Jeffrey Stancliffe -- Community Health Trends in New Orleans

Community Trends in New Orleans, Louisiana by Jeffrey Stancliffe

               I chose to look into the city of New Orleans because that is where I grew up.  I had grown up around these people for 19 years of my life and was curious to see what professionals had to say about the overall health of this city.  I tried calling Dr. Karen DeSalvo (Health Commissioner) but ended up emailing the Community Health Improvement Coordinator, Yvette Wing.  I spent most of my focus on the more abundant and serious diseases prevalent in New Orleans.

               The first trend in New Orleans is type II diabetes.  The two main components that were causing this disease are obesity and inactivity.  Most people in New Orleans are overweight (unhealthily) and do not really do anything about it.  It is mostly in the older generations but is beginning to be more of an issue for the youth of the city as well.  Genetics play a part in it but the people in the city could do more to help control and prevent this disease.

               The second point made built off of the first, and it is known as heart disease.  Adding on to the fact that diabetics have increased risks of heart disease, it does not help that the life-style choices of New Orleans’ citizens is very unhealthy.  Many of them smoke, drink, and do not always have the best diet to help their hearts stay healthy (all of these are big concerns for junior high and high school aged children).  Building up plaque in the arteries is not a good way to stay healthy.  If they would cut back on their consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy food choices (even just a little at a time) they would see a decreased risk for heart disease.

               Next on the list is due from smoking – lung cancer.  Almost everyone knows that smoking is bad for them, but they just cannot let it go.  These issues could possibly start in the home, at school, or just at a friend’s house.  They need some way to release stress build-up or a way to relax their brain for a while.  The addiction of smoking and resulting lung issues is a deep concern for New Orleans’ citizens, especially in the rising generation.  It is not only a problem concerning those addicted to smoking but to those who breathe in smoke every day too.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is another concern in New Orleans.  In the past New Orleans has been ranked in the top five of the areas with HIV/AIDS victims.  This disease has not been around for too long but it surely is doing its worth of damage.  Many people know what it is, how it is transmitted, what the symptoms are, and how to prevent it, but they feel no need to be tested or take any precautionary measures against it.  It would be beneficial if these things were taken more seriously.

This last one was my own particular interest and was dealing with the flu.  I thought New Orleans would be on the higher side of infected persons.  New Orleans actually stands about average throughout the states on healthy people in regards to the flu.  There is always room for improvement and, taken step by step, the city will become better.   Not too much to say about the flu except that it helps people to get their shots when they can!