Public Health Department

Happenings

Measles is in the news. Measles is a disease without cure and considered a public health emergency. This disease is very contagious. If you were born prior to 1957 you may have already had measles and are immune, yet if you do not have doctor documented verification of measles, vaccination is recommended. All others should have 2 doses of measles vaccine to be protected. Contact your family health care provided to obtain an immunization for the protection of yourself and those around you.
While checking on the status of your measles vaccination, you will also want to check on the status of your Tetanus immunization. The tetanus vaccine now also contains Pertussis, or Whooping Cough, a disease we that is making a comeback in the United States. This disease is especially dangerous for the very young and the elderly.
Health 4 U, an Employee Wellness Program, is being initiated in our facility. We hope to have this health promotion focused program available to other businesses in our community soon. Watch for it in coming months or call the TWC for further information! "Healthier Employees, Healthier Businesses, Healthier Communities".
Ready to "Take Charge" of your life? We may have the program just for you. "Take Charge" is a medically based wellness program designed to help the participant improve and manage their lifestyle and target risk factors through individual goal setting, lifestyle changes, physical activity and support. If you have been told you have risk factors that need to be improved, i.e. high blood sugars, cholesterol, blood pressure, etc., this program might be right for you. Call today! Getting healthier, for life.
Looking for RELIABLE health information? You can't always believe what you hear or read. Click on a reliable source, such as http://www.cdc.gov or http://webmd.com . There are many other reliable sources available, but many unreliable, too. Be sure to get the correct answer to help you with your health questions, and as always, ask your health care provider if unsure.
The Smoke Free Iowa Act will become law July 1, 2008. Further information will be posted on this website as it becomes available. The Iowa Department of Public Health is currently developing a reporting system for individuals and businesses to report any violations to this Act. Stay tuned for updates.
Lead Testing for Kindergarten Entry will be mandated for the school year 08-09. Rules are currently being written by the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention. Once the rules are completed and approved, they will be posted at this site.

Public Health News: A publication from our department with tips to increase your health.
March 2008
May 2008 : Information about vaccines, Measles and Whooping Cough.

From The Director

The Buchanan County Public Health Department is here to preserve the health of the public through the detection of issues which concern health such as natural disaster or unsafe practice consequences, protect the public from communicable diseases through surveillance and investigation, and promote the health of all through education, referral to services and health promotion programming. Our goal is to reach the highest level of health the county can reach. We hope this is your goal, too! Strive to be the healthiest you can be each and every day!