March 26 Health News

March 26, 2026

Inside this email:

Director’s Message

Spring is officially here, Summit County! And with that, the health department is busy as usual with our seasonal programming, year-round services, and responding to unexpected events that pop up. During months where we have plenty of health updates, events, and opportunities to share, you will get a second email newsletter that month. You will also get to hear from me as another voice for our Manager’s Message section. Even though this is the first time you are hearing from me directly in the newsletter, I have been in the background ensuring the creation and dissemination of the newsletters run smoothly the past couple of years. I hope you feel informed and find the content valuable and useful!

This week, we are excited to kick-off our road show highlighting the efforts of the health department over the past two years - the Community Health Assessment (CHA), and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). You may remember participating in the CHA survey in 2024. On March 25th, we presented to the County Council the high-level findings of the survey along with our CHIP, the 5-year plan for addressing some of the most pressing health concerns. You can watch the recording here: https://bit.ly/47pS1oy

Thank you for all your effort to help us collect these data and to make the most of it! The CHA data and CHIP belong to the community and we want you to feel comfortable accessing it, asking questions about how it applies to you or your organization, and requesting presentations tailored to your needs. Please visit our website at https://summitcountyhealth.org/community-health-assessment/ to learn more, download the CHA and CHIP in Spanish and English, and to request more information.

Forward in health,

Kendra Babitz

Deputy Health Director

National Nutrition Month

This year’s National Nutrition Month theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition”. Throughout the month, we celebrate the role that nourishing foods have in supporting our overall well‑being. Here are some tips you can use to inspire healthful habits:

Power your day with nutrition:

  • Choose a variety of foods from vegetables, fruits, proteins, grains, and dairy

  • Ask yourself, “Do I have at least 3 food groups in this meal?” or “What can I add to this snack to make it more filling, satisfying, or nutritious?”

Find advice backed by science:

  • Connect with a Registered Dietitian for personalized guidance

  • Is your social media algorithm highlighting trustworthy experts with verified credentials?

Stay nourished on any budget:

  • Learn meal prep or cooking skills: Try one small skill at a time to build confidence

  • Practice chopping or slicing vegetables evenly OR try a new kitchen tool

  • Try a different way of cooking (steam, roast, broil, poach, sauté, sous vide)

Feel good with healthy habits:

  • Meal-Planning is a great way to reduce stress, have nutritious option on hand, & can be as simple as:

    • Pre-portion ingredients the night before

    • Pick a theme to simplify choices (Taco Tuesday, Pasta Night, Meatless Monday)

    • Batch cook one staple to use through the week like rice, roasted vegetables, or beans, etc

  • Find a new recipe for a food you’re interested to try

STI Awareness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than most people realize, and many do not cause noticeable symptoms. That is why regular testing, open communication, and knowing your prevention options are such important parts of protecting your health. Sexual health is a normal part of overall health, and talking with a healthcare provider about testing, vaccines, and other prevention tools can help you make informed choices for yourself and your partner(s).

Whether you are sexually active now or simply want to stay informed, this is a good time to learn more about how STIs spread, how they can be prevented, and why early testing matters. Staying informed helps you protect your health, reduce stigma, and support healthier communities across Summit County. You can find ready-to-use conversation guides and scripts, information on prevention, and tools to help you find testing at owntheawk.org.

Mammogram Clinic

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, but traveling for medical imaging can be a barrier. Summit County Health is partnering to bring the Mobile Mammography Bus to our community. If you are a woman over 40, or have a family history of breast cancer, join us on Wednesday, April 22, from 9:00AM-4:30PM at the Kamas Valley Branch Library to get a mammogram.

How Parents Can Support Healthy Tech Habits

Smartphones can offer connection, entertainment, and convenience, and with clear guidance, families can help youth build healthy digital habits. Research from JAMA Pediatrics, World Psychiatry, Common Sense Media, and the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that early and unrestricted smartphone access can increase exposure to cyberbullying, social comparison, and harmful content. Delaying access and setting clear family expectations support more balanced, responsible use over time.

Healthy tech habits also protect sleep and mental health. Studies in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology and the Journal of Youth and Adolescence link frequent nighttime screen use to shorter sleep and increased anxiety and depression. Steps like device curfews and screen-free bedrooms can make a meaningful difference.

Importantly, kids build empathy and communication skills through face-to-face connections. Prioritizing shared meals, activities, and device-free time helps children practice the social skills they need to thrive. By staying engaged and setting thoughtful boundaries, families can ensure technology supports healthy development. Learn more and find resources at: https://www.waituntil8th.org/why-wait.

Rain Barrel Sale

The Summit County rain barrel sale is live! Over the next few weeks, Summit County residents can purchase a discounted rain barrel to collect rainwater at home for landscaping, gardening, and more. Each barrel comes with a locking lid, mosquito screen and 3/4” valve that can be connected to a garden hose for easy setup. Barrels will be distributed on Wednesday, May 6th at Mountain Regional Water. For more information, reach out to the Summit County Sustainability Division. To place your order, click here.