Health And Fitness
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Is a Call to Action
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a dedicated time to increase awareness about the prevalence of suicide, share information on how to prevent it, and provide support to those affected, says Morgan Newell, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.“This month serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in tackling this critical issue,” said Newell, who specializes in family wellbeing. Direct Care Workers, Family Caregivers & Students Invited to State Conference
Iowa CareGivers invites direct care workers and family caregivers to their 31st annual statewide conference themed "Direct Care: A Chorus of Compassion." The event will be held on October 7, 2024, at the FFA Enrichment Center on the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Campus in Ankeny, IA. The conference offers education, encouragement, and networking for this essential workforce as well as family caregivers.
Benton County SPC Offering hope and sending uplifting message
On Sunday, the Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition held an "Out of the Darkness Awareness Walk" at the Benton Community MS/HS Track Complex in Van Horne.The family-friendly event included snacks, activities, games as well as helpful resources. The walk lasted for about an hour and brought awareness to the community about those who might be hurting and need a word of encouragement. Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Traveling Art Show and Panel Discussion
UnityPoint Health – AbbeHealth Services - Abbe Center for Community Mental Health is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a series of free community events at local libraries across Eastern Iowa. The events will feature a traveling art show and panel presentation on "Mental Health Across the Lifespan" to honor their history and ongoing commitment to mental health and well-being.
BLOOD DONATIONS IN CRITICAL NEED AFTER LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
The community blood supply has been strained this summer
and into the Labor Day holiday and is now critically low after the long weekend. LifeServe Blood
Center is in critical need of all blood types, especially O- and B-.
Hospital patients in more than 170 hospitals primarily in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Illinois
are relying on LifeServe’s loyal donors to give the generous gift of life.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, October 15th – December 7th
Every year between October 15th and December 7th, Iowans on Medicare have the opportunity to review and make changes to their drug plan or Medicare Advantage.The Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage, premiums, co-payments and provider networks every year. It is important that Iowans on Medicare use this time to review changes to their current plan and compare with plans available to them in 2025. September Blood Drive at Virginia Gay Hospital
September needs you to donate blood! Virginia Gay Hospital and the Vinton Community Blood Drive will be held on Tuesday, September 24 from 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 502 N. 9th Ave. in Vinton. Appointments are encouraged! Text: LifeServe at 999-777Call: 800-287-4903Visit: www.lifeservebloodcenter.org ISU studies Mosquitos and the diseases they carry
Despite a slow start following several dry years, mosquito populations in Iowa have ramped up this season, according to Ryan Smith, associate professor of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology at Iowa State University. “Regular rains and flooding in some areas of the state are providing good breeding conditions much later into the summer,” he said. September Words on Wellness
Attached you will find your edition of the September 2024 Words on Wellness newsletter.This edition features:How’s Your Microbiome?Recipe for Pizza BoatsFood Bank vs Food PantryLet’s Play Pickleball Check out upcoming human sciences events on the calendar -- https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/events
Riverview Center Hosts the 2024 Regional Sexual Assault Response Team Conference
Riverview Center is hosting the 2024 Regional Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Northeast Iowa Community College in
Peosta, IA. This event is a training opportunity for providers and community partners who
respond to incidents of sexual violence, including law enforcement, public safety, medical
personnel (EMTs, Nurses, Doctors), social workers, and attorneys.