Active Living Promotes Healthy CommunitiesMay 8th, 2003Thomas James III, MDHumana-KentuckyPartners for a Health LouisvillePracticing Physician

Abridged Version of TalkKentucky has a problem with its health from life-style issuesActivity is key to promotion of improved physical and emotional healthA healthier population promotes a stronger communityNow you can go take a hike.

Lets look at the StatisticsThe Lewin Group for UAW-Ford Community Health Initiative, Oct. 2002ConditionHP2010Ky.USAHypertension 16.0%30.8%25.2%Heart deaths 166.0 306.2 259.8 (deaths/100,000 Pop)Stroke deaths 48.069.660.1(deaths/100,000)Diabetes death ---27.624.4 (deaths/100,000) Cancer deaths 159.9 184.0 162.1(deaths/100,000)

Kentucky Demographics

4,065,556 people in Kentucky 12.5% are 65 years old (> 500,000 people)7.3% are African-American (~300,000 people)1.5% are Hispanic/Latino-AmericanIn 2001, Prevalence of Diabetes in KY was 6.7% or >270,000 people. (There could be half this number currently undiagnosed.)

Diabetes Surveillance System, 2001. www.cdc.govNational Diabetes Fact Sheet, American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org

Cardiovascular

Kentucky Risk Factors

The highest adult smoking rate in the U.S. (30.5%)Lowest rate of physical activity in the U.S. Second highest in people overweight (61%)72.1% of African-Americans, and 60.5% Whites are overweightKentucky has the 4th highest cardiovascular death rate in the U.S.

www.cdc.gov accessed 3/3/03

Cardiovascular

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes: 1990

6%=Blue

Diabetes Care. September 2000.

Cardiovascular

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes: 1994

6%=Blue

Diabetes Care. September 2000.

Cardiovascular

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes: 1998

6%=Blue

Diabetes Care. September 2000.

Cardiovascular

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes:19901998

Weight (kg)

81.0

64.6

83.1

66.4

85.3

68.5

Men

Women

Diabetes Care. September 2000.

6%=Blue

6%=Blue

6%=Blue

Cardiovascular

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

SOLUTIONS?a simple one--promote activityCardiovascular benefitsWeight managementArthritis controlDiabetes improvement?Link to cancer prevention?

Cardiovascular BenefitsReduce Coronary risk by 1/3Reduces hypertension by up to 10 mm HgReduces stroke risk three-fold

Weight ManagementWalking can burn up to 100 cal per mileExercise is key to weight lossRegular exercise reduces diabetes risk by up to 25%Cancer associate with obesity

Elements for Community Growth--Dr. Mark Horton, Ca. PHSReduce exposure environmental toxinsMaximize safety in road planningCommunity design to promote physical activity.Development: environmental justiceMaximize aesthetics for stress reliefInclude health/environmental experts in design.

Impacts on improved healthWIN: As an insurer--Lower medical costs, so premiums can be more competitive.WIN: As Partners for a Healthy Louisville--Redirection of focus for business-health efforts.WIN: As a Physician--Patient compliance with healthy activities.

The Bottom Line...A healthier community makes the area more attractive to business and, more importantly, to the people who live there.