The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) joins the National Coalition of STD Directors in recognizing October 2 as the fourth annual National Disease Prevention Specialists (DPS) Recognition Day. This day honors disease prevention specialists, the backbone of state and local sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV programs.

Earlier this month, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, announced a call to action to make American cities more ‘walkable.’ Dr. Murthy said walking is a simple, affordable way to get exercise, but only if people have a place to do it. This emphasis on creating safe and accessible walking routes in communities is central to the Iowa Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Iowans Walking Assessment Logistics Kit (I-WALK) program.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans it’s time for their annual flu vaccination. “Influenza circulates year-round, but influenza spread typically picks up and remains active between October and May,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Being vaccinated now will ensure protection before the flu season starts in October; it’s not too early to get your shot.”

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, 76 million Americans get sick, more than 300,000 are taken to the hospital, and 5,000 people die from food-borne illnesses.

Governor Branstad will sign a proclamation September 4 designating September 7 through 13 as Suicide Prevention Week. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), suicide is the tenth leading cause of death for all Iowans and the second leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds and those ages 25 to 44.