43117, Derby, Ohio Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43117, Derby, Ohio is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 43117 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 43117 would have to travel an average of 15.72 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Madison Health. In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,026 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 43117, Derby, Ohio.

## Breathing Easy in Derby: Unveiling the Lung Cancer Score and a Community's Fight for Breath in 43117

The air hangs thick with the scent of freshly cut hay, mingling with the faint, comforting aroma of woodsmoke from a distant bonfire. It’s a typical autumn evening in Derby, Ohio, ZIP code 43117, a place where the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasons and the unwavering spirit of its people. But beneath the idyllic surface, a silent adversary lurks: lung cancer. This isn't just a medical concern; it's a community health challenge, a shadow that falls across the fields and homes of Derby.

We're not just talking about statistics here. We're talking about lives. About the laughter of children echoing through the Derby Community Park, the quiet strength of the farmers tilling their land, the familiar faces behind the counter at the Derby General Store. To understand the threat, and more importantly, to combat it, we need to dissect the "Lung Cancer Score" of 43117. This isn't a single number, but a tapestry woven from demographics, lifestyle choices, access to resources, and the very essence of what makes Derby, Derby.

**The Demographics of Derby: A Snapshot of its People**

Derby, nestled in the heart of Pickaway County, boasts a population that hovers around 4,000 residents. The community is predominantly white, with a smaller percentage of African American and Hispanic/Latino residents. The median age skews slightly older than the national average, reflecting a strong presence of established families and a slower pace of life. This aging demographic, coupled with the historical prevalence of blue-collar industries in the region, presents a potential vulnerability.

Think of the older generation, the veterans who may have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Consider the generations who worked in factories, their lungs bearing the brunt of industrial pollutants. These are the individuals who have shaped Derby, and their health is inextricably linked to the community's overall well-being.

The income levels in 43117 are generally modest. While not impoverished, many families face financial constraints that can impact access to healthcare, healthy food options, and preventative screenings. This economic reality adds another layer of complexity to the lung cancer equation.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: Where Community Meets Everyday Life**

Derby isn't a sprawling metropolis. It's a place where neighbors know each other, where the local diner is the heart of the community, and where the annual Derby Days celebration is a highlight of the year. This close-knit atmosphere, while offering a sense of belonging and social support, can also present challenges.

Word-of-mouth spreads quickly in Derby. If a family member is diagnosed with lung cancer, the news ripples through the community. The support is immediate, the casseroles arrive, and the prayers are offered. But the conversation about risk factors, about the importance of early detection, about the need for lifestyle changes, can sometimes be more difficult to initiate.

The Derby General Store, with its creaking floorboards and shelves stocked with everything from hardware to groceries, is more than just a shop; it's a social hub. The conversations that happen there, the information shared, the unspoken understanding between neighbors – these are the threads that weave the fabric of Derby's community health.

**Places to Live: The Landscape of Home and the Air We Breathe**

The housing landscape in 43117 is a mix of older homes, often with character and history, and newer developments that are slowly expanding the community. The proximity to farmland, with its potential for agricultural runoff and pesticide exposure, is a factor to consider. The presence of older homes also raises the possibility of radon exposure, a leading cause of lung cancer.

Imagine a cozy bungalow on a tree-lined street, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen. Picture the family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. This is the heart of Derby, the sanctuary of home. But it's also the place where potential risks can linger unseen.

The air quality in Derby, while generally good, is subject to seasonal variations. The burning of wood for heating, the occasional agricultural spraying, and the presence of traffic on nearby highways can contribute to air pollution. This is a subtle but persistent factor that impacts the community's lung cancer score.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Derby: Choices, Challenges, and Opportunities**

The lifestyle choices of Derby residents are a crucial component of the lung cancer equation. Smoking rates, historically, have been a significant concern in many rural communities. While smoking prevalence is declining nationally, it remains a potential risk factor in 43117.

The availability of healthy food options is another consideration. Access to fresh produce, particularly for those with limited transportation or financial resources, can be a challenge. The reliance on processed foods, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to overall health issues that may increase lung cancer risk.

However, Derby also offers opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. The Derby Community Park, with its walking trails, playground, and open green spaces, provides a vital outlet for outdoor recreation. The annual Derby Days celebration encourages community engagement and physical activity.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Deep in the Heart of Derby**

Picture a crisp autumn afternoon at the Derby Community Park. Children are laughing as they chase after a football, their breath misting in the cool air. A group of friends are enjoying a leisurely walk on the paved path, the vibrant colors of the changing leaves providing a stunning backdrop. This is the essence of Derby, the opportunity to connect with nature and breathe in the fresh air.

The park is more than just a recreational space; it's a symbol of the community's commitment to well-being. It's a place where residents can escape the stresses of daily life, exercise their bodies, and connect with each other. Promoting and expanding these outdoor recreation opportunities is crucial for improving the lung cancer score of 43117.

**Local Wellness Programs: Building a Foundation of Health**

The availability of local wellness programs is a critical factor in addressing the lung cancer challenge. Access to smoking cessation programs, early detection screenings, and educational resources can significantly impact the community's health outcomes.

Imagine a community health fair, held in the Derby Community Park. Local healthcare providers are offering free lung cancer screenings, providing information about risk factors, and encouraging residents to quit smoking. This is the kind of proactive approach that can make a real difference.

The local schools can play a vital role in educating children about the dangers of smoking and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. The Derby General Store can partner with healthcare providers to distribute educational materials and promote healthy food options.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Call to Action**

The "Lung Cancer Score" of 43117 isn't a static number. It's a dynamic reflection of the community's health, its challenges, and its resilience. By understanding the demographics, the neighborhood vibe, the lifestyle choices, and the available resources, we can begin to develop targeted interventions to improve the community's well-being.

Here's what needs to happen:

* **Increased Awareness:** Launch a community-wide awareness campaign about lung cancer risk factors, early detection, and available resources.
* **Smoking Cessation Support:** Expand access to smoking cessation programs and provide ongoing support for those who are trying to quit.
* **Early Detection:** Promote lung cancer screenings for individuals at high risk.
* **Healthy Lifestyle Promotion:** Encourage healthy eating habits, physical activity, and access to fresh produce.
* **Community Collaboration:** Foster partnerships between healthcare providers, local businesses, schools, and community organizations to create a comprehensive approach to community health.

The fight against lung cancer in Derby is a collective effort. It requires the commitment of every resident, every business owner, and every community leader. It demands a willingness to confront the challenges, embrace the opportunities, and work together to build a healthier future.

The air in Derby is filled with the promise of a brighter tomorrow. By addressing the lung cancer challenge head-on, we can ensure that the residents of 43117 can continue to breathe easy, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, for generations to come. The scent of woodsmoke, the laughter of children, the unwavering spirit of Derby – these are the things worth fighting for. And together, we can win.