Buchanan County Public Health, Iowa

05/06/2026

Happy Nurses Week Theresa! We appreciate all that you do!

05/06/2026

Celebrating Public Health Nurses Week May 6-12th 💙

Today we recognize the dedication, compassion, and impact of public health nurses who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy. From prevention and education to advocacy and care, their work touches lives in countless ways every single day.

Thank you for being on the front lines of public health—your commitment makes a difference that truly matters.

05/05/2026

🦠 May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Did you know? Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in the U.S., with hundreds of thousands of cases diagnosed and treated each year. It’s spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks—but prevention can make all the difference.

🌿 If you’re spending time outdoors, protect yourself and your family:

✔️ Avoid tall grass, brushy, and wooded areas where ticks live
✔️ Use EPA-registered insect repellent (like DEET or picaridin)
✔️ Wear long sleeves, pants, or permethrin-treated clothing
✔️ Check your body, clothes, pets, and gear for ticks

🚿 After you come indoors:
• Shower within 2 hours to help reduce your risk
• Dry clothes on high heat to kill ticks
• Do a full-body tick check (don’t forget hidden spots like behind knees, under arms, and in hair)

⏱️ Quick action matters: removing ticks as soon as possible can lower your risk of Lyme disease.

Enjoy the outdoors—but stay tick aware this season! 🌲

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/index.html

05/05/2026

FOOD SAFETY ALERT: Possible Salmonella Contamination
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Recall Alert for a variety of meat and poultry products made with FDA regulated dairy ingredients that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Affected products are from brands including Great Value, Mama Cozzi’s, Pork King, & Culinary Circle.
These products should NOT be eaten, sold, or served.
Check the list of affected products: https://usda.pulse.ly/jbksxqwkbn
View the list of affected labels: https://usda.pulse.ly/imhacdmuxa
If you have any of these items in your fridge or freezer, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase!
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps - usually appearing 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food. Older adults, infants, and those with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of severe illness.

🚨 FOOD SAFETY ALERT: Possible Salmonella Contamination

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Recall Alert for a variety of meat and poultry products made with FDA regulated dairy ingredients that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Affected products are from brands including Great Value, Mama Cozzi’s, Pork King, & Culinary Circle.

These products should NOT be eaten, sold, or served.

➡️ Check the list of affected products: https://usda.pulse.ly/jbksxqwkbn

➡️ View the list of affected labels: https://usda.pulse.ly/imhacdmuxa

If you have any of these items in your fridge or freezer, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase!

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps - usually appearing 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food. Older adults, infants, and those with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of severe illness.

05/04/2026

May is ALS Awareness Month 💙

Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and someone else loses their life to this devastating disease. Most people diagnosed are between the ages of 40 and 70, and in 90% of cases, there is no family history, making it unpredictable and deeply impactful.

The number of ALS cases is rising, with a projected 70% increase worldwide by 2040.

This month, we raise awareness, support those affected, and honor the strength of individuals and families facing ALS. Together, we can push for more research, better treatments, and hope for a cure.

05/03/2026

Keep an eye on approaching traffic and vehicles trying to pass. If you can safely pull over, let them by — but watch for soft shoulders, drop‑offs and culverts. Many rural road edges can’t support the weight of heavy equipment.

05/02/2026

Share the Road
This time of year, the low sun can blind you on the road, especially at dusk. It’s tough to see oncoming traffic, field entrances or obstacles. When you can, avoid moving equipment during sunset hours to reduce risk.

05/01/2026

May is National Walking Month. Take a step towards better health.

04/30/2026

Planting season brings pressure. Financial, weather and workload. Iowa Concern (Iowa State Univ. Extension) offers free, confidential stress counseling, legal education and financial referrals for Iowa farmers and farm families. Call or text 800‑447‑1985 or use live chat anytime.

04/29/2026

Stay up to date with comprehensive cancer control efforts across Iowa by signing up for the Iowa Cancer Consortium’s e-newsletter here:

Sign up for our Newsletter! Join our partnership list of people who want to make bigger impacts on the burden of cancer by working together.

04/28/2026

Spring field work, means longs hours in the field.
Long hours in the field mean extra sun exposure—protect your skin while planting.

* Sunscreen: broad spectrum SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours or after heavy sweating.
* Clothing: long sleeves, long pants and UPF rated shirts; wide brim hat for face, ears, neck.
* Eyes: sunglasses that block UVA/UVB.
* Breaks: take shade breaks and drink water often.