SOUTHWEST UTAH PUBLIC HEALTH FOUNDATION FALL 2022 RE-FOCUS ON HEALTH PG. 18PREDIABETESPG.10PG. 6 STRESS MANAGEMENT
Thank you for reading our latest issue of HEALTH Magazine. We value this opportunity to offer a little insight into the many developments and opportunities that the field of public health has to offer. Most of the time these efforts are behind the scenes; public health is most effective when bad things don’t happen. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most people didn’t really know much about what a health department’s role in the communi ty was. Now, most have become aware that we are charged with monitoring and trying to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, but there are so many oth er aspects of life that good health practices can impact.
Letter from the Health Officer
DavidSincerely,W.Blodgett, MD, MPH Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD) Director & Health Officer
The thread of good weaveshealthitself into everything we do. We know that the right information can make a big difference, espe cially if it comes at a time when you’re ready to make a change. We don’t accept advertising in our publication, enabling us to avoid any conflicts of interest in what we are able to present. We want to be free to give you the best insights and practices you can use in your life to live longer and better. As you’ll see, the design of this issue of HEALTH seeks to illustrate that the thread of good health weaves itself into everything we do. You can be confident in using us as a resource in your journey to the best health possible.
IN THIS ISSUE Public health includes a wide variety of information and ideas; from community efforts to individual decisions and responsibility; from proven practices to exploring new possibilities. This issue includes articles that are drawn together with common themes of moderation, simplicity, and better health that is within everyone’s reach. “Wellness is a connection of paths: knowledge and action.” – Joshua Holtz INSIDE 8. COVID-19 UPDATE 6. RE-FOCUS ON HEALTH By David Blodgett, MD, MPH 10. IS DIABETES IN YOUR FUTURE? By Kristi Sharp 12. THE GREAT OUTDOORS By David Heaton 22. NOTIFICATIONSEMERGENCY By Mike Gale, AEMT 28. ANNUAL REPORT 2021 SWUPHD 20. BACK TO IMMUNIZATIONSSCHOOL By Shana Chavez 18. STRESS MANAGEMENT By David Heaton 14. LEAVE THE CLOCK ALONE By Haley Otman 16. COMMUNITY HEALTH By Jeff Smith & Alison Argyle HEALTH MAGAZINE | WINTER 2022 24. SCREEN TIME By Jean M. Twenge
LOCATIONS BEAVER 75 W 1175 N Beaver, Utah 84713 GARFIELD435-438-2482 601 E C enter Panguitch, Utah 84759 435-676-8800IRON 260 E DL S argent DR. Cedar City, Utah 84721 435-586-2437KANE 445 N orth Main Kanab, Utah 84741 WASHINGTON435-644-2537 620 S 400 E St. George, Utah 84770 435-673-3528 (SouthwestSWUPHDUtahPublicHealthDepartment) DIRECTOR/HEALTHMAGAZINEHEALTHOFFICER:PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR:EDITOR:DESIGN&ARTWORK:David W. Blodgett MD, MPH Jeff DavidShumwayHeatonKindalRidd The entire contents of this publication are Copyright ©2022 HEALTH (the magazine of the Southwest Utah Public Health Foun dation) with all rights reserved and shall not be reproduced or transmitted in any manner, either in whole or in part, without prior written permission of the publisher. Health magazine hereby disclaims all liability and is not responsible for any damage suffered as the result of claims or representations made in this publication. Printed by Hudson Printing Company / Salt Lake City, Utah / hudsonprinting.com QUESTIONS OR INFO@SWUHEALTH.ORGCOMMENTS
The State of Utah recommends that residents use the CDC’s online County Tracker tool to check the level of COVID-19 activity in your area, which is based on cases and hospital usage. Just visit covid.cdc.gov and enter your location to see if your county is at low, medium, or high. There are recom mended actions for each level. Utah, including our 5-county district, cur rently has no COVID-19 mandates in effect. Visit swuhealth.org/covid-19 for local updates on vaccinations and other pandemic information. LOW MEDIUM HIGH • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines • Get tested if you have symp toms • If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precau tions • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines • Get tested if you have symp toms • Wear a mask indoors in public • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines • Get tested if you have symp toms • Additional precautions maybe needed for people at high risk for severe illness Find more information - Access services - Stay current on local public health events and alerts - Read past issues of HEALTH Magazine @swuhealth
CEDAR CITY Saturday, September 24 Cedar City Hospital (1303 N. Main) 9am-noon | Walk-in ST. GEORGE Tuesday, September 27 Red Cliffs Mall (1770 Red Cliffs Drive) 8am-noon | Drive-thru 2pm-5pm | Walk-in SPRINGDALE Monday, October 3 Zion Clinic (120 Lion Blvd) 9am-noon | Drive-thru/Walk-in
Flu season is approaching! Protect yourself against influenza by getting your shot at our annual Flu Shootout. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department will be holding a drive-thru or walk-in Shootout in your coun ty, beginning in September. These clinics provide a convenient and low cost (or no cost with many insurances) way to get a flu shot, and help us practice our emergency response plans. We were able to put those into ac tion at our large-scale vaccination clinics in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Remember to wear a short-sleeve shirt, bring your insurance card, and fill out the consent form (found at swuheath.org/flu) and bring it with you to save time.
BRYCE CANYON Wednesday, October 5 Ruby’s Inn (70 W. 100 N.) 1pm-4pm | Drive-thru/Walk-in
KANAB Friday, October 7 Kanab Fire Station (601 S 100 E) 1pm-5pm | Drive-thru/Walk-in FREE for all Kane County residents BEAVER Wednesday, October 12 EMS Building (1100 N. Main) 12pm-4pm | Drive-thru/Walk-in PANGUITCH Thursday, October 20 Fire Station (40 N. 100 E.) 1pm-4pm | Drive-thru/Walk-in $25 a shot ($65 for High-Dose) or NO CHARGE with proof of the following insur ances: Utah Medicaid or CHIP, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, DMBA, Educators Mutual (EMI), Healthy Premier, Motiv Health, PEHP, Select Health, Tall Tree, United Health
By Kristi Sharp SWUPHD HEALTH EDUCATOR
WHAT IS PREDIABETES?
People who are prediabetic have a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to10 years. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. A1C tests are typically part of your annual blood work and
You are considered prediabet ic when your blood sugar is elevated but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabe tes. Type 2 diabetes is a chron ic disease that occurs when the body’s ability to regulate sugar (glucose) malfunctions, result ing in too much sugar in the bloodstream. If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage dia betic symptoms, medication or insulin therapy may be required. Diabetes is among the top ten causes of death for Southwest Utah Unlikeresidents.type2 diabetes, predi abetes has no symptoms. The most common way to find out if you are prediabetic is with an A1C test. This test is extremely accurate as it is able to measure what your blood glucose lev el has been over the past three months as a percentage: BELOW 5.7% = NORMAL 5.7% - 6.4% = PREDIABETES 6.5 & UP = TYPE 2 DIABETES
You visit your doctor for an annual physical exam, give a few vials of blood and wait for the results. You then have a follow-up appointment or maybe a call or message through an app to get notified of your re sults. Whichever option reflects your experience, hearing that your blood sugar is within the “prediabetic range” would likely catch you off-guard. You might immediately recall a loved one, friend, or coworker who has di abetes and their daily challenges and limitations that come with this life-altering chronic disease. What would this mean for you? At this point you have two choic es. You could resign yourself to the belief that there's nothing you can do but wait it out until you develop full type 2 diabetes. Or, you can empower yourself to ask questions and do the re search to discover that prediabe tes is reversible. You see, the best healthcare plan is about you tak ing personal responsibility in stead of being passive or relying on someone or something else to fix you. If a chronic disease like diabetes can be prevented, postponed, and even reversed during the prediabetes stage if lifestyle changes are made, who wouldn't at least try?
DIET: The foods and beverages you consume have a big impact on your health. Increasing your vegetable intake and reducing sugar-sweet ened beverages and sodium is a great place to start. You can still enjoy your food; moderation is really the key here. Visit myplate.gov for simple healthy tips.
WHAT CAN YOU DO RIGHT NOW? Remember, you can reverse prediabetes and prevent getting type 2 diabetes with simple improvements to your lifestyle. First, you need to know if you have pre diabetes:1.Takethis one minute prediabetes risk test by scanning this QR code or visiting swuhealth.org/ diabetes 2. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get an A1C test and know your numbers (the health de partment also offers them for a small fee, visit ing-and-lab-servicesswuhealth.org/screen-
).
WHO GETS PREDIABETES?
SMOKING: Tobacco use increases your risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes. If you would like help quitting visit waytoquit.org.
YOUR WEIGHT: It's important to maintain a weight appropriate for your height, which can be generally measured by BMI (body mass index). Losing just 5% of your body weight can significantly decrease your risk of prediabetes.Visit DoIHavePrediabetes.org for more information.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: 150 minutes of physical activity weekly is the recommendation. Doing simple things like garden ing, housework, taking a walk, playing with children, and going on a bike ride all count as activ ity. Let's be honest, you are most likely doing some of these ac tivities anyway. 15 minutes here and there throughout the day can add up surprisingly fast. Don’t get overwhelmed; start slow and easy until you reach your goal. Just get moving!
most insurances cover the cost without your deductible having to be met because they know it’s much cheaper to prevent diabe tes than treat it.
3. If you can confirm that you have pre diabetes, get more information and support by joining a lifestyle change program. Here’s some starting points: • doihaveprediabetes.org • livingwell.utah.gov • swuhealth.org/diabetes
According to the Utah Depart ment of Health, about one-third of us are prediabetic but nearly 90% of those don’t know it! Any one could become prediabetic, but there are factors that increase your risk, such as age, gender, ge netics, family history, having had gestational diabetes, and various lifestyle practices. Some of these are out of your control, of course, but what actually makes the big gest difference are lifestyle prac tices, which are in your hands to change. Here’s some examples:
By David Heaton EDITOR/ SWUPHD PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
• If you’re outside and a storm approaches, immediate ly seek shelter in a vehicle or sturdy building
• Get out of watercraft and stay away from water
LIGHTNING - Lightning is Utah’s second most fatal natural hazard, following avalanches, causing 67 deaths and 161 injuries since 1950.
INSECTS - Besides the nuisance of pain and itching, bit ing insects can also carry diseases like West Nile virus (mosquitoes) and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (ticks), as well as tularemia (deer flies, & ticks). Wear 30% DEET repellent and protective clothing.
SUN - Sunny days in the outdoors means risk of sun burn. You can also get exposure from sunlight reflected off sand, slickrock, water, and snow. Wear a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (at least 15 SPF).
• No shelter? Seek the lowest spot away from tall ob jects. Select shorter trees if in a forest
WILDLIFE - Enjoy wildlife at a distance. Animals that appear sick or easily approached should be avoided to reduce risk of exposure to diseases like plague (prairie dogs & squirrels), rabies (bats & foxes), and tularemia (rabbits). Human cases of these are rare, as are encoun ters or attacks from predators like bears, mountain lions, or rattlesnakes. Study up on the wildlife in your area.
• Postpone outdoor adventures if thunderstorms are forecast
Southwest Utah features an incredible diversity in landscape; including sandstone monoliths, volcanic formations, canyons, lakes, streams, and forested mountains. Our corner of the state is home to a variety of state and national parks and monuments, hundreds of miles of trails, and vast expanses of public land to ex plore. Along with nature’s beauty come some potential hazards to personal health and safety. Whether you ven ture out for a few hours or several days, here are some tips and reminders to help keep your outdoor adven tures memorable in a good way:
• DO NOT seek shelter under isolated trees
AQUATIC RECREATION - Wear life jackets, keep an eye on kids, don’t overestimate your swimming ability, don’t dive into spots you haven’t checked out first, and don’t use drugs or alcohol. Swimmer’s Itch is caused by exposure to parasite larvae in warm, shallow water along shorelines (not uncommon in local reservoirs). It causes small, itchy red bumps that last up to a week, but is oth erwise harmless. Reduce risk by toweling off or shower ing immediately after leaving the water.
• Educate yourself on what to do if you get lost or in jured in the outdoors.
Keep safe by:
HEAT - Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S., resulting in approximately 400 deaths per year. To prevent heat stroke/exhaustion:
FLASH FLOODS - In spite of its desert environments, one of Southwest Utah’s most common natural hazards is flooding, especially during summer monsoon season (mid-July to mid-August). Flash floods can be especially dangerous if you find yourself in a narrow canyon or any other waterway. Caused by storm runoff (even from miles away), flash floods can appear without warning and transform a dry creek into a raging torrent within seconds.
• Limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the heat of the day, especially if you’re elderly or unaccus tomed to the climate
• Bring adequate food and water. Stay hydrated. Purify/ filter water from lakes, streams, or springs.
• Check weather conditions. Wear clothing appropri ate for the season but be prepared for unexpected weather. Reconsider your plans if storms, flooding, or extreme temperatures are in the forecast.
• Don’t travel alone and let others know where you’re going. Allow for plenty of leeway when estimating when you’ll finish or return.
• Be considerate of other hikers when passing. Don’t kick or throw rocks when there are trails below you. Carry out all your trash, and go a step further by pick ing up trash left behind by less thoughtful hikers.
• Take frequent rests, under shade if possible Heat exhaustion can result from prolonged ex posure to heat and dehydration. Symptoms include heavy sweating, pale/cool/moist skin, weak/fast pulse, muscle cramps, feeling tired/weak, dizziness/fainting, headache, and nausea/vomiting. Treat with cool non alcoholic beverages, cool shower/ bath, and air-con ditioning. Seek medical help if symptoms last over an hour or history of heart problems. Heat stroke occurs when the body is no longer able to sweat & cool down and can be a serious medical emergency. Symptoms include very high body tem perature (103°+), red/hot/dry skin, rapid/strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. Get immediate medical assistance while cooling the victim using any methods available until temperature drops to 101-102°. Do not give flu ids to drink.
• Virtually anyone can hike. Just make adjustments for age, ability, health conditions, and experience. Start with short, easy hikes and work your way up.
WATER HAZARDS - Run out of water? Use a water fil ter or boiling if you drink from streams or other outdoor water sources. Water contaminated by animal feces may expose you to giardia, the most commonly encountered intestinal parasite in the U.S.
• Checking the region’s weather before you enter canyons
• Make an emergency first aid/survival kit appropriate for the season and location. The benefits of enjoying the outdoors for physical and mental health far outweigh the probability of any of these hazards happening to you, and a little knowledge and preparation can reduce those risks even further as you enjoy what nature has to offer.
• Immediately climbing to the closest higher ground if flooding occurs
• Research your route and get tips from others who have done it. Bring a map if possible. Look for and follow trail markers. Use a smartphone outdoor nav igation app.
• Waiting until flooding subsides before approaching lower ground. Do not at tempt to cross a flooding waterway; there may be boulders, logs, and branches underneath the surface
HIKING TIPS:
• Wear lightweight clothing & hat
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water
To connect with a Community Health Worker in your area, visit: SWUHEALTH.ORG/COMMUNITY or call: WASHINGTON COUNTY: IRON & BEAVER COUNTY: KANE & GARFIELD COUNTY: 435-676-8800435-218-9059435-218-8911
Requirements and Utah Laws
Do you have a child entering kindergarten or 7th grade? Did you recently move to Utah and have school-age kids? Make sure your family is ready for the school year. While most par ents know their kids need vaccines to attend school, some may not realize that school immunization rules can vary from state to state. For instance, schools in all 50 states require DTaP vaccine while only 17 states require Hepatitis A vaccine. School immunization requirements can also differ by grade level. Vaccines that are required for early childhood programs are different from those required for kin dergarten. There are also additional vaccines re quired for 7th grade entry that are not required in elementary school. If you have children who will be entering a Utah school or early childhood program or if you have a student advancing from one school to another, say elementary to middle school, you’ll want to know what immunizations are required for them to begin their next school year.
The information provided here is a general reference. Due to the complexity of immuni zation rules and each child’s unique vaccination history, your student’s record will need to be individually assessed to determine if they are adequately immunized for their age and grade level.
• 2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) • 3 Hepatitis B • 2 Hepatitis A
Children enrolled in a licensed day care center, nursery or pre school, child care facility, family home care, or Head Start Program must be immunized appropriately for their age with the following vaccines:•DTaP, Polio, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella (chickenpox), Hib, and Pneumococcal
KINDERGARTEN
• 2 Varicella (chickenpox) 7TH GRADE
Students enrolling in kindergarten through 6th grade should have received the following doses:
A good opportunity to make sure your child is up-to-date on immunizations is by sched uling the recommended annual check-up with your child’s primary care physician. Vaccination appointments may also be scheduled at any of our Southwest Utah Public Health Department offices (location and contact information can be found on page 5). We accept several private insurances and also participate in the Vaccines for Children program which provides low or no cost administration of vaccines to children without insurance or those currently enrolled in a Utah Medicaid or CHIP program. Start the school year off smoothly and avoid last minute surprises and frustration by scheduling vaccination appointments early. We wish all Utah students a successful, rewarding, and healthy school year!
Students enrolling in 7th grade through 12th grade should have received all vaccines on the kindergarten list, plus the following which are routinely administered at age 11-12 years:
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
• 1 Tdap • 1 Meningococcal
• 5 DTaP • 4 Polio
Below is a summary of Utah immunization requirements for the 2022-2023 school-year, listed by grade entry level. All of the immunizations listed are part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s routine vaccination schedule.
SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE’S CAMERA TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR NOTIFICATIONEMERGENCYCOUNTY’SSYSTEM!
Finding the Middle Ground
HOW MUCH ACCESS SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE TO THEIR DEVICE?
Some devices have built-in parental controls. There are also wireless routers that gov ern device use and internet access. Apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, Boomerang, Circle Home Plus, and Screen Time are among the best tools for parental supervision. Many of them provide customizable time limits, site-blocking, and reporting features. Although these apps are helpful, it’s even more important to have open communi cation with your kids of all ages about balancing life activities, how technology and online activity can help or hurt, and what to do when (not if) they encounter ques tionable or shocking material. ONE OF THE BEST THINGS PARENTS CAN DO is to plan enough activities that are in-person, outdoors, physically engaging, and inter esting enough that your child’s desire for screen time becomes just one of many options of how to spend their day.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD GET THEIR DEVICE?OWN Some parents start with middle or high school, while others start in grade school with ap propriate monitor apps or call/text-only phones. Devices can also be shared by sib lings and checked out when needed.
Many children don’t yet have the self-regulation to balance tech nology use on their own. Most phones, tablets, and game consoles have internet browsers, which eas ily expose kids to violence, por nography, and predator risk if left un-checked. Some families turn in their electronics at bedtime, during family time, mealtime, or “screenfree” days.
HOW DO I MONITOR AND PROTECT MY KIDS’ SCREEN USE?
HEALTH MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022 The Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD) serves the approximately 277,472 residents of Washington, Iron, Kane, Beaver, and Garfield counties. BOARD OF HEALTH CommissionerJerryTaylor » garfield CommissionercountyPaulCozzens » iron RosalindcountyMetcalf » kane county SymondScott » beaver county KennethSnow » washington county CommissionerGilAlmquist » washington county ReynoldsNick » garfield county CommissionerAndrewGant » kane county CommissionerWadeHollingshead » beaver county Dr. ClaytonPetty » iron county SERVING OUR COMMUNITY CLINICAL ENVIRONMENTALSERVICESHEALTHCOMMUNITYHEALTHEMERGENCYPREPAREDNESS • Immunizations administered (non-COVID-19): 11,058 • COVID-19 vaccine doses administered: 121,032 • International travel immunizations: 450 • TB (Tuberculosis) tests: 998 • Epidemiology investigation contacts (including COVID-19): 12,337 • Total deaths in 5-county district (2020): 2,325 • Total births in the 5-county district (2020): 3,196 • Vital Statistics certificates (includes birth & death certificates): 20,190 • Total food service inspections and consultations: 4,405 (1,409 routine, 57 follow-up, 2,939 consultations) • Food Handler Cards issued: 8,293 • Water samples analyzed (for swimming pools and drinking water facilities): 6,876 (5,473 pool, 1,403 drinking water) • Public pools & spas in district: 782 • Restaurants/food establishments in district: 1,151 • Total septic inspections and consultations: 7,176 (541 inspections, 6,635 consultations) • Certified car seat installation checks: 172 • Students, parents, and administrators completing Clearing the Vapor course: 13,475 • Decrease in 10th grade 30-day vape use: 19% • Retailer tobacco compliance checks: 370 (84% in compliance, 84 clerks trained) • Residents referred by clinicians to Quit-line to stop using tobacco: 209 • Entities assisted and/or funded to expand or create active transportation (walking/biking) plans: Washington City (17.5 miles of new bike lanes), St. George (7.8 miles of new bike lanes), Enoch, Cedar City, Springdale, Utah Tech University • MRC (Medical Reserve Corps) registered volunteers: 520 (5,734 hours volunteered) • Sponsored emergency preparedness trainings & events: 324 • Full-Scale Strategic National Stockpile / Medical Countermeasure Exercises (Flu “Shootouts”): 8 Locations (1,600 Flu Shots Administered) • COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: 450 (including 35 mobile) • Health Care Preparedness Coalition Meetings: 15 • AFN (Access & Functional Needs) Coalition Members: 294 REVENUE Fees: 14% Other: 1% Contracts/Grants: 66% County Contributions: 19% 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Every year, the SWUPHD selects members of the community who have demonstrated exceptional support and service to the field of public health.
SWUPHD health inspectors report that this school dis trict stands out with cleanest kitchens and excellent in spection scores, all while serving several million meals every school year. Accepting the award are Sharon Stucki (Program Supervisor) and Stefenee Hymus (Program Sec retary). Sharon has been at her job for almost 40 years and is proud of the fact that they’ve never had a single case of food poisoning linked to the district’s lunchrooms.
SWUHEALTH.ORG | PAGE 29 2021 FRIENDS OF PUBLIC HEALTH
SOUTHWEST UTAH PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Also known for her journalism and voice talent, Becki has been the driving force behind the creation and con sistency of the Iron County PIO Association, enabling communications representatives from diverse organi zations to train, plan, and work together for emergen cies. She also facilitated the return of the SWUPHD Flu Shootout at Cedar City Hospital’s annual Fall Health Fair.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Child Nutrition Program
BECKI BRONSON Public Relations, Intermountain Healthcare South Hospitals
Former Southwest Utah Board of Health member
Representing Kane County, Rosalind (Roddy) Metcalf re cently retired as a member of the Southwest Utah Board of Health where she had served for 8 years. Roddy has al ways been an advocate for the health of others, especially during her long career as a nurse. Roddy has been diligent in staying current on public health issues, actively partici pating in the board of health, and contributing to the health of the community at large by advocating for good health practices and demonstrating them in her personal life.
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Search @swuhealth to stay caught up on everything happening at the health department and check out our newly revamped website swuhealth.org for SO MUCH good stuff!
ROSALIND METCALF
HEALTH MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022 BEST OF STATE 2021 HEALTH Magazine won its fifth Best of State medal in the Community Development - Publication category, awarded at the July 2021 gala. Pictured from left to right: David Heaton (Editor/SWUPHD PIO), Jeff Shumway (Publisher/SWUPHD Business Manager), Kindal Ridd (Art & Design/SWUPHD Graphic Designer), Cameron Mitchell (SWUPHD Deputy Director) HEALTHY RESTAURANTS GOLD LEVEL Healthy Habits Award recognizes restaurants in our community that offer healthy choices on their menu and maintain high standards of excellence. You can find the sticker below on the doors of these winning locations. (To apply and see if your restaurant qualifies visit swuhealth.org/healthy-restaurants) SILVER LEVEL BRONZE LEVEL Gaia's GardenTeriyakiCafeGrill Twisted Noodle Cafe The Hearty Beet Viva Chicken Xetava Gardens Cafe Chick Fil'a First Watch Main Street Cafe Tia's Artisan Bakery Deep Creek Coffee Co. Teriyaki Madness TOP 10 SOUTHWEST UTAH CAUSES OF DEATH 1. Cancer 2. Heart Disease 3. Alzheimer’s Disease 4. COVID-19 5. Stroke 6. Accidents 7. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases 8. Diabetes 9. Kidney Disease 10. Suicide Source: Most recent CDC data (2020) 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
SWUHEALTH.ORG | PAGE 31 WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN MY COMMUNITY? Our mission is to Protect the community's health through the Promotion of wellness and the Prevention of CONTACTdisease.US YOUR FRIENDLY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FACES Thank you to our wonderful team for working so hard during a landmark vaccination year at the health department. Your attitude and excellence brings higher health to our southern Utah communities. Call or visit your county’s office (see page 5) or visit swuhealth.org for information on our services, programs, and COVID-19 updates. For questions or comments regarding this issue of HEALTH Magazine please email info@swuhealth.org SOUTHWEST UTAH PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
