Kansas State University

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, timely relevant programs and initiatives for health and well-being.  The following resources help us improve well-being and achieve national Healthy People 2030 objectives.

Addressing the Complex Roots of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is often framed as a simple matter of diet and exercise, but this compelling Director’s Spotlight reveals just how complex and deeply rooted the issue really is. Drawing on national data, cutting-edge research, and multilevel community interventions, the article unpacks the biological, social, commercial, and environmental forces that shape children’s health. It also highlights the promising evidence behind policy and systems-level solutions, the rapidly evolving landscape of medical treatments, and the urgent need to reduce disparities that widen the burden for many families. Learn more here.

The Dietary Reference Intakes Process: A Webinar

The National Academies’ upcoming webinar on the Dietary Reference Intakes process offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the nutrient standards that shape public health guidance are actually created. Since the 1990s, the DRI framework has evolved into a rigorous system built on systematic reviews, expert committees, and evidence-based evaluations, and this session walks participants through that process in a clear, accessible way. With presentations on how DRIs are structured, how the science is assessed, and how these values guide real-world nutrition practice, the webinar is designed to support health professionals, researchers, and anyone curious about how nutrient recommendations take shape. Register for the webinar here.

Statement on CDC’s Changes to Guidance on Vaccines and Autism

This statement from the National Academies provides helpful context on the CDC’s recent updates, underscoring the importance of considering the full body of scientific research when discussing vaccine safety. It summarizes decades of expert evaluation and highlights the value of clear, evidence-based communication so that families have reliable information to support their health decisions. Read more here.

For more information, check out 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