Health Insurance Exchanges Open October 1

Starting tomorrow, Americans have new options when it comes to purchasing health insurance. 

On October 1, health insurance exchanges will be open for business for those who are not already covered by a policy through their employer, Medicaid, or Medicare.

The Kaiser Family Foundation provides this calculator to determine if you are eligible for subsidies or for expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

A leader in health policy analysis, health journalism and communication, the Kaiser Family Foundation is dedicated to filling the need for trusted, independent information on the major health issues facing our nation and its people. To learn more, go to:  http://kff.org

GRMC Seasonal Influenza Clinic Schedule

It's not too early to get your flu vaccine!


September 
26   10 to 11:30 a.m. Mayflower Community, Carman Center

October 
2     3:45 to 6 p.m.  Grinnell High School Media Center
3     10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Brookside South, Grinnell
7     10 to 11 a.m. Seeland Park, Tenplex lobby, Grinnell
14   3:30 to 6 p.m.  BGM School, Brooklyn
21   3:30 to 6 p.m. Montezuma Elementary School library
29   11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grinnell Regional Public Health, by appointment. Call 641-236-2385 to schedule.

                                                                 

Three Things You Can Do to Protect Against the Flu

Yes, it’s the beginning of the school year and there are ball games and practices, homework and scout meetings, church activities and 4-H. Who has the time to haul the whole family to get immunized against seasonal influenza?

 

The truth is that it will take far less time to get your immunizations than it will to recover if the flu finds its way into your household.

Did you know that it takes most people 10 – 14 days to fully recover from the flu? Thirty minutes vs. two weeks. Kind of a no-brainer, right?

Did you also know that since the CDC began tracking this data in the flu season of 1976 to 1977, the range of annual flu-associated deaths is as low as 3,000 and as high as 49,000 over these past forty years?

Still willing to take your chances?

Here’s what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

Take the time to get a flu vaccine. The first immunization clinic is scheduled for Sept. 23. Click here to find a clinic location, date, and time that work for you.  Remember, those between six months and 49 years without serious health complications are eligible for FluMist – the stuff that goes in the nose, not an injection. This makes it much easier to get the kids to go!

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. Keep hands clean. Don’t share glasses and silverware. Sneeze into your elbow. Carry hand-sanitizer and use it often, especially in public areas. If you are sick, stay home for 24-hours until symptoms are gone without the use of medication. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and make healthy food choices. Stay well.

The CDC is recommending that everyone age six

Food Allergies in America

Every three minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to a hospital emergency department in the United States.

Click this link to take you to a documentary, "An Emerging Epidemic:  Food Allergies in America" to learn more about this growing health issue. The documentary is found on the Discovery Channel website.

Tips for Exercising in the Heat

As the temperatures continue to hover in the low to mid 90's, we share a few tips to remember as you or your children are out exercising, playing, or at sports practice in the heat.

It really comes down to three things.

1. Drink plenty of fluid - Start hydrating well before you begin exercise and keep drinking water during and after exercise.
2. Wear proper clothing - Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are best. While a cotton t-shirt may be lightweight and loose-fitting, it can become very wet and heavy when you sweat. Choose items made of material that will wick the moisture away from your body. Also choose light-colored clothing to reflect the sun's rays.
3. Timing is everything - Schedule outdoor exercise in the early morning or in the evening and avoid exercise in the warmest times of day.

It is important to take these weather conditions seriously.

For more information, go to Iowa Department of Public Health.