Rose Black, St. Louis County

Top Five Public Health Trends for St. Louis County

I emailed the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Margaret T. Donnelly. The response email was simply signed by the department, however, so I assume it was sent by one of her assistants. My information is from the prioritization of diseases and conditions for seniors in St. Louis County, my hometown. The top 5 trends are diabetes, arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, and strokes, and my information about them is from Donelly's and the Health Departments's website.

Diabetes is a chronic disease which leads to high blood sugar. Over time, this damages the body's red blood cells and nerves. Almost 400,000 Missouri adults suffered from diabetes in 2001. This is 8.7% of the population, a significant amount. Hospital costs totaled $87.7 million in 2006. Intervention MICA is promoting physical activity, good nutrition, and is discouraging tobacco

31.9% of Missouri adults have Arthritis. Missouri’s 2003 total cost resulting from

arthritis and other rheumatic conditions was more than $2.8 billion. Missouri developed a state-wide network of Regional Arthritis Centers. These RACs teach about how to manage arthritis and also provide exercise classes. Weight control and physical activity are encouraged by the CDC for those who have arthritis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma. In 2005, COPD caused an estimated 126,005 U.S. deaths in people older than 25 years. This was an 8% increase from 116,494 in the year 2000. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services discourages tobacco use to try to reduce the prevalence of this disease.

Each year, heart disease accounts for more than 15,000 deaths in Missouri making it the leading cause of death in the state. The most common heart disease in the U.S. is coronary heart which occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become hardened and narrowed due to buildup of plaque. Coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack. A Missouri Publication, “Show Me Less Sodium,” encourages citizens to eat less salt to avoid high blood pressure.

A stroke is when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Brain cells die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function, and the abilities they controlled are impaired. The Life Savers program provides information to help Missourians live longer and healthier lives. Over 10% of Missiourians over age 65 had a stroke in 2010. This large percentage is being addressed by “Think FAST: Signs Of A Stroke” posters as well.