For this assignment I was particularly interested
in the public health trends in my hometown community. I was able to talk to
Rick Meyer, who works in the Public Health Department and is an environmental
health professional.
1. The first public health concern for San Juan County is
the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In Utah, STDs are on the rise
and San Juan County has one of the highest rates compared to other counties in
the state. This may be due to the lack of education in the area and the nature
of many STDs, for many people are not aware that they have contracted the
disease.
2. From 1943 to 1960, an active uranium and
vanadium-processing mill was located immediately adjacent to Monticello, San
Juan County. Mill waste was deposited at the Monticello Mill Tailings Site
(MMTS). Therefore, there are many that now suffer from cancer in San Juan
County. The two prevalent cancers are lung and bronchial.
3. Another public health trend of San Juan County is the
rise of people who are actively benefiting from the Women, Infants and Child
(WIC) program. This in part can be explained by the financial economics of the
women who live in the area. Many are thankful for the program that insures
needs will be met for mothers and offspring.
4. Diabetes is also on the rise and a major health issue in
San Juan County. Many people do not eat healthy in part to their financial
situation and find it much easier and less expensive to buy processed food. Not
only is diabetes brought on by lifestyle but hereditary can be to blame as
well. There are many who visit the hospitals for dialysis treatment.
5. San Juan County is starting to see an off balance of
older v. young people. The older people stay in San Juan County while many young
people grow up and move away never to return. This can be attributed to the
many opportunities that are not present in San Juan County. Therefore, this is
not only a public health concern but a economic concern as well for the county.
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