BV County Public Health and Home Care

08/03/2026

Discover Our Past- Celebrate Health & Fitness!
-Come and enjoy a group fitness walk while visiting and learning about many of Storm Lake's Historical Landmarks.
-Meet at 11AM at the BV Historical Museum 215 W. 5th St.
-Rare opportunity to see the Prairie Heritage Log House and One Room School!

07/23/2026

07/21/2026

07/13/2026

Last week the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the state's first measles case of 2026.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily and can cause serious illness, especially in young children and those are not vaccinated.

The best protection against measles is the MMR (Measles, Mump, Rubella) vaccine.

Have questions about your vaccination status or want to find out if your immunizations are up to date? Contact Buena Vista County Public Health at 712-749-2548. Their staff can help review your records and answer any questions you may have.

07/07/2026

06/25/2026

Did you know? Iowa has the 2nd highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the U.S., and rates are rising!

Join members from the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project team to learn about cancer trends, statistics, and risk factors in Buena Vista County on Wednesday, July 8th 4:00-5:00 PM.

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.