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News Releases

eTownhall to Review Community Health Survey Findings

Published on April 13, 2023

A key component of public health is collecting, analyzing, and sharing data about the health of a community. The health department will be sharing the results of last year's survey at an eTownhall presentation. The eTownhall is free and open to the public and will review the survey's key findings, announce the launch of a new data dashboard, and provide an opportunity for questions.

Tagged as: , Events & Activities, Health & Lifestyle

March is National Nutrition Month

Published on March 02, 2023

This year's theme for National Nutrition Month is "Fuel for the Future." No matter your age or activity level, making healthful food and drink choices will provide your body with energy now and fuel for the future. Plus, the benefits of eating healthfully can add up over time. Read more for strategies to help sustain your nutrition goals.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Weld RE1 School District Recognized for Supporting Breastfeeding Staff

Published on February 28, 2023

Re-1 School District is making it easier for working moms to continue nursing their baby after returning from maternity leave. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends families breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding while introducing nutritious foods for at least a year and for as long as the mother and baby desire.

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Two skunks test positive for rabies in Weld County

Published on February 09, 2023

Two skunks found on residential properties in south Weld County on February 3 and February 5 have tested positive for rabies.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings to Help Women of Weld County Get

Published on January 20, 2023

Health officials are concerned that cancer deaths could rise in Colorado if women don’t get caught up on preventive cancer screenings, such as mammograms and Pap tests, which decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Weld County, the Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) offers these life-saving tests for free to women who qualify.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Prevent impaired driving during the holiday season

Published on December 05, 2022

WCDPHE recognizes December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and urges community members to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Weld County Public Health encourages residents to live nicotine free

Published on November 15, 2022

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment recognizes the Great American Smokeout on November 17 as an opportunity to take an important first step toward living healthier, nicotine-free lives.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Weld County Public Health brings attention to diabetes

Published on November 01, 2022

In Weld County, 11.4% of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes, which is up from 10.1% in 2019.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

WCDPHE launches Leading Health Indicator Dashboard

Published on October 31, 2022

The dashboard tracks 11 key health issues, ranging from the top causes of death to substance abuse to housing and population growth. The purpose of the dashboard is to bring attention to emerging and chronic health issues facing Weld County.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

WCDPHE recognizes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Published on October 20, 2022

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the goal of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is to empower families and other stakeholders to take action to reduce exposure to lead in children and adults.

Tagged as: , Environment

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a free mammogram

Published on October 11, 2022

In partnership with the Women's Wellness Connection program, the Weld County Health Department encourages women ages 40 years and older to talk to their health care provider about staying up to date on routine cancer screenings, like mammograms.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

New community health workers host first free screening event

Published on September 26, 2022

WCDPHE has launched a Community Health Worker initiative to build trust within the Spanish-speaking community, while also increasing health screenings and basic health education. The CHWs will provide their first free health screening on September 28 in Milliken

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Weld County now offering COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccines

Published on September 13, 2022

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has begun offering the updated Pfizer and Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. All viruses mutate over time and the updated vaccines will offer the best protection against COVID-19 during the fall and winter seasons, according to health officials.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Family meals fuel better nutrition, stronger connections

Published on September 12, 2022

September is National Family Meals Month™, a movement to raise awareness of the benefits of frequent family meals, such as increased self-esteem and sense of wellbeing, positive social behaviors, and strong family connections, all while enabling people to eat healthier.

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Weld County Health Department reaccredited for next 5 years

Published on August 24, 2022

WCDPHE this week achieved 5-year reaccreditation through the national Public Health Accreditation Board. The Weld County Health Department is 1 of 8 accredited health departments in Colorado and was initially accredited in 2016.

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Monkeypox vaccine available at WCDPHE to high-risk individuals

Published on August 17, 2022

WCDPHE has a limited supply of post-exposure monkeypox vaccine for high-risk individuals.

Tagged as: , Community Safety

Two cases of monkeypox identified in Weld County

Published on July 29, 2022

Two cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Weld County by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The state health department is the lead agency for the investigation and contact tracing related to the cases.

Tagged as: , Community Safety

COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 4 years available at WCDPHE

Published on June 23, 2022

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment is now scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments and accepting walk-ins for children as young as 6 months, following an official recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Men's Health Month: Routine care goes a long way

Published on June 02, 2022

It's important for men to get regular checkups to know what good health means for them. That way, they can listen to their bodies and know when to prioritize their health.

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WCDPHE launches 2022 Community Health Survey

Published on May 09, 2022

The Health Department is encouraging residents to participate in the 2022 Community Health Survey if they receive a survey invitation in the mail.

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Sleep: The key to maintaining wellness

Published on May 02, 2022

Getting adequate and quality sleep plays a major role in one's productivity, mood, stress response, and overall physical health. WCDPHE is promoting the importance of sleep during the month of May, which is also Better Sleep Month.

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WCDPHE encourages regular STI testing as cases rise

Published on April 01, 2022

The number of reported chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases in Weld County all increased from 2020 to 2021. The Health Department remains committed to preventing STIs through its full-service STI Clinic, which provides exams, testing, and treatment for all STIs, including HIV.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Outdoor Rx: A prescription for active time in naure

Published on March 18, 2022

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment is promoting an initiative called Outdoor Rx, which is a collaboration with Thriving Weld and other health care providers and behavioral health specialists to send their patients outside for active time in nature.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Simple food swaps can keep meals healthful

Published on March 03, 2022

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) recommends getting creative to keep cooking healthful meals during National Nutrition Month. Simple food swaps make this possible and are an opportunity to put a spin on a traditional family dish.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Heart disease remains a top priority during pandemic

Published on February 07, 2022

Cardiovascular health remains a top public health priority during the COVID-19 pandemic as heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States and in Weld County.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Health Department offers free short-term radon test kits

Published on January 06, 2022

WCDPHE urges residents to take action during National Radon Action Month this January by testing their homes for radon with a free short-term radon test kit, available at aelabs.com/weld.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Pap tests are the first line of defense to prevent cervical cancer

Published on January 05, 2022

Women's Wellness Connection offers free cervical cancer screenings and any necessary follow-up testing to Colorado residents ages 21-64 who meet certain requirements.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Available in Northern Colorado

Published on November 29, 2021

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently launched several new monoclonal antibody treatment buses to help expand access to this important outpatient treatment for COVID-19.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Published on November 09, 2021

According to the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment’s 2019 Community Health Survey, 10.1% or about 1 in 10 adult residents reported they were ever diagnosed with diabetes by a health care professional. That equates to about 19,500 adults in Weld County.

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WCDPHE Recognizes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Published on October 21, 2021

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the goal of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is to empower families and other stakeholders to take action against lead exposure.

Tagged as: , Environment

COVID-19 Dashboard: Unvaccinated Case Rate 5X Higher than Vaccinated

Published on October 04, 2021

A new “breakthrough case” tab on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard shows a comparison of fully vaccinated versus unvaccinated cases in the ages 12(+) category for Weld County residents. As of September 17, 2021, the rate of unvaccinated people getting COVID-19 in Weld County is nearly five times higher compared to the fully vaccinated population.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Health Department Lab Offers Free Lead Testing for Well Water

Published on September 30, 2021

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory is providing Weld County residents whose main source of drinking water is well water the opportunity to have their water tested for lead at no charge. To qualify, the home must have been built prior to 1988 and have either lead pipes, brass fixtures, or lead connectors (solder) in its water system.

Tagged as: , Environment

10 Reasons More Matters When It Comes to Fruits and Vegetables

Published on September 07, 2021

September is National Fruits & Veggies Month, a month-long celebration of Americans’ favorite plant foods.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Health Department Partners with Libraries for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Published on August 04, 2021

Health officials are looking to reach a 70% COVID-19 vaccine rate or higher within the next few months. To assist that effort, WCDPHE and the High Plains Library District are offering a series of clinics at libraries across the county over the next month.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Breastfeeding Support in the Workplace Can Reduce Sick Leave

Published on August 04, 2021

“Employers are finding that lactation support policies not only increase employee satisfaction and retention, but also make good business sense because of reduced sick leave. Mothers who formula feed are absent twice as frequently as mothers who feed breast milk, due to increased infant illness,” said Mike Schwan, Childhood Obesity Prevention Specialist.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Stay Sun Safe This Summer

Published on July 01, 2021

While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous. By following some simple steps, you can still enjoy your time in the sun and protect yourself from overexposure.

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Laboratory Provides Water Quality Testing for Residential Well Water

Published on May 14, 2021

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment’s laboratory supports public health by providing water quality testing services for private wells, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and public water systems

Tagged as: , Environment

Think FAST During National Stroke Awareness Month

Published on May 14, 2021

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, an observance that highlights the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke. The acronym FAST stands for: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Youth Ages 12-15 Now Eligible for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

Published on May 13, 2021

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will now be available to people ages 12-15 in Weld County following an announcement from the FDA that it expanded the vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to include adolescents.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Opens at Weld County Clerk and Recorder

Published on April 21, 2021

The Weld County Health Department with support from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has opened a COVID vaccination clinic at the new Weld County Clerk and Recorder building, 1250 H Street in Greeley. The clinic operates from 8:30 a.m. - 6:10 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 12:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays; and 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Driver Distraction Remains a Growing Factor in Traffic Crashes

Published on April 06, 2021

Research shows that more than a third of all U.S. drivers admitted to talking or texting while behind the wheel. In Weld County, 90 percent of respondents to the 2019 Community Health Survey admitted to talking on the phone while driving and 69 percent admitted to texting or emailing when driving.

Tagged as: , Community Safety

COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 2 starts Friday

Published on March 31, 2021

On Friday April 2, Governor Polis is moving the State’s vaccination phases to Phase 2, the final phase for COVID vaccinations. Anyone who is aged 16 years and older will be eligible for a vaccine.

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WCDPHE Seeks Volunteers for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Published on March 30, 2021

The Health Department is looking for non-medical volunteers to help with large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Evans at the Sunrise Monfort Family Clinic (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays) and at their south county offices (4209 County Road 24½, Longmont) on Wednesdays.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Sign up for COVID-19 Vaccination as Eligibility Expands to Phase 1B.4

Published on March 26, 2021

On Friday, March 19, the State of Colorado moved to Phase 1B.4, allowing people 50 and older, as well as additional frontline workers, and those with at least one high-risk condition to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

New COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Phase Will Include People 60+

Published on March 03, 2021

Phase 1B.3 begins Friday, March 5, and includes people 60 and older, grocery and ag workers, and people with two or more high-risk conditions.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Plan Stresses Vaccinations to Most Affected

Published on February 19, 2021

The plan was created to build a foundation for more local-driven processes regarding where vaccines are distributed in northern Colorado and to ensure vaccine equity across the region and among communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

New Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19 Found in Weld County

Published on February 19, 2021

Two variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been found in Weld County. The mutated viruses are B.1.1.7, or the United Kingdom (UK) variant, and L452.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

American Heart Month Shines Light on High Blood Pressure

Published on February 11, 2021

American Heart Month this year is shining a light on hypertension, or high blood pressure.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Increase with Updated Distribution Phases

Published on February 05, 2021

Beginning February 8, the revised State of Colorado Vaccine Distribution Phased Approach will add to the existing vaccination efforts Coloradans ages 65-69, pre-K-12 educators and staff, childcare workers, and essential officials in state government.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Health Department Seeks to Complete COVID-19 Vaccinations

Published on February 01, 2021

Weld County public health officials are requesting any high-risk frontline health care workers and first responders who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine to contact the Health Department as soon as possible to receive their vaccination.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Free short-term radon test kits during Radon Action Month

Published on January 19, 2021

Long-term radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer among smokers. Testing is easy, and it’s the only way to know if your health is at risk.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Healthy Weight Week is January 17-23

Published on January 17, 2021

Healthy Weight Week (January 17-23) focuses on encouraging the public to make wellness a lifestyle by consuming nutritious foods and living actively.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Prevent Cervical Cancer with Screening and HPV Vaccination

Published on January 05, 2021

During Cervical Health Awareness Month, WCDPHE, in partnership with the Women’s Wellness Connection, encourages women ages 21-64 to start the year by talking with their health care providers about scheduling a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Health Department helps coordinate COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Published on December 18, 2020

The Health Department is working to ensure adequate COVID-19 vaccine distribution coverage for health care facilities, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities; and helping to identify gaps in coverage and distribution.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Weld County hosts COVID-19 testing site in southwest Weld

Published on December 17, 2020

A free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site will be open from Dec. 17-30 at Weld County's Southwest Services Building in Longmont.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

WCDPHE offering free flu shot clinics throughout December

Published on December 01, 2020

With COVID-19 and the upcoming flu season overlapping, county health officials say it's more important than ever to get vaccinated against influenza this year.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Great American Smokeout an opportunity to start a smoke-free life

Published on November 19, 2020

November 19 is the Great American Smokeout — an opportunity to take an important step in the journey toward a smoke-free life. For over 40 years, this event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, has been a catalyst for individuals to lead healthier lives and decrease their risk of cancer, heart disease, and other smoking related diseases.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Once Considered an Adult Disease, Diabetes Now Affecting Youth

Published on November 18, 2020

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking care of youth who have diabetes.

Tagged as: , Health & Lifestyle

Skunk in Fort Lupton Neighborhood Tests Positive for Rabies

Published on November 10, 2020

A skunk found on a residential property in the Aristocrat Ranchettes neighborhood in Fort Lupton has tested positive for rabies. There are no known exposures.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Prevent Lead Poisoning in Older Homes

Published on October 28, 2020

The most common source of lead exposure is from lead-based paint, which was used in many homes built before 1978.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Improved COVID-19 Data Dashboard Includes Positivity Rates

Published on August 13, 2020

The dashboard contains several user-friendly tabs with information broken down into categories including case data, community data, testing data and hospital data.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Health Department Welcomes New Medical Advisors

Published on August 12, 2020

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment recently hired three new medical advisors: Dr. Erin Morley, Dr. Kyle Waugh, and Dr. Maria Gallo.

Tagged as: , Announcements, Health & Lifestyle

West Nile Virus Detected in Berthoud Mosquito Trap

Published on August 06, 2020

One group of mosquitoes collected from traps set during the week of July 27, 2020, on the Weld County side of the Town of Berthoud has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Currently there are no human cases of WNV in Weld County or in Colorado.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Weld County to Host Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Next Week

Published on May 22, 2020

The availability of COVID-19 testing in Weld County is increasing as Weld County Government will host free community drive-thru testing events in early June.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle, Public Notices

Following CDPHE's Reporting Changes, COVID-19 Deaths in Weld Drop

Published on May 21, 2020

Following the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) announcement regarding a change in their reporting of COVID-19 deaths, Weld County has begun the process of updating the data on the Weld County COVID-19 Data Dashboard

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle, Public Notices

Weld County Releases More County-Specific COVID-19 Data

Published on April 17, 2020

In response to the community’s request to receive more information about reported positive COVID-19 cases, the Weld County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Public Health and Environment have worked on a new data dashboard, which will be available Friday afternoon (April 17).

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Weld County Launches Physical Distancing Campaign

Published on April 15, 2020

A new physical distancing campaign using billboards and social media reminds residents that COVID-19 can have serious consequences and that physical distancing is a key component to limiting the virus’ spread.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Health, First Responders Tested in NoCo

Published on April 04, 2020

Weld, Larimer Counties partner to test health care workers, first responders fo COVID-19

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Weld Epidemiologists Tackle COVID-19

Published on March 27, 2020

For the past three weeks, seven days a week, the department’s three epidemiologists, and one retired doctor donating his time, have been working around the clock conducting investigations and helping in the fight against COVID-19. To date, their efforts have resulted in the investigation of more than 127 cases in Weld County.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Physical Distancing Critical as COVID-19 Spreads Across Weld County

Published on March 26, 2020

As Weld County continues to see widespread increase in COVID-19 positive cases, the Health Department is once again stressing the importance of preventive measures such as physical distancing — also called social distancing — to slow and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Weld County Reports 2nd COVID-19 Death; 48 Positive Cases as of Sunday

Published on March 23, 2020

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment was notified of its second COVID-19 death: a woman in her 70s.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

First COVID-19-Related Death in Weld County; Positive Cases at 6

Published on March 17, 2020

Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has been notified of its first death caused by COVID-19, a male in his 70s.

Tagged as: , Announcements, Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Weld County Issues Pandemic Health Emergency and Public Health Order

Published on March 16, 2020

By the order of Mark E. Wallace, MD, MPH, Executive Director of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, and the County Health Officer, a Pandemic Health Emergency and Public Health Order is issued.

Tagged as: , Announcements, Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Two Additional COVID-19 Cases; New Change in CDC Testing Requirements

Published on March 15, 2020

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment was notified late Saturday evening of two additional positive cases. Case investigation is in process and identified close contacts are also being reviewed. Per a change in testing requirements, the CDC is no longer requiring their laboratory to perform a secondary confirmation of any other lab's "positive" test result.

Tagged as: , Announcements, Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Third Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19 Identified in Weld County

Published on March 14, 2020

Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has been notified of a third presumptive positive case. The Weld County individual is connected to the Larimer County COVID-19 presumptive positive case. We expect to see an increase in positive test results over the next few days.

Tagged as: , Announcements, Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Two Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases Identified in Weld County

Published on March 13, 2020

The Weld County Health Department has been notified of two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Weld County. The two individuals, a female and a male, are both in their 40’s and are from southwest Weld County.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle

Weld County Health Department COVID-19 Statement

Published on March 10, 2020

Weld County does not have any confirmed COVID-19 cases; however, this may change as testing becomes more widely available. The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation.

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle, Public Notices

Test Your Home for Radon with a Free Kit from Weld County

Published on January 03, 2020

During the month of January, Weld County residents can receive a free radon test kit (one per household, while supplies last).

Tagged as: , Community Safety, Health & Lifestyle