(Salt Lake City) – Data from the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) show that roughly 47 percent of Utah adults with arthritis limit their activities because of high levels of pain in their joints. With one in five Utah adults suffering from some type of arthritis, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is encouraging the public to enroll in free wellness classes near them to better manage their arthritis pain and other chronic health conditions that limit their activities.
“Health care providers no longer tell people with arthritis to rest their joints as a way to manage their arthritis pain,” said Nichole Shepard, manager of the UDOH Arthritis Program. “Current research shows that physical activity relieves pain, fatigue, and stiffness from arthritis. Walking for just 30 minutes a day, five times a week, can make a huge difference in how your joints feel.”
Nearly 60 percent of Utahns with arthritis said their health care provider told them to exercise to relieve their pain, yet only 3 percent reported attending a self-management class to learn how to deal with their arthritis.
Veteran James Dracoulis recently completed a six week walking program called Walk With Ease at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System. “This program finally helped me break the motivational barrier I had with exercising and walking. The more I walk, the less pain I feel. It has increased my endurance and helped me to overcome my pain physically as well as mentally,” said Dracoulis. The program is offered as a self-guided or group course and has been shown to reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis while increasing balance, strength, and overall health among arthritis sufferers. “Walk With Ease really means to walk with ease!”
Walk With Ease is just one of many evidence-based classes offered across the state to help relieve arthritis pain and teach participants how to manage their chronic health conditions. Classes are taught at local health departments, senior centers, clinics, hospitals, senior housing facilities, public libraries, and other community centers. Participants learn self-management techniques and skills needed in the day-to-day management of their ongoing health conditions. Research shows that the classes are also effective for caregivers.
“Exercise really is the best arthritis pain reliever,” said Shepard. “Start slow with a morning or evening walk around your neighborhood with friends, a spouse, or even your dog. Suggest walking meetings with co-workers or walk around inside your office building when the weather is bad. Reaping the benefits of regular physical activity doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.”
To find a wellness class near you, visit http://livingwell.utah.gov/ or call the Utah Health Resource Line at 1-888-222-2542. The Arthritis Foundation also has information on arthritis education and physical activity classes, like Walk With Ease, on their website at http://www.arthritis.org/utah or by calling 801-713-5722.
# # #
Media Contact:
Rebecca Castleton
253-503-9755
rcastlet@utah.gov
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Friday, May 27, 2016
How to have a safe and fun Memorial Day with five easy tips
Memorial Day. The official start of summer!
Whether your planning a BBQ or hittin' the road for the weekend, our five easy tips are sure to make this Memorial Day weekend a safe and fun one.
Be water aware. Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. Unfortunately, it's all too common for a young child to wander off during a family gathering and fall into an open body of water, like a pond, stream, or pool. Designate a "child watcher" anytime you're around water. Put away distractions like phones and actively watch kids when water is nearby. And everyone should wear a life jacket when boating. Learn more about water safety at http://health.utah.gov/vipp/kids/water-safety/index.html.
Beware the food "danger zone." Don't put cooked food on the same plates or surfaces that held raw meat or chicken. Cook burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, pork, and other meats to the proper temperatures. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Never leave food between 40-140 degrees for more than two hours; one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. Learn more about the food "danger zone" at http://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/2016/05/memorial-day-danger-zone.html.
Remember your DEET. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika virus. And different mosquitoes bite at different times of the day. The mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are found in Utah. They are most active from dusk to dawn. The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to use insect repellent that contains DEET when you go outdoors. You can also wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to avoid bites. Mosquito proof your home by removing standing water. Learn more about preventing West Nile Virus at http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/WNV/.
Wear sunscreen. No one wants a fun weekend ruined by a painful sunburn! Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with at least SPF15 before you go outside, even on cloudy or cool days. Re-apply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Seek shade during peak sun hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And cover up with broad-rimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. Learn more about sun safety at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm.
(Original infographic below)
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Utahns with Asthma Have Higher Rates of Depression
(Salt Lake City, UT) – A new report released by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) shows Utahns who reported missing school or work due to asthma had higher rates of depression compared to the general population. In 2014, 36% of Utahns with asthma reported that a health care provider had diagnosed them with a depressive order compared to 19.3% without asthma. And with more than 235,000 Utahns who currently have asthma, the UDOH Asthma Program is recommending health care providers regularly screen asthma patients for depression.
For adults with asthma, missing at least one day of work or usual activities was associated with an increased risk of depression, regardless of factors such as sex, age, income, time since last asthma symptom, or difficulty sleeping due to asthma. Adolescents who had an asthma attack in the past year were 40% more likely to report being depressed or sad most days when compared to those who did not have an asthma attack. Among adolescents who missed 1-3 days of school in the past year due to asthma, this percentage increased to 49%. Missing school may explain why having an asthma attack is associated with a higher risk of depression.
“Our study shows that the ramifications of poorly controlled asthma impact individuals beyond just the physical health effects of an asthma attack. Having to miss important events in one’s life, like school or work, because of asthma symptoms can directly impact one’s mental health too,” said Holly Uphold, UDOH epidemiologist and lead author of the study.
Additional findings of the study included:
“Health care professionals should take into consideration how asthma symptoms may impact their patient’s quality of life and mental health,” said Nichole Shepard, UDOH Asthma Program Manager. “We recommend health care providers regularly screen their patients for depression using PHQ-9 or another validated depression tool.”
The UDOH also recommends that health care providers ensure patients with asthma have a treatment plan in place for both asthma and depression. Asthma patients should also be monitored regularly for both conditions in order to determine the most effective treatments.
To learn more about the connection between asthma and mental health, download a copy of the Asthma Mental Health Report at www.health.utah.gov/asthma.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Brittany Guerra
(o) 801-538-6894 (m) 678-773-3983
Holly Uphold
(o) 801-538-9272
For adults with asthma, missing at least one day of work or usual activities was associated with an increased risk of depression, regardless of factors such as sex, age, income, time since last asthma symptom, or difficulty sleeping due to asthma. Adolescents who had an asthma attack in the past year were 40% more likely to report being depressed or sad most days when compared to those who did not have an asthma attack. Among adolescents who missed 1-3 days of school in the past year due to asthma, this percentage increased to 49%. Missing school may explain why having an asthma attack is associated with a higher risk of depression.
“Our study shows that the ramifications of poorly controlled asthma impact individuals beyond just the physical health effects of an asthma attack. Having to miss important events in one’s life, like school or work, because of asthma symptoms can directly impact one’s mental health too,” said Holly Uphold, UDOH epidemiologist and lead author of the study.
Additional findings of the study included:
- Adolescents who had an asthma attack in the past year had a higher rate of being depressed or sad most days during the past year (44.2%) when compared to those who had not had an attack in the past year (35.4%).
- Adolescents who missed 1-3 days of school in the past year due to asthma (51.6%) had a higher rate of being depressed or sad most days in the past year than those who missed zero days of school (40.0%).
- Adults with asthma who had symptoms in the past 1-7 days (41.2%) or who had symptoms in the past 8 or more days (42.8%) had a higher prevalence of depression than the general population who reported ever being told by a health care professional he/she was depressed (21.8%).
- Those who could not afford their asthma medication (56.1%) had a higher rate of being depressed than those who could afford their asthma medication (34.8%).
- Adults who limited their usual activities a moderate amount or a lot due to asthma in the past year (52.5%) had a higher rate of being depressed than those who reported no limitations or only a few (33.4%).
- Adults who missed at least one day of work or usual activities due to asthma within the past 12 months (50.0%) had a higher rate of being depressed than those who missed no days (33.5%).
“Health care professionals should take into consideration how asthma symptoms may impact their patient’s quality of life and mental health,” said Nichole Shepard, UDOH Asthma Program Manager. “We recommend health care providers regularly screen their patients for depression using PHQ-9 or another validated depression tool.”
The UDOH also recommends that health care providers ensure patients with asthma have a treatment plan in place for both asthma and depression. Asthma patients should also be monitored regularly for both conditions in order to determine the most effective treatments.
To learn more about the connection between asthma and mental health, download a copy of the Asthma Mental Health Report at www.health.utah.gov/asthma.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Brittany Guerra
(o) 801-538-6894 (m) 678-773-3983
Holly Uphold
(o) 801-538-9272
Monday, May 16, 2016
Rule the Rocks 9 to Tour Southern and Eastern Utah: A youth skateboard and BMX competition in theme to educate local youth on the dangers of tobacco
(Salt Lake City) – The Utah Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Control Program’s (TPCP) way to quit campaign invites youth ages 18 and under to compete in four skateboarding/BMX competitions as part of the annual Rule the Rocks competition. In its ninth year, the competition is exclusive to rural Utah and will take place in Vernal on May 18, Price on May 19, Moab on May 20, and Cedar City on May 21.
Youth are invited to enter one of three categories at each event: beginner, intermediate, or advanced for either skateboarding or BMX. All entrants will receive an event t-shirt, and top participants from each category will win cash and gear.
“The tobacco industry is constantly looking for new customers. Youth, especially those in rural communities and with alternative interests, are on Big Tobacco’s radar,” said Brittany Karzen, marketing manager for TPCP. “That’s why we host anti-tobacco events like Rule the Rocks, to create a one-on-one dialogue with youth and remind them that the best way to quit tobacco, is to never start.”
The Rule the Rocks 9 event schedule will be as follows:
Vernal, Utah
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Ashley Valley Park, Skate Park
250 North between 1000 West and 1150 West - behind the baseball fields
Registration: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Competition: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Price, Utah
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Terrace Hills Skate Park
1050 East 700 North
Registration: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Competition: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Moab, Utah
Friday, May 20, 2016
The Skate Park in Swanny City Park
400 North 100 West
Registration: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Competition: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cedar City, Utah
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Exit 59 Skateboard Park
660 West 945 North (Bicentennial Park)
Registration: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Competition: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ninety percent of adult smokers begin lighting up before age 19 and one in three will eventually die of their addiction. Quitting is different for everyone. Smokers are encouraged to find their way to quit by visiting waytoquit.org or calling the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1.800.QUIT.NOW.
way to quit Rule the Rocks 9 is sponsored in part by Arkade Magazine and 5050 BMX.
Video, interview, video and photo opportunities available.
# # #
Media Contact:
Brittany Karzen
801-538-6917 (desk)
714-267-3679 (mobile)
bkarzen@utah.gov
Youth are invited to enter one of three categories at each event: beginner, intermediate, or advanced for either skateboarding or BMX. All entrants will receive an event t-shirt, and top participants from each category will win cash and gear.
“The tobacco industry is constantly looking for new customers. Youth, especially those in rural communities and with alternative interests, are on Big Tobacco’s radar,” said Brittany Karzen, marketing manager for TPCP. “That’s why we host anti-tobacco events like Rule the Rocks, to create a one-on-one dialogue with youth and remind them that the best way to quit tobacco, is to never start.”
The Rule the Rocks 9 event schedule will be as follows:
Vernal, Utah
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Ashley Valley Park, Skate Park
250 North between 1000 West and 1150 West - behind the baseball fields
Registration: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Competition: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Price, Utah
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Terrace Hills Skate Park
1050 East 700 North
Registration: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Competition: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Moab, Utah
Friday, May 20, 2016
The Skate Park in Swanny City Park
400 North 100 West
Registration: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Competition: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cedar City, Utah
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Exit 59 Skateboard Park
660 West 945 North (Bicentennial Park)
Registration: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Competition: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ninety percent of adult smokers begin lighting up before age 19 and one in three will eventually die of their addiction. Quitting is different for everyone. Smokers are encouraged to find their way to quit by visiting waytoquit.org or calling the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1.800.QUIT.NOW.
way to quit Rule the Rocks 9 is sponsored in part by Arkade Magazine and 5050 BMX.
Video, interview, video and photo opportunities available.
# # #
Media Contact:
Brittany Karzen
801-538-6917 (desk)
714-267-3679 (mobile)
bkarzen@utah.gov
Monday, May 9, 2016
Draft Medicaid Expansion Plan Released for Public Comment
(Salt Lake City, UT) – During the 2016 Legislative Session a bill was passed providing the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) with funding to expand Medicaid coverage for adults. The bill directed UDOH to develop the criteria for three new eligibility groups of adults without dependent children, in addition to parents and submit a plan to the federal government to modify the current Utah Medicaid program accordingly. UDOH has released a draft of that plan and is accepting public comment on it through June 8.
The state is required to obtain approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) before implementing the proposed plan. Based on funding and approval from CMS, the program is designed to provide Medicaid coverage for the following adults:
• Parents with dependent children earning up to 60 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL)
• Adults without dependent children earning up to five percent of the FPL who are:
o Chronically homeless
o Involved in the justice system through probation, parole, or court-ordered treatment needing substance abuse or mental health treatment
o Needing substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment
The proposed plan is available online at http://health.utah.gov/MedicaidExpansion. At this phase of the waiver development, the public is encouraged to review the proposed plan and provide comment. Comments can be submitted online, by email (medicaidadultexpansion@utah.gov), or individuals can attend a public hearing to provide feedback and learn more about the newly expanded adult eligibility group. UDOH will be hosting the following public hearings before submitting the final waiver to CMS:
Thursday, May 19, 2016
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Cannon Health Building (288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City)
Room 125
Call-in Line: 1-800-319-9003, passcode 202989#
[This hearing will be part of the regularly scheduled Medical Care Advisory Committee meeting]
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Cannon Health Building (288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City)
Room 125
Call-in Line: 1-888-329-8895, passcode 759181#
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Bear River Health Department (655 East 1300 North, Logan)
Rooms 153 & 154
Call-in Line: 1-877-820-7831, passcode 196690#
After collecting and responding to public comments, UDOH will finalize the waiver and submit it to CMS on July 1, 2016. If approved, UDOH expects to begin enrolling new members on January 1, 2017.
# # #
Media Contact:
Kolbi Young
(o) 801-538-6847
(m) 801-231-6350
kolbiyoung@utah.gov
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)