I was not able to get a hold of the person I wanted to interview. But I did research Public Health trends in Portland, Oregon.
1.
Tobacco Use
In Oregon tobacco use is the number one cause
of preventable deaths. Kids are starting to smoke younger. There appears to be
a correlation between tobacco use and health. Those who smoke are more likely
to have heart disease, hypertension, and lung and mouth cancers. One of the
goals for those in Oregon is to try to prevent young kids from gaining access
from tobacco, so they won’t get addicted and don’t increase their risk for
chronic disease. They also want to help adults quit smoking and prevent
exposure to second hand smoke.
2.
Obesity
Obesity is the # 2 cause of
preventable death in Oregon. Between 2001 and 2009 there has been an increase
in the percentage of Oregon students who are obese. And since 1990 Oregon’s
adult obesity has increased by 121%.
And with this has shown an increase of diabetes, chronic heart disease,
high blood pressure and depression. If the percent of obese individuals in
Oregon decrease, so will the percentage of chronic diseases.
3.
Seatbelt nonusage
This is a positive trend that has been seen
in Oregon. In 1988 the number of individual that said they never used their
seatbelt was at 38.8%. In 1995 it dropped down to 5.6%. Although this was in
1995, so the percentage could have gone up again. But if I looked at the number of deaths during automobile
accidents, would that number be lower? Or are most of the individuals that died
during a car accident not wearing their seat belt?
4.
Suicide
Suicide is in the top ten reasons for death
in Oregon. And research shows that risk increases with age, and that rates of
middle-aged women have increased the most. And also it has been noticed that a
second attempt add suicide is very likely after a first failed attempt. One of
the ways Public Health workers in Oregon are trying to lower the percentage is
by “increase social connectedness.” It sounds like they are trying to people to
have good social support and a social environment where they feel they belong.
5.
Heart disease and stroke
Its not a surprise that a trend in
Oregon is that one of the major causes of death in Oregon is heart disease and
stoke since there has been an increase in tobacco use and obesity. Both tobacco
use and obesity increase an individual’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
Individuals and kids are less active which shows an increase in obesity. And
also people are becoming smokers at younger ages.
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