| Popis: |
Many of Appalachia’s premature deaths are attributable to preventable causes, such as smoking behaviors, obesity and healthcare avoidance. This chapter presents surveillance data from multilevel sources (i.e., local, regional, state, and national) on prominent and modifiable health behaviors contributing to the region’s disease burden. The text highlights tobacco use, lack of physical activity (and its relation to poor diet and obesity), and healthcare avoidance in outlining areas for future public health intervention. It explores why these detrimental behaviors are more common in Appalachia than elsewhere, giving particular attention to the region’s economic and educational deprivation. The chapter then highlights promising evidence-based programs working to reduce negative health behaviors in Appalachia today. It uses this abundance of data—both quantitative and qualitative—to argue that Appalachia’s health challenges, while profound, are surmountable. |
