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.

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.

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).

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.

Public health research, free sunscreen part of this year’s event As thousands of bicyclists cross Iowa on the 41st Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds participants and volunteers along the route to protect themselves from the sun and heat.

How is diabetes managed? Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, everyone with type 1 diabetes died within a few years after diagnosis. Although insulin is not considered a cure, its discovery was the first major breakthrough in diabetes treatment.

Donate Blood Friday, July 19th From 2:30pm - 5:30pm US Bank Community Room LifeServe Blood Center provides blood to our very own Virginia Gay Hospital! Mark Your calendar & Save a Life (or 3)!    Did You Know? 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives Someone needs blood ever 2 seconds Females receive 53% of blood transfusions There is no subsitute for Human Blood Donate Blood on Friday, July 19th from 2:30 - 5:30pm at the US Bank Community Room (414 A Avenue, Vinton).

There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Schedule 30 of them for physical activity! Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better.

How is diabetes diagnosed? The fasting blood glucose test is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes in children and nonpregnant adults. The test is most reliable when done in the morning.

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism—the way the body uses digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food people eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood.