Myrtue Public Health

10/01/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Along with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Myrtue Public Health would like to share information with residents of Shelby County and surrounding counties. Together we are working to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for breast cancer and provide information about breast cancer screening.

Iowa has the 9th highest incidence rate of breast cancer in the U.S. and it is rising faster in Iowa than most other states. According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, breast cancer is one of four types of cancer largely driving Iowa’s high overall cancer incidence rate.

There are more survivors of breast cancer living in Iowa than of any other type of cancer, with an estimated 37,490 survivors. Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate of all types of cancer in Iowa, accounting for 13.9% of all new cancer cases in 2025 with an estimated 2,940 Iowans being diagnosed with breast cancer this year. An estimated 390 Iowans will die of breast cancer this year.

There are many different risk factors for breast cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean that someone will get cancer; it means that someone has a higher chance of developing cancer.

Some cancer risk factors, like a person’s age, can’t be changed, but some cancer risk factors can be modified. According to the CDC, risk factors for breast cancer include getting older, genetic mutations, reproductive history, having dense breasts, and family history.

Risk factors that can be changed include not being physically active, being overweight or having obesity, and drinking alcohol. Iowa ranks 4th in the US for binge-drinking and for alcohol-associated cancers. Iowa ranks 11th for obesity (36%) and only 1 in 5 Iowans meet physical activity guidelines. Insert something about breast feeding lowering risk?

Call your primary care provider to schedule your annual exam to include a breast exam and your mammogram.

No insurance coverage for these exams? The Care for Yourself Program can help.
The Care for Yourself – Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (CFY-BCC) at Iowa HHS provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings across Iowa.
Eligibility for the Care for Yourself Program is:
✅ Between 21 and 64 years old:
✅Age 40-64 years old for breast cancer services
✅Age 21-64 years old for cervical cancer services.
✅Under the age 40 years for those who are symptomatic or high-risk and those over 64 years old who do not have Medicare Part B.
✔Are uninsured, underinsured or have insurance with barriers to receiving care.
✔Are at or earn less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
✅For more information refer to:
https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/cancer/cfy.

For your local Shelby County Care for Yourself coordinator, call Myrtue Public Health at 712.755.4308 or 866.339.7909 to speak to a confidential coordinator.

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

09/30/2025

Get outside this fall! 🍁🍂🌻

A new DNR web page makes it easier to explore outdoor experiences that are accessible to all this fall. Iowa’s Accessible Outdoors highlights locations across the state where visitors can enjoy accessible activities like trails, fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic areas, scenic views, and overnight stays. Each experience has been reviewed in person by DNR staff to ensure there are accessible pathways, nearby parking, and - in most cases - restrooms.

For more information, visit www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/iowas-accessible-outdoors.

The Iowa DNR is committed to providing accessible outdoor opportunities and amenities in state parks, forests and other state recreational areas.

09/30/2025

West Nile Virus Remains a Risk

So far in 2025, 15 cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in Iowa with more cases under investigation. West Nile virus remains a risk until the first hard frost.

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. Severe illness may result in hospitalization or
death.

For the best protection against the virus, Iowans should use an insect repellant 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.

Additional steps Iowans can take to protect themselves include:
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks outdoors when possible.
• Look for standing water in buckets, cans, pool covers, used tires, pet water dishes, and other areas water may collect.
• Clear standing water from around your home where mosquitos reproduce.
• Make sure windows in your home have screens.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit
https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/providers-professionals/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/west-nile-virus

https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/

09/30/2025

Ovarian cancer rates have been declining over the past 20 years, but there is still a lot to be done!

According to statistics from the American Cancer Society:

* In 2025, an estimated 20,890 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed.
* In 2025, an estimated 12,730 deaths will occur due to ovarian cancer.
* Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.
* Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers.
* Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women.
* From 2015 to 2019, incidence rates declined by almost 3%.
* From 2004 through 2021, the death rate declined by 2.4% per year, reflecting both decreased

09/30/2025

It's Fall Prevention Awareness Month! Common household hazards lead to thousands of falls among older adults every year. Family and friends can help older adults follow these 5 simple steps to help prevent falls at home!
* Clear the way
* Light it up
* Have a seat
* Secure some support
* Store for success

Removing clutter and improving lighting are two easy ways to reduce your risk of in your home.

Find more ideas on how to combat household hazards and keep your home safe from the Council on Aging. https://bit.ly/FPAW-Make-Your-Home-Safe

09/29/2025

Myrtue Public Health Influenza Vaccine Clinics
Thursday, October 2nd
Panama - No appointment needed
Harlan - Appointments required - schedule at shelbycountyclinics.com or call 712.755.4308.

Nebraska AIDS Project will be joining our Thursday, 10/2 Flu Vaccine Clinic for FREE HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C information and testing.

09/29/2025

It's National Coffee Day! ☕🧋

Know the caffeine content in your favorite coffee drink!

It’s National Coffee Day, but it’s important to keep track of how much caffeine goes into your body in a 24-hour period. For most adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams* a day. Too much caffeine can cause a variety of symptoms:

•increased heart rate
•heart palpitations
•high blood pressure
•insomnia or sleep disruptions
•anxiety
•jitters
•upset stomach
•nausea
•headache

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much

09/29/2025

Follow these guidelines for car seat safety! Know what the law is in your state, as well considering what is best practice.

Did you know the differences between Iowa law and best practice when it comes to car seats???

09/28/2025

A Flu Vaccine can take the Flu from Wild to Mild.

Learn more at www.nfid.org/flu

Flu can be wild, but a flu vaccine can help tame severe symptoms, reducing the risk of serious illness.

to help and learn more: www.nfid.org/flu

09/28/2025

Did you know that problems in your mouth can affect other parts of your body? Your mouth is full of germs, and most of them are harmless. Sometimes those germs can cause problems throughout your body. A routine of daily brushing and flossing can help keep germ levels under control! 🦷🪥
Learn more about oral health and overall health here: http://bit.ly/42xzQej

09/27/2025

National Roundabout Week - September 22-26

Roundabouts aren't common in Shelby County, but as you travel in Iowa or out of state, you may find one.

Below, Roundabouts 101 shows you 5 things to know when driving around a Roundabout.

Watch this video for more information on Roundabouts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peUf2NRdWxs

09/26/2025

Thank you Shelby County ISU Extension & Outreach for sharing this Shelby County 4H post!

Enrollment is open!
Have questions about joining 4-H? Give Jen a call today!
Visit our website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/shelby/join-4-h
Office is open 8-5
712-755-3104

Embark on an exhilarating journey with 4-H, a global program captivating the hearts of nearly 6 million young people! Youth can experience 4-H through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs, and 4-H camps. 4-H programming focuses on the following program project areas: Agric...