Health Risk Factors– High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol (Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2010) Adult Age 18+ Risk Profile
Virginia
Tazewell County
High Blood Pressure (told by doctor or other health professional)%
29.0
28.0
High Cholesterol (told by doctor or other health professional) %
30.0
32.0
Health Risk Factors– Adult Smoking (Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2005-2011) Geography Virginia Tazewell County
% Adults who smoke daily or most days 22 22
Nutrition, Weight Status, and Physical Activity A healthy body weight, good nutrition, and physical activity are positive predictors of good health and are a Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased tremendously in the past 30 years and is at epidemic proportions in the United States. These increasing rates raise concern because of their implications on health and their contribution to obesity-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Overall, persons who are obese spend 42% more for medical care than do normal weight adults.11 Reducing the proportion of adults who are obese to 30.6% is a Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator (NWS-9). The benefits of physical activity include weight control; reduction of risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers; and increased strength and overall well-being. Access to healthy foods directly impacts an individual’s (and community’s) ability to consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Increasing the proportion of Americans who have access to a food retail outlet that sells a variety of foods encouraged by the Dietary Guidelines is an objective of Healthy People 2020 (NWS-4).
11
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Study Estimates Medical Cost of Obesity May be as High as $147 Billion Annually, July 27, 2009, www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090727.htm
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