Albemarle obesity, smoking rates high
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Roughly a fifth of Albemarle area residents don’t have health insurance and are considered to be in either poor or fair health, according to a recent analysis of state health data.
The analysis, compiled by the University of Wisconsin Population Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also found that roughly a third of area residents smoke and a third are obese, while about 13 percent are considered binge drinkers.
The analysis, “County Health Rankings: Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health,” examined health data for every county in the United States and then ranked counties according to two categories: overall health outcomes and health factors.
In general, eastern North Carolina counties ranked lower than more urbanized and western areas of the state in the MATCH rankings, with Wake and Orange counties finishing in the top two in both categories.
To determine health outcomes, the study examined the incidence of premature death, reported days of poor physical or mental health, poor or fair health and low birth weight.
For the health behaviors rankings, the study looked at rates of adult smoking, adult obesity, binge drinking, chlamydia and teen births as well as the incidence of motor vehicle crash deaths.
Pasquotank County, where 23 percent of the population is believed to be in poor or fair health, ranked 28th in overall health outcomes. Camden, where 28 percent of residents are considered in poor or fair health, ranked 30th in overall health outcomes.
Other counties, their percentage of residents in either poor or fair health, and their overall health rankings are as follows:
• Currituck, 20 percent, 40th;
• Chowan, 17 percent; 50th; and
• Perquimans, 20 percent, 75th.
For health factors, Camden ranked 38th, Currituck ranked 51st, Pasquotank was 66th, Chowan was 69th and Perquimans ranked 72nd.
The analysis also reported health factors in each county believed to contribute to the overall health rankings.
In Pasquotank County, for example, 15 percent of adults don’t have health insurance, 28 percent smoke, 32 percent are obese, and 14 percent binge drink.
In Perquimans County, 20 percent of adults are uninsured, 31 percent are obese and 11 percent binge drink. There was no reliable percentage for adult smoking, the report states.
In Chowan County, 16 percent of adults don’t have health insurance, 26 percent smoke, 30 percent are obese and 10 percent binge drink.
In Currituck County, 25 percent of adults are uninsured, 37 percent smoke, 27 percent are obese and 21 percent binge drink.
In Camden County, 23 percent of adults don’t have health insurance, 32 percent are obese and 12 percent binge drink. There was no reliable percentage for incidence of smoking.
Jill Jordan, Albemarle Regional Health Services’ health education director, said while the MATCH rankings encourage analysis, they are not the final say on health in the area. She noted that some of the data on certain behaviors is estimated.
Even so, Jordan said the data, like all the other health information gathered about the area, is helpful in creating a healthier community.
“The indicators presented in MATCH will enhance community health to create more positive health outcomes, including community program development resulting in individual behavior change,” Jordan stated in an e-mail.
Jordan said ARHS’ priority will be to continue targeting three leading health deficiencies in the area: diabetes management, cardiovascular health and stroke prevention.
“Working with community partners regarding environmental and policy changes related to physical activity opportunities and improved nutrition education and choices remain priorities,” she said.
Jordan said release of the MATCH rankings just ahead of the start of the County Health Assessment survey process is beneficial in that it promotes an interest in health.
The ranking system, along with other local health information, shows how location can affect a person’s health, she said.
“In essence, where we live matters to our health,” Jordan said. “Our community’s health depends on factors such as quality of health care, individual behavior, education and jobs, and the environment. Policies and programs assist in improving the community’s health.”
She said examples of policies beneficial to health include parks and recreation areas that promote physical activity, increased access to fresh vegetables and fruits, pharmacies and medical care, and recent legislation banning smoking in bars and restaurants in the state.
For further breakdowns of the MATCH rankings, go online to http://www.countyhealthrankings.organd search by state or county.
Albemarle health checkup
A health analysis by the University of Wisconsin Population Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found the following estimates about health in the Albemarle:
County - Uninsured (%) - Smokers (%) - Obese (%) - Binge drinkers (%)
• Pasquotank - 15 - 28 - 32 - 14
• Perquimans - 20 - N/A - 31 - 11
• Chowan - 16 - 26 - 30 - 10
• Currituck - 25 - 37 - 27 - 21
• Camden - 23 - N/A - 32 - 12
Source: County Health Rankings: Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health
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