Kansas State University

Community Health Corner

Submitted by Stephanie Gutierrez

In America’s Health Rankings report for 2024, Kansas is ranked number 28 out of the 50 states in the overall health of its residents. We need to raise that ranking—which was once in the top 10! K-State Extension is working with others to improve everyone’s health, and we want all to join the effort. 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, achieve Healthy People 2030 objectives, and follow recommendations included in the National Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-being.

Upcoming Webinar: Exploring Evidence on the Health Benefits of Food
The National Academies’ Standing Committee on Evidence Synthesis and Communications in Diet and Chronic Disease Relationships will host a public webinar on July 10 to explore the types of evidence the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers use to support decisions about the health benefits of food.

Speakers will address three broad strategies for generating evidence:
• Population-based observational studies
• Randomized clinical trials
• Non-human and cell/tissue construct studies

The webinar will also discuss the multiple uses of artificial intelligence (AI) for:
• Data mining
• Evidence synthesis
• Data collection in nutrition science

Learn more on the event page. Register here.

Keep AMD Vision Loss in Check: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the U.S., but early detection and a healthy lifestyle can help slow its progression. Regular eye exams, especially after age 55, are key to spotting the disease early—when lifestyle changes like eating well, staying active, and not smoking can make a meaningful difference. New treatments, including recently approved medications and clinical trials using stem cells, offer additional hope for those with advanced AMD. Learn more here.

Medical Robots to the Rescue: From tiny surgical tools to wearable mobility aids and social robots, new advances in medical robotics are opening exciting possibilities for improving health and quality of life. NIH-supported researchers are developing soft, flexible robots to assist with surgeries, exoskeletons to prevent falls in older adults, and AI-powered companions to support people with dementia and their caregivers. While these technologies are still emerging, many may be available within the next five to ten years—offering practical solutions to complex health challenges. Learn more here.

For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu