StatePublicHealth.org

• Approaches for Improving Oral Health Outcomes for Low Income Americans

  Poor oral health is considered a health disparity for low-income children and adults; it has significant impacts on the overall health and well-being especially for those who are vulnerable. Dental illnesses significantly increase the risk of chronic health conditions, may result in missed days of work and school, negatively affect employability, and increase use of expensive acute care. States can utilize a variety of approaches to mitigate this issue for low income Americans.

• Beyond Quitting: The Great American Smokeout Amplifies Successes in Public Health Tobacco Control

  Today is the Great American Smokeout, an event that the American Cancer Society has hosted for over 40 years every third Thursday of November. It began in the 1970s when smoking and secondhand smoke were more common and has since helped dramatically change Americans’ attitudes about tobacco. In the wake of new data that shows cigarette smoking among adults is at an all-time low, this year’s observance is an opportunity to both reflect on a major public health success story and look ahead at new policy and systems change strategies to reduce the harmful health effects of all tobacco products on the market. E-cigarettes, for example, continue to pose a significant threat: e-cigarette use among U.S. high school students increased by 78 percent between 2017 and 2018.

• Rural-Proofing: A Conversation with North Dakota’s Mylynn Tufte on National Rural Health Day

  Mylynn Tufte is state health officer of the North Dakota Department of Health. Tufte has more than 20 years of experience in the health industry, serving in a strategic and health advisory role to some of the largest payers and providers in the country. In recognition of this year’s National Rural Health Day, ASTHO spoke with Tufte about the unique challenges faced by rural communities, steps North Dakota is taking to address disparities and improve health outcomes in the state, and how the 2019 ASTHO President’s Challenge, “Building Healthy and Resilient Communities,” aligns with these activities.