April 29, 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 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.
FDA and HHS to Phase Out Synthetic Food Dyes: On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply. This initiative includes revoking authorization for certain dyes like Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B and working with the food industry to eliminate remaining synthetic colorings such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 by the end of next year. The FDA is also fast-tracking the approval of natural alternatives and partnering with the NIH to further research the health impacts of food additives on children. The goal is to align U.S. food standards with those of other countries and enhance long-term public health outcomes. Learn more here.
Looking Ahead to May: American Stroke Month & World Hypertension Day
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., with nearly 800,000 Americans experiencing a stroke each year. Learning the F.A.S.T. warning signs—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911—can help save lives and improve outcomes. As part of American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association encourages individuals and communities to raise awareness and take steps to reduce risk. Learn more here. May also includes World Hypertension Day on May 17, a reminder that high blood pressure is a key—but often silent—risk factor for both stroke and heart disease. Adults are encouraged to "know your numbers" and take action to manage blood pressure through healthy lifestyle changes and regular screenings. Learn more here.
Sun Safety as We Head into Spring and Summer: As Kansans begin to enjoy more time outdoors—whether gardening, attending sports events, or simply soaking up the sun—it’s a great time to refresh your sun safety habits. According to the CDC, UV rays can damage unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes, and skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Practicing daily sun protection is essential. Experts recommend wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplying every two hours, and avoiding tanning beds. Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can further reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Don’t forget to check the UV index before heading outside, and whenever possible, seek shade during peak sun hours. These small steps can make a big difference in reducing your risk of skin cancer while enjoying all that spring and summer have to offer. Learn more here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu