Kossuth County Community Health

Kids don’t have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays whenever they are outdoors.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx

FREE Educational Event
The Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project is hosting a community education session to discuss:

Local cancer trends
Cancer statistics
Risk factors
Cancer prevention and awareness

Date: July 21, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Format: Livestream via Zoom

While Kossuth County's cancer rates are lower than many Iowa counties, cancer remains a significant health concern. Community education and awareness can help residents better understand cancer risks, prevention strategies, and local trends.

Sign Up to attend: https://tinyurl.com/kossuthcoia

🍫 Did You Know? Dark Chocolate Can Be Good for Your Health! 🍫

Good news for chocolate lovers! 😊 High-quality dark chocolate (70%–85% cacao) is packed with powerful antioxidants called flavonoids that help fight cellular damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

✨ Benefits of Dark Chocolate Include:
❤️ Supports Heart Health – Helps improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and support healthy cholesterol levels.
🧠 Boosts Brain Function – Increased circulation may improve focus, cognitive function, and reduce mental fatigue.
🩺 May Lower Disease Risk – Its anti-inflammatory properties can help improve insulin sensitivity and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
☀️ Promotes Healthier Skin – Flavanols may help protect skin from sun damage while improving hydration and skin thickness.
😊 Enhances Mood – Natural compounds found in dark chocolate can help elevate mood and reduce stress.

✅ Choose Wisely: To enjoy these health benefits, look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao. Milk chocolate and white chocolate typically contain less cocoa and more added sugar and fats, reducing the potential health benefits.

As with all treats, moderation is key—but it's nice to know that a small piece of dark chocolate can be both delicious and beneficial!
🍫❤️😊

Did you know Iowa has the 2nd highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the United States? Learn what cancer looks like right here in Kossuth County and what the data tells us about local trends and risk factors. ‼️

Join the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project on July 21 for a free community presentation. Whether you're a healthcare professional, community leader, survivor, caregiver, or simply interested in learning more, everyone is welcome.

RSVP information can be found here 👉 https://iowacancerconsortium.wildapricot.org/event-6724717

County Community Health

July is UV Safety Month! Did you know that

prolonged sun exposure isn’t just linked to

skin cancer, it’s also linked to eye cancer?

Learn about how to protect your eyes from

UV rays:

The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes Ultraviolet (UV) light can harm your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts, growths on the eye and cancer. Follow these tips to protect your eyes from sun damage all year long.

🍎 Double Your SNAP Dollars! 🥦

Stretch your food budget and eat healthier with Double Up Food Bucks! SNAP users can double their dollars (up to $15/day) on fresh fruits and vegetables.

✅ Use at participating locations across Iowa — including Fareway in Algona!
🛒 Grocery stores, farmers markets, farm stands & more

👉 Click the link to learn how to get started!

https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/doubleup

If you need a place to beat the heat this week, Kossuth County Emergency Management and all of our local libraries have you covered! ☀

🌞 Beat the Heat This Week! ❄️
With dangerous heat expected Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, Kossuth County Emergency Management is partnering with our local libraries to provide Cooling Shelters during their normal operating hours.

If you need a place to cool down, stop by your local library to:

❄️ Enjoy air conditioning
📚 Read a book
🪑 Relax in a comfortable space
📶 Access free Wi-Fi
Participating libraries include:
📍 Algona
📍 Bancroft
📍Burt
📍 Fenton
📍 Lakota
📍 Lu Verne
📍 Swea City
📍 Titonka
📍 Wesley
📍 Whittemore

**Cooling shelters are available during each library's regular business hours. Please note that all participating libraries will be closed on Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and will not be available as cooling shelters that day.**

🌡️ Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly. Remember to:
💧 Drink plenty of water.
🧢 Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
👵 Check on older adults, neighbors, and anyone without air conditioning.
🚗 Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
Thank you to our local libraries for partnering with Kossuth County Emergency Management to provide a safe, cool place for our residents during this week's heat.
Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay safe.

🚨 FREE COMMUNITY TRAINING!! 🚨
Join us for “High in Plain Sight: Current Drug Trends” and learn what’s impacting our community.

📅 August 11, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Algona High School PAC

✅ Local drug trends & warning signs
✅ Emerging substances
✅ FREE Naloxone training included

⚠️ Pre-registration required (18+)
📲 Scan the QR code or click the following the link to sign up!

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=GeaRDSxKgEy5WY_fUY5S6PjbZGhFGspMrhNOSmcyKz5UNjQ2T0dMM05OR0ZWU1pXVDRTUkhTUE9WSy4u&origin=QRCode

Spots are limited—register today!