BV County Public Health and Home Care

06/12/2026

☀️ June is here, and summer days are officially in full swing!
That means time spent at the pool 🏊‍♀️, boating on the lake 🚤, and long days cheering at the baseball fields ⚾. We love soaking up all the fun that summer brings!
While you’re out enjoying the sunshine, don’t forget to protect your skin:
🧴 Apply (and reapply!) sunscreen
🧢 Wear hats and sunglasses
👕 Cover up when you can
🌳 Take breaks in the shade
Let’s keep everyone safe and sunburn-free so we can enjoy every moment of summer! 🌞

06/09/2026

BV County is in a Major heat risk today!

🌡️ Stay Safe in the Heat! ☀️
Heat imbalance happens when your body produces more heat than it can release. Normally, sweating helps cool you down—but when it’s hot and humid, sweat can’t evaporate as easily. This makes it harder for your body to cool itself, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
💡 Be smart with fans:
Fans can help when it’s moderately warm by circulating air. However, once temperatures rise above 90°F, fans may actually increase heat stress by blowing hot air onto you.
📊 Stay informed:
Use the CDC Heat Risk Tracker to check your local heat risk and plan ahead:
👉 https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/

🚨 Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Emergencies:
✅ Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible
✅ Take regular breaks indoors if you must be outside
✅ Drink plenty of fluids—even if you’re not thirsty
✅ Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks
✅ Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
✅ Use sunscreen (SPF 15+) and wear a hat & sunglasses
✅ Limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening
✅ Take frequent breaks and don’t overexert yourself
✅ Listen to your body—rest if you feel dizzy, weak, or nauseous
✅ Never leave children or pets in parked cars

❤️ Check on neighbors—especially elderly or those living alone

🚑 Know the signs of heatstroke: high fever, confusion, rapid pulse, or loss of consciousness. If you notice these, call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool place.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and look out for one another! 💙

06/02/2026

05/26/2026

What a beautiful day to get outside and walk! Thank you to those who were able to join us at the park.

If you weren’t able to join us earlier—don’t worry, there’s still time to participate! 🙌 You can get involved by heading outdoors today and taking a walk on your own. Whether it’s around your neighborhood, at a local park, or on your favorite trail, every step counts toward a healthier community.

05/26/2026

Join us today at noon at the Chautauqua Park to "Walk Your Way to a Healthier Buena Vista!"

05/20/2026

🩸Give Blood Grow Hope 🌹
There is a constant need for blood—and YOU can help.
Join us this Friday at the Buena Vista County Public Health Office.
📅 May 22
⏰ 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
🩸 Every drop counts
🩸 Every donor matters
Every donations makes a difference-Step up today 💙

05/20/2026

Ticks are common across the United States and can carry diseases that may make you sick. Knowing the risks—and how to protect yourself—can make a big difference.

Ticks found in Iowa:

-American Dog Tick: The most frequently encountered, found in every Iowa county. Active from late March through August, it is a primary carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
-Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick): Found statewide but most prominent in the eastern half of Iowa. This is the only tick that transmits Lyme disease.
-Lone Star Tick: Previously confined mostly to the southern US, populations have become established in the southern half of Iowa and are occasionally found further north. Females have a distinct white dot on their back, and their bite can cause the Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy).

Early Detection Matters
Many tickborne diseases—including Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and RMSF—can be treated effectively if caught early.

🌳Next time you’re outside:
-Treat clothing with permethrin
-Tuck pants into boots or socks
-Shower after spending time outdoors (especially after hunting or hiking)
-Perform thorough tick checks
-Watch for fever or rash—call your doctor if symptoms develop

‼️Many people don’t remember being bitten
Always tell your doctor about recent outdoor activities or possible tick exposure.

For more prevention tips, visit the CDC:
👉 https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention

05/19/2026

❄️ Due to chilly temperatures, we are postponing our Walk Your Way to a Healthier Buena Vista event.

The walk has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 26th. Join Public Health at Chautauqua Park at noon on the 26th, or take time to walk whenever it works best for you—every step counts, whether it’s during a break, lunch, or before or after your day! 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

05/14/2026

05/05/2026