September 2025 Health News

As the crisp air of fall settles in and the colors of the season unfold, we are reminded of the beauty in change and feel the excitement it brings. This season invites us to gather with family, friends, and neighbors, celebrating the abundance of harvest and the joy of shared traditions. It is a time to feel the warmth, love, and connections that surround us. Amid the challenges our nation is facing, we are also reminded of the power of caring for ourselves and extending compassion to one another. Even the simplest gestures—like a kind word, a helping hand, or a genuine smile—can brighten someone’s day and create ripples of hope and healing that extend far beyond what we see on the surface. As we embrace the energy of this new season, I encourage you to nurture your own well-being, check in on your neighbors, and enjoy the good around you. Together, we can strengthen our community through kindness, resilience, and gratitude.

Your friend in public health,
Dr. Phil Bondurant

Upcoming Events:

Defying Gravity — For seniors to learn tips on preventing falls.
Hosted by Intermountain Healthcare at Park City Hospital on September 22 from 11am - 1pm.

The Air We Share: Changes in local air quality + impacts on your health
Our speaker series is BACK! Learn from regional experts about how nature and humans affect air quality and how that impacts your health. Join us at the Kamas City Event Center from 6pm-7:30pm on September 30 for great conversation and an opportunity to win a PurpleAir monitor! 

Vax N’ Go Clinics:
Gear up for cold and flu season with ease! Visit one of our drive-through vaccine clinics the first week of October. No appointment necessary, but pre-registration is helpful (link below).

• Oct. 7 - Kamas - Library Parking Lot

• Oct. 8 - Coalville - LDS Church Parking Lot

• Oct. 9 - Park City - Park City Mountain Parking Lot

The Power of Family Meals: Simple Habits, Big Benefits

In today’s busy world, family meals may feel like a luxury—but research shows they can have a lasting impact on teens, especially in reducing substance use.

A five-year study of 806 adolescents found that those who regularly shared meals were significantly less likely to smoke, drink, or use marijuana, with the effect strongest among girls.

Family meals are about more than food—they’re about connection. They give families a chance to discuss values, set expectations, and strengthen bonds, helping teens feel supported and understood.

Creating meaningful shared meals doesn’t require perfection. Even a few meals a week, or other activities where parents are present and engaged, can strengthen relationships and help guide teens toward positive choices.

Family meals are an opportunity to connect, communicate, and build trust—simple steps that have a big impact. For additional tips and resources, visit The Family Dinner Project.

Have you visited our disease dashboard?

Check out how Summit County stacks up against other areas in Utah and the rest of the country when it comes to diseases like measles, flu, RSV and Covid-19. This is a great tool for the public that our epidemiologist, Nancy Porter, updates frequently.

60% of car seats are installed incorrectly

Summit County Health hosts car seat safety classes each month for parents and caregivers who want to make sure their car seats are installed correctly and being used the right way.

Our first class is Monday, Sept. 29 from 5-6pm at the Quinn's Jct. Health Dept. building. The class is taught in English and Spanish.

1. Inch Test: Grab the car seat base and try to move it. If it shifts more than an inch, tighten it. Ask someone to help if needed.

2. Pinch Test: Buckle your child and try to pinch the harness strap at the shoulder. If you can pinch it, it’s too loose. The chest clip should be at armpit level.

3. Forward-Facing Readiness: Switch to forward-facing only when your child is at least 2 years old and has outgrown the rear-facing seat’s height or weight limit.

4. Use the Top Tether: Always use the top tether with forward-facing seats. It reduces movement in a crash. Check your vehicle manual to find the tether anchor location.

5. Booster Seat Graduation: Use a booster until your child is at least 8 years old and 4’9″. The seat belt should fit across the shoulders and chest—not the neck or stomach.