September 30, 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.
Urban Design Shapes Walking Habits
A recent NIH-supported study found that where you live can directly affect how much you walk. Using step data from more than 2 million smartphones, researchers discovered that people who moved to more walkable communities—those with shorter blocks and nearby amenities—gained an average of 1,100 extra steps per day. These added steps were often brisk-paced, meaning more moderate-to-vigorous activity linked to better health outcomes. The findings highlight the power of city planning and shared public spaces in supporting everyday physical activity and long-term wellness. Read more here.
Probing Aspirin’s Benefits
Aspirin has long been used to ease pain and reduce fever, but its daily use for heart health is now under closer review. Recent research shows that while low-dose aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes by reducing clotting, its benefits vary depending on age, health status, and even body weight. For adults over 60, experts no longer recommend routine daily aspirin due to higher bleeding risks. For adults ages 40–59, the decision depends on individual heart disease risk. Scientists are also exploring aspirin’s potential to reduce inflammation and even lower the risk of certain cancers, though more research is needed. Learn more here.
Flu Related Hospitalizations During the 2024-25 Flu Season
The latest CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report included an article on flu related hospitalizations during the 2024-25 flu season. The report found that the flu-associated hospitalization rate was the highest since 2010–11. During the 2024–25 season, the percentages of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (16.8%) and who received invasive mechanical ventilation (6.1%) were similar to past seasons’ estimates, with approximately one third of hospitalized patients vaccinated.
For more information, check at the Kansas health data dashboards and resources at Kansas Health Matters or contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu.