April 22, 2025
Community Health Corner
The National Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-being recommends using community development strategies and health literacy programs for everyone’s health. From urban, metro, suburban, rural and frontier locations, Extension works in partnership with communities to deliver meaningful and relevant programs and initiatives to keep health closer to home. The following resources help us improve well-being for all, and achieve Healthy People 2030 objectives.
Measles Outbreak Expands: Confirmed measles cases have topped 500 in Texas, with cases in Kansas increasing. The most current and reliable reporting of measles cases in Kansas is available through KDHE’s measles data dashboard which provides up-to-date information on the ongoing measles outbreak identified in Southwest Kansas and its spread: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2314/Measles-Data As of this article, there have been 37 reported cases in 8 Kansas counties and no deaths. In addition to the data dashboard, KDHE provides frequent updates and news items pertaining to the measles outbreak on the Kansas Measles Outbreak Resource Hub. Learn more about measles here, and stay current on vaccination information and access. Data from the CDC shows that there are usually 1 or 2 deaths for every 1,000 cases of measles. The number of deaths in this outbreak has reaffirmed to experts that there are far more cases on the ground than have been reported.
Connection between Heart Health and Prevention of Dementia Onset: The national Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (currently funded from 1985-2028), which is tracking nearly 16,000 people for three decades in four communities on risk factors for heart disease and, has revealed more connections between cardiovascular and cognitive health. According to the study’s researchers, Drs. Elizabeth Selvin and Michael Fang, “If you prevent diabetes in middle age (ages 45-65), if you improve diabetes control, if you prevent hypertension, if you aggressively manage blood pressure, this has long-term benefits that can delay or prevent dementia in later life.” The takeaway is that focusing on a healthy lifestyle and improving heart health at middle age will have important benefits for brain health and dementia prevention.
May is Mental Health Month: Learn how to take action to improve personal as well as community mental health through the Mental Health America’s Mental Health Month Action Guide. Mental Health America Mental Health America founded Mental Health Month in 1949 and has led the effort every May to promote mental wellness nationwide. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also has Mental Health Month information and campaign resources here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes and Stephanie Gutierrez.