11747, Melville, New York Asthma Score People Score

The People Score for the Asthma Score in 11747, Melville, New York is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.91 percent of the residents in 11747 has some form of health insurance. 35.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.19 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 11747 would have to travel an average of 3.89 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Plainview Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 51,210 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 11747, Melville, New York.

## The Breath of Melville: Scoring Community Health in 11747

The Long Island Expressway hums a constant, low-frequency thrum, the soundtrack to life in Melville, New York, ZIP code 11747. It's a sound that blends with the rustle of leaves in the manicured lawns, the distant chatter from the office parks, and the insistent beep of a delivery truck navigating the labyrinthine cul-de-sacs. But beneath this veneer of suburban prosperity, a critical question lingers: How healthy is Melville, really? And specifically, how does its community health stack up, particularly concerning a condition like asthma, which can be a barometer of environmental factors and access to care? Let’s take a deep breath and assess.

**The Lay of the Land: A Demographic Snapshot**

Melville, nestled in the heart of Suffolk County, is a tapestry woven from diverse threads. The 2023 census data paints a picture of a community that's predominantly white, with a significant Asian population and a growing Hispanic presence. The median household income skews upwards, reflecting the concentration of corporate headquarters and the generally affluent lifestyle. Homes range from sprawling estates with meticulously maintained gardens to comfortable, well-appointed townhouses and apartments. This financial stability often translates to better access to healthcare, but it's not a guarantee of optimal health.

The age distribution is also important. Melville boasts a solid population of families with children, alongside a substantial contingent of older adults. This demographic mix presents unique challenges and opportunities for community health initiatives. Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental triggers for asthma, while seniors often face chronic respiratory issues.

**Breathing Easy: Assessing Asthma Prevalence**

While specific asthma prevalence data for 11747 is difficult to pinpoint with granular precision, we can draw inferences from broader county and regional statistics. Suffolk County, like much of Long Island, has historically seen asthma rates that are on par with, or slightly above, the national average. This suggests that while Melville may not be an asthma “hot spot,” it's certainly not immune.

Several factors contribute to this. The air quality, while generally good compared to more urban areas, can still be affected by traffic from the LIE, industrial emissions from nearby areas, and seasonal allergens. The prevalence of mold and dust mites in homes, exacerbated by humidity, is another potential trigger.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Lifestyle Choices**

Melville's character is defined by its blend of residential tranquility and commercial vibrancy. The office parks that line the major thoroughfares, like the bustling Route 110 corridor, create a significant daytime population. This influx of workers, coupled with the residents, fuels a diverse range of businesses, from high-end restaurants and boutique shops to everyday essentials.

This commercial activity also influences the neighborhood vibe. The constant flow of traffic, the presence of construction, and the concentration of restaurants contribute to air pollution, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

However, the community also boasts pockets of serenity. The presence of well-maintained parks, like the expansive Melville Park, provides vital green spaces for recreation and relaxation. These spaces are crucial for promoting physical activity, reducing stress, and offering a respite from the built environment.

**Places to Live: A Spectrum of Housing Options and Their Implications**

The type of housing in Melville can significantly impact community health.

* **Large Single-Family Homes:** These often come with well-maintained yards, but also the potential for exposure to lawn chemicals, pesticides, and allergens from landscaping. Indoor air quality can be a concern if homes aren't properly ventilated or if there's a presence of mold or mildew.
* **Townhouses and Condominiums:** These offer a more manageable lifestyle, but shared walls and ventilation systems can potentially spread allergens and pollutants. The proximity of neighbors also means a higher concentration of potential triggers, like cigarette smoke.
* **Apartment Complexes:** These can be more affordable, but they may also have higher rates of asthma triggers due to shared ventilation, potential for pest infestations, and the challenges of controlling indoor air quality.

The age of a home is also a factor. Older homes may have outdated heating and cooling systems, which can contribute to poor air quality. Newer homes, while often built with energy efficiency in mind, can sometimes trap pollutants indoors if not properly ventilated.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Benefits (and the Challenges)**

Melville offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, which are essential for promoting a healthy lifestyle and mitigating asthma symptoms.

* **Melville Park:** This is a true community gem, with walking trails, playgrounds, and open green spaces. It provides a safe and accessible environment for physical activity, which can strengthen the respiratory system and reduce stress.
* **Nearby Parks and Preserves:** The proximity to other parks and nature preserves, like the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the natural world. These activities can improve lung function and reduce exposure to indoor allergens.
* **Sports Fields and Recreational Facilities:** The presence of sports fields and recreational facilities encourages physical activity, but also brings with it the potential for exposure to air pollution from traffic and the use of lawn care chemicals.

**Local Wellness Programs: A Breath of Fresh Air**

The availability and accessibility of local wellness programs are critical for supporting community health.

* **Healthcare Providers:** Melville is served by a network of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers. Access to quality medical care is essential for managing asthma and other respiratory conditions.
* **Community Centers:** These centers often offer health education programs, support groups, and exercise classes, which can empower residents to take control of their health.
* **Fitness Centers and Gyms:** The presence of fitness centers and gyms provides opportunities for physical activity, which can strengthen the respiratory system and reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations.
* **Pharmacies and Pharmacies:** The presence of pharmacies in the community provides convenient access to medications and other healthcare products.

**Vignette Scenes: Breathing Life into the Numbers**

Let's imagine:

* **Scene 1:** A young mother, Sarah, pushes her stroller through Melville Park, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. Her son, eight-year-old Ethan, is prone to asthma. She carefully checks the air quality app on her phone before venturing out, mindful of the pollen count. She knows that a walk in the park, away from the traffic, is good for Ethan, but she also knows the importance of being vigilant.
* **Scene 2:** Mr. Chen, a retired engineer, sits on his porch, enjoying the evening breeze. He's a long-time resident of Melville, and he's noticed an increase in traffic on the LIE over the years. He worries about the impact on air quality, especially for his grandchildren who visit. He's a regular at the local community center, where he attends a Tai Chi class, hoping to keep his lungs strong.
* **Scene 3:** A group of teenagers, fresh from a soccer game at a local field, gather around a table at a nearby cafe. They're laughing and joking, but one of them, Maya, is struggling to catch her breath. Her inhaler is close at hand, a constant reminder of her asthma. Her friends are supportive, understanding the need for her to take a break and recover.

**Scoring the Breath of Melville: A Holistic Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, we can begin to formulate an "Asthma Score" for Melville. This score isn't a definitive number, but rather a composite assessment of the community's strengths and weaknesses.

* **Strengths:** Affluent population with access to healthcare, well-maintained parks and green spaces, a variety of recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
* **Weaknesses:** Proximity to major roadways and potential for air pollution, reliance on automobiles, potential for indoor allergens, and the need for increased awareness of asthma triggers and management strategies.

**Recommendations for Improving Community Health in 11747**

* **Promote Environmental Awareness:** Increase public awareness of air quality issues, pollen counts, and other environmental triggers for asthma.
* **Support Asthma Management Programs:** Expand access to asthma education and support programs, including asthma action plans and self-management techniques.
* **Encourage Green Initiatives:** Advocate for green infrastructure projects, such as tree planting and the development of more pedestrian and bike-friendly pathways.
* **Improve Indoor Air Quality:** Educate residents on the importance of proper ventilation, mold prevention, and dust mite control.
* **Foster Community Collaboration:** Encourage collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government to address the needs of residents with asthma.

**The Final Breath:**

Melville, 11747, is a community with the potential to thrive. By acknowledging the challenges and embracing the opportunities, it can create a healthier environment for all its residents. The "Asthma Score" isn't just about asthma; it's about the overall health and well-being of the community. It's about ensuring that everyone can breathe easy, and live a full, vibrant life in the heart of Long Island. The journey towards a healthier Melville is a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires the collective effort of every resident, every organization, and every breath taken.