July 23, 2024
The Community Health Corner
Submitted by Stephanie Gutierrez
The National Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-being recommends using community development strategies and 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.
Chronic Conditions in Women: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have released the report Advancing Research on Chronic Conditions in Women. The report analyzes why women in the United States experience a higher prevalence of many chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, depression, and osteoporosis, than men; they also experience female-specific conditions, such as endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders.
Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis: The US Surgeon General has declared firearm violence a public health crisis, noting the rise in rates and that firearms are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents since 2020. While mass shootings are often the most publicized, more common incidents involve fewer individuals and include suicides, which account for over half of firearm-related deaths. NIHCM’s infographic provides crucial information about the health and economic toll of gun violence. Learn more here.
Sunlight and Cancer: People of all ages and skin tones should limit the amount of time they spend in the sun, especially between mid-morning and late afternoon, and avoid other sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds. Keep in mind that UV radiation is reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice and can go through windshields and windows. Even though skin cancer is more common among people with a light skin tone, people of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, including those with dark skin. Click here for tips to protect your skin from sunlight.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu