February 18, 2025
The Community Health Corner
Submitted by Stephanie Gutierrez
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.
Healthy Habits to Prevent the Flu: Flu season is here! The best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated, but there are also simple daily habits that can help stop the spread of germs. Avoid close contact with sick individuals, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and stay home when feeling unwell. Keeping indoor air fresh and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can also reduce the risk of infection. Learn more about preventing the flu and staying healthy this season by checking out the CDC’s latest flu prevention guidelines here.
Keep Your Pets Safe in Bitter Cold Weather: As temperatures continue to fluctuate, don’t forget about your furry friends! Cold weather can be dangerous for pets, leading to frostbite, hypothermia, and other health risks. Keep them indoors as much as possible, protect their paws from ice and salt, and make sure they have warm shelter and access to unfrozen water. Avoid leaving pets alone in cars during freezing temperatures, and always check under your vehicle for animals seeking warmth. For more winter pet safety tips, check out the American Red Cross guidelines. Stay warm and keep your pets safe this season!
Take Control of Your Blood Pressure with Target: BP: Did you know that nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know it? Target: BP, a national initiative by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA), is dedicated to improving blood pressure control through evidence-based strategies and self-measured BP monitoring (SMBP). Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone looking to take charge of your heart health, Target: BP offers tools, guidelines, and educational resources to help. Learn more about how to improve blood pressure control here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu