High Blood Pressure Hits More than Your Health

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Today, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) published the July 2012 Utah Health Status Report, which ranked high blood pressure, or hypertension, as the second most costly chronic disease in the state.  The annual costs to treat high blood pressure in Utah total an average of more than $111 million. 

“Nearly 1 in 4 Utah adults have high blood pressure,” said Athena Carolan, Health Specialist with the UDOH Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program (HDSPP).  “It’s considered the silent killer because it creates no obvious health symptoms, but often leads to heart attacks and strokes.”

Safe and effective treatments are readily available for those diagnosed with high blood pressure; however, more than one-third (36.3%) of all Utah health plan enrollees do not have the condition “under control,” meaning a systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure below 90. 

Utah HDSPP works with partners to increase awareness of high blood pressure treatment guidelines and improve patient follow-up.

“By partnering with health systems, worksites, and community groups, we work as a team to raise awareness and lower costs,” Carolan said. “It’s also critical that individuals talk to their doctors about how to improve their blood pressure through lifestyle changes, like losing weight, eating less salt, exercising more, and giving up smoking.” 

For more information about blood pressure or HDSPP, visit www.hearthighway.org. 

Media Contact
Athena Carolan
Health Program Specialist
801-538-9209

Stay Safe and “Know Before You Go” Off-Road

(Salt Lake City, UT) – As thousands of Utahns head to the mountains and deserts for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation this summer, Utah State Parks and the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) are reminding riders to “know before you go” by obeying Utah laws and wearing a helmet.

UDOH data show that in 2010, more than 1,800 Utahns were treated in the emergency department or hospitalized for OHV-related injuries and 20 died. OHVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles. OHV crashes are also a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in Utah.

Jenny Johnson, spokesperson for the UDOH Violence and Injury Prevention Program, stresses the importance of staying within your riding limits. “We want Utahns to get out and enjoy our beautiful recreation areas. But remember, OHVs aren’t toys. When handled improperly or beyond the driving abilities of the operator or manufacturer specifications, they can be deadly.”

Operators between the ages of eight and 15 are required by law to take an OHV Safety Education class approved by Utah State Parks and Recreation and obtain their Utah OHV Safety Education Certificate before operating OHVs. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land. Drivers 16 years of age and older must have a valid driver’s license to operate one.

“More than 50,000 Utahns have taken the OHV Safety Education classes. They are an invaluable teaching tool for young drivers and their parents,” said Chris Haller, OHV Program Manager for Utah State Parks and Recreation. The classes focus on safety, handling, maintenance, and riding etiquette. Online OHV safety education courses are available at

www.stateparks.utah.gov/ohv.

Helmets with at least a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved safety rating for motorized use are required for all OHV operators and passengers under the age of 18.

“A helmet is always a must,” said Reed Embley, President of the Northern Utah ATV Trail Riders. “As a former EMT, I know how devastating head injuries can be. When you ignore safety, the outcome will usually not be pleasant. A small, almost inconsequential accident can change your life forever."

UDOH and State Parks officials recommend the following when enjoying OHVs:

     · Always wear a helmet and other safety gear. Other safety gear includes goggles or a face shield, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover the ankles.

     · Ride a machine that is the right size for you. Children should only ride OHVs that the manufacturer indicates are appropriate for their age and size. Riding a machine that is too big or too small is a major cause of crashes. Riders should be able to straddle the machine with a slight bend in the knees while both feet are on the footrests. Riders should be able to reach the controls while turning.

     · Always ride in control. Never attempt anything that is beyond your skill level or machine capability.

     · Only carry passengers if an OHV is specifically designed for it. Off-road motorcycles and most ATVs are designed to be ridden by only one person.

     · Don’t drive or ride on an OHV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

For more safety tips, information on trails and riding conditions, and OHV Safety Education classes, contact the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation OHV Program at 801-538-RIDE or visit http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/ohv.

Media Contacts:

Jenny Johnson, UDOH

(o) 801-538-9416 (m) 801-298-1569

Chris Haller

Utah State Parks and Recreation

(o) 801-349-0487

 

Smoking Ban to Take Effect at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Facilities

SALT LAKE CITY - In a press conference today, the Utah Departments of Health (UDOH) and Human Services (DHS) reported that by July 1, 2012, more than 150 publicly-funded substance abuse and mental health facilities across Utah will have implemented a tobacco-free environment campus policy. The facilities will also be offering tobacco cessation treatments for their clients as a part of the Recovery Plus Wellness Initiative.

Dr. Robert Rolfs, Deputy Director, Utah Department of Health, said that research supports concurrent treatment for substance abuse and tobacco cessation.

“Studies show that substance abuse patients who also smoke can increase their rate of recovery by up to 25 percent when they receive treatment for both addictions simultaneously,” Rolfs said.

Clients have also found the programs useful in their recovery.

“I was able to incorporate the same principles I was using to stop using drugs and alcohol, said Danielle, a client at the House of Hope. “I used those same principles, techniques, and tools in not smoking. It was a combination effect; if I was going to quit, I was going to quit everything.”

According to the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, people with mental illness die 25 years earlier on average than the general population, largely due to conditions caused or worsened by smoking.

“We know that tobacco use for residents of Utah suffering from mental illness or substance abuse is much higher than for the general population in Utah,” said Palmer DePaulis, Executive Director, Utah Department of Human Services. “With these facilities going 100% tobacco-free and treating tobacco use, substance abuse and mental health providers can save lives.” 

Recovery Plus was created in response to an urgent need for guidelines for creating a tobacco-free campus policy. Integrating tobacco cessation with current treatment protocols will increase recovery rates and life expectancy for individuals with substance abuse issues and/or mental illnesses.  It’s estimated that nearly 17,000 tobacco users will benefit from the cessation programs.

For more information, visit www.RecoveryPlus.Utah.Gov.  For free help quitting tobacco, call the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1.800.QUIT.NOW or visit www.UtahQuitNet.com.

Media Contact:

Amy Oliver

Media Coordinator

Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

(o) 801-538-6917 (c) 801-783-9067