Sioux County Public Health is advising community members about what they can do now to prepare for the potential spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. 

Sioux County Public Health will continue to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and with our local partners.

In the meantime, community members should prepare for the potential of COVID-19 in the same way they prepare for severe weather or other events that could disrupt their normal routine. For example: What would you do if you could not go to work or school because of illness? What if your daycare provider was ill? How would you get groceries if you were ill?

Everyone can help prevent the spread of all viruses, including influenza and coronavirus (COVID-19) in the following ways:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

For a printable poster with this information in English and Spanish, click here.

For information and updates related to COVID-19, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow IDPH on Facebook (@IowaDepartmentofPublicHealth) and Twitter (@IAPublicHealth). The CDC’s COVID-19 page contains information on how to keep yourself and you family safe. You can also sign up for updates from Governor Reynolds’ office here.

A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. This line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can build up in your home. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who do not smoke. You can’t see radon. Or smell it. Or taste it. You can’t tell if there is radon in your home unless you test for it. Homes should be tested for radon every 3-4 years. High levels of radon can be found in any type of home.

Iowa has the highest average radon concentration of any state in the U.S., with 7 of 10 homes having a radon concentration above 4pCi/L, which is considered too high. Residents of Sioux County should be keenly aware of radon and the dangers it poses since average Sioux County levels are much higher even than the State of Iowa:

• United States average: 1.3 pCi/L
• Iowa average: 8.5 pCi/L
• Sioux County average: 11.1 pCI/L

Testing your home for radon is simple and inexpensive. Radon test kits are available through Community Health Partners and at city offices throughout Sioux County. To encourage winter testing, Community Health Partners is offering test kits at a reduced cost of $5 per kit through the end of February. Directions are included in the kit. It is important to test your home during winter months when doors and windows have been kept closed. If test results show elevated radon levels, you should talk to a certified radon mitigation specialist. They will work with you to reduce the level of radon in your home.

For more information about radon, see http://www.lung.org/radon, call the American Lung Association of Iowa at 515.309.9507, or email [email protected]. For more information about radon test kits, contact Community Health Partners of Sioux County (712) 737-2971 or [email protected]

Completing your radon test is easy. Directions are included with your kit, or you can watch this video from Jesse Green with American Radon Mitigation.

Need ideas for summer family activities? Consider taking a family trip to one of Sioux County’s twenty-four parks and wildlife areas. The link below includes description of each park and lists of available activities for all ages and skill levels.

For an interactive map of all Iowa parks, including those in Sioux County, click here:

Check out each location’s on-site activities and points of interest, or try out other ideas here. Our favorites are Water Relays and Capture the Flag!

There are also educational activities, games for the car ride, and delicious picnic recipes!

Plan for a successful trip. Check the forecast before you leave. Go in the mornings, evenings, or try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid sunburns. Bring these along to make sure everyone stays happy and healthy:

• Sunscreen (don’t forget to reapply according to directions)

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Insect repellent

• First aid kit

• Snacks

• Water

• Hand sanitizer/wet wipes

• Life jacket for water activities (make sure it fits properly)

For more information about Sioux County’s parks and wildlife areas, contact the Sioux County Conservation Board.

Do you have photos from your trip? We’d love to see them! Use the hashtag #MyCountyParks to show us your adventures in Sioux County’s beautiful parks and wildlife areas!

Measles outbreaks are occurring in the United States. Between January 1 and July 3, 2019, 1,109 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 28 states, an increase of 14 cases from the previous week. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1992 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. These current outbreaks are related to international travel by unvaccinated individuals. Two cases have been confirmed in Northeastern Iowa, both individuals were unvaccinated.

Symptoms of measles often include:

• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Fever (higher than 101^o F)
• Rash – flat, red areas all over the body, with raised bumps (usually starts at the head and spreads down the body)
• Small spots with white or bluish-white centers on the inside of the cheek

Measles is highly contagious, and can have serious complications.  The MMR vaccine is proven to be safe and very effective.

• Children need two doses of MMR vaccine. One dose at 12-15 months of age and a second dose at 4-6 years of age.
• Adults born before 1957 probably had measles as children and are considered to be immune.
• Adults born between 1957 and 1989 likely had one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults who will be traveling internationally where measles outbreaks are ongoing should contact their provider to get a second dose of MMR vaccine for added protection.

For more information on measles, go to:

• https://idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/measles
• https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html

PREVENT DIABETES NW IOWA:
A regional effort to prevent diabetes

If you:

• Are overweight, or
• Have Pre-Diabetes, or
• Had gestational diabetes or
• Have a family history of diabetes

You are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes

If you are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, there is something you can do:

Join our lifestyle change program proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
It includes 22 sessions over 12 months led by trained lifestyle coaches who will help you lose weight, eat healthier, be more physically active, and manage stress, all while receiving group support from other participants.

Informational Session Thursday, February 5, 5-6 pm

When: Thursday starting Feb. 12
Time: 5-6 pm
Where: Hegg Health Center Wellness Center Conference Room
Cost: $175 (You can earn $75 back by attending regularly

Sponsored by:

PREVENT DIABETES NW IOWA:
A regional effort to prevent diabetes

If you:

• Are overweight, or
• Have Pre-Diabetes, or
• Had gestational diabetes or
• Have a family history of diabetes

You are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes

If you are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, there is something you can do:

Join our lifestyle change program proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
It includes 22 sessions over 12 months led by trained lifestyle coaches who will help you lose weight, eat healthier, be more physically active, and manage stress, all while receiving group support from other participants.

Informational Session Thursday, January 17, 5-6 pm

When: Thursday starting Jan. 24
Time: 5-6 pm
Where: Hawarden Regional Health Center
Cost: $175 (You can earn $75 back by attending regularly

Sponsored by: