Whitney Waite; Whittier, CA

Top five Trends in Whittier, California

1.     CVD and Stroke

Due to the aging population in the city, there tends to be more occurrences of stroke. The increase of age increases the likelihood of suffering from a stroke. There are also a large variety of fast food chains all throughout the city and limited exercise. All play factors to this being a common trend in my hometown.

2.     Drug abuse

It is common to find kids that are using illegal drugs. There are drug dealers that reside around the city and different spots where the drug use is typical. There is also an abuse of prescription drugs among teen and adults. Different stress factors or old injuries and contribute to the use and abuse of this kind. They typically go doctor hopping to get these drugs. Kids have too much access to parents’ old prescriptions.

3.     Obesity

Lack of physical exercise and sedentary lifestyles make this a common problem in the US and in my hometown. People lack in education about nutrition and food facts. Easy and cheap is the way to go when it comes to food.

4.     Depression

Depression is a growing problem in this country. There is a stigma that surrounds it and makes most people not seek treatment for this condition. This is a contributing factor to the suicide rate as well. Kids in high schools should see counselors that the school has provided if they feel symptoms of depression. Education should be made available so people can know the truth about this condition.

5.     Smoking

Even though smoking rates have gone down, smoking is still an issue. Laws in California have limited smoking in public. However, the addiction is real and takes many under its control. Taxes have been raised and campaigns have been fought but more education is needed to help people abstain from smoking.