Siouxland District Health Dept, IA
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Six steps to prevent a fall.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Many falls are preventable. Stay safe with these tips.
- Participate in a good balance and exercise program. Contact the Iowa Community HUB for local classes.
- Talk to your health care provider about your fall risk, history of falls, and ask for a balance assessment.
- Review your medications with your health care provider or pharmacist. Some medications can increase risk for falls.
- Get your vision and hearing checked annually.
- Keep your home safe. Request a free in-home safety assessment provided by SDHD staff and review AARP's HomeFit Guide.
- Take care of your feet. Wear comfortable sturdy shoes, moisture wicking socks, and check your feed regulary.
Small changes today, can prevent a fall tomorrow.
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Measles Outbreak in Iowa - No Cases in NW Iowa
Iowa is now one of the most recent hot spots for measles in the US with over 20 cases detected in southern Iowa in the last couple of weeks. With these cases come many places where someone could have been exposed to measles, so more cases are expected.
2026 has seen measles outbreaks in several parts of the country with over 2900 cases identified so far this year.
Measles is one of the most contagious disease known. If you are exposed to measles and you do not have immunity, you will get infected. But it is also high preventable with MMR vaccine that is well over 90% effective. Decreasing vaccine rates in Woodbury County and across the are troublesome and will likely contribute to more infections.
Early measles symptoms include cough, fever, red/water eyes. A couple days later a rash begins. People are infectious for 4 days before the rash begins to 4 days after the rash began.
SDHD currently has FREE MMR vaccine available for Iowa residents. We want the immunity of our community to increase and insulate us from outbreaks. Call us at 712-279-6119 to find how you can protect yourself from measles for free!