Ann Cochran
Did you know that antibiotic resistance is an urgent threat to our health?
Each year in the U.S., at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and at least 23,000 die as a direct...
Good news! The pop-up produce stands that appeared last summer and fall are now available all year round. This project, led by the volunteer coalition Hunger Free Dallas County, sells fresh produce at very low prices.
These low-cost produce stands...
According to the Dallas County Emergency Management Department, we’re most likely to experience a disaster during May or July. Typically, the disasters in Iowa are wind and flooding damage.
So why bring this up in the dead of winter? Because...
A routine well-child check-up includes an annual screening for lead poisoning. Even if your children are not going to get any immunizations, it is important that they be screened for lead at ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and...
In June 2014, it became illegal in Iowa for anyone under age 18 to purchase alternative nicotine and vapor -- e-cigarette -- products. Vaping is banned statewide on school property, and local restrictions prohibit use in other locations.
Even so,...
The answer to the question is, unfortunately, yes. There are indeed hungry people in my town.
Both the very small towns and the large metro suburbs in Dallas County contain families and individuals who cannot count on having enough to...
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by bacteria. The disease is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Although it can be prevented through vaccination, pertussis occurs regularly in Iowa....
The Dallas County Health Department occasionally receives calls asking about bed bugs, which are insects that feed on the blood of animals and people. Bed bugs look like a flat apple seed and are attracted to body heat...
It seems as though there is a national day or week or even month for nearly everything.
Many organizations draw attention to their message via special days on the calendar. Dec. 2-8 is designated Hand Washing Awareness Week.
This is of...
If you believe you cannot afford to heat your home this winter, please consider applying for the LIHEAP program.
LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is intended to help both renters and homeowners who are within certain income guidelines.
LIHEAP pays...