Health And Fitness

Chalk the Town GreenMay is Mental Health Awareness Month and we're joining Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative campaign to Chalk the Town Green! Stop by the library anytime between 9am and 8pm on Thursday, May 1st and decorate our library sidewalks with green sidewalk chalk! All chalk will be provided.When?Thursday, May 1, 2025, 09:00 AMWhere?510 2

As we enter the month of May, we’re inviting you to not only roll up your sleeve—but to bring someone new along with you. Young donors, especially high school and college students, donate far less often—but they’re the future of our blood supply. You can help us inspire the next generation of lifesavers by encouraging a student you know to join you in donating this month! 📣 Why now?This is the perfect time for students to give back before the school year ends—and we’re offering some great incentives! Student Scholarships: Up to $500 for those who host a successful summer blood driveDonor of Distinction: Students who donate three times before graduation (or host a scholarship drive) receive an honor cord, certificate, and recognition for their generosity 🩸 Every donation saves up to three lives—and when you donate with LifeServe, it stays right here in your community.

77 scholarships now available; applications due May 31The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation is offering 77 scholarships to help individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Applications are open now through May 31 for current long-term care employees seeking to advance their health care or leadership skills, as well as high school seniors who are pursuing an education in health care.

LifeServe Blood Center is asking community members to show their support for local firefighters this May in conjunction with International Firefighters’ Day observed annually on May 4th. LifeServe Blood Center is partnering with local firefighters to host special mobile blood drives across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Illinois April 23-May 2 as well as at our 14 Donor Centers Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3.

Donating blood isn’t just about saving lives, it’s also about improving yours. By giving the gift of life, you can enjoy a range of personal health benefits (reduced risk of heart disease, improved blood flow, enhanced red blood cell production and a mini health screening). One hundred percent of all blood and blood products provided to Virginia Gay Hospital come from LifeServe blood donors.

By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa House passed legislation Monday to legalize the use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in “magic mushrooms,” for psychiatric treatment through a state program.House File 978, passed 84-6, would establish a Psilocybin Production Establishment Licensing Board within the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, operating in a similar fashion to the existing Medical Cannabidiol Advisory Board that oversees Iowa’s medical cannabis program.

LifeServe Blood Center is asking community members to show their support for local firefighters this May in conjunction with International Firefighters’ Day observed annually on May 4th. LifeServe Blood Center is partnering with local firefighters to host special mobile blood drives across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Illinois April 23-May 2 as well as at our 14 Donor Centers Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3.

A Memory Cafe is a casual gathering of library staff, volunteers and individuals living with dementia and their care givers. There is coffee, fresh baked cookies, activities and conversation. We'd love to have you join us! We meet from 10-11:30 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month.  Feel free to stay the whole time, or just pop in and say, "Hi!"The library is located at 510 2nd Ave.

Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting Agenda Date: April 7, 2025 Time: 1800 Location: VIRTUAL ONLY Zoom Invitation https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84766935692?pwd=eERnbjZ3Qkd3eXVlWXpueVdPWFN5QT09 Call to Order: • *Introductions • *This is a safe place to be open and vulnerable if you wish • *Please refer emails/names of people who should be here to info@bentoncountyspc.

Attached you will find your edition of the April 2025 Words on Wellness newsletter. This edition features:Try a Vegetable Dip!Recipe for Vegetable DipMove More MonthParkinson’s Disease Awareness Check out upcoming health and human sciences events on the calendar -- https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/events