13624, Clayton, New York Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13624, Clayton, New York is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.12 percent of the residents in 13624 has some form of health insurance. 36.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.78 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 13624 would have to travel an average of 10.98 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, River Hospital Clinics. In a 20-mile radius, there are 753 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 13624, Clayton, New York.

## The Lung Cancer Score: Breathing Easy in Clayton, NY (ZIP Code 13624)

The air hangs crisp and clean over Clayton, New York. It’s a scent of pine, of the St. Lawrence River, of a life lived close to nature. But beyond the postcard-perfect vistas, beyond the vibrant tourism that fuels this small town, lies a question that touches every community: how healthy are we? And, more specifically, how vulnerable are we to the shadow of lung cancer?

This isn't a clinical report. This is a deep dive into the community health of Clayton, NY, ZIP code 13624, a town that breathes in the beauty of the Thousand Islands. We’ll look beyond the statistics, into the heart of the community, to understand the factors that contribute to its lung cancer score – a measure of the collective health and resilience of its residents.

**The Demographics: A Tapestry Woven by the River**

Clayton's population, hovering around 5,000 souls, is a tapestry woven with threads of history and the enduring pull of the St. Lawrence. The median age skews older, reflecting a trend of retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life. This aging demographic is a crucial factor in our lung cancer score equation. Age is a significant risk factor, and a population with a higher median age naturally faces a greater statistical probability of diagnosis.

Imagine Mrs. Gable, a woman in her late 70s, sitting on her porch overlooking the river. She’s lived in Clayton her entire life, raised her children here, and now enjoys the tranquility of her golden years. She’s a pillar of the community, involved in the local historical society and always ready with a warm smile. Her story, like so many others in Clayton, underscores the importance of understanding the specific health needs of an aging population.

The racial makeup of Clayton is predominantly white, with a small but growing representation of other ethnicities. This homogeneity can be both a strength and a challenge. While shared cultural experiences can foster strong community bonds, it’s crucial to ensure that healthcare resources are accessible and culturally sensitive to all residents.

The economic landscape is a mix of seasonal tourism, small businesses, and a reliance on the service industry. This can create economic disparities, which, in turn, can impact access to healthcare, healthy food options, and safe living environments. We’ll delve deeper into these factors as we assess the lung cancer score.

**The Places We Call Home: A Breath of Fresh Air or a Stifled Gasp?**

The housing stock in Clayton is diverse, ranging from historic Victorian homes with river views to more modest, practical dwellings. The condition of housing is a significant factor in assessing community health. Older homes, while charming, can sometimes harbor environmental hazards like radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is a leading cause of lung cancer.

Think of the quaint cottages lining James Street, their porches adorned with flower boxes. Are these homes regularly tested for radon? Are residents aware of the risks and the simple steps they can take to mitigate them? This is a crucial aspect of our assessment.

The presence of well-maintained public spaces is another key indicator. Clayton boasts beautiful parks, including the Clayton Island Park, offering stunning views of the river and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Access to these spaces is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.

Consider the families enjoying a picnic at the park, the children playing on the swings, the elderly couple strolling hand-in-hand. These are moments of connection, of physical activity, of respite from the stresses of daily life. These spaces contribute to a sense of well-being that can buffer against the negative impacts of other risk factors.

**The Vibe: A Sense of Community and Resilience**

The "neighborhood vibe" is a subtle yet powerful influence on community health. Clayton exudes a strong sense of community, a feeling of belonging that fosters social support and encourages healthy behaviors.

Picture the annual Clayton Antique Boat Museum Antique Boat Show, a vibrant celebration of the town's maritime heritage. The streets are buzzing with visitors, the air filled with the sounds of laughter and the scent of freshly grilled food. This sense of community, of shared experiences, can be a powerful antidote to stress and isolation, both of which can negatively impact health.

The local businesses, from the cozy cafes to the bustling marinas, contribute to this positive vibe. They provide employment, social interaction, and a sense of economic vitality. The presence of local, independent businesses often fosters a more supportive and connected community.

However, even in a close-knit community like Clayton, challenges exist. Social isolation, particularly among the elderly, can be a hidden risk factor. Ensuring that all residents have access to social connections and support networks is crucial.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Clayton: Breathing in the Good Life**

Clayton offers ample opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. The St. Lawrence River is the heart of the community, providing endless possibilities for outdoor recreation. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking are all readily accessible.

Imagine a brisk morning walk along the Riverwalk, the sun glinting off the water, the air filled with the cries of gulls. This kind of daily activity is a powerful weapon against chronic diseases, including lung cancer.

The availability of fresh, local produce is another positive factor. Farmers' markets and local farms provide access to healthy food options, promoting a balanced diet.

Consider the Clayton Farmers' Market, a weekly gathering where residents can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally sourced goods. This is more than just a place to buy groceries; it's a social hub, a place to connect with neighbors and support local farmers.

However, access to healthy food options can be a challenge for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes or transportation options. This is an area where community initiatives can make a significant difference.

**Local Wellness Programs: A Breath of Hope**

Clayton has a number of local wellness programs that contribute to its overall health profile. The River Hospital, the local healthcare provider, offers various health screenings and educational programs.

Imagine a community health fair, where residents can receive free health screenings, learn about healthy lifestyle choices, and connect with healthcare professionals. These programs are essential for early detection and prevention of lung cancer and other diseases.

The Clayton YMCA also plays a vital role, offering fitness classes, recreational activities, and programs for children and seniors. These programs promote physical activity and social interaction, both crucial for overall well-being.

The success of these programs depends on community participation and awareness. Ensuring that all residents are aware of the resources available to them is a key challenge.

**Outdoor Recreation: A Breath of Fresh Air**

Clayton’s access to outdoor recreation is a major asset in its community health profile. The vast network of trails, waterways, and parks provides residents with ample opportunities for physical activity and connection with nature.

Think of the hikers exploring the trails in the nearby Wellesley Island State Park, the kayakers paddling along the St. Lawrence River, the families enjoying a picnic at the Clayton Island Park. These activities promote physical activity, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.

The availability of these outdoor spaces is a significant advantage, but it's crucial to ensure that they are accessible to all residents. Transportation, accessibility for people with disabilities, and the cost of recreational activities can all be barriers to participation.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic View**

So, what does all this mean for Clayton's lung cancer score? It's a complex equation, a balancing act of risk factors and protective factors.

**Risk Factors:**

* **Aging population:** The higher median age of the population increases the statistical probability of lung cancer diagnoses.
* **Potential environmental hazards:** The presence of older housing stock raises concerns about radon exposure.
* **Economic disparities:** Economic challenges can limit access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe living environments.
* **Smoking history:** While smoking rates are declining, the legacy of past smoking habits can still impact lung cancer incidence.

**Protective Factors:**

* **Strong sense of community:** The close-knit community fosters social support and encourages healthy behaviors.
* **Access to outdoor recreation:** The abundance of outdoor activities promotes physical activity and reduces stress.
* **Local wellness programs:** The River Hospital and the YMCA provide health screenings, education, and fitness programs.
* **Availability of fresh, local produce:** Farmers' markets and local farms provide access to healthy food options.

**The Verdict:**

Clayton, NY, ZIP code 13624, presents a mixed picture. While the aging population and potential environmental hazards pose challenges, the strong sense of community, the access to outdoor recreation, and the local wellness programs offer significant protection.

The lung cancer score for Clayton is likely to be moderate. It’s not a perfect score, but it’s a score that reflects the resilience and the inherent goodness of this community.

**Moving Forward: Breathing Easier Together**

To improve the lung cancer score, Clayton needs to focus on:

* **Radon testing and mitigation:** Implementing a community-wide radon awareness campaign and providing resources for testing and mitigation in older homes.
* **Healthcare access:** Ensuring that all residents have access to affordable healthcare, including lung cancer screenings.
* **Healthy food initiatives:** Supporting the Clayton Farmers' Market and exploring ways to increase access to healthy food options for all residents.
* **Community engagement:** Fostering social connections, particularly for the elderly, and promoting participation in local wellness programs.
* **Continued education:** Educating residents about the risks of smoking and the importance of early detection.

Clayton is a community that cares. By addressing these challenges and building on its strengths, Clayton can continue to breathe easy, knowing that it is working together to create a healthier future for all its residents. The air, the river, the community itself – all deserve to be cherished, protected, and nurtured. And that, in the end, is the true measure of a healthy community.