Health And Fitness
January issue of Words on Wellness
This edition features nutritious ideas to get your brain in shape, a recipe for salmon patties, how to keep your food safe in winter weather emergencies, and tips for safe winter fitness.
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Bill Travis and training at VGH

Holiday Cheer and Impaired Driving?
December marks a time of year of togetherness, family, and appreciation for all we hold dear. Yet you may be surprised to learn that statistically, December is one of the most dangerous months for driving. In fact the time between Christmas and New Year’s sees an average increase in fatalities involving alcohol impaired drivers by 34%. Perhaps it is then fitting that, by Presidential proclamation, December has been deemed National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
Worksite Policy Challenges
Across the nation, worksites have been working to improve the health of their workforce through a variety of worksite wellness initiatives. Part of this work has focused on decreasing the use or misuse of substances, including alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, synthetic drugs and prescription or over the counter medications. Like many other wellness efforts, it may take some time to see a majority of the benefits, but this process frequently begins with increased education and policy revisions.
Help protect Iowa's most vulnerable; only you can do it now.

VGH: Iowa's new privatized Medicaid and our patients
We think it is important for our patients, members of our community, and those whose loved ones receive Medicaid support to be aware of recent plans to change Iowa’s Medicaid program.
First, some basic facts. Iowa’s Medicaid program serves approximately 560,000 people in the state, almost 1 in 5 Iowa residents. For area hospitals this group represents nearly 15% of their patient population.
Two Iowa deaths from influenza: Iowa among three states with most flu activity

Health care professionals share Medicaid MCO concerns with legislators
Nearly 20 area health care providers gathered last Thursday at the Van Horne Community Center to discuss with State Rep. Dawn Pettengill and State Sen. Tim Kapucian the impending changes to the Medicaid system in Iowa.
In August, Gov. Terry Branstad announced that four companies had been selected to provide services under a “Medicaid Modernization” plan set to begin Jan.
Virginia Gay highlights veterans John and Bertha Pohlmann

December WOW Newsletter
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