Kratom is derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia. Although this substance is currently banned in several countries from that region, it has brought about much discussion lately because it has started popping up in local stores.

By: Kelly Schmidt,Certified Prevention Specialist, ASAC It's Spring Cleaning time! Time to get rid of those expired and/or unused medications. Ever wonder what to do with them? The annual National Drug Take Back Initiative is coming up Saturday, April 29, 2017.

By Peyton Frank Owing a pet doesn't just mean extra chores and nighttime snuggles; they can help improve our health. What are the benefits? Find out those, and more, at Friends of the Shelter's booth! On Saturday, April 1, FOTSI will be participating in the 3rdAnnual Health and Wellness Fair hosted by Virginia Gay Hospital and we couldn't be more excited! Not only will we have information on benefits to our health from pet ownership, but you can learn about healthy pet diets and lifestyles.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School will be the site of a Red Cross Blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 31. While walk-ins are welcome, student organizers encourage participants to sign up for a specific time to avoid a wait.

  By Rachel Wall Online Tools for Healthy Choices The ChooseMyPlate website, ChooseMyPlate.gov, includes a list of reliable online tools for making healthy choices: www.

Vikette basketball players and Coach Z present Robin Martin of the VGH Foundation a $750 check, representing proceeds from the annual Pink Night. Photo by Grace Shultis, VSHS.

The Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative and CRUSH of Iowa (Community Resources United to Stop Heroin) will host a support group meeting for anyone who is currently recovering from opioid addiction and family members who have lost loved ones to opioid or heroin addiction and overdose.

By Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Tracking for Health "What gets measured, getsmanaged""”Peter Drucker, management consultant andauthor.

Jessica Henkle, RN-BC, and director of Virginia Gay Hospital's Nursing and Rehab unit, has announced that Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab has received quality awards from an independent survey company in 11 categories of care.

With Valentine's Day in sight, it's not unusual to see a lot of red in February, often in conjunction with heart designs. This is especially fitting as, in addition to hosting the Valentine's Day holiday, February is also designated as American Heart Month.