Health And Fitness
Detect Glaucoma Early To Protect Vision
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve, which carries visual signals from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss or blindness. But many people with early-stage glaucoma have no symptoms. By the time they’re diagnosed, they may have already noticed changes to their side, or peripheral, vision.
School nurse shares tips for fighting flu
The flu season is upon us and it has presented itself in a great way, says V-S district nurse Kris Hallberg.
Hallberg shared the following information and advice in a message to V-S families today:
Influenza A has become an epidemic in Iowa and surrounding states. I read that there have been several deaths caused by this virus. The best way to prevent these illnesses is to make sure your children are getting plenty of rest, washing their hands thoroughly, and staying home if they are ill with fever over 100 degrees, vomiting/diarrhea or uncontrollable cough.
Rough Up Your Diet
Fiber—you know it's good for you. But if you're like many Americans, you don't get enough. In fact, most of us get less than half the recommended amount of fiber each day.
Dietary fiber is found in the plants you eat, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It's sometimes called bulk or roughage. You've probably heard that it can help with digestion.
Stay Active in 2015!
As the New Year settles in, avoid slipping back into a routine of inactivity just because it is cold outside! Start 2015 off right and warm up by participating in several of our winter activity options for you and your family’s enjoyment!
Winter Workout Challenge
This challenge offers over 20 exhilarating exercises and winter-related activities that can be participated in to accumulate points.
Health Topic: What is an Aneurysm?
What Is an Aneurysm? An aneurysm (AN-u-rism) is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your body.
Arteries have thick walls to withstand normal blood pressure. However, certain medical problems, genetic conditions, and trauma can damage or injure artery walls. The force of blood pushing against the weakened or injured walls can cause an aneurysm.
Total Body Challenge to raise money for Operation Backpack
Julie Lessig and her staff at Total Balance are offering a three-part hard-core challenges for local fitness enthusiasts, which doubles as a fund-raiser for the Vinton-Shellsburg Operation Backpack.
Cost is $25 per challenge and includes a monthly challenge over the next three months, including a plank, crunch and core challenge.
Influenza Activity Increasing in Benton County
Surveillance by the Iowa Department of Public Health and Benton County Public Health, and testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory indicate flu activity is increasing. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. “If you have flu symptoms, help out your family, friends and co-workers by staying home to avoid spreading the virus,” said Benton County Public Health Director Melissa Smith.
It's Never Too Late
We’ve all heard that exercise is good for you. Did you know that it’s as true for older people as it is for any age group? You’re never too old to get moving, get stronger and improve your health.
Fitting exercise and physical activity into your day can enhance your life in so many ways. Regular physical activity can improve your balance and boost or maintain your strength and fitness.
Unsafe Infant Bedding Use Still Common
Bedding such as thick blankets, quilts, and pillows can block an infant’s airway, leading to unintentional sleep-related suffocation. This type of bedding can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the unexplained death of a child within the first year of life.
Infants should be placed to sleep alone, on their backs, on a firm sleep surface, such as on a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
Why Create a Family Health History?
A family health history is a written record of a family's health. The history contains information about a family's medical conditions, lifestyle habits (for example, whether anyone in the family has smoked), and where and how family members grew up. It's like a family tree for health.
What a Family Health History May Reveal
You can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems.