Asthma Score

04768, Portage, Maine Asthma Score People Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

0 Reviews

Health Scores

People Score in 04768, Portage, Maine

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 04768, Portage, Maine is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.23 percent of the residents in 04768 has some form of health insurance. 60.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.81 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 04768 would have to travel an average of 23.32 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, A R Gould Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 5 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 04768, Portage, Maine.

Health Scores in 04768, Portage, Maine

Asthma Score 63
People Score 93
Provider Score 36
Hospital Score 69
Travel Score 13

Insurance Types

04768 Portage Maine
Employer Insurance 37.91 37.91 54.75
Direct Purchase Insurance 21.15 21.15 15.26
Medicare 46.43 46.43 22.81
Medicaid 23.63 23.63 18.76
TRICARE 7.97 7.97 3.46
VA 51.10 51.10 53.26

Percent Insured in 04768, Portage, Maine

Residents who need health insurance can purchase insurance at The U.S. government healthcare website.

Insurance Rate by Age

04768 Portage Maine
Under 19 92.73 92.73 95.14
Adults (19-64 years) 88.67 88.67 89.30
Seniors (65+ years) 100.00 100.00 99.87

People Score Review of 04768, Portage, Maine

## Portage, Maine: Breathing Easy and Building a Better Tomorrow (Asthma Score Article)

The crisp, clean air of Portage, Maine, a town nestled in the heart of Aroostook County, whispers secrets of resilience and community spirit. But beneath the postcard-perfect surface, the health of its residents, particularly those battling asthma, is a story woven with threads of hardship, resourcefulness, and the unwavering determination to breathe easier. This isn't just about lungs; it's about the very fabric of life in ZIP code 04768, a place where the fight for community health is a daily, shared endeavor.

**The Lay of the Land: Portage and its People**

Imagine a landscape painted with the vibrant hues of the seasons. Summers burst with the emerald green of potato fields, the lifeblood of the region, and the deep blue of the Fish River. Autumn ignites the forests in fiery reds and golds, while winter blankets the land in a pristine white, perfect for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. This is Portage, a town where the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasons and the enduring spirit of its people.

Portage's demographics are a tapestry woven with threads of tradition and a quiet sense of belonging. The population, hovering around 400, is predominantly white, with a strong sense of family and a deep connection to the land. Many families have roots that run deep, generations having tilled the soil, harvested the forests, and built the community. The median age skews older, reflecting a trend seen across rural Maine, and the economic landscape is largely shaped by agriculture and forestry.

**The Asthma Angle: A Deeper Breath**

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, can be a formidable foe, particularly in environments where triggers are prevalent. In Portage, the potential triggers are varied. Seasonal allergies, fueled by pollen from the vast forests and farmlands, can send asthma sufferers into a spiral of wheezing and breathlessness. Indoor air quality, affected by wood-burning stoves (a common source of heat in the colder months) and potential mold growth in older homes, can also exacerbate symptoms.

The impact of asthma extends far beyond the physical. It can limit participation in outdoor activities, hinder school attendance, and create a sense of isolation. For children, the constant worry about asthma attacks can cast a long shadow over their childhoods. For adults, it can affect their ability to work and maintain their livelihoods.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Resilience**

The true strength of Portage lies not just in its stunning scenery but in the unwavering spirit of its people. The "neighborhood vibe" is one of neighborly support, where doors are open, and help is readily offered. This tight-knit community is a crucial asset in navigating the challenges of asthma and building a healthier future.

Picture this: a young mother, Sarah, whose child has asthma. She's new to Portage, and the first winter hits hard. The wood smoke from her neighbor's stove triggers her child's asthma. Nervous, she approaches her neighbor, a grizzled but kind man who has lived in Portage his whole life. He listens, understands, and together, they work out a solution – adjusting the stove's settings, ensuring proper ventilation, and even helping Sarah find resources for asthma management. This is the essence of Portage: a community that cares, a community that collaborates.

**Places to Live: A Home, a Haven, a Healthier Start**

Finding safe and healthy housing is paramount for asthma sufferers. In Portage, the options are diverse, ranging from cozy single-family homes with sprawling yards to more modest dwellings. The condition of the home, its age, and its ventilation systems are crucial factors.

Consider the old farmhouse on the edge of town, with its drafty windows and potential for mold growth. It might require significant renovations to create a healthy living environment. Conversely, the newer, well-maintained home with a modern HVAC system and air filtration could be a haven for someone with asthma.

The availability of affordable housing is a constant challenge in rural communities, but the local housing authority and community organizations are actively working to improve housing conditions and provide resources for residents. They offer programs to help homeowners address issues like mold remediation, improve insulation, and upgrade ventilation systems.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Beauty, with Caution**

The natural beauty of Portage beckons. The Fish River, winding its way through the landscape, offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The surrounding forests are perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. But for asthma sufferers, enjoying these outdoor activities requires careful planning and precautions.

Imagine a sunny autumn day, the air crisp and clean. A family, the father an avid fisherman, the mother a hiker, and their child, who has asthma, are planning a day on the river. They check the pollen count, pack their rescue inhalers, and make sure their child is properly medicated. They choose a route with minimal exposure to allergens and stay vigilant for any signs of an asthma attack. This is the reality of enjoying the outdoors with asthma: a balance of caution and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

Portage may be a small town, but it's not short on heart or initiative. Community health initiatives are often driven by dedicated individuals, local organizations, and partnerships with regional healthcare providers.

One example is the local school, which actively promotes asthma awareness and management. They work with parents to develop asthma action plans for students, train staff in asthma first aid, and ensure that students have access to their medication.

The town also benefits from the Aroostook County Health Center, which offers various programs and resources, including asthma education, support groups, and access to specialists. These programs are vital in empowering residents to take control of their health and manage their asthma effectively.

**A Call to Action: Breathing Easier Together**

The fight against asthma in Portage is a collective effort. It requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses environmental factors, promotes healthy lifestyles, and provides access to quality healthcare.

Here's what needs to be done:

* **Increased Awareness:** Educate residents about asthma triggers, symptoms, and management strategies. Organize community workshops, health fairs, and awareness campaigns.
* **Improved Housing Conditions:** Advocate for programs that help homeowners improve indoor air quality, reduce mold growth, and address other housing-related asthma triggers.
* **Enhanced Access to Healthcare:** Ensure that all residents have access to affordable healthcare, including asthma specialists, medications, and respiratory therapy.
* **Promote Healthy Lifestyles:** Encourage physical activity, healthy eating habits, and smoking cessation. Support local wellness programs and outdoor recreation initiatives.
* **Foster Community Collaboration:** Strengthen partnerships between local organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and community members. Create a supportive network where residents can share information, resources, and encouragement.

**The Future of Portage: A Breath of Fresh Air**

The journey towards a healthier Portage is an ongoing one. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a shared commitment to the well-being of its residents. The town's strength lies in its people, their resilience, and their unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.

Imagine a future where children can run and play freely, where adults can work and thrive without the constant burden of asthma, and where the air is clean, the community is supportive, and the beauty of Portage can be enjoyed by all. This is the vision, the aspiration, the driving force behind the efforts to build a healthier community in ZIP code 04768. It's a future where everyone can breathe easy, and the spirit of Portage continues to thrive.

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No reviews yet.

Leave a review

Health Scores Near 04768, Portage, Maine

You may also like

04768, Portage, Maine
Breast Cancer Score
Breast Cancer Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Type 2 Diabetes Score
Type 2 Diabetes Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Arthritis Score
Arthritis Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Overall Health Score
Overall Health Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Asthma Score
Asthma Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

04768, Portage, Maine
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 04768: 0.00 Miles

Total Population: 364

Health Scores in 04768, Portage, Maine