Kyle Willman, Community Trends

Kyle Willman

HLTH 100

Public Health Community Trends

November 13, 2012

Phoenix, Arizona 

Health Professional: Dallin Greene, Podiatry Physician emphasis in local Health Care Awareness

Obesity:

Arizona has the 29th highest rate of adult obesity in the nation. The rate of obese adults increased in the state for the third year in a row with one in every four Arizonans now obese (25.8%).  In addition, Arizona has the 15th highest rate of obese youth ages 10 to 17 in the nation. There has been a rapid and significant increase in obese youth in Arizona from 12.2% in 2003 to 17.8% in 2007. It is vital that residents in Phoenix control factors leading to obesity.

Diabetes:

                 An estimated 20.8 million people -- 7 percent of the population -- have diabetes. Of that 20.8 million people, only 14.6 million have been diagnosed, meaning approximately 6.2 million people don't know they have the disease. According to available statistics on diabetes, African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans are at higher risk for the disease. In Phoenix the percentages above are slightly lower

Heart Disease:

                In Phoenix heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States.  In the nation it is an equal opportunity killer which claims approximately 1 million lives annually. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming approximately 1 million lives annually. Every 33 seconds someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease which is roughly the equivalent of a September 11th-like tragedy repeating itself every 24 hours, 365 days a year. Phoenix resident could eliminate close to 90% of factors that lead to heart disease.

               

Fluoride Consumption:

                Fluoride is the name given to a group of compounds that are composed of the naturally occurring element fluorine and one or more other elements. Fluorides are present naturally in water and soil at varying levels. In a February 1991 Public Health Service (PHS) report, the agency said it found no evidence of an association between fluoride and cancer in humans. The report, based on a review of more than 50 human epidemiological (population) studies produced over the past 40 years, concluded that optimal fluoridation of drinking water “does not pose a detectable cancer risk to humans” as evidenced by extensive human epidemiological data reported to date. These statistics are common for the Phoenix area. Resident are often advised by doctors to take fluoride supplements.

Poor Diet:

                 In Phoenix studies show nutritional deficiency could seriously hamper the body's production of amino acids, which are vital to good psychological health. Neurotransmitters, made from amino acids, are chemicals which transmit nerve impulses between the brain cells. Serotonin, a key neurotransmitter made by the amino acid tryptophan, helps to regulate feelings of contentment and anxiety, as well as playing a role in regulating depression. Many adults do not have sufficient levels of tryptophan because their intake of nuts, seeds and whole grains is too low. Poor diet plays a vital role in maintaining the homeostasis of a healthy body. Many in Phoenix show that they can improve their diet to live a healthier life. But Phoenix is doing great compared with southern states.