Trends in Salt Lake

Lauren Williams         

I spoke with my father, Greg Williams, who is a Medical Dosimetrist for the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. He described trends that he sees in the Salt Lake area.

The first trend is obesity. This trend continues to affect so many people. This is a huge cause for concern because it can cause a lot of different health problems. Although some areas of Salt Lake are doing much better than the national average, health professionals continue to be concerned about the problems it may cause in the health of the people. Only about half of the residents are getting the least needed amount of exercise. Many programs are making people aware of the problem and encouraging proper portion sizes and getting enough fruits and vegetables.

The next trend is influenza in older adults. This is commonly affecting those 65 and older. 9 out of 10 deaths due to influenza hospitalizations occur in adults age 65 and older. Everyone is being encouraged to get the flu vaccination in hopes to reduce the flu epidemic. The elderly are unfortunately often influenced with at least one chronic disease in addition to having other illnesses. 91 percent of those age 65 and older have a chronic disease. This can affect recovery from illnesses.

Another big problem in the Salt Lake area is air pollution. Often just driving through, one can see the smog that surrounds the city. In the news there are often alerts and warnings about the quality of the air. My dad said that many people from his workplace, himself included, carpool to work in attempt to help with the quality of the air. Officials try to promote carpooling and reduced driving. They wish for people to drive if they need to, but encourage other forms of transportation, especially public transportation. Front Runner, Trax, and other UTA transportation are becoming more and more accessible as they are extending their lines and use.

Another trend affecting the area is tanning. Cancer is continually on the rise and among the patients at the Huntsman Cancer Institute are those with skin cancer. This is an increasing problem with the younger population. More and more young people are getting cancer because they are spending too much time in tanning salons or under the sun. They are also not using proper protection and family genetics are also playing a role in the increase of cancer. People are being informed of the dangers when they go into tanning salons and there is also an effort to make better and more useful sunscreens that have the right kind of protection.

The last trend is cancer to due smoking and second-hand smoke. In the cancer institute, there are many who come in with lung cancer. Unfortunately, people are continuing to smoke and harm their bodies. Because it is so addictive, people are continuing to take part in smoking, even though they know of the effects. There are programs in elementary schools aiming to teach kids the dangers of smoking and of other drug use. This is helping many to see the danger that it is and influencing them to see the deadly effects it can have. In addition, there are increasing numbers of places that do not allow smoking, including places like parks where many families play together.