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- March 10 Health News
March 10 Health News
Inside this email:
Manager’s Message
The longer days and warming temperatures make it clear that spring is on its way. Across the Wasatch Back, the arrival of a new season brings renewed energy to our mountain communities and a welcome opportunity to spend more time outdoors. Spring invites us to step outside, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the beauty around us. Living and working in Summit County is a constant reminder of how fortunate we are to call this place home.
With longer daylight and milder weather, this is a perfect time to get outside and reconnect with the places and people that strengthen our well-being. Whether you’re walking neighborhood trails, cycling our scenic roads, or catching the final turns of the ski season, spring offers countless ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. At the Health Department, we know that time outside supports both physical and mental health. You may see members of our team having a walking meeting on the trails at Quinn’s, strolling neighborhoods in Kamas on our lunch break, or walking along Main Street in Coalville soaking in the sun. If you do, please say hello. We appreciate the opportunity to connect with our community.
As we welcome this seasonal change, we also know time is running out to build our snowpack. This year’s dry winter also reminds us how important it is to protect the natural resources that sustain our communities. Snowpack plays a critical role in supplying the water that supports our homes, landscapes, agriculture, and local ecosystems throughout the year. With less snow than we would like, it is important that each of us approach the season with a sense of stewardship for the water we share. Reducing outdoor water use, fixing leaks promptly, choosing drought-conscious landscaping, and being thoughtful about our residential irrigation practices all help conserve water when it matters most. These everyday decisions add up across a community.
It may be a challenging year for water, but Summit County has always been a place where people care deeply about the land and the environment around us. By working together and being mindful of how we use this limited resource, we can enjoy the vitality of spring while protecting the landscapes, watersheds, and outdoor spaces that help build a healthier community for all, making our community such a remarkable place to live.
Your friend in public health,
Dr. Phil Bondurant
Project Public Health Ready
The Summit County Health Department has received national recognition from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for achieving Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) status, one of the highest standards for public health emergency preparedness in the country.
“Achieving PPHR recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of our team and strengthens how we prepare for and protect our community during public health emergencies,” Summit County Health Director, Dr. Phil Bondurant said. “This milestone advances our progress toward Public Health Accreditation and reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.”
This recognition means Summit County is better prepared to protect and support residents when emergencies occur. For families and residents, this translates to faster response times, clearer communication, and a strong focus on individuals who may need additional support, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those requiring language or mobility assistance.
Project Public Health Ready recognition reinforces the Summit County Health’s vision to ensure Summit County is a community where people can live a positive, healthy lifestyle through public health efforts focused on awareness, education, and preparedness.
To learn more about Project Public Health Ready, visit our website.
Supporting Healthy Tech Habits
Smartphones can bring connection, creativity, and convenience, and with thoughtful guidance, families can help youth build healthy digital habits that last. Research shows that earlier and unrestricted access to smartphones can increase exposure to cyberbullying, social comparison, and harmful content. The encouraging news is that parents have a powerful influence. When families delay smartphone access and set clear expectations, young people are more likely to develop balanced, responsible technology habits over time.
Sleep and mental health also benefit from proactive support at home. Studies connect frequent nighttime smartphone use with shorter sleep duration and higher rates of anxiety and depression. Parents can make a meaningful difference by establishing screen-free bedrooms, creating device curfews, and modeling healthy boundaries themselves. Small changes, such as charging devices outside the bedroom overnight, can significantly improve sleep and emotional well-being.
In-person interaction helps children build empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. Families can encourage this development by prioritizing shared meals, outdoor play, extracurricular activities, and device-free time together. To learn more about research and family resources, visit: https://www.waituntil8th.org/why-wait.
Don't Wait! Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths, but it is highly preventable with regular screening.
Who needs it? The CDC recommends that adults at average risk begin screenings at age 45.
Take Action: Summit County Health Department encourages you to speak with your Primary Care Provider about which screening option is right for you. If you do not have a provider, contact our local community health centers to establish care and discuss screening.
UPCC's Top Ten Poison Control Tips
March 15-21 is recognized as National Poison Prevention Week! Check out these ten tips from the Utah Poison Control Center to keep you and your family safe.
Keep medications, cleaners, and other poison hazards out of reach and sight of kids.
Keep products in their original labeled container.
Read labels, follow directions, and be aware of taking more than one medicine with the same active ingredients.
Safely dispose of unused or expired medicine.
Never call medicine candy.
Use child-resistant caps to slow down access.
Install a working carbon monoxide detector in your home near sleeping areas.
Do not mix chemicals or cleaners. Use gloves, a mask, and safety glasses as needed.
Store medicine and cleaners away from food and drink. They often look similar to children!
Concerned about a poison exposure? Skip the internet and call Poison Help at 800-222-1222 first. It's free, expert, and confidential!
Subscribe to the Park City Green Business Newsletter, a free resource sent every two months. It covers practical topics like reducing stormwater pollution, cutting winter energy costs, local green business spotlights, and upcoming sustainability events in our community.