McKay Rentz  

Public Health 100

Community Health Trends

I contacted the Utah County Department of Health and found out current health trends from James  Madigan.

            One of the recent trends is that there has been a lower number of people coming in and getting Flu shots. The warm weather has lead people to believe there is not a huge need, but there is still potential for an epidemic. Many people also believe that the vaccines do not provide enough protection, but the fact is those who are most susceptible to serious damage from the Flu, will definitely be in danger when it does hit, and hit it will in the very near future.

            Another trending issue is that there are now smoking apps on the iPhone and Android. These apps are pro smoking and give many pop-up messages that support tobacco use.  The apps simulates the act of smoking by displaying images of different types of smoking implements on the screen.  The user then puts their phone to their mouth to look as if they are smoking.  The developer of the app claims the app will reduce smoking because it appeals to the sociality of the act, but health officials warn the app can make smoking seem normal and harmless and lead children to try tobacco products

            A now more than decade-long health concern  is texting and driving. Over the years, the Utah County Health Department has created  many different advertisements decrying  texting and driving. People have still not conceptualized how dangerous that it can be to text and drive and officials are running out of ways to convey this very important message. Although there are fewer teen drivers on the road  today, mainly due to economic issues, they account for the majority of accidents caused by distracted driving. This is largely in part due to many of them texting while driving.  They still do not understand the dangers of this very bad habit.

            Something I find very interesting is there is a study that shows physical activity helps kids learn. Research has shown that kids who are physically active are receiving better grades than those who are not. This is not only affecting  their physical health, but also attentiveness and behavior in class. Students develop positive attitudes after being physically active and are more willing to learn. This shows how important it is to keep kid physically active.

            The final trend deals with prescription drug abuse. Although the prescription drug abuse is trending lower, it is still costing Americans a lot of money and also causes more deaths than car crashes. The state of Utah is working to reduce prescription drug abuse by holding programs which allow individuals to safely dispose of  left over prescription medications.  These  “ take back” events rid homes of dangerous temptations for children and thieves alike.  There is still much room for improvement, as Utah boasts one of the highest rates of this type of drug abuse.