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Articles by Natalie Del Vecchio
Stay alive this winter with a flu vaccination
Every fall and winter, respiratory illnesses — especially the flu — circulate and cause millions of Americans to become sick. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We have many tools available to prevent seasonal illnesses. While none are perfect, using them together gives us the best chance at staying healthy. The most effective tool we have is vaccination. Vaccines expose your immune system to a dead or weakened virus so it can practice fighting it off and build up antibodies.
Keep health, safety in mind while enjoying fall activities
Classic autumn activities, such as visiting farms, apple orchards and pumpkin patches, are a staple of the season. Now that we’re expecting more pleasant weather, it’s a good time to go out and enjoy these fall traditions. However, these settings can also provide opportunities for germs to spread. With a few precautions, you can still enjoy your fall outings while protecting yourself and loved ones from some not-so-fun diseases.
Emergency preparedness saves lives, reduces panic, helps recovery
Emergencies can happen with little warning, whether it’s a severe storm, power outage, flooding or another unexpected event. While we can’t always predict when a disaster will occur, taking a few simple steps ahead of time can help us protect ourselves and our loved ones. Preparing for emergencies saves lives, reduces panic and helps us recover from disasters more quickly. The first step to ensure you’re always ready is to make a household emergency plan.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves that mental health is just as important as physical health and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Most of us know how it feels to have a hard day, but sometimes those feelings last longer than we can manage on our own.
Iowa’s water pollution poses risks to health so testing crucial
We often think about staying healthy through the food we eat, the physical activity we get and the preventive care we receive, but many other factors influence our health, too, especially those that we use every day, including water. Access to clean water shouldn’t be taken for granted. When we understand where our water comes from and how to protect it, we can better protect our health.
Protection from food-borne illnesses starts at home
Many of us have experienced an upset stomach and wondered if it came from something we ate. Fortunately, for us all, public health agencies are constantly monitoring for patterns in illnesses, including those that are foodborne, in order to keep the public safe and informed. Foodborne illnesses are monitored by local, state and federal public health agencies. In Iowa, certain illnesses, including cyclosporiasis, are reportable to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IHHS).
Add more motion to life for better all-round health
It is no secret that physical activity is good for our bodies. Most of us know that exercise is important for building muscle, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping our heart strong. While this is all true, another benefit that we hear about less often is how it supports our brains.
Get a jump on a healthy school year
Summer will be over in the blink of an eye, and no one feels that more than families with school-age kids. Soon the first day of school will mark the start of a new normal. This transition can be tough, but preparing now can make it go more smoothly. One of the best ways to get ready is to start getting back into the school-year schedule. If bed times and wake times shifted later throughout the summer, start moving them up by 15 minutes each night.
Make your Iowa State Fair visit healthy, safe
For many Iowans, a trip to the Iowa State Fair is a summer tradition. If you’re one of the million people expected to attend this year, a little planning can keep you safe and make sure your visit is memorable for the right reasons. With such a large event, it’s a good idea to pick a designated meeting area in case your group gets separated. Make sure everyone in your group knows the location before you enter. Cell service can be spotty, so it’s best not to rely on texts or calls.
Advocate for yourself with your doctors to optimize care
Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment wishing you had asked one more question? It’s easy to forget or skip over your concerns when so much is packed into short office visits. One way to prioritize your needs with your health care team is to learn how to be a better self-advocate. Self-advocacy in health care means speaking up about your symptoms, concerns and goals while working together with your providers to make informed decisions.
Start your day with muscle-friendly stretching
We hear about the importance of physical activity all the time, but one part that’s often overlooked is stretching. You might think of stretching exercises as something that only gymnasts or runners need to do, but everyone can benefit from adding them into a routine. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, which maintains a range of motion in the joints. When muscles are inflexible, they become short and tight.
Enjoy healthful, tranquil gardening safely this summer
Happy senior couple working and harvesting fresh vegetables from their garden. As we reach the peak of summer, many home gardeners are seeing their hard work payoff. Fresh produce and blooming flowers are just some of the rewards of gardening. The hobby is a great way to stay active, enjoy nature and reduce stress. Spending time outdoors and caring for plants has been shown to boost mood and promote relaxation.
With RAGBRAI passing through Perry, let’s review bike-safety basics
Every summer our streets fill with more than just cars. Bikes, scooters and pedestrians share routes around town and throughout the county. Bicycle accidents also peak around this time, reminding us that road safety is a shared responsibility. With the rise in popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters, it’s a good time to review the rules of the road so accidents and injuries are avoided. Just like cars, anyone using public roads must obey all traffic lights, signs and speed limits.
Try to keep your explosive patriotism safe, sane
Of the many July Fourth traditions, fireworks are the most closely linked with the holiday. Many Americans celebrate by setting off their own display or using similar items such as sparklers or firecrackers. This doesn’t come without risks, though. Every year around this time, there are thousands of emergency room visits for fireworks-related injuries. Avoid becoming part of that statistic by taking a few simple precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Summer means vigilance for food safety
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy picnics, backyard BBQs and campfires. All these outdoor meals, however, mixed with hot weather means foodborne illnesses tend to spike this season. Whichever way you choose to spend your summer, safe food handling should always be part of your plans. Foodborne illnesses are caused by harmful bacteria, viruses or other germs in contaminated food. Summer’s warm temperatures allow bacteria to multiply quickly, especially when perishable foods are left unrefrigerated.
Enjoy summer water sports while mindful of risks
Our hot, humid summers bring plenty of opportunities to cool off in pools, lakes or rivers. While swimming and water recreation are great ways to stay active and enjoy the season, it’s important to remember that water activities can also present serious risks. First and foremost, drowning is an all-too-common accident and one of the leading causes of death among children.
Summer break brings fun but no break from healthy lifestyle
School’s out for the summer, and kids are ready for a well-earned break. These few months off are a great time to relax and have fun, but they also tend to fly by in the blink of an eye. With a little planning, you can maximize the break and keep kids healthy, happy and ready for the next school year. One of the best ways to start summer on the right foot is by keeping a consistent daily schedule.
Protect yourself from skin-cancer risks this summer
Beautiful mid adult woman wearing white dress and sunhat sitting on park bench in the shade, enjoying time alone Another hot and sunny Iowa summer is right around the corner, but that means the risks from too much sun exposure are, too. Spending too much time in the sun’s rays can lead to skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the country. With a few steps, though, you can protect your body’s largest organ all summer long.
Make summertime fun also vigilant for mosquitoes, ticks
Ticks and mosquitoes can carry serious diseases that affect both people and pets. Ticks and mosquitoes can carry serious diseases that affect both people and pets. Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, whether that’s hiking, swimming, gardening or gathering with friends and family. It’s also the time of year when ticks and mosquitoes become most active. These bugs are more than just seasonal annoyances. They can carry serious diseases that affect both people and pets.
Body Mass Index and Initiation of Cancer Screening: A Closer Look at Differences by Race, Ethnicity, and Sex in a Multi-Center Population
Keywords Cancer Screening Overweight Obesity BMI Get full text access Log in, subscribe or purchase for full access. References 1. Ward, Z.J. ∙ Bleich, S.N. ∙ Cradock, A.L. ... Projected U.S. State-Level Prevalence of Adult Obesity and Severe Obesity N Engl J Med. 2019; 381(25):2440-2450 2. Pati, S. ∙ Irfan, W. ∙ Jameel, A. ... Obesity and Cancer: A Current Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Outcomes, and Management Cancers. 2023; 15(2):485 3. Steele, C.B. ∙ Thomas, C.C. ∙ Henley, S.J. ...
Say ‘Bon voyage’ to sickness during overseas travel this summer
A portrait of happy senior couple tourists outdoors in historic town Summer is peak travel season and whether you’re heading to a tropical beach, a bustling city or a remote destination, a little preparation can help keep your trip memorable for the right reasons.
Overcome by food cravings? Control yourself with these tips
Picture this: it’s late at night. You’re sitting on the couch watching TV, and suddenly all you can think about is a bag of salty chips or a pint of ice cream waiting in the kitchen. You’re not actually hungry, but it feels like the craving has complete power of you. Moments like this are incredibly common, but it is possible to take back control. Cravings are intense desires for specific foods driven by a mix of habits, emotions and the brain’s reward system rather than hunger.
Spring renewal includes both physical, mental health
With the recent change to longer days, more sunshine and warmer weather, many of us are feeling a mood boost. These moments remind us of just how good it feels to have good mental health — and how important it is to prioritize our mental health all year round. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others and make decisions.
Stress working your nerves? Try these tips to lower pressure
Stress is like your body’s built-in alarm system, meant to help you respond quickly when something demands your attention. While stress can motivate you to meet deadlines, solve problems and stay alert in demanding situations, it can also wear you down over time. If you feel like that alarm system is constantly going off, the good news is you can take simple steps to feel in control again.
Autoimmune diseases often misdiagnosed, misunderstood
Many chronic illnesses are “invisible,” meaning their symptoms aren’t always obvious to others. A person may look healthy while managing daily challenges like fatigue, pain or brain fog. The millions of Americans who live with an autoimmune disease know this struggle all too well. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. There are more than 80 different types, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Thank health science, workers during National Public Health Week
Have you ever swum in a public pool without getting sick, worn a seatbelt or lived your whole life without contracting diseases, such as measles, smallpox or polio? If so, then you can thank public health. Public health is the field focused on protecting and improving the health of populations by preventing disease, promoting healthy behaviors and creating conditions that allow people to live longer, healthier lives.
Spring is time to review severe-weather safety plans
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, medication, and important documents. If you’ve lived in Iowa for at least a couple years, you know that severe weather is a regular part of life here, especially during the spring and summer months. Whether it’s tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail or flooding, we’re sure to be affected in some way. Before those strong storms come our way, take the time to review safety plans to ensure you’re prepared.
Ultra-processed foods easy but possibly deadly
The modern American diet tends to be full of processed foods and refined sugars. Packaged snacks, frozen meals, fast food and sweetened drinks are widely available and often convenient and affordable. While these foods can save time, regularly consuming them not only makes you feel sluggish, but it impact your long-term health as well.
Rampant online sportswagering fosters gambling addiction
For many people, activities such as buying a lottery ticket, visiting a casino or placing a March Madness sports bet can feel like harmless entertainment. For some individuals, however, gambling can gradually become more than just a pastime. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about when gambling crosses the line from fun to harmful and to remind people that help and support are available.
Act now to reduce risk of life-changing stroke
Most of us don’t think about stroke until it affects someone we love, yet strokes are one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke, caused by a blocked blood vessel, and hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain.
Eating disorders very dangerous; early intervention critical
Eating disorders are serious — but treatable — mental health conditions that often begin in the teen and young adult years. Although often associated with girls, eating disorders affect people of all genders, body sizes and backgrounds. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, those at higher risk include teens and young adults, especially those with anxiety, perfectionism, low self-esteem or a history of bullying.
Keep heartbreak purely emotional with healthy lifestyle choices Original
Retirement, fitness and walking with dog and couple in neighborhood park for relax, health and sports workout. Love, wellness and pet with old man and senior woman in outdoor morning walk together While we’re busy celebrating Valentine’s weekend with our significant other, family or friends, let’s not forget to show our own hearts some love this American Heart Month. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and right here in Dallas County.
Iowa a cancer hotspot, so right choices might help protect you
Here in Iowa, the topic of cancer hits especially close to home. Our state has the second-highest cancer rate and the fastest-growing cancer rate in the country. While some risk factors are beyond our control — such as genetics and age — many are linked to everyday choices and exposures. Cancer starts when cells grow out of control, often after damage to their DNA.
Thyroid gland plays outsized role in overall health
You might not think much about your thyroid, but this small gland does a lot of behind-the-scenes work every day. Shaped like a butterfly and located at the front of your neck, the thyroid helps control how fast your body works by releasing hormones. It plays a role in your energy level, weight, heart rate and even your mood. When the thyroid is working well, most people never notice it. But when it’s not, it can affect how you feel from head to toe.
Wintertime workouts a key to sustainable health
Multiethnic mature couple exercising at home and watching training videos on digital tablet. Middle aged woman and indian man doing planks with a leg outstretched while watching fitness lessons online on digital tablet. Fit mid adult couple doing strenght plank following online tutorials. If this weather makes you want to wrap yourself in blankets and lay around all day, you’re not alone. Staying physically active during the winter can feel challenging as the cold, dark days disrupt normal routines.
Wintertime blues intensify after holiday excitements
January can be a particularly challenging month for mental health. The excitement of the holidays has faded, the days are still short and dark, and routines may feel harder to maintain. For many people, this time of year brings on or intensifies seasonal depression, often called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). One reason January feels so heavy is the lack of sunlight. Limited daylight can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and affect brain chemicals linked to mood.
Try Dry January challenge in battle against booze
What if one small change this month could give you better sleep, more energy and a clearer head? That’s the idea behind Dry January, a popular challenge that encourages people to take a break from alcohol for the entire month of January. After the indulgences of the holiday season, it’s a chance to reset habits and check in with your health. Alcohol affects nearly every system in the body.
Health, happiness attainable in new year with joyful resolve
As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us feel a nudge to reset. You don’t have to become a “new you,” but there’s no harm in adopting habits that make you feel a little better in your own skin. Health in the new year doesn’t have to mean drastic overhauls or perfect routines. It’s about choosing a few small actions every day that help you become the best-feeling version of yourself. The kitchen is a great place to start.
Protect your lungs. Test your home for radon
When it comes to keeping your home safe, one of the biggest risks is one you can’t see, smell or taste: radon. Here in Iowa, there are particularly high levels of radon gas because of the state’s geology. While we can’t prevent radon from developing in the ground, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from its health risks. Radon typically enters houses through openings where the home touches the soil.
Handwashing a simple yet powerful tool in winter-wellness toolbox
Handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your health and the health of people around you. Even so, many children and adults alike have bad habits of skipping it completely or not washing for nearly long enough. Norovirus season is an unfortunate reminder of just how important the simple habit of proper handwashing is. Every day, our hands come into contact with surfaces that can carry germs, including viruses that cause stomach illnesses.
Optimize your immune system during long winter months
Winter is a season of resting, staying cozy and gathering with friends and family. Unfortunately, it’s also the season of colds, the flu and norovirus. While no diet or supplement can magically make your immune system invincible, there are proven ways to support your body’s natural defenses and stay healthier through the colder months. First and foremost, focus on healthy lifestyle habits. The immune system works best when the rest of your body is well cared for.
Be weather wise this wintertime
If you’re an Iowan, you likely know all too well that our winters bring snow, ice and bitter cold. Yet every year, even the most seasoned residents can find themselves unprepared for these dangerous conditions. Now that we’ve already had an intense start to the season, take some time to prepare for the next few months so you and your loved ones stay safe and warm. Start by creating a basic emergency kit for both your home and vehicle.
If you’re grateful and you feel it, share your joy
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us reflect on what we’re thankful for. This doesn’t have to be a once-per-year event, though. You can enjoy the benefits that gratitude brings all year round. Practicing gratitude means intentionally noticing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, whether big or small. It’s less about ignoring challenges and more about balancing them with an awareness of what’s going well. There are many easy ways to build gratitude into your daily routine.
Eat smarter - healthier, smaller portions - this holiday season
The holiday season is a time for family, gratitude and delicious food. Between Thanksgiving feasts, holiday parties and endless desserts, though, it’s easy to overindulge and feel sluggish by the new year. The good news is you can enjoy your favorite foods and still stay on track with a few mindful habits. Start by filling your plate with balance in mind. Aim for half fruits and vegetables, one-quarter lean protein, and one-quarter whole grains or starchy sides.
Trust medical professionals, not quack hucksters, conspiracists
In today’s digital world, health information is just a few clicks away. Not all of it is accurate or trustworthy, though. With so many websites, videos and social media posts offering medical advice, it can be difficult to know what to believe. The best place to start is always with your healthcare team. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist or other licensed healthcare provider knows your personal health history and can give advice that fits your specific needs.
Precautions possible to lower risk of sudden infant death (SIDS)
Every year thousands of families are devastated by the loss of an infant due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the unexpected deaths of a seemingly healthy baby under one year of age, usually while sleeping. While the exact cause is unknown, there are several proven methods to lower the risk of SIDS. Parents, grandparents, babysitters and anyone caring for a baby should keep these steps in mind.
Act now to avoid seasonal affective disorder from less light
You have most likely noticed that lately the mornings have been darker and the nights longer. Next weekend, we will experience a more sudden change as we “fall back” from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time on Nov. 2. Many people struggle to adjust to the time changes in the fall and spring, as these can throw off our bodies’ internal clocks. The sudden shift can make it more difficult to fall asleep and wake up consistently.
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