Buchanan County Public Health, Iowa

10/20/2026

On average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, so indoor air quality is critical to the health of families. In indoor environments, the levels of some pollutants are often two to five times (and sometimes as much as 100 times) higher than outdoor concentrations.

Learn more in this blog, “It’s Simple to Test Your Home for Radon.”

Written by Jill Heins-Nesvold, American Lung Association On average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, so indoor air quality is critical to the health of families. In indoor environments, the levels of some pollutants are often two to five times (and sometimes as much as 100 times) higher t...

10/19/2026

You can not get rabies from seeing a bat or touching bat p**p.

Bats are happiest when left alone. Avoid touching them and never touch with bare hands! If you think you were bitten or scratched by a bat, talk with your healthcare provider immediately about shots (vaccines) to prevent rabies. Learn more about bats and rabies at the iowa HHS webpage: https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/animal-safety-and-disease-prevention/rabies

10/19/2026

Viral hepatitis can cause . Do you know if you or your loved ones should be tested? Learn about testing recommendations: https://bit.ly/4f3qSJt

Check CDC & USPSTF guidelines for hepatitis C screening among adults and the testing sequence.

10/18/2026

Breast cancer screenings, like mammograms, are an important part of your health. Early detection of breast cancer can help make it easier to treat. The Iowa HHS Care for Yourself program provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to women ages 21-64 that qualify.

Visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/cfy to learn more about the program and see if you
qualify.

The Care for Yourself program provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to Iowans.

10/18/2026

If you care for someone living with a physical, mental, or memory health issue, you are invited to attend this safe, confidential support group. The group will meet in the Community Room at the Independence Public Library. Attendees will develop mutual support and social relationships, as well as learn and develop methods and skills to solve problems.

For more information email [email protected] or call 319-334-2470.

If you care for someone living with a physical, mental, or memory health issue, you are invited to attend this safe, confidential support group. The group will meet in the Community Room at the Independence Public Library. Attendees will develop mutual support and social relationships, as well as learn and develop methods and skills to solve problems.

For more information email [email protected] or call 319-334-2470.

10/15/2026

🏠 FREE RADON TEST KITS AVAILABLE! 🏠

Want to test your home for radon? Buchanan County Public Health is offering free radon test kits to eligible Buchanan County residents — but registration is REQUIRED!

⚠️ Please note: You cannot simply stop in to pick up a kit. You must register in advance using the Microsoft Form.

📅 Scheduled Pickup Dates:
➡️ Thursday, October 22 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
➡️ Monday, November 2 | 1:00–3:00 PM
📲 Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the
Microsoft Form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/9y1EaELbR8

Kits are available while supplies last, so don’t wait to register!

❓ Questions? Contact Buchanan County Public Health at 319-332-0860.

10/13/2026

Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning.

This product is being recalled because it could contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. More information about this recall is available on the Food and Drug Administration website. This recall is in addition to a 2024 public health alert where multiple brands of cinnamon were recalled.

FDA: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/galil-importing-corp-recalls-lior-cinnamon-ground-seasoning-due-elevated-lead-levels

o Parents are encouraged to immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

o Consumers with questions may contact the company Galil Importing Corp on 1-516-496-7400 M-F 9a-5p (ET).

o Consult with your child's primary care provider to see if testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources is needed.

10/13/2026

Did you catch your dog or cat playing with or eating a bat? Try to get the bat tested and talk to your veterinarian to determine if additional rabies vaccine is needed.

10/12/2026

Feeling under the weather? Cold and flu symptoms can overlap, but there are a few clues that may help you tell the difference.

Remember: Symptom alone cannot always tell you whether you have a cold or flu. Testing can help identify influenza and other respiratory viruses.

What can you do?
✅ Stay home and away from others while you're sick.
✅ Get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
✅ If you're at higher risk for complications or suspect you have the flu, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Antiviral treatment works best when started early.
✅ Seek urgent medical care for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or other severe or concerning symptoms.

10/11/2026

Breast cancer can happen at any age. Exams and mammograms are the best way to catch signs of cancer early. If you’re between the ages of 40-64, schedule your mammograms andget screened. Self-exams can also help recognize changes in breast tissue and if you have any concerns, talk to your healthcare provider. Learn more about the types of screening for breast cancer:
https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html