January 28, 2025
Community Health Corner
The National Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-being recommends using community development strategies and health literacy programs to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The following resources help us improve well-being for all, and achieve Healthy Kansas 2030 and Healthy People 2030 objectives.
Resources to Help Teens who Struggle with Depression: The nationally acclaimed Child Mind Institute has released information and resources to inform adults who want to help teens struggling with depression. According to the Institute, reports keep coming about the rising number of teenagers who are experiencing symptoms of depression. Theories for this increase range from school stress to social media to pessimism about the future. No matter the origin, it’s important to pay attention and listen without judgement. Find resources here.
High Blood Pressure is a Silent Killer: February is Heart Health Month, and according to the CDC –
- High blood pressure (hypertension) is consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg.
- High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms but can cause problems for your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
- No matter your age, you can take steps each day to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Children can also have high blood pressure. Most of the time high blood pressure doesn't cause symptoms. But, in rare cases, severe high blood pressure can cause headaches, blurry vision, dizziness, nosebleeds, a fluttering or racing heartbeat, and nausea. If your child has high blood pressure and gets any of these symptoms, get medical care right away.
House Radon Testing is Important: January 2025 is both Kansas Radon Action Month (KRAM)(sponsored by the Kansas Radon Program (KRP) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and National Radon Action Month (NRAM)(sponsored nationally by the EPA) and Kansas State University’s state radon program has resources to use. Did you know that radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas in much of Kansas, is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? Find your county’s radon levels, risk factors and how building codes can help mitigate the risks in homes, schools and offices. The Kansas Radon Program is a partnership of KDHE, Kansas State University and KSRE. Learn more here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu