Myrtue Public Health

08/09/2026

Good Sunday Morning! 💛

Something a lot of people find helpful is beginning their day with a small list of things that they are grateful for!

Nothing like a little positivity to start the day ✨️ 😌

Does anyone else do this?

08/08/2026

When a heart stops beating, an AED (automated external defibrillator) can restart it. Here’s how one could help you save a life. ❤️

08/07/2026

From kids cruising the neighborhood to adults commuting, e-bikes and e-scooters are booming, and accidents are on the rise. 🛴⚡

With more riders on the road, safety comes first. Take a moment today to brush up on safe riding habits.

Helmet check: Make sure everyone’s wearing a speed-certified helmet. It’s the easiest way to protect what matters most!

Let's ride smart and stay safe together!

08/06/2026

Harlan Lion's Club August Food Pantry - Monday, August 24, 2026.

August Food Pantry - Monday, August 24, 2026.
Distribution starting at 4:30 p.m. See attached flyer.
Our Lions Club members have received some calls about August 4 and that the information was found on a website. This information/date is incorrect. Feel free to reach out via Messenger with questions. Sorry for any confusion.

08/06/2026

📢August 5, 2026 PRESS RELEASE
Iowa HHS Reports First West Nile Virus Case for 2026
Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) reports the first West Nile virus (WNV) infection identified in 2026. The individual is an adult (18-40 years) from eastern Iowa, and the infection was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Laboratory.

Warm summer weather means Iowans are spending more time outside which increases the risk of mosquito bites. Bites from infected mosquitos are the primary method in which humans are infected with the virus. Mosquito testing in Iowa has detected West Nile virus this season, indicating risk for infection.

For the best protection against the virus, Iowans should use an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535. Insect repellent lowers the risk of mosquito bites.
• Always read and follow label directions. Consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products on children.
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should not be used on children younger than 3 years, and DEET should not be used on infants younger than 2 months.
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

“We want Iowans to enjoy the outdoors and to protect themselves from mosquito bites, which can spread illnesses like West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, Iowa’s State Medical Director. “Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors, empty standing water around your home, and make sure windows and doors have screens that are in good condition.”

Additional steps Iowans can take include:
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks outdoors when possible.
• Regularly empty standing water from buckets, cans, pool covers, used tires, pet water dishes, and other containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Use screens on windows and doors and repair any holes.

Iowans infected with WNV may not experience any signs or symptoms of the virus. Some people experience minor symptoms like fever and mild headache. Others, however, can develop serious symptoms such as a high fever, headache, disorientation, and muscle weakness.

People who experience mild signs and symptoms of a WNV infection generally recover on their own, but illness that includes a severe headache, disorientation, or sudden weakness requires immediate medical attention.

In 2025, 57 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus, with three deaths. For more information, visit the West Nile Virus website page: https://bit.ly/4pZFOis.

Controlling spread of West Nile Virus in the EPI Manual from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

08/06/2026

Adults can make a meaningful difference in a child's life by simply showing up with care and consistency. Small actions can help your child feel more supported! Follow these "5 Ways to Help Your Child Heal and Grow"! 💚

Here are 5 simple ways to help your child heal and grow! 🌱

You don’t need to have all the answers, just showing up with care and consistency can make a meaningful difference. Over time, these small actions can help your child feel more supported! 💚

💡 Learn more at promising.futureswithoutviolence.org

08/05/2026

Appendix Cancer Awareness Month is observed in August

Appendix cancer is very rare, and symptoms can look like other illnesses. Some symptoms to look out for provided by ACPMP - Appendix Cancer / Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation - are appendicitis, hernia symptoms, bloating, pain in abdomen, and ovarian cysts symptoms.

Learn more about appendix cancer from ACPMP -Appendix Cancer / Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation here: https://acpmp.org/about-appendix-cancer/

08/05/2026

What Does “To***co-Free” Really Mean?
To***co-free products are labeled as such because the ni****ne is synthesized in a lab. Though the ni****ne in these products does not come from the to***co plant, it is pharmacologically identical to to***co-driven ni****ne and has the same addictive effects on the body. Many "to***co-free" ni****ne pouches and e-cigarettes have higher concentrations of ni****ne, a substance as addictive as he**in, co***ne or alcohol.

Additionally, though “to***co-free” products may not contain to***co, they may still contain harmful chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer.

Read more in the link below. 👇🏻

Learn how Big To***co is remarketing products to trick you into thinking they aren’t bad for you.

08/04/2026

‼️ATTENTION ‼️
National Night Out has been canceled due to impending weather.

National Night Out has been canceled due to impending weather. Sorry! 

08/04/2026

Bats play a vital role in our ecosystem. Not all bats have rabies, but it's important to recognize possible signs of rabies in bats. Unusual behaviors that could indicate that a bat has rabies include:
• A bat that is active during the day.
• A bat that is found in unusual places (inside a home or on the ground).
• A bat that is unable to fly or is easily approached. Remember, bats cannot take flight from the ground!
If you see strange bat behavior, do not touch or approach the bat. If you are bitten by a bat, speak with your healthcare provider about shots (vaccines) to prevent rabies.
Learn more about bats and rabies on the Iowa HHS rabies webpage (Rabies - Information for Public, Providers and Veterinarians | Health & Human Services).

Los murciélagos tienen un rol vital en nuestro ecosistema. Si bien no todos los murciélagos la tienen, es importante reconocer los posibles signos de rabia en estos animales. Algunos comportamientos inusuales que podrían indicar la rabia en un murciélago incluyen lo siguiente:
• Un murciélago que está activo durante el día.
• Un murciélago que se encuentra en sitios inusuales (dentro de una casa o en el suelo).
• Un murciélago que no puede volar o al que puede acercarse fácilmente. ¡Recuerde que los murciélagos no son capaces de levantar vuelo desde el piso!
Si observa algún comportamiento extraño en un murciélago, no lo toque ni se le acerque. Si es mordido por un murciélago, consulte con su médico sobre las inyecciones (vacunas) para prevenir la rabia.
Obtenga más información sobre los murciélagos y la rabia en la página web sobre la rabia del Iowa HHS (Rabies - Information for Public, Providers and Veterinarians [Rabia: información para el público, proveedores y veterinarios] | Health & Human Services [Salud y Servicios Humanos]).