IDPH News Archive

IDPH News is an archive of press releases from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Flu Activity Increasing in Iowa
Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:30 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
After weeks of low influenza levels in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health reports statewide surveillance indicates flu activity is increasing....
Norovirus Outbreaks Continue in Iowa
Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:48 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) continues to see outbreaks of norovirus illness across the state, and reports of activity have been increasing in recent weeks....
Wellness Doesn't Have to Stop at Work
Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:37 CST
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
The workplace is an ideal location to sneak more physical activity into your daily schedule, and it’s surprisingly easy to make healthy food choices while still excelling at your job....
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:45 CST
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) joins the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) in recognizing January as Cervical Health Awareness Month....
Flu Season Starts Out Slowly
Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:56 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
Statewide and national surveillance shows influenza activity in Iowa and across the country remains low. While reassuring, Iowans should be aware the flu season is only just beginning....
January is Radon Action Month
Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:34 CST
Category: Environmental Health
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that causes no immediate health symptoms, but long-term exposures may cause lung cancer....
Health Care Providers Recommend Quitline Iowa
Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00 CST
Category: General Health
Health care provider referrals to Quitline Iowa are higher than they have ever been. In recent months, there has been a 68.4 percent increase in recommendations over the same time period last year....
Sick? Don’t Prepare Food for Others
Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:58 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
An alarming number of outbreaks of stomach illness across the state should be a reminder to Iowans participating in gatherings where food is served....
Flu Activity in Iowa Includes Novel Strain
Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:09 CST
Category: General Health
Important to cover your cough and stay home when sick...
Keep the Holidays Healthy
Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:05 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
Iowa recorded its first confirmed case of seasonal influenza last week and the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network has noted increased flu activity since then....
IDPH Announces First Flu Case of Season
Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:27 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health has received its first confirmed seasonal influenza report for the 2011-2012 season....
Get Smart About Antibiotics
Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:03 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
To bring attention to the growing world-wide problem of antibiotic resistance, the Iowa Department of Public Health joins the CDC in observing Get Smart About Antibiotics Week November 14 through 20, 2011....
Iowa Joins National Rural Health Day Recognition
Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:53 CST
Category: Environmental Health
National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to honor small towns, farming communities and rural areas, and also to highlight the unique healthcare challenges the individuals who live in these areas face....
Iowa Honored as 'Purple State'
Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:00 CDT
Category: General Health
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome today recognized Iowa as a ‘Purple State’ for statewide efforts to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome...
What Are Your MAMMOtives?
Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:30 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health is encouraging Iowa women to visit a website that features an ongoing discussion about what influences their decisions to get recommended breast cancer screenings, including mammograms....
IDPH Encourages Health Care Providers to Take Role in Violence Prevention
Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:46 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health estimates one in five Iowa women will experience physical violence by an intimate partner at some point during their life....
Most Iowans Say They Gamble
Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:24 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
A report released by the Iowa Department of Public Health concludes that while Iowa’s percentage of pathological gambling remains low, the percentage of Iowans who are at risk for developing a gambling problem is high....
First Iowa Illness from Listeria Outbreak Reported
Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:49 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the state’s first illness linked to the multistate outbreak of listeriosis associated with cantaloupes from Jensen Farms, Colorado....
IDPH Urges Annual Flu Vaccination
Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:46 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health is encouraging all Iowans to get their yearly flu vaccination....
CDC Report Highlights Iowa Preparedness
Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:16 CDT
Category: General Health
A report released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives Iowa high marks in emergency preparedness....
Recovery Celebration Planned Sunday
Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:10 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
Governor Branstad has proclaimed September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Iowa, coinciding with the national recognition....
First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011 in Iowa
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:16 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
IDPH today announced the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus disease in Iowa in 2011....
Iowa to Recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:55 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
Iowa joins 33 other states in recognizing Falls Prevention Awareness Day on the first day of fall, September 23, 2011...
Take 5 to Save Lives
Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:31 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health urges all Iowans to become better informed and spread the word about World Suicide Prevention Day, which is September 10....
Early Childhood Vaccination Rates Rise in Iowa
Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:29 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
According to the CDC’s National Immunization Survey, more young children are getting immunized in Iowa....
IDPH Raises Heart Attack Awareness
Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:04 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health urges Iowa women to educate and empower themselves and their families about the seven symptoms of a heart attack most commonly seen in women....
IDPH Highlights Food Safety Mythbusters
Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:47 CDT
Category: Food Safety
September is National Food Safety Education Month and the Iowa Department of Public Health encourages all Iowans to learn the truth behind common food safety ‘myths.’...
IDPH Offers Food Safety Tips
Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:54 CDT
Category: Food Safety
In Iowa, two illnesses have been associated with contaminated ground turkey. IDPH has tips to keep you and your family healthy...
CDC Report Ranks Iowa Above National Average for Nursing Babies
Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:47 CDT
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
The percentage of Iowa women who choose to breastfeed their baby at birth, and continue exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months of age is above the national average, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention....
Continued Heat a Concern for Outdoor Workers
Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:37 CDT
Category: General Health
As Iowans sweat out another extreme heat advisory, with high humidity and temperatures in the 90s, IDPH reminds workers who are exposed to extreme heat as part of their job to be especially mindful of heat-related illness....
Latest State Data Show Obesity Rate Rising
Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:59 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
A report out today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Iowa’s obesity prevalence is 28.4 percent, up of 27.9 percent in 2009...
Athletes at Special Risk for Heat Illness
Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:47 CDT
Category: General Health
Thousands of athletes will be participating in sports this weekend as the Summer Iowa Games, and the Iowa high school state softball and sub-state baseball tournaments are held. IDPH reminds athletes and fans to protect against heat illnesses....
2010 Disease Report Issued by IDPH
Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:23 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued the 2010 Iowa Surveillance of Notifiable and Other Diseases Report, an annual snapshot of what, how, and when events impact the public’s health....
Iowa Communities Honored for Fluoridation
Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:08 CDT
Category: General Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that five Iowa water systems have been awarded fluoride certificates by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors....
Iowa Counties Analyze, Plan for Health Needs
Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:53 CDT
Category: General Health
IDPH has released an analysis of county health needs identified in the 2010-2011 Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan (CHNA & HIP)....
Safe Grilling Tips
Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:33 CDT
Category: Food Safety
Independence Day will be celebrated this weekend with fireworks, parades and picnics. The Iowa Department of Public Health reminds Iowans to keep food safety in mind as they grill those hot dogs, brats, and burgers....
Heat Watch Issued - Take Precautions to Protect Your Health
Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30 CDT
Category: Flooding
The Iowa Department of Public Health reminds Iowans even young and healthy individuals can have a heat-related illness if they are active during hot weather....
Pool Safety Saves Lives
Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:24 CDT
Category: General Health
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates about 3,000 children younger than age five nearly drown in swimming pools and spas each year and 300 die in swimming accidents. These injuries and deaths are preventable....
Healthy Habits Critical During Stressful Times
Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:46 CDT
Category: Flooding
During stressful times such as flood response and recovery, it’s easy to become so involved with protecting your property and belongings that you forget your own health, but the health of you and your family needs to be your top priority....
Flooding Takes Emotional Toll on Residents, Volunteers
Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:44 CDT
Category: Flooding
The drawn-out nature of the flooding in Western Iowa not only takes its toll on roads, homes, and businesses; it takes an emotional toll on residents and volunteers....
Stay Out of Flood Waters
Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:34 CDT
Category: Flooding
The Iowa Department of Public Health reminds Iowans not to put their life or the lives of those called to rescue them at risk - remember that flood waters are dangerous....
Immunization Conference Held in Des Moines
Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:01 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
Nearly 800 health professionals attended the 2011 Iowa Department of Public Health Immunization Conference in Des Moines. The two-day conference focused on current immunization information and vaccine education for health care providers....
Seek Trusted Resources for Flood-Related Health Information
Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:49 CDT
Category: Flooding
The Internet can be fun and informative; however, it’s important to remember that not all information presented on the Web is accurate. Especially when it comes to health information, it’s wise to consult reputable and trusted websites....
Stress Levels Rise with Flood Waters
Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:34 CDT
Category: Flooding
As preparations and response to flooding in Western Iowa continue, IDPH reminds residents that it is normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed. There are many things you can do to help cope with stressful events....
Avoiding Heat Exhaustion
Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:17 CDT
Category: Flooding
Rising temperatures and higher humidity levels raise health concerns about heat illness for Iowans, especially those doing flood preparation. Whether doing flood prep work in western Iowa, or simply yard work, it's important to rest and rehydrate....
Tick Season Underway
Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:22 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
With outdoor activity season underway, Iowans are reminded to protect themselves against tick bites. Ticks can carry the organisms that cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis....
Iowans Urged to Hire Only Certified Lead-Safe Renovators
Thu, 26 May 2011 09:12 CDT
Category: Environmental Health
By requiring painting and remodeling contractors to be certified as lead-safe, children, adults and the contractors themselves will be protected from the dangers of lead poisoning....
Measles Reported in Central Iowa
Tue, 24 May 2011 13:57 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
A confirmed case of measles has occurred in a Dallas County resident. This situation is being treated as a public health emergency because measles spreads easily and can cause serious illness and death....
Stroke Prevention is Possible
Wed, 18 May 2011 09:31 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death for all Iowans, and the third leading cause of death for women in Iowa. In 2009, stroke was responsible for 1,627 deaths in Iowa - that’s one stroke death every five hours....
Governor Branstad to Declare Iowa EMS Week
Tue, 10 May 2011 09:38 CDT
Category: General Health
EMS Week is an opportunity to honor the vital essential public health function of EMS, which provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line safety net.”...
IDPH Recognizes National Women's Health Week
Fri, 06 May 2011 11:00 CDT
Category: General Health
National Women's Health Week encourages women to make their health a top priority by taking steps to improve their physical and mental wellness, and lower their risks of certain diseases....
Iowa Hospitals Rank High in Response Capabilities
Fri, 06 May 2011 08:37 CDT
Category: General Health
A report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Hospital Preparedness Program finds over 97 percent of the 118 Iowa hospitals participating in the program met the eight designated benchmarks of disaster preparedness....
IDPH Seeks Public Input
Wed, 04 May 2011 10:52 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health is partnering with the Iowa Cancer Consortium and American Cancer Society to study ways to improve breast and colorectal cancer screening program activities in Iowa....
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month
Mon, 02 May 2011 09:08 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
During National High Blood Pressure Education Month in May, The Iowa Department of Public Health urges all Iowans to learn about the dangers of high blood pressure and how they can reduce and maintain a healthy blood pressure level....
Iowa Students Join National Flash Workout
Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:45 CDT
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
Students in Iowa and across the nation are making plans to ‘move’ - all at the same time as part of a pre-choreographed “Let’s Move!” dance exercise routine at exactly 12:42 p.m. (CDT) on Tuesday, May 3....
CDC Report Illustrates Iowa Successes
Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:41 CDT
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
A new CDC report illustrates the importance of public-private partnerships in fighting childhood obesity. The report indicates that communities, child care facilities and schools can all do more to support healthy eating choices....
Iowa Counties Selected for Substance Abuse Prevention Grant
Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:12 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health has selected 23 counties to participate in a $10.5 million federal grant to reduce binge drinking and underage drinking, and the problems associated with both....
Governor Branstad to Proclaim Children's Mental Health Week
Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:53 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
Many people are surprised by the idea that young children can have ’mental health’ concerns; however, brain research continues to indicate the foundations of social and emotional health are set in the first five years of life....
IDPH Offers Health Tips For Garage Sales
Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:01 CDT
Category: General Health
While garage and yard sales can be fun and profitable, the Iowa Department of Public Health reminds both sellers and buyers to also keep them safe....
IDPH Joins in National Infant Immunization Week Recognition
Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:12 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
National Infant Immunization Week is held each year to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs....
IDPH Urges Awareness of OSHA Warning
Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:16 CDT
Category: General Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health urges Iowa hair salon owners and workers to be aware of a warning issued about potential formaldehyde exposure from working with some hair smoothing and straightening products....
IDPH Reminds Iowans to Enjoy Springtime Events, Traditions Safely
Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:14 CDT
Category: Food Safety
The Easter and Passover season is associated with many traditions and events, including chicks and ducklings, brightly colored eggs and Easter egg hunts. IDPH urges Iowans to make safety part of their part of their spring festivities....
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:53 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
This April, during Alcohol Awareness Month, the Iowa Department of Public Health encourages all Iowans to take this time to learn about the dangers of alcohol abuse....
Move Away from the Screen, Move Toward Better Fitness
Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:46 CDT
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
The Iowa Department of Public Health and Live Healthy Iowa encourage all Iowans to make more time for fitness by participating in Screen-Free Week (formerly TV Turn-Off Week) April 18 to 24, 2011....
Product Safety Complaints Go Online
Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:54 CDT
Category: General Health
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a new, searchable online database that allows consumers to file a complaint about a specific product that has caused or could have caused injury....
County Health Rankings Useful for Planning Efforts
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:30 CDT
Category: General Health
The 2011 County Health Rankings released today found that Delaware County ranked highest in overall health, while Johnson County ranked first in factors that influence health....
Safety is No Accident
Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:00 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) joins the Iowa Public Health Association in celebrating National Public Health Week, April 4 to 10. The theme of this year’s observance is “Safety is NO Accident: Live Injury-Free.”...
IDPH Encourages Iowans to Go Blue
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:41 CST
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
IDPH is encouraging Iowans to ‘go blue’ during March.Throughout the month and especially on March 30, Iowans are encouraged to wear blue, or display blue ribbons and balloons to demonstrate their support for colon cancer awareness....
New Year's Resolutions Fading Fast?
Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:02 CST
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans that March is National Nutrition Month - a good opportunity to brush up on the proven, healthy ways to achieve wellness....
The Costs and Benefits of Gambling in Iowa
Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:19 CST
Category: Behavioral Health
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week is March 6 to 12, 2011....
Go Green with Vending Machines
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:08 CST
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
IDPH has teamed with the Iowa State University Extension to develop a Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS) that evaluates the nutritional value of vending machine foods and beverages....
Johnson, Scott Counties Lead Iowa in Physical Activity
Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:36 CST
Category: General Health
According to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Johnson and Scott County residents spend more of their leisure time engaged in physical activity than their counterparts in other Iowa counties....
Simple Changes Can Improve Heart Health
Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:12 CST
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
February is American Heart Month, an opportunity to consider some simple steps you can take to ensure your heart is as healthy as it can be....

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