July 8, 2025
The Community Health Corner
Submitted by Stephanie Gutierrez
In America’s Health Rankings report for 2024, Kansas is ranked number 28 of the 50 states in 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
Communities Leading the Way on Safer Streets
Smart Growth America’s new Best Complete Streets Policies report celebrates the strongest Complete Streets policies adopted in the past two years. Highlights include San Antonio’s coalition-led updated policy, Nashville’s policy evolution, and Clyde, Ohio’s small-town success in centering accessibility. See all the best examples from communities across the country that are showing what’s possible when cities commit to creating policies for safer, more connected streets.
Upcoming Webinar: Addressing Food Insecurity for Pregnant Women
Join the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Systems for Action National Program on July 9th for the webinar An Aligned Delivery & Financing Model to Address Food Insecurity and Social Needs of Low-Income Pregnant Women. Presenters will highlight a study that evaluates the effectiveness of an aligned service delivery and financing model designed to improve maternal and infant health by helping Medicaid-eligible persons receive access to healthy foods during pregnancy.
Stay Safe in the Sun: July is UV Safety Awareness Month
July is UV Safety Awareness Month—a perfect reminder to take steps to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, but it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. To reduce your risk, seek shade—especially between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm—and wear sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Use sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or higher. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxide can also help prevent dark spots without leaving a white residue. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Learn more sun safety tips from the American Academy of Dermatology: Practice Safe Sun.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; or Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu