August 20, 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.
Tracking Voice, Speech, and Breathing for Health: Speaking, singing, and making other sounds rely on many parts of the body working together. The brain forms ideas, the lungs move air in and out, the vocal cords vibrate, and the mouth and nose shape the sound. Various health conditions can affect these processes, including depression, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, lung issues, and even cancer. Monitoring voice, speech, and breathing patterns can assist in diagnosing potential health concerns. Find out more about changes in voice, speech, or breath that may warrant a conversation with a doctor here.
The Human Body: Bones, Joints, Muscles, and Skin: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) provides science-based classroom materials and activities designed for educators to create accurate, age-appropriate lesson plans for students in grades 4-6. These resources cover topics related to bones, joints, muscles, and skin, and include classroom-ready health information, visual aids, vocabulary terms, and Kahoot! quizzes. Additionally, the Educator’s Corner offers detailed guidance on how the materials align with the Next Generation Science Standards and National Health Education Standards. Access “The Human Body: Bones, Joints, Muscles, and Skin” curriculum here.
National Breastfeeding Month: In the month of August, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee sponsors National Breastfeeding Month to support babies and families. This year’s theme is This is Our Why – a time to celebrate lactating parents and the work to support breastfeeding. Share the MyHealthfinder resources on breastfeeding and quick tips for eating healthy while breastfeeding. Dietary Guidelines fact sheets on building a healthy eating routine when breastfeeding and building a healthy eating routine for your baby are also available. Finally, be sure to check out these Healthy People 2030 evidence-based resources related to breastfeeding and infant health.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu