarding of items, most notably toilet paper, are not necessary or recommended.“We encourage residents to prepare for COVID-19 by making a family plan, being ready for possible interruptions in their normal work and school schedules, and by making sure they have their regular prescriptions on hand,” said Benton County Public Health Director Katie Cox.

Important Notice from Benton County Environmental Health:A reminder to residents of the county to not flush wipes of any kind, paper towels, facial tissues, napkins or feminine products down the toilet. These products can damage and clog sanitary sewers and septic systems causing failure. Thank you

David Condry, Project CoordinatorAbove the Influence Wellness Coalition During the past weeks it has been reported consistently that older adults and people with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.  While this virus is a risk for anyone in our community it is important to recognize another group that has an increased risk during this time.