A new Utah Department of Health report indicates about one in five Utah adults live with a disability and these Utahns experience real differences in their overall health compared to adults with no disabilities.
Libby Oseguera of the Department of Health has more stats from this report.
“People with disabilities do experience more health disparities than any other sub-group. But there are very few health interventions that exist that target people with disabilities. And this is the population that needs public health programs and health care services just the same as anyone else in order to be healthy, active and a part of the community.”
She said the department has programs designed to help the disabled improve their health outcomes.
“Currently the Bureau of Healthy Promotion with the Department of Health is trying to increase inclusion of people with disabilities in health promotion programs such as Health Education Workshops and screenings. Those resources are available through our web site, <a href=”http://livingwell.utah.gov” target=”_blank”>livingwell.utah.gov</a> and we hope to raise awareness of these programs so that people with disabilities can know they exist and are available.”
Oseguera said when some disabled citizens try to focus on their health through exercise, proper nutrition and preventive health check-ups, it often takes a backseat to the challenges they face in everyday life.