IDPH News Archive

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

Iowa Observes EMS Week
Wed, 16 May 2012 08:07 CDT
Category: General Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health joins local and national partners in recognizing May 20 through 26 as EMS Week....
Safe Waters, Safe Swimming
Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00 CDT
Category: Environmental Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health joins local public health partners and the CDC in recognizing May 21 through 27 as National Recreational Water Illness and Injury (RWII) Prevention Week....
IDPH Recognizes Women's Health Week
Thu, 10 May 2012 09:25 CDT
Category: General Health
The Iowa Department of Public Health joins the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health in recognizing May 13 through 19 as National Women’s Health Week....
Iowa Pertussis Numbers on the Rise
Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
According to testing performed by the State Hygienic Laboratory, the Iowa Department of Public Health says more than 150 people with pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported so far in 2012....
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:26 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
The rate of melanoma diagnoses in Iowa has more than tripled since 1975 and melanoma is now the second most common form of cancer for Iowans ages 15 to 29....
IDPH Joins National Infant Immunization Week Observance
Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:58 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
Waukee pediatrician Dr. Stephen Rinderknecht named a CDC Childhood Immunization Champion....
Iowa Counties Honored for Public Health Excellence
Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:22 CDT
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
Dallas and Washington counties are being honored for their outstanding work in promoting the health and wellbeing of their counties' residents....
Hundreds to Gather for Public Health Conference
Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:26 CDT
Category: General Health
More than 500 public health professionals are expected to attend the two-day Iowa Governor’s Conference on Public Health April 17 and 18 at the Scheman Conference Center in Ames....
Mild Spring Brings Early Tick Season
Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:23 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
Iowa’s unusual stretch of warm weather in late winter and early spring has led to earlier than normal tick activity and start to the tick-borne disease season....
Screen-Free Week Encourages Fitness
Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:27 CDT
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Live Healthy Iowa encourage all Iowans, especially children, to find ways to make time for fitness....
Winneshiek, Johnson Lead Iowa in County Health Rankings List
Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:33 CDT
Category: General Health
A nationwide report called the “2012 County Health Rankings” ranks Winneshiek County highest in overall health outcomes; Johnson County was ranked highest for all factors that influence health....
Governor's Conference on Substance Abuse
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:44 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
The 35th annual Governor’s Conference on Substance Abuse will be held April 3 and 4, 2012 at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at Veterans Memorial in Des Moines....
National Public Health Week
Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:19 CDT
Category: General Health
Governor Branstad has proclaimed April 2 to 8 as Iowa Public Health Week....
LOL in Iowa
Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:36 CDT
Category: Behavioral Health
Poor health is no laughing matter; but good health just might be....
IDPH Recognizes World TB Day
Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:30 CDT
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
The Iowa Department of Public Health joins the CDC and local health departments in recognizing March 24 as World TB Day....
No Excuses
Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:58 CDT
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
A new campaign by IDPH, ‘No Excuses Iowa,’ acknowledges that a colonoscopy is not something most people look forward to, but encourages Iowans to stop putting off important colorectal cancer screenings....
Iowa Joins Anti-Obesity Initiative
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:28 CDT
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
The Iowa Department of Public Health has been chosen to join a national effort to combat obesity....
Healthcare-Associated Infections Not Limited to Hospitals
Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:49 CST
Category: Infectious Disease Prevention
IDPH, working with hospitals across the state and the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative, is participating in CDC efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections....
Get Your Plate in Shape
Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:05 CST
Category: Nutrition and Health Promotion
IDPH reminds Iowans that March is National Nutrition Month – a good opportunity to brush up on proven, healthy ways to achieve wellness....
IDPH Recognizes Groundwater Awareness Week
Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:34 CST
Category: Environmental Health
Just as you check your furnace or smoke detector batteries seasonally, spring is a good season to have an annual water well checkup before the peak water use season begins....
50 or Older? Get a Colorectal Cancer Screening!
Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:30 CST
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
Governor Branstad has declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Iowa....
Consequences of Problem Gambling Not Limited to Gambler
Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:36 CST
Category: Behavioral Health
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week is March 4th through 10th....
Make the Call, Don’t Miss a Beat
Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:33 CST
Category: Chronic Disease Prevention
According to the American Heart Association, a woman suffers a heart attack every 90 seconds in the United States, yet only half of women surveyed indicated they would call 9-1-1 if they thought they were having a heart attack and few were aware of t...
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....

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