Health And Fitness
Red Cross blood drive set for Wednesday
Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive today, Wednesday, August 7, from 1:30-6:00 p.m. at the Vinton Skate Center. Walk-ins are welcome. Special refreshments today are rootbeer floats. We hope to see you there.
Intro to Antioxidants
Introduction
Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Diets high in vegetables and fruits, which are good sources of antioxidants, have been found to be healthy; however, research has not shown antioxidant supplements to be beneficial in preventing diseases. Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
U.S. breastfeeding rates continue to rise
U.S. breastfeeding rates continue to rise
Keeping moms and babies together during the hospital stay is important to progress
Breastfeeding rates have continued to rise over the past decade, according to data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The percent of babies breastfeeding at six months increased from 35 percent in 2000 to 49 percent in 2010.
Cyclospora Update: Source Identified
IDPH, CDC, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, the State Hygienic Laboratory and local public health agencies are investigating an outbreak caused by Cyclospora.
The epidemiologic investigation completed by local public health departments in Iowa and IDPH has implicated a prepackaged salad mix as the source of the outbreak. The food trace back investigation performed by DIA determined that at least 80 percent of these cases had been exposed to the same prepackaged salad mix.
Ticks Likely Source for New Heartland Virus
What is a phlebovirus?
"Phlebovirus" is the name for a family of related viruses. Viruses in this family are found all over the world. Some of these viruses can cause people to get sick. Most of the phleboviruses that cause people to become ill are passed through the bite of a mosquito, tick, or sandfly. Recently, a new phlebovirus that causes illness in people was discovered in Missouri.
Investigation of an Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in the US
Updated by CDC: 7/26/13
On June 28, 2013, CDC was notified of 2 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection in Iowa residents who had become ill in June and did not have a history of international travel during the 14 days before the onset of illness. Since that date, CDC has been collaborating with public health officials in multiple states and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis. IDPH Investigates Increase in Salmonella Cases
Illness can be avoided by proper food preparation
Over the past several weeks, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and local public health agencies have received 26 reports in 19 counties of illness linked to a relatively uncommon strain of Salmonella. “Salmonella is commonly the result of improper handling or preparation of food,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr.
Fair Time: Start a Healthy Eating Plan
It’s always fun to attend the annual Benton County Fair to ride the rides, visit the displays, see the farm animals, maybe catch a race, and try a sampling of delicious fried treats. If you’re going to sample keep in mind an overall healthy eating plan.
A healthy eating plan gives your body the nutrients it needs every day while staying within your daily calorie goal for weight loss.
Accredited with Zero Deficiencies: Atkins Family Medical Clinic
Recently, Virginia Gay Hospital’s Atkins Family Medical Clinic (AFMC) underwent a comprehensive Rural Health Clinic (RHC) Accreditation Program by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The program certifies that an accredited clinic meets nationally recognized standards.
“On July 19th the Atkins Family Medical Clinic was certified as a provider based Rural Health Clinic by AAAASF, the state and federal certification body. Exercise and immunity
Battling another cough or cold? Feeling tired all the time? Taking a daily walk or following a simple exercise routine a few times a week may help you feel better.
Exercise not only helps your immune system fight off simple bacterial and viral infections, it decreases your chances of developing heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer.
We don't know exactly how exercise increases your immunity to certain illnesses, but there are several theories.