(Salt Lake City, UT) – Unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, drowning, and poisoning continue to be the number one killer of children ages one to 18 in Utah. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent many of these tragedies from even occurring. Thanks to a generous donation from Intermountain Healthcare, Safe Kids Utah will now be able to expand safety programs across the state such as car seat checkups, ATV safety clinics, and other education programs that teach children, parents, and caregivers how to prevent unintentional childhood injuries.
“When a child dies or is seriously injured, the lives of families and communities are changed forever. But these tragedies don’t have to happen. The important thing to remember about preventable injuries is that they are preventable. They often occur in predictable ways and can be completely avoided with the right education, awareness, and planning,” said Cambree Applegate, Safe Kids Utah director. “This donation will allow Safe Kids Utah to increase our efforts to teach parents how to keep their children safe while at home, at play, or on the road.”
Prevention efforts lead by Safe Kids Utah over the last two decades have worked. From 1999 to 2014, there has been a 60 percent decrease in the rate of unintentional injury deaths among Utah children ages one to 18 (12.9 per 100,000 in 1999 vs. 5.1 in 2014).
“As a not-for-profit healthcare system, Intermountain Healthcare’s priority is to improve health in the communities we serve,” said Mikelle Moore, vice president of Community Benefit for Intermountain Healthcare. “We are grateful to assist Safe Kids Utah to meet their goals to prevent unintentional childhood injuries.”
Safe Kids Utah was organized in 1995 to address the issue of childhood injuries and to look for better ways to keep kids safe. Safe Kids Utah is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization housed within the Utah Department of Health.
“Our vision is to reduce preventable childhood injury. In partnership with Intermountain Healthcare, other valuable partners, and Safe Kids coalitions throughout the state, we advocate for effective laws, educate adults and children to provide safe environments, and empower local communities,” stated Applegate.
Intermountain Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system based in Salt Lake City. Recognized for its excellent clinical care and low costs, Intermountain strives to help people live the healthiest lives possible.
For more information about preventing child injuries and Safe Kids Utah, visit http://safekidsutah.org.
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Cambree Applegate
Safe Kids Utah Coordinator
(o) 801-538-6852 (m) 435-862-8773
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
First Case of Zika Virus Disease Reported in Utah
(Salt Lake City) – Utah public health officials have received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a Utah resident has tested positive for the Zika virus. The patient, a child between the ages of two and 10 years, recently traveled to an affected country before returning to Utah. The child exhibited symptoms, including the typical rash, and has not experienced any complications.
“It isn’t surprising that Utah has an imported case of Zika virus since so many of our residents travel to and from areas where the disease is currently being transmitted,” said Dr. Allyn Nakashima, State Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). She adds, “Zika virus, with the possible link to the birth defect microcephaly, is understandably frightening.” Since there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and no specific medical treatment for those who are infected, the UDOH urges all who may be considering travel to the growing number of affected countries to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The mosquito that is spreading the virus in the affected countries isn't currently found in Utah. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html for the most current list of countries affected by Zika virus. Sexual transmission of Zika virus can occur, although there is limited data about the risk. The virus generally only causes fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes, and is almost always a very mild illness. Most people won’t require testing. Approximately 80 percent of those infected never show any symptoms of the disease, while approximately 20 percent will have only mild symptoms.
Public health officials encourage pregnant women to postpone traveling to affected areas, if possible, or talk to their health care provider before considering travel. For anyone who does plan to visit the affected countries, prevention is the best approach to avoiding Zika virus infection. Steps to prevent mosquito bites include using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and removing standing water where mosquitoes live and breed.
The UDOH and CDC are monitoring the situation closely.
For more information on Zika virus and how to protect yourself, visit www.cdc.gov/zika. For women who are pregnant and have questions about Zika virus, please call the MotherToBaby program at 1-800-822-2229, text 855-999-3525, or chat live or email www.MotherToBaby.org.
# # #
Media Contact
Becky Ward, UDOH
(o) 801-538-6682
(c) 801-352-1270
“It isn’t surprising that Utah has an imported case of Zika virus since so many of our residents travel to and from areas where the disease is currently being transmitted,” said Dr. Allyn Nakashima, State Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). She adds, “Zika virus, with the possible link to the birth defect microcephaly, is understandably frightening.” Since there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and no specific medical treatment for those who are infected, the UDOH urges all who may be considering travel to the growing number of affected countries to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The mosquito that is spreading the virus in the affected countries isn't currently found in Utah. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html for the most current list of countries affected by Zika virus. Sexual transmission of Zika virus can occur, although there is limited data about the risk. The virus generally only causes fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes, and is almost always a very mild illness. Most people won’t require testing. Approximately 80 percent of those infected never show any symptoms of the disease, while approximately 20 percent will have only mild symptoms.
Public health officials encourage pregnant women to postpone traveling to affected areas, if possible, or talk to their health care provider before considering travel. For anyone who does plan to visit the affected countries, prevention is the best approach to avoiding Zika virus infection. Steps to prevent mosquito bites include using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and removing standing water where mosquitoes live and breed.
The UDOH and CDC are monitoring the situation closely.
For more information on Zika virus and how to protect yourself, visit www.cdc.gov/zika. For women who are pregnant and have questions about Zika virus, please call the MotherToBaby program at 1-800-822-2229, text 855-999-3525, or chat live or email www.MotherToBaby.org.
# # #
Media Contact
Becky Ward, UDOH
(o) 801-538-6682
(c) 801-352-1270
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
New Plan Unveiled in the Fight Against Cancer
(Salt Lake City, UT) – Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Utah and the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease. In 2014, more than 3,000 Utahns died from cancer. Today, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and the Utah Cancer Action Network (UCAN) unveiled a new plan in the fight against cancer.
“This plan represents the largest formal effort to address the burden of cancer in the state of Utah,” said Lynette Phillips, Program Manager for the UDOH Cancer Control Program. “We invite everyone to discover their role and responsibility in the fight against cancer. As all may be affected by cancer in some way, it will take all of us to meet this challenge.”
The Utah Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan outlines four priority areas that represent the highest burden areas for cancer control and UCAN’s desire to achieve meaningful and lasting impact over the next five years. These priority areas include cancer screening, physical activity and nutrition, skin cancer, and survivorship and quality of life. In addition, the plan calls for increased collaboration to address the role genetics plays in cancer prevention, treatment, and research as well as how the human papillomavirus (HPV), radon, and tobacco impact cancer burden in the state.
Data in the plan revealed:
“By working together, we can increase awareness of how to prevent cancer, detect it early, and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors in our state,” said John Sweetenham, MD, UCAN Chairperson and Executive Medical Director of Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Visit www.ucan.cc to download a copy of the 2016-2020 Utah Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan or to learn how you can get involved with the Utah Cancer Action Network.
# # #
Media Contact:
Lindsay Snow
Cancer Control Program
(o) 801-538-6313
“This plan represents the largest formal effort to address the burden of cancer in the state of Utah,” said Lynette Phillips, Program Manager for the UDOH Cancer Control Program. “We invite everyone to discover their role and responsibility in the fight against cancer. As all may be affected by cancer in some way, it will take all of us to meet this challenge.”
The Utah Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan outlines four priority areas that represent the highest burden areas for cancer control and UCAN’s desire to achieve meaningful and lasting impact over the next five years. These priority areas include cancer screening, physical activity and nutrition, skin cancer, and survivorship and quality of life. In addition, the plan calls for increased collaboration to address the role genetics plays in cancer prevention, treatment, and research as well as how the human papillomavirus (HPV), radon, and tobacco impact cancer burden in the state.
Data in the plan revealed:
- Lung, breast, colorectal, pancreas, and prostate cancer are the top five cancer killers in the state.
- While Utah has the lowest rate of lung cancer in the U.S., we have the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the country, 65% higher than the U.S. rate.
- The top five leading cancers by number of new cases in Utah are prostate, breast, skin melanoma, colorectal, and lung.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for men in Utah while breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for women.
“By working together, we can increase awareness of how to prevent cancer, detect it early, and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors in our state,” said John Sweetenham, MD, UCAN Chairperson and Executive Medical Director of Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Visit www.ucan.cc to download a copy of the 2016-2020 Utah Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan or to learn how you can get involved with the Utah Cancer Action Network.
# # #
Media Contact:
Lindsay Snow
Cancer Control Program
(o) 801-538-6313
Monday, February 8, 2016
“Make the Time to Make Sure” Utah Ranks 7th Lowest in Nation for Mammography Screenings
(Salt Lake City, UT) – I don’t have time for a mammogram. I’m scared of what the results will be. I’m worried about how much it will cost. What if it’s uncomfortable or embarrassing? Women often use excuses such as lack of time, fear of the unknown, lack of financial resources, or beliefs about modesty as reasons for not getting a mammogram. But with Utah ranked 7th lowest in the country for mammography screenings, the Utah Department of Health’s Cancer Control Program (UCCP) wants women to “make the time to make sure” by talking to their doctor about when they should get a mammogram.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women in the U.S. and the leading cause of female cancer deaths in Utah,” said Brenda Nelson, spokesperson for the UCCP. “Our new campaign encourages the supporters of women, such as their husbands, children, and even co-workers, to encourage the women in their lives to talk to their doctor about getting a mammogram.”
The UCCP and many of Utah’s local health departments offer free or low-cost cancer screening exams. “Women living in Utah’s frontier communities are significantly less likely to have had a mammography screening in the last two years compared to women living in more urban areas,” said Lynette Phillips, program manager for the UCCP. “They are also often unaware of free or low-cost services in their area.”
To see if you qualify for free or low-cost mammography screening, contact your local health department or call the UCCP at 1-800-717-1811. An interactive map of screening facilities by county is also available at http://cancerutah.org/get-screened/screening-locations/.
The UCCP recommends that all women aged 40 and older, regardless of their family health history, talk to their doctor about getting a mammogram. “There have been several changes to national screening guidelines that can be confusing,” said Nelson. “That’s why it’s so important to talk with your doctor about when the best time for you to get a mammogram is and how often you should be screened. There are many risk factors that can increase your personal risk for breast cancer, including age, family history, body weight, and even physical activity level so some women may need earlier or more frequent screenings than others.”
For more information about breast cancer and mammography screenings, or to watch the “Make the Time to Make Sure” campaign videos, visit http://cancerutah.org/.
# # #
Media Contact:
Brenda Nelson
Cancer Control Program
(o) 801-538-6189 (m) 435-849-1759
“Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women in the U.S. and the leading cause of female cancer deaths in Utah,” said Brenda Nelson, spokesperson for the UCCP. “Our new campaign encourages the supporters of women, such as their husbands, children, and even co-workers, to encourage the women in their lives to talk to their doctor about getting a mammogram.”
The UCCP and many of Utah’s local health departments offer free or low-cost cancer screening exams. “Women living in Utah’s frontier communities are significantly less likely to have had a mammography screening in the last two years compared to women living in more urban areas,” said Lynette Phillips, program manager for the UCCP. “They are also often unaware of free or low-cost services in their area.”
To see if you qualify for free or low-cost mammography screening, contact your local health department or call the UCCP at 1-800-717-1811. An interactive map of screening facilities by county is also available at http://cancerutah.org/get-screened/screening-locations/.
The UCCP recommends that all women aged 40 and older, regardless of their family health history, talk to their doctor about getting a mammogram. “There have been several changes to national screening guidelines that can be confusing,” said Nelson. “That’s why it’s so important to talk with your doctor about when the best time for you to get a mammogram is and how often you should be screened. There are many risk factors that can increase your personal risk for breast cancer, including age, family history, body weight, and even physical activity level so some women may need earlier or more frequent screenings than others.”
For more information about breast cancer and mammography screenings, or to watch the “Make the Time to Make Sure” campaign videos, visit http://cancerutah.org/.
# # #
Media Contact:
Brenda Nelson
Cancer Control Program
(o) 801-538-6189 (m) 435-849-1759
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
1 in 3 Utah Adults May Have Prediabetes
(Salt Lake City, UT) – One in three Americans (approximately 86 million people) has prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are high, but not high enough yet to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in Utah alone, as many as 33% of adults may have prediabetes. While many are familiar with Type 2 diabetes, nearly 90 percent of people with prediabetes are not aware they have the condition. People with prediabetes have increased risks to their long-term health, including developing Type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Medical Association (AMA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently partnered with the Ad Council on the first national prediabetes awareness campaign. The campaign is designed to help people learn their risk of developing diabetes and take steps to reverse the condition. The Healthy Living through Environment, Policy& Improved Clinical Care (EPICC) program at the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is proud to lend its support to the campaign, which has a simple but strong message: no one is excused from prediabetes. The campaign encourages people to take a short online test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org to assess their risk for prediabetes.
Celsa Bowman, spokesperson for UDOH EPICC said, "Our goal is to help people lose five to seven percent of their body weight and increase their physical activity. Moderate weight loss of just 10 pounds for a person who is 200 pounds can cut the risk in half for developing Type 2 diabetes."
If left untreated, current trends estimate that 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes could develop Type 2 diabetes within five years. However, prediabetes can often be reversed through weight loss, diet changes, and increased physical activity. Diagnosis is key; research shows that once people are aware of their condition, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes. A rise in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes presents a significant threat to Utah, potentially increasing healthcare costs and increasing demand on the healthcare system. In an effort to reverse this trend, UDOH EPICC is supporting the national effort and working to make an impact in the community through self-management classes and promoting prediabetes awareness.
Additional information on the campaign is available online at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Information about UDOH EPICC is available at choosehealth.utah.gov.
# # #
Media Contact:
Dave Mecham
EPICC Program
(801) 538-6654
The American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Medical Association (AMA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently partnered with the Ad Council on the first national prediabetes awareness campaign. The campaign is designed to help people learn their risk of developing diabetes and take steps to reverse the condition. The Healthy Living through Environment, Policy& Improved Clinical Care (EPICC) program at the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is proud to lend its support to the campaign, which has a simple but strong message: no one is excused from prediabetes. The campaign encourages people to take a short online test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org to assess their risk for prediabetes.
Celsa Bowman, spokesperson for UDOH EPICC said, "Our goal is to help people lose five to seven percent of their body weight and increase their physical activity. Moderate weight loss of just 10 pounds for a person who is 200 pounds can cut the risk in half for developing Type 2 diabetes."
If left untreated, current trends estimate that 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes could develop Type 2 diabetes within five years. However, prediabetes can often be reversed through weight loss, diet changes, and increased physical activity. Diagnosis is key; research shows that once people are aware of their condition, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes. A rise in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes presents a significant threat to Utah, potentially increasing healthcare costs and increasing demand on the healthcare system. In an effort to reverse this trend, UDOH EPICC is supporting the national effort and working to make an impact in the community through self-management classes and promoting prediabetes awareness.
Additional information on the campaign is available online at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Information about UDOH EPICC is available at choosehealth.utah.gov.
# # #
Media Contact:
Dave Mecham
EPICC Program
(801) 538-6654
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