Healthy Communities Start
with Healthy Families
Keeping your wellness front and center matters to the people around you. Here’s why.
In Mahaska County, everyone has an important role to play. When one of us succeeds, we all celebrate. And when someone is sick, we all share the pain.
No matter how you choose to contribute to your community—as a coworker, parent, neighbor or friend—the best way to be there for the people you love is to take care of your health and wellbeing.
A Simple Checklist for Better Health:
- Schedule an annual checkup with your family doctor.
Everyone in your home can benefit from seeing a primary care physician at least once a year.
- Exercise regularly.
This could be as simple as a 15-minute walk around the block once a day. If you work at a desk or sit a lot, try to get up and move around every 30 minutes, if possible.
- Make healthy food choices.
Add more whole foods to your diet like fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, whole grains, fish and eggs.
- Keep a bedtime routine.
Set aside at least 8 hours to get a good night’s sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on the weekends.
- Don’t skip seasonal vaccines.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to schedule seasonal vaccines—including annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters—to prevent illnesses that keep you from work, school and your social life.
- Engage with your community.
A strong support system can help you feel better in more ways than one. Attend church, join a club or volunteer with a local charity. Check-in on an elderly neighbor. Or set aside time to spend with family and friends.
Your Health, Your Decision
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining good health. And when it comes to making the decisions that are right for you, it’s a matter between you and your doctor.
Got questions? Don’t crowdsource the answers. Talk to a healthcare professional who can help you make informed decisions in private.
Schedule Your Next Check-Up Today
If you don’t have a family doctor or primary care physician, get started with one of the organizations below:
Mahaska Health
www.mahaskahealth.org
641.672.3360
Pella Regional
www.pellahealth.org
641.621.2200
Ottumwa Regional Health Center
www.ottumwaregionalhealth.com
641.684.2300