27048, Stoneville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27048, Stoneville, North Carolina is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.76 percent of the residents in 27048 has some form of health insurance. 39.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.12 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 27048 would have to travel an average of 9.25 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Unc Rockingham. In a 20-mile radius, there are 142 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 27048, Stoneville, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Breathing Easy in Stoneville, NC (ZIP Code 27048)

The air hangs thick and sweet in Stoneville, North Carolina. Not just with the humidity of a Piedmont summer, but with the scent of honeysuckle spilling from porch railings and the earthy aroma of freshly tilled fields. This is a town where the pace slows, where neighbors wave from their front yards, and where the rhythm of life seems to hum a little softer. But beneath this idyllic surface, a silent threat lingers: lung cancer. This isn't a disease that respects the beauty of a landscape; it's a shadow that can fall on any community, regardless of its charm.

This article isn’t just about numbers and statistics. It's a deep dive into the community health of Stoneville (ZIP Code 27048), a place where the concept of “community” is more than just a postal code. We'll examine the factors that influence the risk of lung cancer, explore the opportunities for a healthy lifestyle, and assess the overall “Lung Cancer Score” for this slice of Rockingham County.

**Understanding the Terrain: Demographics and the Lay of the Land**

Before we can assess the health landscape, we need to understand the terrain. Stoneville, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, boasts a population of around 1,200 residents. The demographic makeup is predominantly white, with a significant African American population, reflecting the historical roots of the area. This diversity, however, also presents a unique set of health considerations.

The median age skews slightly older than the national average, a factor that naturally increases the risk of age-related diseases, including lung cancer. The economic profile is modest, with a lower median household income than the state average. This can translate to challenges in accessing quality healthcare, nutritious food, and safe housing – all crucial components of overall community health.

The town itself is a tapestry of rolling hills, winding roads, and pockets of residential areas. The downtown core, centered around Main Street, is a charming collection of local businesses – a hardware store, a family-owned diner, and the post office, the heart of the community. The surrounding areas are a mix of single-family homes, some dating back generations, and newer developments that reflect the gradual growth of the region.

**The Silent Culprit: Risk Factors in the Stoneville Context**

Lung cancer is a complex disease, and its development is influenced by a multitude of factors. In Stoneville, like anywhere else, the primary culprit is tobacco use. The prevalence of smoking, both current and past, is a critical indicator of risk. While precise local smoking rates are difficult to pinpoint, national and state trends suggest that rural communities often have higher rates than urban areas. This could be due to a variety of factors, including limited access to cessation resources, cultural influences, and the historical presence of tobacco farming in the region.

Beyond smoking, exposure to environmental hazards plays a significant role. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a known carcinogen. Given the geological composition of the area, it's crucial for homeowners in Stoneville to test their homes for radon levels and take appropriate mitigation measures.

Another environmental concern is air quality. While Stoneville benefits from its rural setting, exposure to pollutants from traffic, industrial activity (even if limited), and seasonal burning can contribute to lung cancer risk. The presence of older housing stock may also raise concerns about asbestos exposure, a known cause of mesothelioma, a cancer closely linked to lung health.

**Breathing Life: Opportunities for a Healthy Lifestyle in Stoneville**

Despite the potential risks, Stoneville also possesses significant strengths that can contribute to a healthier community. The emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, a key factor in mitigating lung cancer risk, is a crucial aspect to assess.

**Outdoor Recreation: A Natural Antidote:** The natural beauty of the area is a major asset. The proximity to the Dan River and the surrounding forests provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the fresh air are all readily available. The local parks and trails offer spaces for physical activity, reducing the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases that can indirectly impact lung health. Imagine a crisp autumn morning, the air tinged with the scent of fallen leaves, as residents stroll along the Dan River, their lungs filling with clean, invigorating air. This is the essence of a healthy lifestyle in Stoneville.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Foundation of Support:** The strong sense of community in Stoneville is another powerful asset. The close-knit nature of the town fosters social connections, which are vital for mental and physical well-being. Neighbors look out for each other, creating a supportive network that can help individuals cope with stress, seek help when needed, and encourage healthy behaviors. This sense of belonging can be a powerful antidote to the isolation and loneliness that can contribute to unhealthy habits. Picture a potluck dinner on a warm summer evening, neighbors sharing laughter and stories, their faces illuminated by the glow of fireflies. This is the spirit of Stoneville, a spirit that can nurture health and resilience.

**Local Wellness Programs: A Path to Prevention:** The availability of local wellness programs is crucial. While the specifics of such programs in Stoneville are difficult to ascertain without direct local research, the presence of a local health clinic or community center is a positive sign. These institutions can offer vital services, including smoking cessation programs, lung cancer screenings, and educational workshops on healthy living. They can also serve as a hub for community health initiatives, connecting residents with resources and support. The local library might host health seminars, or the community center could offer exercise classes.

**The Stoneville Lung Cancer Score: A Preliminary Assessment**

Calculating a precise “Lung Cancer Score” is a complex undertaking that requires extensive data collection and analysis. However, based on the available information, we can offer a preliminary assessment for Stoneville (ZIP Code 27048):

**Positive Factors:**

* **Strong sense of community and social support.**
* **Abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and physical activity.**
* **Potential for access to local wellness programs (to be confirmed through local research).**
* **Relatively low population density, potentially reducing exposure to certain pollutants.**

**Negative Factors:**

* **Potential for higher smoking rates compared to urban areas.**
* **Older demographic, increasing age-related risk.**
* **Modest economic profile, potentially limiting access to healthcare and resources.**
* **Potential for radon exposure and other environmental hazards.**

**Overall Assessment:**

Stoneville presents a mixed picture. The strong community bonds and natural beauty offer significant advantages in promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, the potential for higher smoking rates, the older demographic, and the economic challenges pose significant concerns.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Lung Cancer Score and overall community health in Stoneville, several key areas require attention:

* **Smoking Cessation:** Prioritize and expand smoking cessation programs, making them readily accessible and affordable. Partner with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and the local government to implement effective interventions.
* **Radon Testing and Mitigation:** Launch a community-wide awareness campaign about radon testing and mitigation. Provide resources and support to homeowners to ensure their homes are safe.
* **Environmental Awareness:** Advocate for clean air initiatives and promote responsible waste management practices.
* **Healthcare Access:** Work to improve access to affordable healthcare, including lung cancer screenings and early detection services.
* **Community Education:** Develop and implement educational programs on lung cancer prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of early detection.
* **Support Local Wellness Programs:** Invest in and support local wellness programs, ensuring they are accessible, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive.

**The Future of Breathing Easy in Stoneville**

Stoneville has the potential to be a beacon of community health. By addressing the risk factors, leveraging its strengths, and investing in the well-being of its residents, the town can create a healthier future. The journey towards a lower Lung Cancer Score will require a collaborative effort – a partnership between residents, healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations.

Imagine a future where the air in Stoneville is even cleaner, where the laughter of children echoes through the parks, and where the community comes together to support each other in the pursuit of health and well-being. This is the vision for Stoneville, a town where breathing easy is not just a phrase, but a way of life. The sweet scent of honeysuckle will continue to fill the air, but it will be joined by the even sweeter scent of a community thriving in health and vitality.