Date: March 30, 2005
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant - KDOA
barbaraconant@aging.state.ks.us
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Elaine Schwartz, KPHA
785-233-3103
Sharon Watson, KDHE
785-296-5795
Although recent federal data report that Americans are living longer, many Kansans, especially seniors, continue to suffer from preventable health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
The Kansas Department on Health and Environment (KDHE), Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA), and the Kansas Public Health Association (KPHA) are working on ways that Kansans can stay strong and healthy, especially throughout their later years, and are encouraging Kansans to take steps to improve their health during National Public Health Week, April 4-10.
The kick-off event will be at the Capital Thursday, March 31, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the 2 nd floor rotunda, and will include displays of health information, a poster contest, healthy snacks, and a portrayal of Samuel Crumbine, M.D. by the Kansas Humanities Council. Dr. Crumbine is known as Kansas ’s Frontier Doctor and was the founder of the Kansas Public Health Association in 1920.
During National Public Health Week, KDHE, KDOA, KPHA and their partners will focus on identifying and reducing the barriers that keep Americans, especially seniors, from getting the health care and information they need. According to recently released information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy of Americans rose to 77.6 years in 2003 from 77.3 years in 2002. However, older residents continue to suffer from chronic diseases that can be treated, if they are detected in time. One in three older Americans does not get all recommended screenings. For example, 60 percent of Americans over age 65 have not had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy as recommended, two tests that can screen for colorectal cancer, although Medicare covers both services.
"Today, many individuals and their families, as well as communities and policymakers are missing opportunities to take the preventive actions necessary to keep Kansans stronger and healthier," said Roderick Bremby, Secretary of KDHE. "As a result, many Kansans often endure chronic physical and mental illnesses that could be avoided or diminished if addressed sooner."
“Poor health and long periods of dependency need not be the inevitable consequences of aging,” said KDOA Secretary Pamela Johnson-Betts. “There are proven strategies to prevent and manage chronic conditions which can improve the health of older adults, slow the rise in medical and social service costs. Ultimately, this benefits Kansans of all ages.”
During National Public Health Week, KDHE , KDOA, and KPHA, and other partners are asking Kansans and their families to assess their current health status, identify potential risks and create a plan for maintaining optimum health. These partners will also promote the three Ps in adding more healthy years to life: Prevent, Protect and Plan.
Among the tools available to the public during the week are a listing of public health departments that will offer a free health assessment at www.nphw.org, and a Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator at www.livingto100.com to conduct a personal health assessment at home. Research communications firm Belden Russonello & Stewart will also release the results of a telephone survey of 600 older adults on what barriers Americans face to living healthier lifestyles.
Partners for National Public Health Week in Kansas include The Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation, Comprehensive Cancer Program-KDHE Coordinated School Health Program–KDHE & KSDE, Diabetes Prevention and Control Program-KDHE Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Program–KDHE, Kansas Arthritis Program-KDHE, KPHA, Oral Health Kansas, Inc., Kansas Department on Aging, Johnson County Health Department, Kansas State University, Shawnee County Health Agency, Shawnee County Medical Reserve Corp., Tobacco Use Prevention Program-KDHE, Sedgwick County Health Department, Barber County Health Department.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius will sign a proclamation on Monday, April 4 declaring National Public Health Week in Kansas , April 4-10, 2005 . Many of the partners will be in attendance for the signing. More information on National Public Health Week in Kansas is available at www.kpha.us.
The Kansas Public Health Association is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, the oldest organization of public health professionals, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50 public health occupations. More information is available at www.apha.org.