Although Iowa’s influenza season typically does not begin until November, the Iowa Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) influenza surveillance network has already reported a handful of influenza cases in the state. “Flu vaccine is plentiful,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Since it takes up to two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop full protection against the flu virus, being vaccinated now means you’ll be protected before the flu starts spreading and for the rest of the flu season.”

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) joins the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and local Iowa prevention and treatment agencies in recognition of September as Recovery Month. Partners across the state are hosting Recovery Month events to celebrate the accomplishments of those working a program of recovery and those that helped them get there. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Iowa Department on Aging and Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition join partners across the state in recognizing September 22 as Falls Prevention Awareness Day.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is alerting Iowans to marketing phone calls offering prescriptions for pain relief creams or braces/devices. According to Iowa Board of Pharmacy Director Andrew Funk, third-party marketing firms are calling Iowans and asking if they are experiencing any pain; for instance, joint or back pain. In some cases, the call is initiated based on an online survey completed by the consumer.

CDC data released today show the proportion of Iowa adults with obesity has fallen slightly, from 32.1 percent in 2015 to 32.0 percent in 2016. Of the 54 U.S. states and territories included in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) report, Iowa is one of 16 that showed a decline in self-reported obesity.