Health Tips for Rural Americans

B. L. Dotson-Lewis

Facts

Rural communities represent about 20% of America’s population however less than ten percent of physicians practice in those communities
Rural residents are less likely to have employer-provided health care coverage or prescription drug coverage
Rural poor are less likely to be covered by Medicaid benefits
One-third of all motor vehicle accidents occur in rural areas however two-thirds of the deaths attributed to these accidents occur on rural roads
Fewer dentists practice in rural areas
The majority of EMS first responders are volunteers
Rural residents are poorer than their rural counterparts
Alcohol abuse is a significant problem among rural youth
Methamphetamine use and admission treatment rates are higher in rural, non-metro areas
Rural residents are nearly twice as likely to die from unintentional injuries other than motor vehicle accidents
Suicide rates among rural males are significantly higher than in urban areas and the suicide rates among rural women are rapidly catching up to that of men
Resource: National Rural Health Association

Heart Smart -You can reduce your risk of heart attack. Start by becoming aware of your risk factors What should I eat? Low-fat, low-cholesterol foods including: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, rice, pasta, beans and peas. Lean red meats and poultry without skin (choose up to 6 total ounces per day). Low-fat or skim milk dairy products. Lean fish and shellfish. Nuts and seeds in limited amounts. Unsaturated vegetable oils like canola, olive, safflower and sunflower oils. Resource: California Farm Bureau Federation

DID YOU KNOW... It's hard to judge the calories in food. For instance, a can of regular soda can have more sugar than a slice of cake! Housework, at a moderate level of exertion, can burn up to 300 calories an hour? You need to burn 3,500 calories to lose a pound of body weight? Resource: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services