Health Brochures Now Available in Audio Format for the Blind

(Salt Lake City, UT) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH), Office of Health Disparities (OHD) has collaborated with the Utah State Library Program for the Blind and Disabled (USL) to create an online collection of audio health materials.  The collection includes mp3 recordings of 39 health brochures covering a variety of chronic diseases, guidelines for healthy aging, and concerns specific to the sight-impaired population, such as diabetic retinopathy and safe exercise for people with vision problems.

The audio resources for the blind have been added to the OHD Multilingual Library, an online collection of health resources in 50 languages, which is available at  http://health.utah.gov/disparities/multilinguallibrary/index.php.

 

The Multilingual Library has been a popular source for health materials in a variety of languages since 2006. OHD recently expanded the Library to accommodate English- language materials for special populations such as the blind.

“The Multilingual Library is an excellent online resource to educate non-English speakers,” said Dr. David Patton, UDOH Executive Director. “We are really pleased to expand the library to reach additional populations with specific needs.”

A multidisciplinary team first envisioned the project at a meeting of OHD, USL and local health department staff members.  The USL lacked resources about health.  OHD had an expansive collection of health materials in the Multilingual Library, but no audio for the blind.  Together, they researched the health needs of blind library patrons using library intake forms (documents filled out by library users when looking for materials).  OHD staff selected quality health brochures appropriate to meet these needs.  USL volunteers read the brochures aloud to create audio recordings. 

"These health-related articles are a valuable addition to the Utah State Library, Health Department, and Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired web sites," said State Librarian Donna Jones Morris.  "This partnership allows the link to these resources to be viewed on all three web sites."

The Resources for the Blind section of the Multilingual Library can be accessed at: http://health.utah.gov/disparities/multilinguallibrary/Target/Blind.php.

Media Contact:

April Young Bennett

(801) 703-0127

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