Monthly Health Articles Archive

Easy tricks to deal with ticks

If you feel something creeping and crawling on your head or body after a walk in the woods, take the time to check yourself and others around you for ticks. Tick bites can lead to Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses. A quick check of your body and clothes can help you stay healthy through the major tick season months of May, June and July.
 

Get to know your public health services

What is the role of public health in Kossuth County? The public health nurses in Community Health of Kossuth Regional Health Center fill many different and important roles that play a part in the health and wellness of our entire community.
 

Practical tips for healthy eating

We all know we’re supposed to eat more fruits and vegetables, but sometimes it’s a challenge to make it happen. Here are some practical tips to help improve your eating habits.
 

Winter weather woes

Arctic temperatures can create more than just red cheeks and cold feet – frigid weather can create dangerous health risks.  Staying inside as much as possible is one way to avoid exposure, but most of us need to continue with our regular routines of going to work, school and other commitments. 
 

Staying healthy through the holidays

This year staying healthy through the holiday season may be a greater challenge than usual.   With both the seasonal flu and H1N1 lurking about, this Christmas could end up being a time of great germ sharing, as well as a time of great joy.  Try these simple strategies for staying healthy through this busy and hectic holiday season.
 

There’s no place like home, for your health and your budget

As the recent debates about health care reform illustrate, the best medical care money can buy isn’t always an option for the average American.  However, home health care is a bright spot in these troubled economic times.  Home health care can provide a wide range of high quality and cost-effective services that can help people remain in their homes safely. 
 

Fears and Facts about H1N1 Vaccine

Ever since H1N1 became front-page news around the globe last spring, we have been waiting for a vaccine to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious and sometimes fatal illness.  Now that the vaccine has finally arrived, the concern amongst the general public seems to be evolving from worries about getting H1N1 to fears about getting the vaccine itself. Read More...
 

Diabetic prevention for the whole family

When making healthy changes in your life, having the support of family and friends is sometimes the essential piece that keeps your motivation and inspiration going. Read more ...
 

Soak up the sunshine for good health

Looking for a reason to get outside on a beautiful summer day?  Here’s one – soak up a little sunshine to improve your health. Read more ...
 

Q &A H1N1

It’s difficult to say which spreads faster, the H1N1 virus or rumors about this disease.  The initial name given the virus was one of the first areas of miscommunication.  Originally called the “swine flu,” many consumers assumed that they could become ill from eating pork.  Nothing could be further from the truth, Read More...

 

Shingles Prevention and Treatment

Chicken pox is a common illness among children that many people have personally encountered, either as a child or a parent. The treatment and prevention of shingles, a close cousin of the chicken pox, is often not as familiar to people. Read More...

 

Health Risks that Snowball

Many serious health problems start out the same way as snowballs.  A small problem emerges or an unhealthy habit begins. Read More...

 

Avoid frostbite and frostnip this winter

Outdoor sports are part of the fun of wintertime, but don’t forget to be safe when the temperature drops. When the thermometer dips below freezing, outdoor activities can quickly turn from frosty fun into frost nip and frostbite. Read More...
 

Myth busters for common flu shot excuses

Do you always have a good excuse ready when it’s time to get your flu vaccine? At Kossuth Regional Health Center Community Health, we encourage all people aged six months and older to protect themselves from the flu by getting the vaccine every fall. We’ve done a little myth busting on the top five excuses for not getting a flu vaccine. Read More...
 

Making Your Wishes Known - Planning ahead with an advanced directive

November is National Hospice Month, a time that we think about end-of-life care. Many decisions and plans must be made when a person reaches this stage of their life. Making your desires known, relating to your medical care, can be effectively communicated through an advanced directive. Read More...
 

Immunizations, lead tests and other rules for school

Preparation for school involves more than taking the kids school shopping and finding out who will be teaching in their classroom this fall.  Read More...
 

Managing your medication

Blood pressure medication, aspirin, antibiotics, vitamins, supplements… the number of pills that people take has grown over the years.  With the number of medications available these days, it’s no wonder that medication management is emerging as a top priority issue in home health care.  Read More...
 

Make exercise a family affair

If you’re looking for an excuse to start exercising, try this one – it’s not just good for you, it’s good for your entire family.  The month of May is Family Wellness Month.  Read More...
 

Dreaming of a restful night’s sleep?

It isn’t uncommon for people to have a bad night’s sleep now and then, but ongoing issues with getting your zzzz’s may indicate a sleep disorder. Read More...
 

Home Care - Helping People Remain in Their Homes Safely

Home health care adds years to your life and life to your years. The goal of home care is to promote recovery, independence and the general well being of the patient. Read More...
 

The baby blues or postpartum depression?

The birth of a new baby is generally a joyful occasion, but the addition of an infant to the household can also present many challenges for parents. New mothers are confronted with the needs of the baby while adjusting to their own physical changes and recovery from the birth. Read More...
 

Shovel safely with these healthy tips

The only downside to having a “White Christmas” is the snow shoveling that goes along with it.  Don’t let taking care of your sidewalk lead to a health care provider taking care of you.  Follow these guidelines for a safe snow shoveling experience. Read More...
 

Learn more about the FluMist

With flu season approaching, it’s time to start thinking about getting your flu vaccine.  If you are squeamish when it comes to shots, consider another option - the flu mist. Read More...
 

Get to know your Body Mass Index

Do you know how to figure your Body Mass Index? Read More...
 

Learn about the dangers of lead poisoning

If you live or spend time in a house that was built before 1978 or are renovating an older home, it's important to learn about some of the health risks related to lead poisoning. Read More...
 

Reduce cancer risk with healthy behaviors

As the weather grows warmer, new opportunities for health and wellness also begin to bloom. Eating right and exercising can make you feel better and reduce your risk of cancer.
Read more ...
 

New machine to make newborn testing easier

The KRHC Auxiliary donated the funds towards the purchase of a machine called the BiliChek. This piece of equipment will allow the KRHC medical staff to test bilirubin levels in a painless and effective manner. Read more ...
 

Lighten Up Iowa helps encourage weight loss and activity for Iowans

How many people in Kossuth County resolved to lose weight and eat healthier in 2007?
Read more ...
 

Are you at risk for stroke?

Symptoms of a stroke may come on suddenly and last only a few minutes, but the long-term effects can be quite serious. Read more ...
 

Cholesterol

Most people know that having high cholesterol is a bad thing. Some people even might know their cholesterol numbers. Even so, many people don’t realize why they should care about their cholesterol or what they can do to improve it. Read more ...
 

Help for painful varicose veins

Varicose veins are more than just an appearance issue. This condition can cause a great deal of pain and swelling for the 25 million Americans who suffer from it. Read more ...
 

Hospice helps with end-of-life care

Most of us remember a special person who was there for us in a difficult time. We remember these “faces of caring” who brought comfort in the midst of crisis. Read more ...
 

Matters of the heart: Cardiac Rehab

With Valentine’s Day during the month of February, we often associate this time of year with heart-shaped cards and treats. February is also National Heart Month, which recognizes the true function of the heart. Read more ...
 

New vaccines available for adolescents and others

If you have middle school through college-aged children, take a moment to become familiar with some of the new vaccines that are available for their protection. Read more ...
 

Relay for Life

There are very few people who haven’t been touched by breast cancer in some personal way. Read more ...
 

Recognize the Difference Between the True Flu and the Stomach Flu

The holiday season provides a lot of fun and activity, but it can also add extra stress to our lives. So why do so many people get sick over the holidays?
 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

With the holidays and flu season behind us, it’s the time of year to focus on yet another health issue: RSV-Respiratory Syncytial Virus Read more...