November: Utahns mark awareness month for many health issues

Public health » Utah advocates hope to alert residents to a variety of health challenges and issues.

The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Nov 09 2012 05:17 pm • Last Updated Nov 09 2012 05:17 pm

November marks the awareness month for many diseases and conditions. Several Utah advocacy groups are planning events and urging awareness of issues from Alzheimer’s disease to rural health.

Diabetes: In Utah, 177,000 diagnosed

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association and Utah Department of Health will hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. to urge Utahns to "take an active role" in preventing, treating and curing diabetes.

The event will be held in front of the local offices of JDRF and ADA at 132 South 600 East, Salt Lake City. The Malialole drummers, a Pacific Islander group, will be performing. The groups want to highlight that 13.7 percent of Utah’s Pacific Islander adults have diabetes, double the statewide rate of 6.9 percent. Currently, 28,000 Pacific Islanders reside in Utah.

For more information and to take action, visit an visit the following websites to take action: www.jdrf.org, www.stopdiabetes.com or www.health.utah.gov/diabetes.

Utah Pacific Islander Health Week: A look at disparities

The Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition is marking its awareness week Nov. 11 -17. They aim to raise awareness of the serious health issues and health disparities that affect Utah’s PI communities, and to promote available resources.

According to the Utah Department of Health, nearly 8 out of 10 Pacific Islanders in Utah are overweight or obese, and the adult diabetes rate is double the state average.

A kick-off celebration is set for Monday, Nov. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sorenson Multicultural Center. It will feature free family activities, food, health resources, Zumba and Hot Hula classes/demonstrations, as well as free flu shots. The center will offer free day passes for families to enjoy the swimming pool and fitness facilities all day.

Other activities during the week include a healthy Polynesian cooking competition, participation in World Diabetes Day, MANA Fitness Challenge finale and more. An updated calendar of events is available at www.utahpacifichealth.org.

The Great American Smokeout: A chance to quit

Each year, more than 1,100 Utah adults die as a result of their own smoking, according to state health officials. As part of the Great American Smokeout, marked on Thursday, Nov. 15. the Utah Tobacco Quit Line and Subway are encouraging Utahns to give up tobacco.

Anyone who calls the Utah Tobacco Quit Line (1.800.QUIT.NOW ) between November 14 and 25 will receive a free smoking cessation kit with a card good for a free 6-inch sub at any Subway restaurant in Utah. The call is free and confidential.

Several Subway locations across the Salt Lake Valley will be hosting a drive-thru event, at which people can pick up free quit kits.

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