Jasper County Health Department - Iowa

04/30/2025

Want to make your food last longer and cut down on waste? Check out the USDA’s FoodKeeper App! It helps you track food storage times, so you know what’s safe to eat—saving you money and reducing waste.

Download it for free on iOS and Android!

04/29/2025

04/28/2025

Just had a webinar with the US National Weather Service Des Moines Iowa, Here were the key concerns they discussed:

Key Concerns:
1. Tornado Risk
• 15% tornado probability (rare event)
• Highest risk north of Highway 20
• Potential for significant tornadoes (EF2 and higher)

2. Hail Threat
• 30% chance of hail across the state
• Potential for hail 2 inches or larger

3. Storm Characteristics
• Extremely fast-moving storms (50-60 miles per hour)
• Very little time to react
• Storms can become severe quickly

4. Timing
• Primary window: 4 PM to 12 AM
• Areas west of Interstate 35 should be most alert after 2-3 PM

5. Critical Recommendations:
• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts
• Know your shelter location in advance
• Take all warnings seriously
• Be prepared to act quickly

Overall, this is a rare and potentially dangerous severe weather event with high uncertainty about exact storm locations.

As mentioned, have other ways to receive alerts, you can download our app here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a132550208

04/28/2025

WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/i8JcX0zg-FU?feature=shared&utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Keeping families out of crisis prevents child abuse! That's the message.
Child abuse is preventable. Too often, the conversation focuses on blaming “bad parents” instead of addressing the real issue: families need support, not shame.

04/26/2025

Come visit us today at Healthy Kids Day at the Newton YMCA from 10 until noon!

04/26/2025

Come see us at Healthy Kids Day for a free bag of goodies. Talk to Melissa about a free car seat inspection.

04/25/2025

Did you know that 58% of caregivers say their child rides with another driver at least once a week? But 30% of carpool drivers admit they don’t always follow safety rules, like using seat belts or the appropriate car seat or booster. And 80% of caregivers have noticed others doing the same.

Safety shouldn’t take a back seat! Before your next carpool, make sure every ride is a safe one. Check our Carpool Safety Checklist for tips on making every ride to school a safe one:https://www.safekids.org/sites/default/files/documents/2016_parent_carpool_checklist.pdf

04/24/2025

For when you need some motivation.

04/23/2025

Come see us at Healthy Kids Day on Saturday at the Newton Y.

04/23/2025

Ultraviolet (UV) light levels in Iowa are already consistently reaching 6-7 (high) on the UV Index Scale. CDC recommends skin protection if the UV Index is 3 or higher. UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 AM - 4 PM. UV rays can damage skin cells, and most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV light.Those older than six months should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin that filters both UVA and UVB rays, with a sun-protection factor (SPF) or at least 15. Re-apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies 6 months and younger, so be sure to keep them out of the sun as much as possible.

More outdoor tips to limit UV exposure include:
• Stick to the shade! Use an umbrella, tree, or other shelter to stay out of direct sunlight.
• When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or clothing certified to offer UV protection.
• Wear a hat with a brim that shades your face, ears, and neck.
• Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.
For more sun safety tips, visit

Ways to protect your skin from the sun.

04/22/2025

Eating food past the recommended use-by-date can make you sick.

04/21/2025

Measles is not a little rash and fever that clear up in a few days. It can cause serious health issues, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles. Talk with your healthcare provider about what vaccines are right for you.

What Iowans should know about measles: https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/12367/download?inline