tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65079258741773563222024-03-05T09:16:45.171-07:00Utah Department of Health NewsThe official blog for Utah Department of Health news releases. Visit us at www.health.utah.gov and follow us on Twitter @UtahDepOfHealth.Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-34530288338328231712017-04-24T11:40:00.000-06:002017-04-24T11:40:01.318-06:00How Safe is the Playground Where Your Child Plays? Learn what to look for during National Playground Safety Week(Salt Lake City, Utah) – When the bell rings for recess, school children make a dash for the playground. But for nearly 1,700 children attending public elementary schools – enough students to fill 24 school buses – playgrounds will be the cause of bumps, bruises, and even broken bones. In response, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD), and LuckyDog Recreation held a playground safety inspection to highlight common hazards and ways to keep children active and safe on playgrounds.<br /><br />“We want to make sure that kids are getting outside and staying active but doing so safely,” said Hillary Campbell, student injury reporting technician with the UDOH. Common playground safety hazards include loose bolts, cracks in slides, inadequate or improper surfacing materials, missing or damaged parts, rusted or corroded metals, and damage caused by vandalism. <br /><br />“We inspect playground equipment to make sure there are no protruding nails, frayed ropes, or broken parts,” explained Zach Torres-George, environmental health scientist with the SLCoHD. “We also look for things that people might not consider such as the distance between horizontal bars so a person’s head can’t get stuck; making sure slides are shaded or face north; and trash, broken glass, or animal droppings in the play area.”<br /><br />Data from the UDOH showed that from 2012 to 2015:<br />
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<li>67.1 percent of student injuries in Utah elementary schools occurred on a playground.</li>
<li>More playground injuries occurred during 5th grade than any other grade.</li>
<li>Most elementary school playground injuries (83.6 percent) occurred during recess. The most common activities during which these injuries occurred were playing on bars (26.5 percent), running (23.5 percent), and walking (6.0 percent). </li>
<li>Falls were the cause of 37.8 percent of all playground injuries, followed by tripping or slipping (29.7 percent) and collisions (23.7 percent). </li>
<li>The top three injuries received included possible fracture/broken bone (50.2 percent), cut/laceration (14.4 percent), and bump/bruise/contusion (9.3 percent). </li>
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Christine Christensen, principal at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School welcomes regular inspections. “We have 750 students using the playground equipment every day. One would expect there to be wear and tear on the equipment and repairs needed. The inspections help us to be proactive in keeping the playground in good repair and ensuring the safety of all our students.”<br /><br />UDOH has the following recommendations for schools to keep playgrounds safe:<br />
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<li>Establish and enforce playground safety rules (such as no pushing, crowding, or shoving).</li>
<li>Always have trained adult supervisors present whenever children are playing on the equipment.</li>
<li>Develop a playground inspection and equipment maintenance checklist.</li>
<li>Promptly repair broken playground equipment and make sure proper surfacing materials are used (such as wood chips, pea gravel, shredded rubber mulch, etc.).</li>
<li>Schedule regular inspections.</li>
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Injury hazards don’t just exist on school playgrounds. Torres-George hopes that the public will be their eyes and report problems. “We can’t be everywhere all of the time so we rely on the public to help. If you’re concerned about a safety hazard at a public playground, report it to the parks and recreation department in that area.” <br /><br />Tips to keep playgrounds and play surfaces safe, potential hazards to watch for, and inspection checklists can be found at <a href="http://ow.ly/VJ7I30aQjuD">http://ow.ly/VJ7I30aQjuD</a>. <br /><br /># # #<br />
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Media Contacts:<br />Tammy Kikuchi, UDOH <br />(o) 801-538-6426<br />Pam Davenport, SLCoHD<br />(o) 385-468-4122 (m) 801-209-0986 Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-21176551549449819472017-04-13T08:50:00.000-06:002017-04-13T08:50:50.886-06:00 Empowering Bystanders to Stop Sexual Violence(Salt Lake City, Utah) – One in three Utah women will experience some form of sexual violence during their lives. Studies also show that one in eight Utah women and one in 50 Utah men will be raped. The direct and indirect costs resulting from sexual violence in 2011 alone totaled almost $5 billion, which was about $1,700 per Utah resident. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) will begin using a promising new strategy, called bystander intervention, to equip citizens with the skills and tools necessary to prevent sexual violence. <br />
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“Bystander intervention is simple to understand; however, it’s often not practiced because people lack the confidence and training to intervene in potentially violent situations,” explained Marty Liccardo, men’s engagement specialist with the UDOH Violence and Injury Prevention Program. <br />
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Bystander intervention occurs when someone intervenes before, during, or after a situation that is violent or harmful to another person, group, or community. For example, a bystander could interrupt an argument between friends or partners, tell someone not to bully or criticize another person, or get help for someone who is being harmed or victimized.<br />
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Research suggests bystander intervention is effective but requires practice to be successful – individuals need to learn skills and practice those skills in order to be prepared to do something when the time comes. “Many people just aren’t sure what to do to help others or they think someone else will help. Bystander intervention aims to empower people to step up and act when they hear or see harm,” said Liccardo.<br />
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This strategy is appealing to prevention professionals because it can reduce victim-blaming, shift unhealthy and negative social norms to more positive beliefs, and help every person find their place and responsibility in violence prevention. <br />
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The UDOH will offer bystander intervention trainings for community agencies to coincide with April being National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Distraction and “silent stares” or making people aware that they are being observed are just a few of the strategies that will be taught to diffuse a potentially violent situation. Other bystander intervention tips include:<br />
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<li>Make sure you are safe first and will continue to be safe when you intervene.</li>
<li>Recruit others to help you.</li>
<li>If you can’t intervene safely, call for help. </li>
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“We hope the training actually moves people from being bystanders to what we call ‘upstanders’ or anyone who steps in or responds when they believe someone is being harmed,” said Liccardo. <br />
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If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted and needs help, call the Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 1-888-421-1100. The hotline is free and open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. <br />
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For more information about bystander intervention and sexual violence prevention, visit <a href="http://health.utah.gov/vipp">http://health.utah.gov/vipp</a>. <br />
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<b>Media Contact: </b><br />
Tammy Kikuchi<br />
Violence and Injury Prevention Program <br />
(801) 538-6426<br />
tkikuchi@utah.gov Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-29237857213359434842017-03-14T10:00:00.000-06:002017-03-14T10:00:12.789-06:00Preventing Youth Injury and Violence by Changing Social Norms<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Salt Lake City, Utah) – Injury is the leading cause of death for youth aged 1-19 in Utah. Today, state and local public health officials gathered at a summit sponsored by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and Safe Kids Utah Coalition to discuss how changing social norms in a community can decrease injuries and violence among youth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Social norms are the perceived standards of acceptable attitudes and behaviors prevalent among members of a community. In other words, the rules of behavior that are considered normal among a group of people. These norms may change over time based on one’s surrounding environment or situation. Social norms can be as simple as shaking someone’s hand when greeting or as complex as preventing binge drinking among college students. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Michael Haines, founding director of the National Social Norms Resource Center, spoke to attendees of the Utah Safe Kids and Injury Prevention Summit. Haines has several decades of experience using social norms to change behaviors regarding alcohol and substance use, sexual violence, and injury prevention. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />“Human beings are social animals. We tend to follow group norms. The Social Norms Approach uses this tendency to move people to lower their risk of injury. When people see messages like ‘Most Utah citizens think it is wrong to use violence to settle arguments’, then violent behavior is reduced,” remarked Haines</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Those attending the summit discussed how social norms strategies could be used to curb the number of suicides among Utah youth. Data from the UDOH showed that suicide was the leading cause of death for youth aged 10-17 in Utah in 2015. “There are several effective social norms strategies we are beginning to use in Utah. First, emphasizing to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that they are not alone. Second, that effective help is available. And third, that recovery is within reach,” said Andrea Hood, UDOH suicide prevention coordinator. “We are also striving to change social norms to let people know there are effective treatments for mental health conditions and countless stories of survival.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Sexual violence prevention efforts are changing too. About 30 percent of Utah high school students who are dating experience some form of dating violence. “In terms of violence and sexual violence, we want to change social norms by promoting more equitable gender norms and decreasing acceptance of violence, thereby creating more equal and healthy relationships,” said Megan Waters, UDOH violence prevention specialist.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Haines hopes attendees start to view social norms as an effective tool for preventing violence and injury.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />To learn more about violence and injury prevention, visit <a href="http://health.utah.gov/vipp">http:// health.utah.gov/vipp</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Media Contact: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tammy Kikuchi</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Violence and Injury Prevention Program </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">801-538-6426</span></span>Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-82252339487871458862017-03-13T10:59:00.000-06:002017-03-13T10:59:22.999-06:00News Advisory: Preventing Youth Injury and Violence by Changing Social Norms<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>What:</b> Social norms are unwritten rules about how to behave in a particular social group or culture. Public health experts from across the state will discuss how changing social norms in a community can reduce injuries and violence among youth in Utah. <br /><br /><b>Why:</b> Violence and injury are the leading causes of death for Utah youth aged 1-19. Suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns aged 10-17 in 2015. Nearly 30 percent of Utah high school students who are dating experience dating violence. Using social norms to change behaviors surrounding issues like suicide and dating violence is an innovative and effective strategy. <br /> <br /><b>Who: </b>Michael Haines, a nationally recognized expert in health promotion and social norms, is the keynote presenter for the Utah Safe Kids and Injury Prevention Summit. <br /> <br /><b>When: </b>Tuesday, March 14, 2017<br />Keynote speech <br />10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.<br /><br />Media availability with Michael Haines<br />11:30 a.m. to Noon<br /><br /><b>Where:</b> Viridian Event Center<br />Room C<br />8030 South 1825 West<br />West Jordan, UT 84088<br /><br />-###-</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Media Contact: </b><br />Tammy Kikuchi<br />Violence and Injury Prevention Program<br />801-538-6426</span></span>Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-32584386186511775692017-03-09T09:30:00.000-07:002017-03-09T09:30:30.710-07:00 Utah Public Health Officials Issue Warning About Peanut Butter Substitute<br /><div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">(Salt Lake City, UT) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections. The investigation has revealed I.M. Healthy brand soy nut butter and I.M. Healthy granola products may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria and are a likely source of the outbreak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">No E. coli cases associated with this outbreak have been reported in Utah, although the products are sold in Utah stores. Food safety inspectors from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) are contacting Utah distributors and grocery store chains to ensure recalled products are removed from shelves. Inspectors have found some products on some store shelves and have worked with stores to have the products removed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Sixteen people from nine states have been infected with E. coli associated with the outbreak. Eight of those individuals were hospitalized and five developed a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Utahns should stop eating all varieties of I.M. Healthy brand soy nut butter and granola products. Childcare centers, schools, and other institutions should stop serving these products and check their food storage area for soy nut butter products from I.M. Healthy. The products have a shelf life of two years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">“Even if some of the soy nut butter or granola was eaten or served and no one got sick, throw the rest of the product away. Put it in a sealed bag in the trash so that children, pets, or other animals can't eat it,” said Laine McCullough, epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Consumers who have purchased I.M. Healthy soy nut butter may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-288-1012, Monday-Friday 8:00-4:00 MST.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">E. coli symptoms vary but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Most people get better within 5–7 days, but some infections are severe or even life-threatening. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is a potentially life-threatening complication of E. coli infection. Very young children and the elderly are more likely to develop severe illness and kidney failure than others, but even healthy, older children and young adults can become seriously ill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days, or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down and you pass very little urine. More information about E. coli can be found at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli" style="color: #1155cc;">www.cdc.gov/ecoli</a>.</span></div>
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<b>Media Contacts:</b></div>
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Rebecca Ward (UDOH)</div>
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(o) 801-538-6682</div>
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(m) 801-352-1270</div>
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Larry Lewis (UDAF)</div>
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(o) 801-538-7104</div>
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(m) 801-514-2152</div>
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Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-78660120785074971732017-02-03T07:50:00.000-07:002017-02-03T07:50:26.284-07:00Health Department to Implement Limited Medicaid Expansion<br /><div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">(Salt Lake City, UT) – At the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert and legislative leadership, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) will amend its Medicaid State Plan to extend coverage to an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 low-income Utah parents. Low-income parents who earn up to approximately 45 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) are currently eligible for Medicaid; the amended plan will raise the effective income eligibility limit to 60 percent of the FPL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">The amended plan will require federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Newly eligible parents will likely be able to apply for Medicaid benefits beginning July 1, 2017. The funding to provide coverage for these adults was appropriated during the 2016 legislative session through House Bill 437.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">The UDOH initially submitted this request to CMS in 2016 as part of a larger request to expand coverage to targeted groups of adults, including the chronically homeless and those involved in the criminal justice system. The larger request would have provided coverage to an additional 6,000 to 8,000 adults. CMS officials are still considering elements of the larger request submitted last year. </span></div>
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<b>Media Contact:</b></div>
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Tom Hudachko</div>
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Utah Department of Health</div>
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(o) 801.538.6232</div>
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(m) 801.560.4649</div>
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Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-39147124153723912392017-01-25T10:00:00.000-07:002017-01-25T10:00:21.625-07:00‘Stop the Opidemic’ Utahns Share Stories of Loss, Recovery from Opioid Addiction(Salt Lake City, Utah) – Opioid abuse is a Utah epidemic. Six Utahns die every week from opioid overdoses. Today, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) announced the launch of a bold, new campaign, ‘Stop the Opidemic,’ to bring an end to the devastation opioid misuse and addiction has on individuals, families, and communities throughout the state. <br />
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“For nearly nine years, I have investigated these deaths and seen first-hand the devastating reality behind Utah’s addiction to opioids,” said Erik Christensen, chief medical examiner with the UDOH. “The hard-hitting messages and imagery used in the ‘Stop the Opidemic’ campaign are designed to educate Utahns on the dangers of opioids, the signs and symptoms of opioid overdoses, and the importance of having naloxone on-hand whenever someone is using an opioid, whether that’s a prescription for pain or an illicit drug.”<br />
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In 2015, 268 Utahns died from a prescription opioid overdose (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, or fentanyl), 127 died from illicit opioids such as heroin, and 10 deaths involved both prescription and illicit opioids; an average of 33 deaths each month (13.5 per 100,000 population). An estimated 80% of heroin users started with prescription drugs. Utah ranks 7th highest in the nation for drug overdose deaths (for the years 2013-2015). <br />
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The campaign features testimonials of Utahns who have lost family members to heroin overdoses and who are recovering from prescription opioid and heroin addictions. Alema Harrington, a well-known journalist in Utah, shared his story of recovery. Harrington was first exposed to opiates while playing football at Brigham Young University but his dependency on the drugs soon spiraled out of control, leading to heroin use. “There was so much stigma and shame but I was finally willing to be humble enough to ask for help,” said Harrington. “I have a disease. My disease is addiction. Without treatment it will kill me. This is a treatable disease. Regardless of where you are at in your addiction, there is hope.”<br />
<br />
With support from the Utah State Legislature, naloxone is more readily available than ever before. Naloxone is a rescue medication that can reverse heroin and prescription opioid overdoses by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and restoring breathing in minutes. There is no potential for abuse and side effects are rare. As of December 8, 2016, pharmacists in Utah can dispense naloxone, without a prior prescription, to anyone at increased risk of experiencing an opioid overdose or anyone who is concerned about a family member or friend. <br />
<br />
Mark Lewis lost his son, Tony, on October 27, 2014 at the age of 27 to a heroin overdose. He became addicted when he was 15-years-old to OxyContin when someone at school gave it to him. “Kids don’t think it can kill you because a doctor prescribes it. They don’t realize how addictive it is,” said Lewis. “I was not aware of naloxone until after Tony died. I found out from his friends that Tony had been saved by naloxone once several years prior. I carry a naloxone kit now, even though Tony is gone, because you never know when you might come up on somebody, anywhere, who has overdosed.” <br />
<br />
Signs of an opioid overdose include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Shallow or stopped breathing</li>
<li>Small, pinpoint pupils</li>
<li>Blue or purple lips and fingernails</li>
<li>Limp body and unresponsive</li>
<li>Faint heartbeat</li>
<li>Gurgling or choking noises</li>
</ul>
“The dangers of opioids are clear – drug tolerance, physical dependency, addiction, abuse, overdose, and death. It’s time to stop the opidemic,” said Christensen.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the campaign, visit <a href="http://opidemic.org/">http://opidemic.org</a>. <br />
<br />
# # #<br />
<br />
Media Contact:<br />
Katie McMinn<br />
(o) 801-538-6156<br />
(m) 801-856-6697<br />
kmcminn@utah.gov Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-436066754614172452017-01-24T08:30:00.000-07:002017-01-24T08:30:00.155-07:00NEWS ADVISORY - Utahns Share Stories of Loss, Recovery from Opioid Addiction<b>NEWS ADVISORY</b><br /><br /><b>WHAT: </b>The Utah Department of Health will hold a press conference to launch a new campaign, Stop the Opidemic, and share stories of Utahns who have lost a family member to an opioid overdose as well as those who have overcome heroin and prescription opioid addictions. <br /><br /><b>WHY:</b> Opioid abuse is a Utah epidemic. Six Utahns die every week from an opioid overdose. Studies show that 80 percent of heroin users started with prescription opioids. These individuals hope that as they share their stories of loss as well as recovery, that it will motivate others to ‘Stop the Opidemic.’ <br /><br /><b>WHO: </b>Interviews available include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Alema Harrington, recovering from a prescription opioid and heroin addiction</li>
<li>Mark Lewis, father of a 27-year-old son who died from a heroin overdose</li>
<li>Peter Lake, recovering from a prescription opioid addiction</li>
<li>Dennis and Celeste Cecchini, parents of a 33-year-old son who died from a heroin overdose</li>
<li>Amber Baum, mother of a daughter who died from a heroin overdose</li>
<li>Dr. Erik Christensen, Chief Medical Examiner, Utah Department of Health</li>
</ul>
<b>WHEN: </b>Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. <br /> <br /><b>WHERE: </b>Utah Department of Health<br />Room 129<br />288 North 1460 West<br />Salt Lake City, Utah 84116<br /><br />###<br />
<br />
<b>Media Contact:</b> <br />Katie McMinn<br />(o) 801-538-6156 <br />(m) 801-856-6697<br />kmcminn@utah.gov Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-61098580982466005542017-01-17T08:46:00.000-07:002017-01-17T08:46:42.764-07:00Air Quality Recess Guidance for Schools Now Available: Guidance helps principals know when to keep kids inside on bad air days(Salt Lake City, UT) – With the first major inversion forecast to hit the Wasatch Front this week, parents may be wondering if it’s safe for their children to play outside during school recess. The Utah Departments of Health (UDOH) and Environmental Quality (DEQ) have released updated Recess Guidance for Schools to help principals and school administrators know when to move recess indoors on poor air quality days. <br />
<br />
Inversions can be especially hard on children and anyone with certain chronic health conditions like asthma. During the winter, particulate matter (or PM2.5) is the main pollutant of concern as inversions trap cold air and pollution in the valleys. PM2.5 is made up of soot, dust, and vehicle emissions. It’s small enough to get past the body’s natural defense systems and when inhaled, can get deep into the lungs where it becomes trapped, aggravating current health problems. <br />
<br />
The Recess Guidance for Schools recommends that on days when the PM2.5 is: <br />
<ul>
<li>Below 35.4 μg/m3 – All students stay outdoors for recess. </li>
<li>Between 35.5 μg/m3 and 55.4 μg/m3 – Students with respiratory symptoms and “sensitive” students stay indoors for recess. Sensitive students may include those with asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, compromised immune systems, or other respiratory problems. </li>
<li>Above 55.5 μg/m3 – All students stay indoors for recess. </li>
</ul>
First created in 2004, the Recess Guidance has undergone three major revisions as new research and air quality studies have been completed. Input about how to balance the need for physical activity and keeping children safe from unhealthy air outdoors was sought from school personnel, health scientists, health care professionals, advocacy groups, and parent groups. The guidance aligns with the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and recommendations, and is tailored for the elementary school recess setting. <br />
<br />
School administrators are encouraged to check the PM2.5 levels throughout the winter months at least 30 minutes prior to recess. “The Recess Guidance has been critical in helping me know how to help our students stay healthy and safe,” said BJ Weller, principal at Canyon View Elementary.<br />
<br />
“The school principal makes the final decision regarding when and where to hold recess. We encourage schools to consider active options for indoor recess should the need arise,” said Brittany Guerra with the UDOH Asthma Program. “Fortunately, data shows there were only a handful of days over the last five years that our guidance recommended all students be kept indoors for recess due to poor air quality.” <br />
<br />
Parents, with the advice of their health care provider, should also inform the school if they believe their child is part of a sensitive group and should have limited outdoor physical activity when air quality is poor. <br />
<br />
The UDOH also offers daily email alerts during the inversion season to help school administrators know when PM2.5 reaches unhealthful levels and the specific guidance on which students should be kept indoors. To receive the air quality email alerts, send a blank email to hl-recess-air-quality-subscribe@list.utah.gov. <br />
<br />
“Using the Recess Guidance has been very helpful in determining whether the air quality is safe for our students to go out and play in. It is so easy to just open the email and have the air quality for our area available without searching and taking a lot of time,” said Trudy Messick, with Renaissance Academy.<br />
<br />
To see current PM2.5 levels, download the UtahAir app or visit <a href="http://www.air.utah.gov/">www.air.utah.gov</a>. Copies of the Air Quality Recess Guidance for Schools and video tutorials about how to use the guidance are available at <a href="http://www.health.utah.gov/asthma">www.health.utah.gov/asthma</a>. <br />
<br />
# # #<br />
<br />
<b>Media Contact</b>:<br />
Brittany Guerra<br />
UDOH Asthma Program <br />
(o) 801-538-6894 (m) 678-773-3983 Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-50122447969990001732017-01-11T08:00:00.000-07:002017-01-11T09:30:18.228-07:00Utah Adolescents with Potential Eating Disorders more likely to be Suicidal, Suffer from Bullying and Violence<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">(Salt Lake City, UT) – In 2011 and 2013, 4% of female students and 1.4% of male students in grades 9-12 in Utah public schools met a threshold for underweight combined with eating disordered behaviors, totaling more than 1,000 boys and nearly 3,000 girls in the state. These same students had higher rates of depression, suicide ideation and attempt, bullying, and physical and sexual violence, according to a new report released by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). <br /><br />"While we’ve monitored overweight and obesity among adolescents and the associated health risks for years, we haven't looked into the prevalence and health effects of anorexia and eating disorders before now. What we found is that nearly 4,000 adolescents in Utah may be at risk for an eating disorder and that these adolescents have significant physical and mental health risks,” said Michael Friedrichs, UDOH epidemiologist.<br /><br />The increased risk for adverse physical and mental health problems for adolescents with and without potential eating disorders is startling. The data analysis showed that adolescents with potential eating disorders reported feeling so sad or hopeless for two weeks that they stopped doing their usual activities at a rate of 42.3%, compared to 25.9% of adolescents without a potential eating disorder. Similarly, students with potential eating disorders reported that they considered suicide, made a suicide plan, attempted suicide, and were injured as a result of a suicide attempt at much higher rates than students without an eating disorder.<br /><br />In addition, adolescents with potential eating disorders reported feeling less safe and reported more experiences of violence, compared to adolescents without a potential disorder. Of those students who reported being bullied on school property, 33.2% had a potential eating disorder, compared to 21.5% of students without. Drastically higher rates of physical and sexual violence by a dating partner (32.2% and 38% respectively) were also found for students with potential eating disorders compared to those without (5.6% physical violence and 9.5% sexual violence).<br /><br />The UDOH analyzed data from the 2011 and 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to determine the rates of potential eating disorders among Utah adolescents and the associated adverse health experiences. Adolescents with potential eating disorders were defined as students with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below the 15th percentile and who reported they had one or more disordered eating behaviors. The most commonly reported disordered eating behaviors for underweight adolescents were trying to lose weight (12.1%), followed by fasting for 24 hours or more to lose weight (8.8%), vomiting or using laxatives to lose weight (4.2%), and taking diet pills (1.7%). All of these behaviors had higher rates for girls. <br /><br />“Prevention and early intervention of these behaviors is critical to the long-term health and well-being of our young people,” said Megan Waters, violence prevention specialist with the UDOH. “We recommend that healthcare providers screen adolescents for eating disorders and associated risk behaviors and that trainings for school personnel and parents be made available to help them better understand the connections between eating disorders and other behaviors such as suicide ideation and dating violence.” <br /><br />A copy of the report can be found at <a href="http://ow.ly/nTlI307U9LA"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://ow.ly/nTlI307U9LA</span></span></a>. Information on risk behaviors such as suicide and dating violence can be found at <a href="http://health.utah.gov/vipp">http://health.utah.gov/vipp</a>. <br /><br /># # #<br /> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Media Contact:</b><br />Megan Waters<br />Violence & Injury Prevention Program<br />(o) 801-538-6626 <br />mewaters@utah.gov </span></span>Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-7449299832456251782017-01-10T09:09:00.003-07:002017-01-10T09:09:34.377-07:00New Plan Unveiled to Help Stop Suicides in Utah(Salt Lake City, UT) – Suicide prevention experts from the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), and Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition unveiled a new plan to help stop suicides in Utah. The plan couldn’t be timelier; as suicide claimed 609 Utahns in 2015, for a rate of 24.5 per 100,000 population ages 10+. Every suicide death causes a ripple effect of immeasurable pain to individuals, families, and communities throughout the state.<br /><br />“Everyone plays a role in suicide prevention and it is up to each one of us to help create communities which are strong in factors that protect people from suicide,” said Andrea Hood, suicide prevention expert with the UDOH. “The new plan outlines strategies to help communities accomplish this by describing ways to improve resiliency, crisis response, mental health treatment, and early identification of mental health conditions.”<br /><br />Suicide is a complex issue influenced by individual, family, relational, community, and societal factors. Prevention strategies must address the factors that increase risk for suicide and the factors that protect from suicide risk. The new Utah Suicide Prevention Plan is structured around the following protective factors:<br />
<ul>
<li>Increasing availability and access to quality physical and behavioral health care </li>
<li>Increasing social norms supportive of help-seeking and recovery </li>
<li>Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms</li>
<li>Increasing connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions by creating safe and supportive school and community environments </li>
<li>Increasing safe media portrayals of suicide and adoption of safe messaging principles </li>
<li>Increasing coping and problem solving skills </li>
<li>Increasing support to survivors of suicide loss </li>
<li>Increasing prevention and early intervention for mental health problems, suicide ideation and behaviors, and substance misuse </li>
<li>Increasing comprehensive data collection and analysis regarding risk and protective factors for suicide to guide prevention efforts</li>
</ul>
“Over the last few years our state has come a long way in understanding and addressing suicide. This plan represents the progress we have made and the foundation we have built for suicide prevention,” said Kim Myers, suicide prevention coordinator with the DSAMH. <br /><br />The new plan highlights evidence-based strategies that are tried and true steps communities can take to build resiliency, create safety nets for those in crisis, and ultimately save lives in Utah. The plan also has a greater emphasis on social connectedness than previous statewide efforts. <br /><br />The Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition will oversee implementation of the plan. The coalition is a partnership of community members, suicide survivors, service providers, researchers, and others dedicated to saving lives and advancing suicide prevention efforts in Utah. To learn how to get involved or for a copy of the plan, visit <a href="http://utahsuicideprevention.org/">http://utahsuicideprevention.org</a>. <br /><br />“We have a more comprehensive, collaborative approach to suicide prevention in Utah than ever before,” said Hood. “Our hope is that the strategies we are all working so hard on will save lives and bring hope to those who are feeling alone or hopeless, because each life matters.”<br /><br />All suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and attempts should be taken seriously. Get help 24/7 by calling the Statewide CrisisLine at 801-587-3000 or the National Suicide Prevention LifeLine at 1-800-273-TALK. Help is also available online at <a href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org</a>. Trained consultants will provide free and confidential crisis counseling to anyone in need. <br /><br /># # #<br /><br /><b>Media Contacts:</b><br />Andrea Hood, UDOH <br />(o) 801-538-6599 (m) 801-913-6304<br />Kimberly Myers, DSAMH<br />(m) 801-633-2408<br />Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-6479256365570134022016-12-29T11:22:00.000-07:002016-12-29T11:22:43.271-07:00Top 10 Public Health Stories in 2016The votes are in! These are the top 10 public health stories in Utah for 2016: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFN8YGjDlAkNEZQnxePTb8NUGl3x5JsJFCgYP1mUjs339rJbEQBRuF5_QPTj0zdWEHdb5UCUizDLvQHThkDaDsKL5gZSVFdjakDKZvfhO-AL5lDL1BrQQ-6v2P3okJ2kTmqO1PU3nN4q0/s1600/1+uninsured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFN8YGjDlAkNEZQnxePTb8NUGl3x5JsJFCgYP1mUjs339rJbEQBRuF5_QPTj0zdWEHdb5UCUizDLvQHThkDaDsKL5gZSVFdjakDKZvfhO-AL5lDL1BrQQ-6v2P3okJ2kTmqO1PU3nN4q0/s320/1+uninsured.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>#1 Uninsured Rate at Lowest Point in a Decade </b><br />
New <a href="https://ibis.health.utah.gov/pdf/opha/publication/ins/2015_InsuranceAnalysis.pdf">data</a>
from the Utah Department of Health show 8.8% of Utahns (265,100
residents) did not have health insurance during 2015. The figure
represents the lowest uninsured rate Utah has experienced in more than a
decade.<br />
<br />
“There are likely several factors that have
lead Utah to this point,” said UDOH Executive Director Dr. Joseph Miner.
“The state’s healthy economy and low unemployment rate certainly play a
role. Changes in health insurance that allowed more young adults to
remain on their parents’ health plan and that offered health insurance
subsidies to some lower-income families appear to be having a positive
effect on the uninsured rate as well.”<br />
<br />
The 2015 data
show a continued decrease in the number of uninsured Utahns between the
ages of 19-26. In 2011, 23.6 percent of these residents did not have
insurance, but last year that number had decreased to just 12 percent.
The number of uninsured Utahns who fit into the population targeted for
Medicaid expansion, those between the ages of 19-64 who earn between
0-138 percent of the federal poverty level, has also decreased over the
past several years. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>#2 Zika Virus Arrives in Utah </b><br />
As of November 28th, 678
people had been tested for Zika virus in Utah; with a total of 21
Zika-positive test results. Nine of these positive test results were in
women who were pregnant; five of which have delivered infants with
normal outcomes so far, two resulted in pregnancy loss, one was lost to
follow-up, and one has not delivered yet. However, it was two unique
cases that brought international attention to state. <br />
<br />
The
Salt Lake County Health Department announced the death of a county
resident infected with Zika virus on July 8th, the first confirmed
Zika-related death in the continental U.S. The deceased individual had
traveled to an area with Zika. Ten days later, Utah health officials <a href="http://udohnews.blogspot.com/2016/07/public-health-officials-investigating.html">confirmed a new case of Zika virus</a>
infection in a family contact who helped care for the individual who
died. The person had not recently traveled to an area with Zika and had
not had sex with someone who was infected with Zika or who had traveled
to an area with Zika. A CDC team was dispatched to Utah to help with the
investigation. Extensive mosquito trapping as well as a community
survey shows there is no evidence at this time that mosquitoes that
commonly spread Zika (aedes species) virus are in Utah. <br />
<br />
The Bureaus of <a href="http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/zika/">Epidemiology</a>, Maternal and Child Health, and <a href="https://health.utah.gov/cshcn/zika/">Children with Special Health Care Needs </a>are
keeping a close eye on the situation and developed a Zika virus plan
that includes guidelines on monitoring, testing, and educational
outreach to the public. The <a href="http://health.utah.gov/lab/">Utah Public Health Laboratory</a>
recently became certified to perform Zika virus blood testing and will
be ready to perform a more specific type of Zika testing. <br />
<br />
The
CDC recommends that women who are pregnant not travel to areas with
Zika. They should also use condoms or not have sex with partners who
have traveled to or live in an area with Zika for the duration of their
pregnancy. Tips on Zika prevention are available at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/zika">https://www.cdc.gov/zika</a>. <br />
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<br />
<b>#3 Syringe Exchange Programs Have Go-Ahead to Start in Utah</b><br />
<a href="http://health.utah.gov/epi/prevention/">Syringe exchange programs (SEPs)</a>,
also called syringe services programs (SSPs), needle exchange programs
(NEPs), or needle-syringe programs (NSPs), are community-based programs
that provide access to sterile needles and syringes free of charge. The
programs also facilitate safe disposal of used needles and syringes.
SEPs are an effective component of a comprehensive, integrated approach
to HIV and hepatitis C prevention among people who inject drugs. Most
SEPs offer other prevention materials (e.g., alcohol swabs, vials of
sterile water, and condoms) and services, such as education on safer
injection practices and wound care; overdose prevention, including
Naloxone distribution; referral to substance abuse treatment programs;
and counseling and testing for HIV and hepatitis C. Many SEPs also
provide links to critical services and programs, such as HIV care,
treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure
prophylaxis (PEP) services; hepatitis C treatment; hepatitis A and B
vaccinations; screening for other sexually transmitted diseases and
tuberculosis; partner services; prevention of mother-to-child HIV
transmission; and other medical, social, and mental health services.<br />
<br />
Syringe exchange programs became legal in Utah on March 25, 2016, when Governor Herbert signed <a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2016/bills/static/HB0308.html">House Bill 308</a>
into law. The bill went into effect May 10, 2016, and states that
agencies in Utah “may operate a syringe exchange program in the state to
prevent the transmission of disease and reduce morbidity and mortality
among individuals who inject drugs and those individuals’ contacts.” <a href="http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/bulletin/2016/20161001/40765.htm">Rule 386-900 Special Measures for the Operation of Syringe Exchange Programs</a>,
sets forth operating requirements for entities conducting syringe
exchange. As of November 10, 2016, agencies throughout Utah may enroll
their Syringe Exchange Programs with the UDOH. The rule requires
agencies conducting SEP to register with the UDOH and provide quarterly
reports of activities to be analyzed and then reported annually to the
Utah State Legislature, showing effectiveness and sustainability of the
program. The UDOH will provide support, technical assistance, training
and guidance to all Utah SEPs and will apply for, and distribute,
funding as available.<br />
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<br />
<b>#4 Utah Pharmacists Can Now Dispense Naloxone without a Prescription</b><br />
On December 8, 2016, Dr. Joseph Minder, executive director of the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), signed a statewide <a href="https://naloxone.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Naloxone-Standing-Order-Signed-and-Dated_120816.pdf">standing order</a>
allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone, without a prior
prescription, to anyone at increased risk of experiencing an opioid
overdose. Naloxone is a safe and legal drug that can reverse heroin and
prescription opioid overdoses by blocking the effects of opiates on the
brain and restoring breathing in minutes. There is no potential for
abuse and side effects are rare.<br />
<br />
Six Utahns die every
week from opioid overdoses. In 2015, 268 Utahns died from a prescription
opioid overdose (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine,
and fentanyl), 127 died from illicit opioids such as heroin, and 10
deaths involved both prescription and illicit opioids; an average of 33
each month (13.5 per 100,000 population). An estimated 80% of heroin
users start with prescription drugs. Utah ranks 4th highest in the
nation for drug overdose deaths.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>#5 Updated Utah Air Quality Recess Guidance for Schools</b><br />
The
average adult breathes 20,000 liters of air a day. During inversion
months, poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks. The primary
pollutant of concern during the winter months is particulate matter (PM)
2.5. The elderly, immunocompromised, and children have been identified
as sensitive groups to air pollution and special precautions should be
taken during poor air quality days to reduce their exposure. <br />
<br />
On
June 13, 2016 the Utah Department of Health Asthma Program hosted the
"Air Quality and Health Summit." The purpose of the summit was to ensure
the <a href="http://health.utah.gov/asthma/airquality/recess.html">Utah Air Quality Recess Guidance</a>
was based on current evidence and supported by schools, health
professionals, and community members. The event included a variety of
expert led presentations, moderator led discussion, and was attended by
53 stakeholders representing 27 different organizations in the
community. The result of the Summit was an updated Utah Air Quality
Recess Guidance that better aligns with Air Quality Index (AQI)
recommendations and colors. The Guidance now recommends the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>When PM2.5 levels are below 35.4 (green and yellow zone), all students can go outdoors for recess.</li>
<li>When PM2.5 levels are between 35.5-55.4 (orange zone), sensitive
high-risk students and students with respiratory symptoms should remain
indoors for recess.</li>
<li>When PM2.5 levels are above 55.5 (red and purple zone), all students should be kept indoors for recess.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<b>#6 Teen Birth Rate Reaches Historic Low</b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
Utah teen birth rate continued to fall in 2015, reaching a historic low of 17.6
births per 1,000 girls ages 15-19. Considered by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention to be a “Winnable Battle”, a goal of reducing teen
pregnancy by 20% between 2010 and 2015 was set. The rate of teen birth in Utah
declined 37% in this period. While no one factor can explain why teen
pregnancy rates are declining, evidence supports that teen pregnancy prevention
education efforts and increased access to contraceptives has led to teens using
more reliable forms of contraception. Another contributing factor may be
teens mirroring the trends of delayed childbearing in women ages 20 and over.
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To
address teen pregnancy in Utah, two education programs, abstinence only and
personal responsibility, are conducted with adolescents. To find out more about
these programs and where they are located, visit<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.health.utah.gov/mihp&source=gmail&ust=1482001301956000&usg=AFQjCNH-DObVLggxmkmk75_RNTNWNk0fLQ" href="http://www.health.utah.gov/mihp" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.health.utah.gov/mihp</span></a>.</span></div>
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<br />
<b>#7 Electronic Cigarette Substance Rule Set in Place</b><br />
Since 2011, Utah has seen a <a href="http://www.tobaccofreeutah.org/pdfs/DataBrief_ECigarettesfinal.pdf">sharp increase</a>
in the use of electronic cigarettes and other vape products. Current
use of electronic cigarettes and other vape products among Utah youth
has grown five-fold, from 1.9% in 2011 to 10.5% in 2015. Among Utah
adults, electronic cigarette and other vape products has remained
unchanged, from 1.9% in 2012 to 4.8% in 2014. <br />
<br />
Effective
December 31, 2016, R 384-415, Electronic-Cigarette Substance Standards,
seeks to regulate electronic-cigarette substances at the point of sale
between the retailer and the consumer. The regulation takes the form of
standards for: (1) labeling; (2) nicotine content; (3) packaging; and
(4) product quality. As stated in Utah Code 26-57-103, the sale of
electronic-cigarette substances that fail to meet these standards will
be prohibited. The purpose of enacting regulatory standards for these
products is to attempt to limit the increased number of nicotine related
poisonings in the state. Labeling standards seek to better communicate
nicotine toxicity to the consumers. Standards for nicotine content set a
limit for the concentration of nicotine in an electronic-cigarette
substance. Packaging standards are intended to make child entry to the
product more difficult. Product quality standards prescribe requirements
for eventual product approval by the FDA and a restriction on the sale
of certain products.<br />
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<br />
<b>#8 Harmful Algal Blooms Plague Utah Waterways</b><br />
In July
2016, a large harmful algal bloom was discovered along the eastern shore
of Utah Lake. Although algae are a natural part of many freshwater
ecosystems, under the right conditions they can proliferate to create
large algal blooms. High levels of nutrients in the water, combined with
warm temperatures, abundant sunlight, and calm water, can promote rapid
algal growth, resulting in the extensive, bright-green blooms. These
blooms can contain harmful cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria (often
referred to as blue-green algae) that produces toxins that can pose
risks to humans, wildlife, domestic animals, and fish.<br />
<br />
The
Utah Department of Health and Utah County Health Department (UCHD)
closed Utah Lake to the public on July 15, 2016 due to the harmful algal
bloom. State and local health departments have the legal authority to
close public places, such as a lake, to protect the health of the
public. While the UCHD has previously issued advisories regarding algal
blooms on Utah Lake due to public health concerns, this is the first
time the entire lake has been closed. Additional warnings and closures
of bodies of water – the Jordan River canal system, Scofield Reservoir,
Mantua Reservoir, Big East Lake, Box Lake, and McClellan Lake – were
closed in the weeks and months following. Coordination with the <a href="http://deq.utah.gov/Divisions/dwq/health-advisory/harmful-algal-blooms/bloom-2016/utah-lake-jordan-river/index.htm">Utah Department of Environmental Quality</a> and state and local agencies was essential for testing water samples and informing the public about the algal bloom.<br />
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<br />
<b>#9 Statewide Health Assessment</b><br />
UDOH collaborated with Intermountain Healthcare and the Local Health Departments to conduct a <a href="https://ibis.health.utah.gov/pdf/opha/publication/SHAReport2016.pdf">Statewide Health Assessment</a>.
Data on more than 100 health indicators, broken out, where possible, by
geography, age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, and education as well as
trends over time were reviewed. Twenty-seven community input meetings
were held around the state to gather views on the health issues of
greatest need and disparity for a particular area. Other needs
assessments conducted by community or health agencies were reviewed. A
prioritization methodology was decided upon and applied to the data and
information gathered. The top priorities were then taken to a broader
Utah Health Improvement Plan Coalition that consists of state and local
health agencies, Tribes, partner agencies, and health systems for
further review and prioritization. The Coalition also assisted in the
public health system strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
analysis. Three priority areas have been prioritized as a result of this
process and the collaborating partners are developing a Utah Health
Improvement Plan to work towards improvement in these areas. <br />
<ul>
<li>Reducing obesity and obesity-related chronic conditions</li>
<li>Reducing prescription drug misuse, abuse and overdose</li>
<li>Improving mental health and reducing suicide </li>
</ul>
This is a new level of collaboration and it is hoped that collective efforts may contribute to greater levels of improvement. <br />
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<br />
<b>#10 Medicaid Expansion Update</b><br />
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives individual states the option to expand Medicaid to new adults earning up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Without expansion, there is a gap in coverage for adults who do not currently qualify for Medicaid and are ineligible to receive benefits and subsidies through the federally facilitated marketplace. After years of deliberation and research, state leaders have developed a plan for a Utah-specific approach to reduce the number of the uninsured adults in the state.<br />
<br />
During the 2016 Legislative Session, <a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2016/bills/static/hb0437.html">House Bill 437 </a>passed and directed the Utah Department of Health’s Medicaid agency to implement a health coverage improvement plan (known as the 115 waiver). Based on funding and approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the program is designed to provide Medicaid coverage for the following adults: <br />
<ul>
<li>Parents with dependent children earning up to 60% of the FPL </li>
<li>Adults without dependent children earning up to 5% of the FPL who are: chronically homeless;involved in the justice system through probation, parole, or court ordered treatment needing substance abuse or mental health treatment; or Needing substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment.</li>
</ul>
Public hearings on the health coverage improvement plan took place in April and May 2016. The final plan was submitted to CMS on July 1, 2016 and if approved, will begin enrolling new members on January 1, 2017. <br />
<br />
<b>Other public health stories that received honorable mentions: </b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://health.utah.gov/vipp/pdf/RapeSexualAssault/costs-sexual-violence-report.pdf">Report shows sexual violence costs state $5 billion</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.utahsafehaven.org/">Utah Newborn Safe Haven law celebrates 15 years </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://udohnews.blogspot.com/2016/04/udoh-kicking-off-national-bike-month.html">Bike friendly at the Cannon Health building </a></li>
<li><a href="http://choosehealth.utah.gov/healthcare/community-health-workers.php">Community Health Workers continue to increase across state </a></li>
<li><a href="http://udohnews.blogspot.com/2016/06/chief-medical-examiner-todd-grey-to.html">Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Todd Grey, retires; Dr. Erik Christensen takes his place </a> </li>
<li>Utah Department of Health Deputy Director, Dr. Robert Rolfs, retires; Dr. Marc Babitz takes his place </li>
<li><a href="https://ibis.health.utah.gov/pdf/opha/publication/hsu/2016/1608_ClinicCompare.pdf">Comparing clinics' quality of care using the Utah All Payer Claims Database</a></li>
</ul>
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</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-21198595088523377392016-12-08T10:13:00.003-07:002016-12-08T10:13:53.451-07:00Utah Pharmacists Can Now Dispense Naloxone without a Prescription (Salt Lake, UT) – Today, the executive director of the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) signed a statewide standing order allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone, without a prior prescription, to anyone at increased risk of experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a safe and legal drug that can reverse heroin and prescription opioid overdoses by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and restoring breathing in minutes. There is no potential for abuse and side effects are rare.<br /><br />“Opioid overdose can be reversed and death prevented by timely administration of naloxone,” said Dr. Joseph Miner, executive director of the UDOH. “As authorized by state law, this standing order is intended to increase access to naloxone for those who might be at risk of an overdose or who might be in a position to assist somebody at risk of an overdose.” Naloxone can be administered via a nasal spray (commonly known as Narcan®) or intramuscular injection. <br /><br />Six Utahns die every week from opioid overdoses. In 2015, 268 Utahns died from a prescription opioid overdose (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, and fentanyl), 127 died from illicit opioids such as heroin, and 10 deaths involved both prescription and illicit opioids; an average of 33 each month (13.5 per 100,000 population). An estimated 80% of heroin users start with prescription drugs. Utah ranks 4th highest in the nation for drug overdose deaths. <br /><br />Those at highest risk of an opioid overdose include individuals who:<br />
<ul>
<li>Are taking high doses of opioids for long-term management of chronic pain</li>
<li>Have a history of substance abuse or a previous non-fatal overdose </li>
<li>Have lowered opioid tolerance as a result of completing a detoxification program or recently being released from incarceration </li>
<li>Are using a combination of opioids and other drugs such as benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Valium, Xanax) or alcohol</li>
<li>Are unfamiliar with the strength and dosage of prescription opioids and the purity of street drugs like heroin </li>
<li>Are alone when using drugs</li>
<li>Smoke cigarettes or have a respiratory illness, kidney or liver disease, cardiac illness, or HIV/AIDS </li>
</ul>
During the 2016 General Legislative Session, Rep. Steve Eliason sponsored House Bill 240, Opiate Overdose Response Act, passed authorizing the Utah Department of Commerce and UDOH to implement a standing prescription drug order to dispense naloxone. Additional laws passed in recent years expanding access to naloxone and providing protections for bystanders to report an overdose without fear of criminal prosecution for illegal possession of a controlled substance or illegal drug. <br /><br />“This important policy will save lives and give people’s sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, a second chance at life and hopefully help them step out of substance abuse once and for all,” said Eliason. <br /><br />While not mandatory for pharmacies to participate in the standing order, those that do are encouraged to voluntarily register with the UDOH. Additionally, Utah Administrative Rule 156-17b-625 requires pharmacists dispensing naloxone under the standing order to report annually to the UDOH the total number of single doses of naloxone dispensed and the name of each naloxone product dispensed along with the total number of single doses of that particular product. <br /><br />"Providing naloxone more quickly to the Utah public may be the difference between life and death for those struggling with opioid use disorders. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing appreciates the strong support of Governor Gary Herbert, the Utah Legislature, the Department of Health, and others in making naloxone available to protect our citizens,” said Francine A. Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.<br /><br />To learn more about naloxone and the standing order visit <a href="https://naloxone.utah.gov/">https://naloxone.utah.gov</a>. For information on opioids, visit <a href="http://opidemic.org/">http://opidemic.org</a>. <br /><br /># # #<br /><br />Media Contact:<br />Tom Hudachko, UDOH<br />(o) 801-538-6232 (m) 801-560-4649<br />Jennifer Bolton, DOPL<br />(o) 801-530-6646 (m) 801-652-8322<br />Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-56198137026243869502016-12-02T09:02:00.000-07:002016-12-02T09:02:05.519-07:00Untreated Tooth Decay Still a Problem for Many Utah Children<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;">(Salt Lake City, UT) – Nearly two-thirds (66%) of Utah children between the ages of 6 and 9 experienced tooth decay in 2015, according to a new study conducted by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). The survey collected information on various factors including access to dental care, tooth decay, urgent treatment needs, and sealant placement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">State Dental Director Dr. Kim Michelson says, “Unfortunately, this rate has increased significantly since the 2010 survey (52%) and surpasses the Healthy People 2020 objective of 49%.” Findings also indicate that nearly one-fifth of Utah children (19%) have untreated tooth decay and a few (1.5%) need urgent dental care. Dr. Michelson adds, “This means these children were experiencing tooth pain or infection.”</span></div>
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<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Unfortunately, poverty and lack of dental insurance have long been shown to affect oral health status. Nearly one in six children in Utah lack dental insurance coverage. Survey results also indicate that one in 25 children experienced an issue during the previous 12 months that required dental care but their parents couldn’t afford the treatment. About 66% of parents said their child had been to the dentist in the last 6 months, but a little more than 2% had never been to a dentist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">One bit of good news is a significant increase in children having sealants present on at least one permanent molar tooth. In 2015, nearly half (45%) of the children had sealants present compared with 26% in 2010.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Although dental decay is preventable, it remains the most common chronic childhood disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tooth decay is four times more common than asthma among children between the ages of 5 and 19. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">“We know oral health diseases are largely preventable yet we are moving in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Shaheen Hossain, the primary author of the report. “Along with increasing the access to needed services, we still need to educate parents on the importance of oral hygiene, nutritious diets with fewer sugary beverages, and getting routine dental care.”</span></div>
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<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">The UDOH Oral Health Program (OHP) promotes dental decay prevention methods such as dental visits, sealants, fluoride, and other methods including early intervention education. For more information or a copy of the complete report, contact the OHP at <a href="tel:801-273-2995" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18012732995">801-273-2995</a> or visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://health.utah.gov/oralhealth/resources.php&source=gmail&ust=1480780818283000&usg=AFQjCNEEQCiBEAIkOrgFP59V7JwFH3VKzQ" href="http://health.utah.gov/oralhealth/resources.php" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://health.utah.gov/oralhea<wbr></wbr>lth/resources.php</a>.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Media Contact:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Anne McKenzie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Oral Health Program</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">(o) <a href="tel:801-273-2995" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18012732995">801-273-2995</a></span></div>
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Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-31602405529319328562016-11-30T09:00:00.000-07:002016-11-30T09:00:15.125-07:00New Report Highlights Utah’s Top Languages(Salt Lake City, UT) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) recently released a new report listing the top 20 languages spoken in Utah. Reports for the six most populated counties in the state – Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Washington, and Weber counties – were also released and list the top 15 languages spoken in these counties. <br /><br />According to the 2010-2014 American Community Survey, one in seven Utah residents speaks a language other than English at home and one-third of these speak English less than very well. The reports are intended to assist agencies providing health programs and services to limited English proficient (LEP) clients and patients.<br /><br />The top five languages spoken in Utah are English, Spanish, Chinese, German, and Navajo. <br /><br />“People may be surprised by the diversity of languages spoken in our state. We hope the reports bring attention to the language barriers faced by many of our fellow Utahns as they try to navigate the healthcare system,” said Brittney Okada, with the UDOH Office of Health Disparities <br /><br />The reports are intended to help healthcare providers better comply with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards. The CLAS guidelines were developed to ensure the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare and services. <br /><br />“The reports can help providers and health programs better understand their patient and client population, plan for language services, evaluate their current language services, and improve patient and client interactions,” said Okada. “Effective and meaningful communication is essential to health services.”<br /><br />The Utah Language Data Report and six county language reports can be found at <a href="http://health.utah.gov/disparities/class-standards.html">http://health.utah.gov/disparities/class-standards.html</a> under Translation and Interpretation Resources.<br />
<br /># # #<br /><br />Media Contact:<br />Brittney Okada<br />UDOH Office of Health Disparities<br />(385) 315-0220Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-48484116376751699042016-11-21T09:04:00.001-07:002016-11-21T09:04:34.939-07:00Traveling to a Warmer Climate for the Holidays?<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;">(Salt Lake City, UT) – While mosquito season has wrapped up in Utah and most other states that experience freezing temperatures in the winter, active Zika virus transmission is still occurring in many areas around the world. If you’re planning on leaving the snow and cold weather behind for the holiday season, Utah public health officials encourage you to thoroughly research the area you’re planning to visit. And, a good place to start is with information available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The CDC maintains a list of the countries with active Zika transmission at</span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html&source=gmail&ust=1479830407669000&usg=AFQjCNGsZtsrbxq2IVB6ovn-VtZLGc27Ww" href="http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/<wbr></wbr>index.html</a><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">“We are receiving calls from people going on cruises to the Caribbean wondering about Zika,” said Julia Robertson, with the Utah Department of Health. “People need to remember that Zika is still active in the Caribbean and other parts of the world and need to prepare for those trips accordingly if they chose to travel to those areas,” added Robertson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). Travelers heading to warmer climates where those mosquitoes continue to be very active are encouraged to pack accordingly to prevent mosquito bites. Pack clothing that will protect you from mosquito bites including, long-sleeved shirts and long pants sprayed with permethrin, enough EPA-approved insect repellent with DEET for everyone travelling to last your entire trip, and condoms to protect you and your partner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Most people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">such as fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. But a pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">fetus that can result in severe birth defects, such as microcephaly (small head and brain) and </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">other severe brain defects that may lead to long-term developmental problems. Infection during pregnancy can also increase the chance for miscarriage, eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">It is not yet known how often Zika infected pregnancies will result in problems. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and no specific medical treatment for those who are infected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">The CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">•<span class="m_1386619742219670005gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Women who are pregnant:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="m_1386619742219670005gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>If you or your partner live in or have traveled to a Zika-affected area, either use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection) or do not have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) during your pregnancy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">•<span class="m_1386619742219670005gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Women who are trying to become pregnant:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="m_1386619742219670005gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Before you or your partner travel to or after returning from a Zika-affected area, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="m_1386619742219670005gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>If you have had possible exposure through recent travel or unprotected sex with a partner infected with Zika virus:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">•<span class="m_1386619742219670005gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Zika symptoms – Wait at least 6 months after your symptoms start before trying to get pregnant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">•<span class="m_1386619742219670005gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>No Zika symptoms – Wait at least 8 weeks after you may have been exposed to Zika before trying to get pregnant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">For women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and have questions about Zika virus, contact the MotherToBaby program at <a href="tel:1-800-822-2229" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18008222229">1-800-822-2229</a>, text <a href="tel:855-999-3525" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18559993525">855-999-3525</a>, chat live or email <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.MotherToBaby.org&source=gmail&ust=1479830407669000&usg=AFQjCNHLainkgonm5q0AbkrLERCSDjJgUQ" href="http://www.mothertobaby.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.MotherToBaby.org</a>, or visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://health.utah.gov/zika&source=gmail&ust=1479830407670000&usg=AFQjCNEFhZ1689JIKjuhwXOM-fJUoAJs1Q" href="http://health.utah.gov/zika" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://health.utah.gov/zika</a>. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Media Contact</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Charla Haley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">(o) <a href="tel:801-273-4178" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18012734178">801-273-4178</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">(c) <a href="tel:801-230-5927" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18012305927">801-230-5927</a></span></div>
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Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-30659156345702721612016-11-14T09:30:00.000-07:002016-11-14T09:30:33.209-07:00Recognizing the Critical Health Care Provided by Rural Hospitals (Salt Lake City, UT) – Since 2010, 71 rural hospitals across the country have closed, in part due to changes in policies which tend to reward hospitals that do a large volume of business. Fortunately, Utah’s rural hospitals have managed to escape a similar fate. <br /><br />“Utah is one of the states in which a rural hospital has never closed,” said Dr. Don Wood, Director of the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (OPCRH) Utah Department of Health (UDOH). “The hospitals and providers serving Utah’s small towns, farming communities, and frontier areas work hand-in-hand to address their health issues, and they provide some of the best medical services in America,” added Wood.<br /><br />Due to the critical services that are provided in Utah’s rural communities, Utah Governor Gary Herbert has declared November 13 - 19, 2016 as Rural Health Week in Utah, and the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health is celebrating with several activities, including its annual Rural Photo Contest (information on the contest can be found at http://health.utah.gov/primarycare/?p=photo) and e-book Utah Community Star Stories. Through the declaration, the Governor calls for increased promotion and enhanced collaborative efforts to continue to improve the health of those who live, work, and play in rural Utah. <br /><br />As part of Utah Rural Health Week, UDOH will recognize three Utah rural hospitals that have ranked nationally for the quality of the services provided during the year. Those facilities <br />include Gunnison Valley Hospital in Gunnison, Utah, Milford Valley Memorial Hospital in Milford, Utah, and San Juan Hospital in Monticello, Utah. They are being recognized for their outstanding patient care.OPCRH offers programs that support the financial stability and improved quality of services in rural areas, particularly among Critical Access Hospitals (hospitals with up to 25 beds), Small Rural Hospitals (hospitals with up to 49 beds), Rural Health Clinics (primary care access points, especially for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries). One of these programs is the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program, which aims to improve quality of care and financial stability of hospitals and prevent closures. <br /><br />For more information about rural health in Utah visit <a href="http://health.utah.gov/primarycare">http://health.utah.gov/primarycare</a>. <br /><br /># # #<br />
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<b>Media Contact:</b><br />Owen Quinonez<br />Community Health Specialist<br />Office (801) 273-6620<br />Cell (801) 560-5935<br /><br />Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-60926326522464726642016-11-09T09:00:00.000-07:002016-11-09T09:26:31.976-07:00SUBWAY® Restaurants Participate in Great American Smokeout: College students in Utah encouraged to support tobacco-free campus policies(Salt Lake City, UT) – As part of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and local SUBWAY® restaurants are partnering to end tobacco use at Westminster College on Thursday, November 17.<br />
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Beginning at noon, representatives from the Utah <i>way to quit </i>tobacco cessation campaign will be encouraging students to quit tobacco <i>cold turkey</i>. Local SUBWAY® restaurants will also be passing out classic 6-inch turkey subs to students who pledge their support of a smoke-free campus policy.<br />
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“This year we’re encouraging the Westminster campus to go tobacco-free,” said Brittany Karzen of the UDOH. “Currently, Dixie State and BYU are the only smoke-free campuses in Utah and we would like to see Westminster College make the same decision.”<br />
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"Subway is excited to partner with the Utah Department of Health and be part of the Great American Smokeout again this year," said Jack Bickmore, local SUBWAY restaurant owner. "One thing we value at Subway is the importance of living a healthy lifestyle."<br />
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According to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 Utahns use tobacco; 9,600 of those are youth under the age of 18. Tobacco users in Utah can find free tips and advice on how to quit at waytoquit.org.<br />
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Media Contact:<br />
Brittany Karzen<br />
(o) 801-538-6917<br />
(m) 714-267-3679Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-30013007176072408122016-11-07T11:50:00.001-07:002016-11-07T11:50:43.880-07:00Utah’s Uninsured Rate at Lowest Point in a Decade<br /><div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">(Salt Lake City, UT) – New data from the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) show 8.8 percent of Utahns (265,100 residents) did not have health insurance during 2015. The figure represents the lowest uninsured rate Utah has experienced in more than a decade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">The estimate comes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based cell and landline telephone survey that measures key public health indicators, including health care coverage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">“There are likely several factors that have lead Utah to this point,” said UDOH Executive Director Dr. Joseph Miner. “The state’s healthy economy and low unemployment rate certainly play a role. Changes in health insurance that allowed more young adults to remain on their parents’ health plan and that offered health insurance subsidies to some lower-income families appear to be having a positive effect on the uninsured rate as well.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"> The 2015 data show a continued decrease in the number of uninsured Utahns between the ages of 19-26. In 2011, 23.6 percent of these residents did not have insurance, but last year that number had decreased to just 12 percent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">The number of uninsured Utahns who fit into the population targeted for Medicaid expansion, those between the ages of 19-64 who earn between 0-138 percent of the federal poverty level, has also decreased over the past several years. In 2011, 43 percent of these residents were uninsured, compared to 30 percent in 2015. Despite the improvement, this population’s uninsured rate is still much higher than other populations measured in the survey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Access to health care is an important contributor to an individual’s overall health, but other factors, such as utilizing preventive and primary care and affordability are important as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">“Utahns need to take the simple, yet critical, steps that can contribute greatly to their health,” said Dr. Miner. “Simply enrolling in a health care plan will not keep you healthy. But utilizing services like immunizations, cancer screenings, and annual physical exams will go a long way in preventing sickness and disease.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">BRFSS health insurance data are based on a sample of approximately 5,000 Utah residents who were questioned about their insurance status. Several other surveys collect similar data, and rates may vary based on survey methodology and targeted populations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Additional data on the estimated number of uninsured Utahns can be found by<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://ibis.health.utah.gov/pdf/opha/publication/ins/2015_InsuranceAnalysis.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;">clicking here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"><b>Media Contact:</b></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Tom Hudachko</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Utah Department of Health</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">(o) 801.538.6232</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">(m) 801.560.4649</span></div>
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Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-77897452549769322142016-11-03T09:39:00.001-06:002016-11-03T09:39:28.402-06:00Utah Hospitals Show Some Improvement on Healthcare-associated Infections <br /><div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">(Salt Lake City, UT) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) has released the 2015 hospital-specific report of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in licensed hospitals.* The report provides information on specific types of HAIs that are reportable in Utah, including central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with colon surgeries and abdominal hysterectomies, Clostridium difficile (C. diff), and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia infections.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Utah State regulation (Rule 386‐705, Epidemiology, Healthcare-associated Infection) requires the UDOH to collect and report data on HAIs. The Utah data are self-reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) by each facility that is required to report HAIs by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Compared to national baseline data, patients in Utah facilities that reported 2015 HAI data to NHSN experienced:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>51% fewer CLABSI</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>15% fewer CAUTI</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9% more surgical site infections within 30 days of colon surgery</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>11% more surgical site infections within 30 days of abdominal hysterectomy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>22% fewer C. difficile infections</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>35% fewer MRSA bacteremia infections.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">“Utah continues to see improvement in reducing HAIs in areas such as CLABSI and CAUTI, but lags behind in surgical site infections associated with colon surgery and abdominal hysterectomy,”<div class="gmail_default" style="display: inline; font-size: small;">
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says Karen Singson, HAI Program Manager. “UDOH continues to work with facilities to ensure accurate reporting and focus on prevention strategies to reduce the potential for HAIs.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">The annual HAI report contains information for all infections required to be reported to NHSN by CMS according to the CMS Healthcare Facility HAI Reporting Requirements timeline. To read the entire HAI Report,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/HAI/surveillance/2015_HAI_Report.pdf." style="color: #1155cc;">http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/HAI/surveillance/2015_HAI_Report.pdf.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">Patients can decrease the potential for contracting an HAI by following these recommendations:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speak up for your care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your care so that you may fully understand your treatment plan and expected outcomes. You will be able to recover easier, and your family and friends can be more helpful, if you know what is to be expected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you have an intravenous catheter, keep the skin around the dressing clean and dry. Tell your nurse promptly if the dressing works loose or gets wet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Likewise, if you have a dressing on a wound, let your nurse know promptly if it works loose or gets wet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you have any type of catheter or drainage tube, let your nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or dislodged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you are having surgery, ask if you should shower with a germ-killing soap ahead of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clean your hands properly and make sure everyone else around you does too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If your room looks dirty, ask to have it cleaned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Every day, ask if you still need your catheter or other device.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ask about safe injection practices: One Needle, One Syringe, Only One Time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take medications only as directed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">•<span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If possible, ask your friends and relatives not to visit if they feel ill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">For more information about HAIs, visit<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/HAI/" style="color: #1155cc;">http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/HAI/</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>*Licensed hospitals include acute care, long-term acute care, critical access, rehabilitation, psychiatric, government and children’s hospitals. </i></span></div>
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<b>Media Contact:</b></div>
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Rebecca Ward</div>
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(o) 801.538.6682</div>
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(m) 801.352.1270</div>
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Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-22815501294816015092016-11-02T09:28:00.001-06:002016-11-02T09:28:17.387-06:00 Funding Provided to Help Communities Stop Sexual Violence: One in three Utah women experience sexual violence in their lifetime(Salt Lake City, UT) – Studies in Utah indicate that one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime and that one in eight women and one in 50 men will experience rape. The costs resulting from sexual violence during a one-year period totaled nearly $5 billion, or approximately $1,700 per Utah resident. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) recently awarded nearly $550,000 to 21 agencies across the state to implement primary prevention activities for sexual violence.<br /><br />“Primary prevention aims to stop violence before it starts by addressing root causes, risk and protective factors, and instilling skills in young people that prepare them for healthy, positive relationships and interactions throughout their lives,” said Megan Waters, violence prevention specialist with the UDOH. <br /><br />The one-time, one-year funding was appropriated during the 2016 Utah General Legislative Session to the UDOH from the Utah Department of Workforce Services’ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. This funding, in combination with the state’s current Rape Prevention and Education Program funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has made it possible to extend the availability of sexual violence prevention programming to 28 of the 29 counties in Utah. Agencies receiving the TANF funding include: <br />
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<li>Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse (CAPSA)</li>
<li>The Family Place</li>
<li>New Hope Crisis Center</li>
<li>Your Community Connection (YCC)</li>
<li>Weber State University</li>
<li>Davis Applied Technology College</li>
<li>The Confederated Tribe of the Goshute Reservation</li>
<li>Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake</li>
<li>The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake</li>
<li>Pacific Islander Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR)</li>
<li>Rape Recovery Center</li>
<li>South Valley Services</li>
<li>Talk to a SurvivorPeace House</li>
<li>Tricounty Health Department</li>
<li>Carbon County Family Support Center</li>
<li>Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center</li>
<li>DOVE Center</li>
<li>The Utah Navajo Health System</li>
<li>Restoring Ancestral Winds</li>
<li>Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA)</li>
<li>Prevent Child Abuse Utah</li>
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One example of how the funding is making a difference is through the Safe Dates program. Safe Dates is an evidence-based program designed to help teens recognize the difference between caring, supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive ones. “For many of our teens, violence and abuse are unfortunately a part of their everyday lives,” said LeAnn Saldivar, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake. “This funding is critical in helping our teens learn healthy and safe relationship skills; habits that they will carry with them into adulthood.” <br /><br />One participant of the program who had a prior history of violence with gangs, law enforcement, and his own family has since graduated high school and come into good standing with the courts system – all things he once thought impossible. “We see first-hand the difference these programs make for our youth, leading them away from dangerous situations and on a path for a better future,” said Saldivar. With the funding, Safe Dates can now be used in all of the Boys & Girls Club teen centers in Salt Lake and Tooele counties. <br /><br />The funded projects will bring primary prevention programs to underserved communities at high risk for sexual violence, including rural and frontier areas, tribal members, and LGBTQ+ communities. In addition, the funding supports the mandatory child sexual abuse prevention education that school districts must implement.<br /><br />To learn more about the funded projects or for information on sexual violence prevention, visit <a href="http://www.health.utah.gov/vipp">www.health.utah.gov/vipp</a>.<br /><br /># # #<br /><br /><b>Media Contact:</b><br />Katie McMinn<br />Violence & Injury Prevention Program<br />(o) 801-538-6156 (m) 801-856-6697<br />kmcminn@utah.gov <b></b>Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-81191467841051828542016-10-26T09:00:00.000-06:002016-10-26T09:00:07.827-06:00Exercise as a Tool to Treat Severe Joint Pain: CDC recommends exercise, not opioids, as way to reduce pain (Salt Lake City, UT) – What if there was a safe way to reduce joint pain without the dangerous side effects of opioids? A report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows there is insufficient evidence for and serious risks associated with long-term use of opioids for treating arthritis. Instead, experts recommend low-impact physical activity such as walking, biking, or swimming to help alleviate joint pain. <br />
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Nationally, 27.2% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis report severe joint pain, a condition that can limit a person's ability to perform basic tasks. Severe joint pain was higher among those with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, fair or poor health, and serious psychological distress. <br />
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“Given the burden of severe joint pain, and that in 2015 roughly one in five Utahns reported they had arthritis, we recommend two hours and thirty minutes of moderate physical activity each week to help reduce pain, fatigue, and stiffness,” said Nichole Shepard, manager of the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) Arthritis Program. “Medications can help, but there may be dangerous side effects from taking opioids long-term, including the risk of dependency, addiction, or even death.” <br />
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For those concerned about safely increasing physical activity without worsening their joint pain, community-based programs, such as EnhanceFitness, are available. EnhanceFitness is an hour-long program being offered at senior centers throughout Salt Lake County. The program is taught by certified instructors and provides a fun, relaxed, and safe way to get a great workout.<br />
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Lorie Finlayson, of Draper, was struggling from joint pain after a series of surgeries that left her in crutches. She started attending EnhanceFitness and saw major improvements physically, mentally, and socially. "I loved the music, the instructors, the interaction with others, and I could do the classes. That did so much to help me feel good about myself and my abilities. Three years later I'm still a regular at EnhanceFitness." <br />
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Another EnhanceFitness regular, Joyce Jackson, 85 of Murray, mentioned her reluctance to rely on medication for relief from her hand and back pain. "Then I started exercising and saw so much improvement," said Jackson about her experience. "I will be the first to say to anyone to get up and move." <br />
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"Utah is very active and our rates of arthritis are low compared to other states," said Shepard. "However, we want people who already have joint pain to know that there are safe and effective classes to help get you back moving and reduce pain."<br />
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In addition to exercise therapies, the CDC also recommends the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, certain interventional procedures, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of arthritis and severe joint pain.<br />
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A list of classes designed to lesson joint pain and help manage arthritis can be found at <a href="http://livingwell.utah.gov/">http://livingwell.utah.gov</a> or by calling the Utah Health Resource Line at 1-888-222-2542. To download a copy of the CDC report, visit <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6539a2.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6539a2.htm</a>. <br />
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<b>Media Contact:</b><br />
Rebecca Castleton<br />
801-538-9340<br />
rcastlet@utah.gov Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-73437527364182749962016-10-18T10:00:00.000-06:002016-10-18T10:00:09.173-06:00“Missing Moments” Families of teen crash victims share their grief(Salt Lake City, UT) – Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in Utah and across the U.S. In 2015, 25 families were devastated to learn that their teenager had been killed in a motor vehicle crash on Utah roads. Today, they shared their stories to encourage others to drive safely.<br /><br />Emily Roundy’s 15-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn, was a passenger in a single vehicle rollover on May 2, 2015. Kaitlyn was with friends when the driver of the vehicle she was riding in swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle rolled off the road into a riverbed. Kaitlyn was not wearing a seat belt. She was ejected from the truck and killed instantly. <br /><br />“I miss her walking through the front door, lighting up the entire room with her presence,” said Roundy. “Kaitlyn knew to wear her seat belt, but there was one time she didn’t and she was taken from us. Please protect your precious lives and wear a seat belt. Always.” <br /><br />Teens have the lowest seat belt usage rate of any age group. In 2015, almost 60 percent of all teens killed on Utah roads were not restrained. “The simple decision to choose to wear your seat belt every time you are in a vehicle can and does save lives,” said Carlos Braceras, executive director with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). “If I could change a single behavior of every Utahn, it would be to make sure they are always buckled up, no matter what.”<br /><br />This is the ninth year the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and UDOT have collected stories of teens killed in motor vehicle crashes. The book will be used by state and local agencies as a prevention tool to help drivers of all ages realize the impact their decisions have on others. The books will also be distributed to high school driver education classes throughout the state. <br /><br />David “Buddy” Conner lost his 16-year-old sister, Cadee, in a crash on Mountain View Corridor, just a half mile from home. Cadee was a passenger and as the driver started to cross the intersection, the truck she was riding in was hit by cross traffic causing it to roll. “My sister was my best friend. If I could say one thing to other drivers it would be that you need to be aware of others around you on the road. You need to be aware of your surroundings and always be a defensive driver because just like that, you can flip someone’s whole world around. And for us, we don’t have a rewind button.”<br /><br />Data from the Utah Highway Safety Office show that in 2015 teen drivers were two times more likely to have a contributing factor, such as failing to yield the right of way or speeding, in a fatal crash than drivers of other ages. <br /><br />“Teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashing than other drivers often due to inexperience,” said Joseph Miner, UDOH executive director. “Policies such as the Utah Graduated Driver License laws are designed to help new drivers learn driving skills over time and gain the experience needed to become safe drivers. These laws as well as prevention efforts by our state and community partners have saved lives.” <br /><br />“As a representative of those families with their loved ones in the book, we’re here to speak out. We’re speaking out to help other families get the chance to fathom how unacceptable roadway fatalities are. No one has to die on our roads,” said Conner.<br /><br />To download a copy of the book Missing Moments: Remembering 10 Lives Lost on Utah Roads, visit <a href="http://www.health.utah.gov/vipp">www.health.utah.gov/vipp</a> or <a href="http://www.dontdrivestupid.com/">www.dontdrivestupid.com</a>. <br /><br /><b># # #<br /><br />Media Contact:</b><br />Jenny Johnson<br />Violence and Injury Prevention Program<br />(o) 801-538-9416 (m) 801-298-1569 <br /><br />Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-10614242815517291112016-10-17T10:02:00.000-06:002016-10-17T10:10:16.023-06:00NEWS ADVISORY - Families of teen crash victims share their grief<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>NEWS ADVISORY</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>WHAT:</b> The Utah Department of Health and Utah Department of Transportation will hold a press conference to share stories of families who lost a child in a motor vehicle crash in 2015. <br /><b><br />WHY: </b> In 2015, 25 teens were killed on Utah roads. Almost 60% of teen occupants killed were not buckled up. Nationally, crash fatalities are highest for 16 to 17-year-olds within the first six months after getting their license – and remain high through age 24. These families hope that as they share the now ‘missing moments’ in their lives and their messages of safety, that it will motivate others to drive safely. <br /><b><br />WHO: </b> Interviews available include:</span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Edward & Aubrey Conner and David “Buddy” Conner, parents and brother of 16-year-old Cadee Conner, killed in a rollover crash</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Stu & Christine Anderson, parents of 16-year-old Maylee Anderson, killed after being T-boned by another vehicle </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Brad & Emily Roundy, parents of 15-year-old Kaitlyn Hansen, killed after being ejected in a single vehicle crash</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Kristen Bagley, mother of 16-year-old Cheyenne Bagley, killed after being T-boned by another vehicle</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Dr. Joseph Miner, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Carlos Braceras, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Transportation</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>WHEN:</b> Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. <br /> <br /><b>WHERE: </b> Marmalade Library<br />2nd floor<br />280 West 500 North<br />Salt Lake City, UT 84103<br /><br />Parking available along 300 West and 500 North, as well at the LDS church house on 500 North.<br /><b><br />###</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><br />Media Contact: </b><br />Jenny Johnson<br />(o) 801-538-9416 <br />(m) 385-290-7826</span>Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507925874177356322.post-16179331570674401082016-10-14T10:00:00.000-06:002016-10-14T10:00:07.661-06:00 Seeking Answers for Parkinson Disease: Registry aims to find genetic, environmental clues (Salt Lake City, UT) – In March 2015, the Utah Department of Health issued a rule that required health care providers to report cases of Parkinson disease and related movement disorders via the Utah Parkinson Disease Registry. Now, more than a year later, 1,566 Utahns with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have joined the registry, sharing valuable information about their diagnosis. <br />
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“The Utah Parkinson Disease Registry is one of the first computerized registries of its kind in the country,” said Allyn Nakashima, state epidemiologist at the UDOH. “Public health surveillance of this kind is absolutely critical for not only understanding the genetic and environmental causes of PD, but to better understand the extent of the disease across the state and across different populations.” Although the registry is a collaborative effort with the University of Utah Department of Neurology and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, the UDOH will make registry data available to all interested researchers. <br />
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Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative brain disorder following Alzheimer’s disease, yet basic information about it is missing such as whether it affects certain populations differently. PD often begins with tremors but over time can lead to muscle rigidity; and difficulty walking, talking, and completing simple daily tasks. The disease affects one in 100 persons over the age of 65 years. While there is no known cure for PD, advances in research are raising realistic hopes of halting progression, restoring function, and even preventing the disease altogether.<br />
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To date, approximately 21 percent of registrants reported symptoms of PD at age 50 or younger. Nationally, most individuals with PD are age 60 or older at the time of diagnosis. In Utah, among those in the registry, the average age of diagnosis was 64 years of age. Data from the registry showed the time from symptom onset to diagnosis was nearly three years. Although comparisons with other states about onset of symptoms to diagnosis is difficult to obtain, this time span was much longer than expected. <br />
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Rebecca Starks, outreach director for the Mountain West Parkinson Initiative at the UofU Department of Neurology encourages individuals living with PD or their families and caregivers to participate in the Utah PD Registry. “You don’t have to wait for your health care provider to enter your information in the registry. By participating, you are helping to provide important clues about the causes of the disease as well as helping to ensure adequate health care resources are available for all individuals impacted by PD.”<br />
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To report a diagnosis of PD visit, <a href="http://updr.org/">http://updr.org</a>. Reporting by patients themselves is encouraged, but voluntary. The registry collects some identifying information in order to avoid double reporting by health care providers and patients. The form collects information such as demographic data, current address, birth data, and residence history. It is basic and should only take a few minutes to complete. <br />
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Individuals and families who want to learn more about PD including the latest treatment and medication options available, caregiving issues, and exercise programs designed specifically for those living with PD, may attend the Utah Parkinson Disease Symposium on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information is available at the Mountain West Parkinson Initiative website, <a href="http://www.mwparkinson.org/">http://www.mwparkinson.org/</a>. <br />
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Media Contact:<br />
Jenny Johnson, UDOH<br />
(o) 801-538-9416 (m) 385-290-7826<br />
Rebecca Starks, UofU<br />
(o) 801-585-2354 <br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>Utah Department of Health - Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749740025306760782noreply@blogger.com