REGION'S HEALTH PROBLEMS ALARMING - Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane And Clay Highest Incidence Of Asthma

(07/14/2007)

By Bob Weaver Health problems for our region are alarming. Regional citizens are like repeating the oldtimer's addage "I'm under a doctors care." Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane and Clay counties have the highest incidence of asthma problems among West Virginia's 55 counties, according to the latest 2004-2005 Behavior Risk Factor Survey Report by the state Bureau for Public Health. West Virginia has the the highest prevalence of arthritis in the nation and ranks third in the nation with obesity. The Mountain State also continues to struggle with high rates of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and tobacco use. Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane and Clay counties are the 3rd worst in the state with no health insurance, although the availability of health care is high in most areas through services like Minnie Hamilton Heath Care System. The same counties had the 4th worst incidence of residents using smokeless tobacco and lack of exercise. Other rankings for Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane and Clay Counties: 1st - Asthma 9th - Hypertension 12th - Arthritis, binge drinking 13th - Cholesterol 16th - Diabetes 19th - Obesity/cigarette smoking 24th - Heart attack The report says West Virginia's obesity rate jumped from 27 percent in 2004 percent to 30% in 2005, the third highest rate in the nation both years. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise are prevalent in the state. The counties which report the highest percentage of residents in fair or poor health, according to the 2004-2005 Behavior Risk Factor Survey Report by the state Bureau for Public Health: 1. McDowell County 45 percent 2. Mingo County 37.5 percent 3. Wyoming County 37.4 percent 4. Logan County County 34.0 percent 5. Boone and Lincoln 32.3 percent 9. Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane and Clay Counties 28.6 percent

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