January 6, 2026
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.
Trust for America’s Health is hosting a national webinar on its newly released report, Advancing Policies that Create Conditions for Good Health, which explores how states can promote health and improve return on investment amid declining public health funding and infrastructure. The report highlights innovative strategies, policy trends, and cross-sector approaches that go beyond traditional public health systems to address non-medical drivers of health and support healthier communities. The webinar will feature perspectives from national, government, and advocacy leaders and include audience Q&A. Join the conversation on January 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET to learn how states are navigating today’s policy landscape and advancing health-promoting policies for all communities. Learn more and register here.
Probiotics are widely promoted for digestive and overall health, but what does the science actually say? A consumer fact sheet from the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements breaks down what probiotics are, where they are found, and how they may affect health. The article explains the differences between probiotic foods and supplements, what to look for on labels, and what current research shows about potential benefits for conditions such as digestive disorders, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and immune health, while also outlining important safety considerations. This resource provides an evidence-based overview to help consumers make informed decisions about probiotic use. Learn more here.
Urinary tract health plays an important role in the body’s ability to remove waste and regulate bladder function, yet conditions affecting the urinary tract are both common and often misunderstood. A resource from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development provides an overview of how the urinary tract works and highlights two common issues affecting women, urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence. The article outlines symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies, while also pointing readers to ongoing research and additional resources. Learn 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.