Ph.D. in Kinesiology - New Mexico Tech

Apil7,2010
To Whom It May Concern:
Katrina Hotrum
Deputy Secretary
Dulfy Rodriguez
Oeputy Secretary
Jessica Sutin
Deputy Secretary
Alfredo Vigil, MD
Secretary
Karen Armitage, MD
Chief Medical fficer
On behalf of the Injury and Behavioral Epidemiology Bureau within the New Mexico Department of Health,
Epidemiology and Response Division, I am pleased to write a letter of support for the New Mexico State
University Human Performance, Dance and Recreation Department's proposal to institute a PhD Program in
Kinesiology. Translational kinesiology-related research could be of benefit when applied to adult falls
prevention and the associated interrelationships among physical activity, health, and quality of life.
The Bureau's Office of Injury Prevention (OIP) coordinates the New Mexico Adult Falls Prevention
Coalition, performs adults fall injury surveillance, and implements falls prevention programs in an effort to
reduce morbidity and mortality related to adult falls in the state. The fall-related death rate in New Mexico
(2001-2005 age-adjusted rate of 85.1/100,000 population) is the highest among all states and is about two
and a half times higher than the national rate (2001 -2005 age-adjusted rate of 36.9/100,000 population).
Injuries from falls and the fear of falling lead many older adults to limit their activities which interferes with
independent living as physical skills begin to diminish.
The critical content areas of academic programs in Kinesiology support the OIP's program efforts towards
programming to enhance all aspects of an older adult's life in an effort to keep them free of injury, active,
informed, empowered and independent.
The OIP will collaborate with New Mexico State's PhD program in Kinesiology for the delivery of the
proposed program in its exploration of translational research questions and development of evidence-based
best practices in the area of physical activity, health outcomes. and other related activities toward the goal of
safety for seniors.
I encourage a positive review of the Human Performance, Dance, and Recreation Department's proposal.
Sincerely,
n
\Jri\ )L-rlrt&
TobvlRosenblatt. Chief
Injuiy and Behavioral Epidemiology Bureau
Epidemiology and Response Division
New Mexico Department of Health
C. Mack Sewell, DrPH, MS, State Epidemiologist and Division Director r Epidemiology and Response Division
'l 190 St. Francis Drive, N1350 . Santa Fe, New Mexico . 87502-6110
(505) 827-0006 . FAX: (505) 827-0013 . http://www.nmhealth.org