Latest news with #GoodThingsUtah
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Utahns remember local fashion designer killed in protest
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Earlier today, Salt Lake City Police identified the victim killed in Saturday's shooting during a 'No Kings' protest in downtown Salt Lake City. Police say Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was hit and killed by a stray bullet during yesterday's protest by a 'peacekeeper' volunteer. The volunteer told police they fired at Arturo Roberto after spotting him with an AR-15 style rifle. Shooting victim in SLC 'No Kings' protest dies in hospital Ah Loo was taken to the hospital after the shooting but died from their injuries. According to a GoFundMe set up for the family, Ah Loo — also known as 'Afa' — was well known with his work with the nonprofit Creative Pacific Foundation and as a fashion designer here in Utah. Ah Loo appeared several times on Good Things Utah as a guest to showcase his designs and promote Pacific Islander events in the community. Utah Rep. Doug Fiefia remebered Ah Loo in a post on social media: 'Heartbroken by the tragic loss of Afa Ah Loo. My prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. He was a bright light in our Polynesian community and will be deeply missed. May his loved ones feel peace and comfort during this difficult time.' Utah Rep. Tyler Clancy also issued a statement on social media: 'My heart goes out to the Ah Loo family at this time. Afa was a wonderful man & father who looked out for his community. Sending all of the love and prayers.' Here is Ah Loo's most recent appearance on Good Things Utah three weeks ago: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Remarkable Utah woman leads charge to find cure for cancer
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (Good Things Utah) – Throughout Women's History Month (March) ABC4-CW30 (Good4Utah) is sharing the stories of remarkable women who contribute their time, talent, and treasure to help others and lift the community. Every Tuesday, on Good Things Utah (9a-10a) and on , we share another remarkable woman's story. This week we introduce you to Jenny Ahlstrom – a mom of six, a wife, a women in tech, a cancer patient, and a ground-breaking entrepreneur and non-profit founder working to save lives – including here own – by improving peoples' access to helpful cancer support services, information and life-saving research. Jenny Ahlstrom is the Founder and CEO of Healthtree Foundation based in South Jordan, Utah. Learn more about our Remarkable Women Campaign here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Colon Cancer Awareness Month – What you should know to prevent and detect Colon Cancer early
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in men and women under age 50. According to the American Cancer Society almost 153,000 individuals in the U.S. were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2024, and more than 53,000 died from the disease. March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and Intermountain Health is working to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of prevention and early detection. Awareness is crucial, as many cases of colon and rectal cancer can be prevented. In fact, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when its detected early. Understanding Your Risks Colon cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk: – Age: Most cases occur in individuals aged 50 and older. – Family History: A family history of colon cancer or polyps can increase your risk. – Personal History: Previous polyps or inflammatory bowel disease heighten your risk. – Lifestyle Factors: Diets high in red and processed meats, smoking, heavy alcohol use and lack of physical activity can contribute to an increased risk. However, it's not just older adults who need to be vigilant. Colorectal cancer incidence has been steadily increasing in younger Americans for the last several decades, with the sharpest rise seen in the incidence of rectal cancer. In 2020, 11% of all colon cancer and 15% of all rectal cancer diagnoses were estimated to occur in individuals under age 50. 'Waiting for symptoms is too late,' said Christine Hachem, MD, interim medical director of gastroenterology and digestive health for Intermountain Health. 'Screening occurs when you have no symptoms and feel well. Early detection is critical to catching colorectal cancer and saving lives.' This rise is alarming because younger patients often have more advanced cases by the time they're diagnosed. Factors contributing to this trend may include environmental exposures, dietary habits, and sporadic genetic mutations, said Dr. Hachem. 'Younger individuals face unique barriers when it comes to colon cancer screenings, such as a lack of awareness about the need for screening, fear or discomfort associated with the procedure and challenges in navigating the healthcare system,' said Nathan Merriman, MD, senior medical director of the surgical specialties and digestive health clinical program for Intermountain Health. 'It's crucial for everyone, regardless of age, to understand their personal risk factors and discuss them with their healthcare provider to determine the best screening plan,' added Dr. Merriman. Updated national guidelines make it possible for more people to be screened with a colonoscopy and stool-based testing starting at age 45. Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for colon cancer detection, as it not only detects abnormalities, but removes precancerous lesions. Intermountain Health makes it easier to schedule a colonoscopy with an online system, ensuring you have access to this vital screening option. For most patients a colonoscopy is then only needed once every 10 years, or once every five years if your doctor determines you have an increased risk of colon cancer. Earlier screening may be recommended for anyone with a personal history of polyps or family history of colon cancer. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) or other chronic conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, talk with your doctor or a GI specialist to determine when and how often you should be screened. 'Don't delay your screenings,' said Dr. Hachem. 'It could save your life.' Patient Story The only way to detect colon cancer it is through screening. People with an average risk of colon cancer should start their screenings at age 45. Mark Seguin, 38, of Sandy, knows first-hand the importance of early screening, watching for symptoms, and being in tune with your body. Just four years ago, Seguin was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer after experiencing cramping on his right side that he first thought was appendicitis. A colonoscopy discovered a three-centimeter tumor. Seguin underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor and almost 24 inches of his colon and then followed up with three months of aggressive chemotherapy. He's now considered cancer free and is on the one screening per year plan. 'I did all the genetic testing, and it came up negative – my surgeon told me I simply won the bad luck lottery,' said Seguin. 'But I am lucky to be alive thanks to not only me speaking up with my symptoms, but also a care team who listened and acted quickly to get me into a treatment plan.' Dr. Merriman says what he did next is critical. Even though he didn't have any genetic markers, Seguin told his family. Seguin's sister then got her colonoscopy where pre-cancerous colon polyps were removed. Other Easy and Convenient Screening Options Intermountain Health offers home-based tests that are both effective and convenient, allowing you to get what you need, when you need it, without leaving your home. Individuals who are 45 to 75 years old with average risk may qualify for Intermountain Health's on-demand colon cancer screening kits. This is an option that allows you to get a test kit in the mail and send it back to the lab for testing without the need for an appointment. • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): This simple, non-invasive test detects hidden blood in the stool, an early sign of colon cancer. You can complete it at home, and if the results are positive or abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy may be necessary. • Cologuard: Combining the FIT with a DNA test, Cologuard detects abnormal DNA markers in stool samples. It's also non-invasive and can be done at home. A positive or abnormal result will require a follow-up colonoscopy. Why Choose Home-Based Tests? Home-based tests like FIT and Cologuard offer several advantages: – Convenience: Complete the test at home without a doctor's visit. – Non-Invasive: No preparation or sedation required. – Accessibility: Ideal for those who may have difficulty scheduling or accessing colonoscopy appointments. Act Today Understanding your risks and exploring your screening options are vital steps in preventing colon cancer. If you are 45 or older, you can order an at-home colon cancer screening kit to have a test kit mailed to you without needing a doctor's visit. If you have risk factors, like a family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps, talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened. For more information about Intermountain Health's on-demand services, click schedule a colonoscopy, or to find a physician click here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Sponsored by Intermountain Healthcare Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital Opens Behavioral Health Day Program for Kids
ST. GEORGE, Utah (Good Things Utah) – The new Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital Day Treatment Center is opening its doors to address a critical need in pediatric behavioral health care, thanks to the generosity of the community. The center started providing care to children in the Adolescent Behavioral Health Partial Hospitalization Program on January 28. The program offers intensive behavioral health care and skill building to kids five days a week, for the length of a typical school day. At the end of each day, participants go home to practice the new skills they've learned with their family. Children are in the program between 10 and 14 days, depending on individual needs. 'This level of care addresses what once was a mental health care gap and fills it with hope for kids and families in the St. George area,' said Chase Knaphus, pediatric behavioral health director of intensive and outpatient services for Intermountain Children's Health. 'Thanks to community generosity, Southern Utah has a new way to help children thrive.' The Partial Hospitalization Program is made possible by generous community donations at 2022 Jubilee of Trees, which raised $1.2 million to support much-needed pediatric and adolescent mental and behavioral health services at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. The annual event, hosted by the Intermountain Foundation at St. George Regional Hospital, has raised funds to advance community medical services at the hospital since 1983. The Partial Hospitalization Program is, in terms of intensity, middle ground in the spectrum of pediatric behavioral health services. It is more intensive than an hourlong outpatient visit with a therapist, and yet not as intense as mental health crisis hospitalization services. In the Partial Hospitalization Program, participants receive care from an Intermountain Children's Health multi-disciplinary team, including mental health therapists, doctors, nurses, and expressive therapy teams. Participants receive care and learn new skills, and their families learn ways to support their wellbeing. At the end of each day in the program, participants return to their families to practice their new skills. 'When kids have the opportunity to apply their new skills at home with their families, they have a much greater likelihood of success following treatment,' Knaphus said. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Utah youth ages 10 to 17. It's estimated that 40 percent of children who have depression are not getting care. Last year, 43 percent of Utah youth who felt sad, hopeless, or suicidal reported that they did not talk to anyone about it. Enhancing behavioral health services for children is part of Intermountain Healthcare's Primary Promise to create a model health system for children. Intermountain Health Partial Hospitalization Programs are in Ogden through Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital, and at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital's Wasatch Canyons Campus in Taylorsville and at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi. For more behavioral health information, visit or call the Assessment, Referral, and Consultation Services line at (801) 313-7711 if your child needs assistance. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Sponsored by Intermountain Health. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
