What's New News Summary

March Tobacco Awareness

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

American Heart Month & Healthy Blood Pressure

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Reintroducing the Food Access & Security Coalition

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Reintroducing the Food Access & Security Coalition

Inclusive Gatherings Considerate of Guests Living with Hearing Loss

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As we gather with family and friends, it’s important to make sure everyone feels included. For guests with hearing loss, festive gatherings can sometimes feel overwhelming or isolating. A few thoughtful adjustments can help create an environment where all guests can enjoy meaningful conversation and feel valued.

Preparing for a Safe & Healthy Fall & Winter

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As cooler weather approaches, it is a great time to focus on health and to eliminate potential hazards. Planning ahead for slick surfaces and being deliberate in how we prepare our daily environments helps to keep us safe in our homes. By taking simple steps to improve safety and build strength, we can help protect ourselves and those we care about from being injured by falls. Consider these tips for creating safer surroundings and for managing daily activities to achieve optimal health.

Emotional Wellness Month: Why it Matters

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

October isn’t just about falling leaves and crisp, cool weather. It’s also Emotional Wellness Month, a time to focus on caring for our emotional health and building habits that help us feel our best. While mental health often highlights conditions such as anxiety or depression, emotional wellness is about our ability to understand, manage and express our feelings in a healthy way.

Stop Foodborne Illness with Smart Practices

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Every step we take to keep food safe—whether at home, in restaurants, or during transport—helps protect public health. Contaminated food can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that may not be visible, but can cause serious illness. Practicing food safety isn’t just about following rules; it’s about preventing avoidable illness, reducing food waste, and ensuring that everyone—from kids to seniors—can enjoy meals without risk. Safe food is essential for a healthy community.

Safe Food Shopping and Storage: A Guide for Consumers and Food Vendors

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re a shopper selecting groceries for your family or a vendor stocking and handling food for customers, food safety starts well before anything hits the plate. From that first point of contact, both consumers and food professionals have a role to play in reducing the risk of foodborne illness and keeping food fresh and safe.

Back to School Centered Routine for a Healthier Year

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As summer comes to an end, getting ready for school can feel a little stressful. Early alarms, homework, and busy schedules can be a lot. But going back to school doesn’t have to mean giving up your mental health. A good daily routine can help you feel calm, focused, and ready to take on the year. Here’s a simple, realistic routine to help support your mental health because yes, school matters, but so do you.

The Hidden Risks of Unsafe Food Sources

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Food from unsafe sources, such as vendors who are not permitted, inspected, and compliant with food safety standards, can put your health at risk. These foods may carry harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that can cause serious foodborne illnesses.

2025-26 Agriculture Respiratory Campaign

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In the fall of 2024, the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) Immunization Program received crucial funding through the State Department of Health. This funding was dedicated to supporting targeted education and raising awareness about the importance of flu vaccinations during the respiratory illness season within the agriculture communities. With the funding, extended through the end of June 2025, the BFHD team was able to broaden its reach and take a more innovative approach to community engagement.

Foodborne Illness Causes & Preventions

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning, occurs when a person consumes contaminated food or beverages. It can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and, in some cases, fever. These symptoms may develop within hours or even days after exposure.

International Overdose Awareness Day 2025

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This International Overdose Awareness Day let’s imagine what family means. Let’s build a family driven by hope, love and action. We are one family – not just because we share in the pain of loss, but because we share in the power to change what comes next.

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As a new school year begins, we are reminded of the many benefits that come from ongoing education. The advantages of learning not only impact our youth but remain throughout our lifespan. Staying in school builds our knowledge base, can increase earned income potential, and may offer benefits to our brain health that last a lifetime.

Chronic Pain Treatment

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Chronic pain is not a normal part of aging and should be properly diagnosed and treated with a combination of medical care, alternative therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. While medications can help, long-term use may lead to additional health concerns. Evidence-based approaches like mindful movement, acupuncture, massage, guided imagery, chiropractic care, and proper nutrition can support pain relief and improve quality of life. Social connection and honest communication with loved ones and healthcare providers are also key to managing chronic pain and reducing isolation. Every person’s experience is unique, and a personalized, compassionate approach to care can make a big difference.

Why Taking Care of Your Mind Matters

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to highlight the importance of caring for our mental well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations. Mental health affects every part of our lives, from our relationships and work to how we cope with stress. Just like physical health, our mental health needs regular care through rest, connection, boundaries, and support. By checking in with ourselves and others, educating our communities, and speaking up when we need help, we can create a culture where mental wellness is prioritized every day—not just in May.