Jacqueline Critchlow Public Health Trends

Jacqueline Critchlow

November 13, 2012

Public Health Trends in Nashville, Tennessee

I had the opportunity to speak with George Gorman who works for the State Health Department in Tennessee. He specializes in the environment.

1.     The number 1 trend in affecting the health of Tennessee is heart disease.  More than 1 out of 4 deaths in Tennessee are due to heart disease.  Untreated heart disease can lead to heart attack and strokes that may lead to death. The causes of heart disease can be from high blood pressure, obesity (which Tennessee is ranked very high), lack of physical activity, high cholesterol, high-fat diets, and tobacco use. Heart disease puts great strain on your cardiovascular system, and it is scary because my people die suddenly.

2.     Cancer is another trend that is occurring in Tennessee. 23% of all deaths in 2005 were due to cancer. Almost 30,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Tennessee every year. For women the leading type of cancer diagnosed is breast cancer, but overall lung cancer is diagnosed the most.  Currently several groups are working together to promote and educate about early detection, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

3.     Another trend that is occurring rapidly in Tennessee is diabetes. With the state continuing to become obese, diabetes is on the rise. Even in 2002 Tennessee was ranked in the top 10 for most cases reported. Diabetes can be caused from obesity, physical inactivity, prior history of gestational diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance. The Diabetes Control Program is trying to reduce the burden of diabetes by community interventions, health communications and health care system changes. 

4.     Tobacco use is another trend being seen through out Tennessee. 23% of the current populations in Tennessee are cigarette smokers. Tennessee has been trying to pass laws to stop people from being able to smoke freely. All public places are now smoke-free, which allows for partial protection for secondhand smokers.  That is another thing that people don’t realize when they smoke; sometimes it is even more dangerous for the person right next to you when you smoke. The high rate of tobacco use is also a reason for the high rate of lung cancer.

5.     A more recent trend in public health issues has been the fungal meningitis outbreak in Tennessee. Luckily this type of meningitis is not contagious, but it has affected approximately 75 people. 11 people have already died. The outbreak has been linked to a recalled steroid shot for back pain. This trend has broken out in 19 states, but Tennessee has been hit the hardest.