44493, Winona, Ohio Alzheimers Score People Score

The People Score for the Alzheimers Score in 44493, Winona, Ohio is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.15 percent of the residents in 44493 has some form of health insurance. 32.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.62 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 44493 would have to travel an average of 5.78 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Salem Regional Medical Center. In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,288 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 44493, Winona, Ohio.

## The Alzheimer's Score: Unveiling Community Health in Winona, Ohio (ZIP Code 44493)

The wind whispers through the ancient oaks lining Lisbon Street, carrying with it the scent of freshly tilled earth and the distant rumble of a passing train. This is Winona, Ohio, ZIP code 44493, a place where time seems to slow, where neighbors wave from their porches, and where the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasons. But beneath the veneer of small-town charm lies a complex tapestry of community health, a story we can partially unravel by applying the framework of an "Alzheimer's Score."

Why Alzheimer's? Because Alzheimer's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative condition, disproportionately affects communities with specific risk factors. These factors, including age, access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle choices, offer a lens through which we can examine the overall health and well-being of a community. By understanding these factors in Winona, we can begin to paint a picture of its strengths, its vulnerabilities, and the potential for positive change.

**Demographics: The Foundation of the Score**

The first brushstrokes on our canvas are the demographics. Winona, nestled within the larger Salem Township, is a primarily rural community. The 2023 census data reveals a population that skews older than the national average. A significant percentage of residents are over 65, placing them squarely within the age group most susceptible to Alzheimer's. This inherent aging of the population is a crucial element in our "Alzheimer's Score."

The racial makeup is overwhelmingly white, reflecting the historical settlement patterns of the region. While this homogeneity can foster a strong sense of community, it's important to acknowledge that diversity often brings with it a broader range of perspectives and access to different resources, which can contribute to overall community health.

Socioeconomically, Winona presents a mixed picture. While the cost of living is generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas, median household incomes are also lower. This can impact access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and other resources that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The presence of a significant number of residents living on fixed incomes further underscores the importance of affordability and access to support services.

**Places to Live: Shaping the Environment**

The physical environment of Winona plays a significant role in its community health. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills, farmland, and pockets of woodland. Single-family homes, often with generous yards, are the norm, providing residents with a sense of space and privacy.

Imagine a crisp autumn morning. The sun, a golden orb, casts long shadows across the fields. A woman, perhaps in her late 70s, tends her small vegetable garden, the rich soil clinging to her weathered hands. This connection to nature, this opportunity for physical activity, is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.

However, the rural nature of Winona also presents challenges. Access to public transportation is limited, making it difficult for those who cannot drive to access essential services like medical appointments and grocery stores. The distances between homes and amenities can also contribute to social isolation, a known risk factor for cognitive decline.

The housing stock itself is a factor. Older homes, while often charming, may lack modern amenities and accessibility features that can support aging in place. The absence of sidewalks and well-maintained public spaces can also limit opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Winona: The Building Blocks of Resilience**

A healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of any community's well-being, and in Winona, it's a tapestry woven with threads of tradition, resilience, and the challenges of rural living.

Consider the importance of diet. The prevalence of local farmers markets, offering fresh, seasonal produce, is a positive sign. Imagine the vibrant colors of heirloom tomatoes, the sweet scent of freshly picked berries. These opportunities to access healthy, whole foods are crucial for brain health and overall well-being.

Physical activity is another vital component. The vast open spaces of Winona offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking trails wind through the nearby woods, offering a chance to connect with nature and get some exercise. The Salem Township Park, a short drive away, provides a space for picnics, family gatherings, and recreational activities.

However, the lack of dedicated fitness facilities within Winona itself could be a drawback. The nearest gym or fitness center might require a drive, potentially deterring those who are less mobile or lack transportation.

Social engagement is equally important. The close-knit nature of the community, with its church gatherings, local events, and neighborhood interactions, fosters a sense of belonging and support. This social connection can help mitigate the effects of isolation and loneliness, which are known risk factors for cognitive decline.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Hope**

The presence of local wellness programs is a crucial indicator of a community's commitment to health. In Winona, these programs, though perhaps not as abundant as in larger urban areas, are beginning to take root.

The Salem Regional Medical Center, located nearby, likely offers a range of health education programs and support services. These may include screenings for cognitive impairment, educational workshops on healthy aging, and support groups for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

The local senior center, if one exists, is another vital resource. These centers often provide opportunities for social interaction, recreational activities, and access to health-related information. They can also serve as a hub for connecting residents with other community resources.

Churches and other faith-based organizations often play a significant role in supporting the health and well-being of their members. They may offer support groups, volunteer opportunities, and access to social services.

**Neighborhood Vibe: The Soul of the Community**

The "neighborhood vibe" is a less tangible, yet equally important, aspect of community health. It's the feeling you get when you walk down the street, the interactions you have with your neighbors, the overall sense of safety and belonging.

In Winona, the neighborhood vibe is characterized by a sense of quietude, a slower pace of life, and a strong emphasis on community. The sounds of children playing, the smell of freshly baked bread, the friendly greetings exchanged between neighbors – these are the hallmarks of a healthy, supportive environment.

However, the lack of diversity and the potential for social isolation, particularly for those who are new to the community or who have mobility limitations, can negatively impact the neighborhood vibe.

**Outdoor Recreation: Connecting with Nature**

The abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Winona is a major asset. The rolling hills, the verdant forests, and the nearby waterways offer a wealth of opportunities for physical activity and connection with nature.

Imagine a group of friends, hiking along a wooded trail, the sunlight dappling through the leaves. The fresh air, the physical exertion, the camaraderie – these are all powerful antidotes to stress and isolation.

The availability of parks, trails, and other outdoor spaces encourages residents to be active and engaged with their environment. This connection with nature is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being.

**The Alzheimer's Score: A Preliminary Assessment**

Based on the factors we've examined, we can begin to formulate a preliminary "Alzheimer's Score" for Winona, Ohio (44493).

* **Age:** High risk due to the aging population.
* **Socioeconomic Status:** Moderate risk due to lower median incomes and potential challenges accessing resources.
* **Access to Healthcare:** Moderate risk, potentially impacted by limited transportation and the need to travel to nearby cities for specialized care.
* **Healthy Lifestyle:** Moderate risk, with strengths in outdoor recreation and community engagement, but weaknesses in access to fitness facilities and healthy food options.
* **Community Resources:** Moderate risk, with potential strengths in local wellness programs and support services, but a need for greater awareness and accessibility.
* **Neighborhood Vibe:** Moderate risk, with strengths in community spirit, but potential challenges related to social isolation and lack of diversity.

**Overall, the "Alzheimer's Score" for Winona (44493) would likely fall in the moderate risk category.** This means that while the community has strengths in terms of its rural setting, strong community bonds, and access to outdoor recreation, there are also vulnerabilities related to its aging population, socioeconomic factors, and the need for greater access to healthcare and wellness resources.

**Moving Forward: Cultivating a Healthier Future**

This "Alzheimer's Score" is not a definitive diagnosis, but rather a starting point for a deeper understanding of community health in Winona. To cultivate a healthier future, the community could focus on the following:

* **Enhancing access to healthcare:** This could involve expanding transportation options for medical appointments, promoting telehealth services, and increasing awareness of available resources.
* **Supporting healthy aging:** This could involve promoting programs that encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and social engagement, as well as providing support for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
* **Strengthening community connections:** This could involve fostering intergenerational relationships, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating more opportunities for social interaction.
* **Advocating for affordable housing and access to nutritious food:** This could involve supporting local farmers markets, promoting food security initiatives, and advocating for policies that address economic disparities.
* **Expanding wellness programs:** This could involve increasing the availability of fitness facilities, offering educational workshops on healthy aging, and promoting mental health services.

The future of Winona, Ohio, is not predetermined. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and by working together to address the challenges, the community can create a healthier, more vibrant, and more resilient environment for all its residents. The whisper of the wind through the oaks can then carry with it not just the scent of the earth, but the promise of a thriving, healthy community, a place where the spirit of life flourishes for generations to come.