Community Health Corner
June 9, 2026
Submitted by Elaine Johannes
America’s Health Ranking Kansas Summary Report for 2025, lists Kansas as No. 27 of the 50 states in overall health of its residents. K-State Extension is working with others to improve everyone’s health and Kansas’ ranking. Check-out a newly released video that highlights examples of K-State Extension’s contributions to community health: K-State Extension Community Health
The following resources help us improve well-being and achieve national Healthy People 2030 objectives.
GLP-1s May Help Reduce Risk of Cancer: Diet and obesity are linked to roughly one-third of cancer cases. Diets high in processed meats, ultra-processed foods, and refined sugars significantly elevate risks, particularly for colorectal and stomach cancers. Obesity can be linked to chronic inflammation which can stimulate tumor growth.
Consequently, the recent report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) that GLP-1 drugs -- which have been designed as diabetes and obesity treatments -- may help reduce cancer risk is welcome news. Find out more here about evidence that GLP-1 drugs may reduce cancer risk.
Combined Alcohol, Drug, Suicide Deaths Decrease Nationally: According to the 2026 Pain in the Nation report, the death rate from alcohol-induced, drug overdoses, and suicide causes decreased significantly in the United States in 2024 for the first time since 1999. The combined deaths dropped by 16%.
Deaths in Kansas due to drug misuse, alcohol, or suicide were fewer than the average for other states. However, the percentage of Kansans with obesity and hypertension was higher than the U.S. median. Access the Kansas report here.
Helping Boys Use Tech Respectfully: According to Child Trends, clear rules, small daily habits and open conversations with adolescents can help prevent online harm. Adults who model and use five practical tips can help boys use technology with respect and care for themselves and their peers.
Two of the tips are establishing a “pause‑before‑share habit” and helping boys develop skills as an upstander (not a bystander) when observing online bullying.
Child Trends recommends NCMEC's “Take It Down” for adolescents under age 18 and StopNCII.org, and for adolescents 18 or older to remove inappropriate, non-consensual images from the internet. See the five tips here.
Opportunities:
- 2026 Kansas Health Impact Conference: Organized by the KFMC Health Improvement Partners, Oct. 29 (Thursday) in Topeka. More information here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu.
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