Myrtue Public Health

11/15/2025

Colder days will be here soon. ❄️
How will you dress your child for their ride in the car seat?

The "BRR" months are here! 🥶

It's time to keep kids safe and warm in their car seats. Blankets are a good alternative to a heavy, puffy coat, which can cause the car seat harness to not fit snugly.

11/15/2025

Infant botulism linked to powdered infant formula
Health Advisory
Distributed through the Iowa Health Alert Network
November 14, 2025, 11:24

• A multistate outbreak of infant botulism has been linked to consuming ByHeart Whole Nutrition powdered infant formula; 15 infants across 12 states have been hospitalized and treated with immunoglobulin called BabyBIG®. No cases have been identified in Iowa.
• Iowans should stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition formula, including single serve packets (photos on last page). A national recall has been initiated for the formula, but it’s possible the formula is still being consumed. The WIC formula supply is not affected.

What is Infant Botulism
Infant botulism occurs when an infant ingests spores from a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which then grows in the large intestine and produces toxin that blocks the neuromuscular junction by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine. Initial signs and symptoms often include constipation, difficulty feeding (difficulty
sucking or swallowing), loss of head control, weak facial expression, and reduced muscle tone. Without prompt recognition and treatment, descending paralysis may progress and involve the respiratory muscles, potentially leading to life-threatening respiratory failure. The time from ingestion to symptom presentation can be up to 30 days.

Patient/caregiver guidance when ByHeart formula was used:
• Do not use any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. This includes formula sold in cans and single serve packets.
o If possible, take a picture or record the lot number and best by date.
o If you have leftover ByHeart powdered formula, label it "DO NOT USE" and keep it stored in a safe place for at least a month.
o If your infant develops symptoms of infant botulism, your state health department may want to collect it for testing. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.
• Monitor for symptoms of botulism such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression, seek medical care immediately if symptoms appear. Early intervention is critical.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

For more information, contact Myrtue Public Health at 712.755.4308.

11/14/2025

Thank you, Myrtue Hospice, for the compassionate care you provide! 💜

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and we want to take the time to recognize our Hospice team for everything they do for patients and families in our communities. Their dedication to providing compassionate care and support to patients and families is truly inspiring. From nurses and caregivers to social workers and volunteers, each member plays a vital role in ensuring comfort and dignity during life's most challenging times.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and kindness, you make a profound difference every day. 💙 Help us with celebrating our Hospice team!

11/14/2025

As the federal government reopens, Iowa HHS will issue full SNAP benefits for the month of November. See more information below.

As the federal government reopens, Iowa HHS will issue full SNAP benefits for the month of November.

Benefits are being loaded onto cards now and could be available later today. We anticipate that all SNAP benefits will be issued by Friday, Nov. 14, and recommend that SNAP recipients check their EBT card balances before making a purchase.

You can check your EBT balance by calling the number on the back of your card, 800-359-5802, logging into your ConnectEBT account online, or using the ConnectEBT Mobile app.

11/14/2025

Today we acknowledge World Diabetes Day!

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. It can happen when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) or the cells don't respond properly to insulin. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

Diabetes raises the risk for damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Diabetes is also linked to some types of cancer. Taking steps to prevent or manage diabetes may lower your risk of developing diabetes health problems.

Learn more about diabetes here: https://bit.ly/481tfM4

11/14/2025

Mentholatum Ointment is a combination product that is used to relieve itching, minor muscle, or joint pain. This product may also be used as a chest rub to soothe symptoms associated with the common cold.

If your child ingests mentholated ointment, don't panic! Call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately for expert guidance. They are available 24/7 to help you.

As we enter the colder months, mentholated ointments become a common remedy for congestion. But what if your child accidentally consumes it? 😱

If your child ingests this ointment, don't panic! Call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately for expert guidance. They are available 24/7 to help you.

Remember, it's always best to keep all medications out of reach from children to ensure a safe and healthy home. 🏡

11/13/2025

Gestational Diabetes

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?
Similar to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes most often results from uncontrolled insulin resistance.
It’s important to understand that pregnant women develop insulin resistance as a natural byproduct of being pregnant, however the diet that a woman eats during pregnancy is also incredibly important.

The following risk factors can increase your risk for GDM:
⬆️An elevated body mass index (BMI >25)
⬇️Low physical activity
➕Family history of diabetes mellitus
⬅️History of developing gestational diabetes in the past
➕Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS)
➕Previously delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4.1 kg)
⬇️Low HDL cholesterol
⬆️An A1c greater than 5.7%
➕Living with preexisting insulin resistance or prediabetes

Talk to your primary care or OB provider regarding Gestational Diabetes lab test screening.

📊 Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications — and it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, preterm birth, and even maternal death. But here’s the good news: With awareness and care, gestational diabetes is manageable.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s:
✔ Support access to prenatal care and diabetes screening for all moms.
✔ Encourage healthy nutrition, activity, and blood sugar monitoring.
✔ Advocate for postpartum follow-up and ongoing care.

Together, we can reduce maternal deaths and build healthier futures for Iowa families. 💙

11/13/2025

November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a disease in which cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach. The wall of the stomach is made up of five layers of tissue: the mucosa, submucosa, muscle layer, subserosa, and serosa. Stomach cancer typically begins in the cells lining the mucosal layer and spreads through the outer layers as it grows.

Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer may include:
Trouble swallowing
Belly pain
Feeling bloated after eating
Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
Not feeling hungry when you would expect to be hungry
Heartburn
Indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting
Losing weight without trying
Feeling very tired
Stools that look black

Stomach cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. When they happen, symptoms might include indigestion and pain in the upper part of the belly. Symptoms might not happen until the cancer is advanced. Later stages of stomach cancer might cause symptoms such as feeling very tired, losing weight without trying, vomiting blood and having black stools.

When to see a doctor:
If you have signs and symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your health care provider. Many conditions can cause symptoms that are like the ones caused by stomach cancer. Your provider might test for those other causes first before testing for stomach cancer.

More than 25,000 new cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more.

11/12/2025

Peak Norovirus Season Approaching

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting/diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States, and tends to peak during the fall and winter months. There is no specific treatment for norovirus. Most people get better within one to three days, but norovirus can cause severe dehydration resulting in hospitalization.

Norovirus is extremely infectious and spreads through f***s or vomit directly from person to person, through contaminated food, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Hand washing is therefore always extremely important, but especially after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food. Individuals ill with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home. Cleaning high-touch surfaces and bathrooms with bleach solution or products that specifically list as being effective against norovirus can also reduce the risk of spread.

For more information about norovirus, visit

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.

11/12/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to prevent, diagnose or treat. Its risk factors and symptoms are unfamiliar to most. And with no standard test to find pancreatic cancer early in the general population, it is often diagnosed late when fewer treatment options are available.

Know the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer:
https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/change-the-course/

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month! Change the course of this disease by raising awareness about early detection this month! Today, there is no standard test to find early in the general population, yet early detection is critical to increasing survival.

Know the signs and symptoms, know your risk, and know your family history — it can save your life. 💜

Learn more: https://ow.ly/GxZ050XlvWh

11/12/2025

Radon in Iowa

Radon is an invisible, tasteless, odorless, radioactive gas that is naturally produced by radium and uranium in the soil. Radon becomes harmful when it becomes trapped and concentrated in the air. For example, when it leaks into a basement through a crack in the foundation or a space around a pipe.

Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. And for people who have smoked, the EPA estimates that radon exposure can increase their risk of lung cancer by 10x.

Lung cancer caused by radon exposure results in 21,000 deaths per year, including 400 deaths annually in Iowa.

Iowa has the largest percentage of homes (71.6%) at or above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) (source). In fact, the average radon level in Iowa homes is 8.5 pCi/L, compared to an overall United States average of 1.3 pCi/L.

Testing for radon is easy, and mitigating high radon levels is more affordable than the cost of lung cancer.

Order a Radon Test Kit
Order a radon test kit from the American Lung Association or call the Iowa Radon Hotline at 1-800-383-5992.

Contact Myrtue Public Health at 712.755.4308 for more information or assistance with ordering your test kit.

Radon is an invisible, tasteless, odorless, radioactive gas that is naturally produced by radium and uranium in the soil. Radon becomes harmful when it becomes trapped and concentrated in the air. For example, when it leaks into a basement through a crack in the foundation or a space around a pipe.....

11/12/2025

November is Child Safety and Protection Month

Share this post to raise awareness, and don't forget to save the Iowa Poison Control Center's number for any emergency – 1-800-222-1222.

💪 It's Child Safety and Protection Month, and we're here to empower parents, caregivers and communities with the knowledge they need to safeguard our little ones.

Share this post to raise awareness, and don't forget to save the Iowa Poison Control Center's number for any emergency – 1-800-222-1222. Let's ensure every child grows up safe and healthy!