health.gov Blog

Each May the U.S. observes National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Since 1983, each President has publicly recognized and promoted the importance of physical activity to good overall health. This year, President Biden followed suit and issued a Proclamation commemorating this year’s observance, saying, “When we invest in our health, we foster healthy homes, more productive communities, and a more resilient society for generations to come.” With this in mind, now is the perfect time to evaluate your health and take steps (literally!) towards leading a more active lifestyle.

The declaration of the COVID-19  public health emergency officially ends on May 11, 2023. This moment reflects the progress that has been made throughout the acute phase of the pandemic – including decreasing rates of deaths and hospitalizations. Still, many challenges continue. As we transition to the next chapter of public health, it’s imperative that we carry forward and apply all that we have learned from the past few years to ensure optimal recovery, improved health and well-being, equity, and enhanced resilience.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a clear mission: to protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities in Iowa by providing high-quality programs and services. To realize this mission, Iowa HHS follows a data-driven approach — and looks to Healthy People to guide its efforts.

This month RDML Paul Reed introduces the first in a new video “vlog” series exploring individual and community recovery and resilience. In this installment, he sat down with National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chair, Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson for a discussion on the vital role played by the arts and culture in establishing enhanced resilience and aiding us in recovery from stressors such as the pandemic. As Dr. Jackson so eloquently refers to it – the practice of living “more artful lives”.