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Estimates suggest there are more than 650 skeletal muscles in the human body. Muscles perform a variety of functions that are essential to life. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones via tendons and are vital to movement.

Deep breathing exercises can help individuals maintain personal health and well-being. According to the American Institute of Stress, 20 to 30 minutes per day of “belly breathing,” also known as abdominal breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can reduce stress and anxiety. The American Sleep Association reports that focusing on breath might be able to help induce sleep for people struggling to fall asleep. In addition to helping reduce stress and promote relaxation, breathing techniques are useful during labor to focus and release tension. Individuals with COPD often find it difficult to breathe, which can compound anxiety and make it even harder to breathe. But the COPD Foundation notes that two different breathing techniques can help an individual take in air without working hard: abdominal breathing and pursed-lips breathing.

During the May 4 meeting of the Fremont County Board of Supervisors, Fremont County Attorney Naeda Elliott and Deputy Attorney Ryan Dale met with board members to see what decision was made following their petition to have a space in the courthouse to meet with victims.

Conservation and natural resource groups interested in building awareness of Iowa’s creeks and watersheds can now apply for grants to put up signage. The Iowa DNR’s Water Quality Improvement program is now accepting applications through July 15 for its new “County Creek Sign Grant Program.” The grant will provide between $5,000 and $10,000 per county to install creek signs and watershed signs on county roads or city streets within priority watersheds.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred a record 3,612 degrees during commencement exercises May 13 and 14. The 3,523 graduates are from 58 countries; 45 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico; and more than 250 Nebraska communities.