Physical health concerns the body and its proper functioning and condition. Environment, nutrition, accidents, illness and age are factors affecting physical health. There are several significant negative trends emerging across all demographic groups including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions related to lifestyle. Also of concern locally are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy, a higher infant mortality rate in the African-American/black population, and an increase in the percentage of very low birth weight infants.
Since 2000, Stark County’s population aged 60 and older has increased by more than eight percent and mortality rates confirm that our residents are living longer. The issues of heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and injuries related to falls in our aging population will continue to have an impact on health delivery systems and capacity.
Health disparities are differences that can be seen in specific populations of a community in relation to diseases, health outcomes, or quality of health care received. Several variables impacting disparities are health behaviors, status before care, access to health care and health care delivery. In Stark County there are significant disparities between the white and African-American/black populations including mortality rates, prenatal care, leading causes of death, STIs and insurance coverage.
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Department of Health - Information Warehouse
Stark County Health Department
Canton City Health Department
City of Massillon Health Department
City of Alliance Health Department
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
