July 18, 2023
The Community Health Corner
The National Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-being recommends using community development strategies along with health literacy programs to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The following resources help us improve well-being for all and achieve Healthy Kansas 2030 and Healthy People 2030 objectives.
PROTECT HEARING: The commercial Health magazine reminds us to protect hearing during concerts which are frequent during summer months. Author Maggie O’Neill discusses hearing protection from wearing earplugs during concerts to differences in the quality of protective gear for hearing. Read the article here. Quick statistics about hearing loss in the US are available here.
ANTIDOTE TO YOUTH LONELINESS: The nationally acclaimed Search Institute emphasizes the importance of positive relationships to address youth mental health issues since the pandemic. Read about developmental relationships here. ICYMI (in case you missed it) there are two recent reports from the US Surgeon General about loneliness’ impact on mental health among youth as well as adults.
MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH EQUITY: Register now to attend the Maternal and Child Health Equity conference on August 25 at Wichita State University. Participate with others to learn about housing, economic issues, exposure to environmental toxins, etc. that contribute to poor health among mothers and their young children. Register here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu.