44640, Limaville, Ohio Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44640, Limaville, Ohio is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.56 percent of the residents in 44640 has some form of health insurance. 25.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.14 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 44640 would have to travel an average of 6.03 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Alliance Community Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,211 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 44640, Limaville, Ohio.

## Breathing Easy in Limaville: A Lung Cancer Score for 44640

The air hangs thick with the scent of freshly turned earth, mingling with the faint, metallic tang of the train tracks that snake through the heart of Limaville, Ohio. This is 44640, a ZIP code etched into the rolling hills of Stark County, a place where generations have built lives, raised families, and weathered the changing seasons. But beyond the picturesque facade of small-town charm, what’s the health of this community? More specifically, how does Limaville fare when we consider its vulnerability to lung cancer, a disease that casts a long shadow across the nation? This article dives deep, offering a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, a snapshot of community health in 44640, and a call to action for a healthier future.

**The Foundation: Demographics and the Lay of the Land**

To understand Limaville's health profile, we must first understand its people. The 2020 Census paints a picture of a predominantly white community, with a median age hovering around the mid-40s. The population is relatively stable, a testament to the strong sense of community and the enduring appeal of small-town life. Family units are common, with a noticeable number of children playing in front yards and riding bikes along the quiet streets.

The economic landscape is largely blue-collar, with a significant portion of the population employed in manufacturing, agriculture, and related industries. This historical reliance on industry, while providing jobs, also carries potential health implications. Exposure to occupational hazards, such as asbestos or silica dust, can contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer.

Limaville is geographically compact, a town where everyone seems to know everyone else. The heart of the community beats around the town square, where the post office, the local diner, and the volunteer fire department stand as pillars of civic life. The surrounding landscape is a tapestry of farmland, wooded areas, and the winding Nimishillen Creek, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation.

**The Scorecard: Assessing the Risk Factors**

Our "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a single number, but a composite assessment, a look at the factors that contribute to lung cancer risk within 44640. We'll consider several key areas:

**1. Smoking Prevalence:** This is the elephant in the room. Smoking remains the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer. While precise data for Limaville is difficult to obtain, national and state averages offer a glimpse. Ohio, unfortunately, consistently ranks higher than the national average for smoking rates. Anecdotally, the presence of local bars and social gatherings suggests a potential for higher smoking prevalence within the community.

**2. Environmental Exposure:** The past industrial history of the area is a concern. While modern regulations have improved, the legacy of past practices can linger. Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in the soil, is another significant risk factor. The prevalence of older homes in Limaville raises the possibility of radon exposure. Further, the proximity to industrial areas in neighboring towns necessitates awareness of potential air quality concerns.

**3. Access to Healthcare:** The availability of quality healthcare is crucial for early detection and treatment. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals within a reasonable distance is a positive sign. However, access to affordable healthcare, including preventative screenings like low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, is equally important. The economic realities of the community influence access to care.

**4. Lifestyle Factors:** This encompasses diet, exercise, and overall well-being. A community that embraces a healthy lifestyle is better equipped to mitigate risk. The availability of fresh produce, the presence of recreational facilities, and the overall level of community engagement all play a role.

**5. Community Awareness and Support:** A community that actively addresses health concerns is a resilient community. This includes public health campaigns, support groups for those affected by lung cancer, and a general awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention.

**Vignette: The Diner and the Whispers**

The aroma of coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air at the Limaville Diner. It’s a Saturday morning, and the booths are filled with locals. Old Man Henderson, a retired factory worker, sits hunched over his plate, nursing a cough. He’s been smoking since he was a teenager, a habit ingrained in the culture of his generation. Across the table, Sarah, a young mother, sips her coffee, her eyes scanning the room. She’s heard whispers about a neighbor recently diagnosed with lung cancer, a stark reminder of the disease's reach. The diner, a social hub, is also a place where health concerns are discussed, where anxieties are shared, and where the need for information and support is palpable.

**Neighborhood Vibe and Places to Live**

The "neighborhood vibe" in Limaville is one of quiet resilience. Homes range from well-maintained older structures to newer builds, reflecting the community's blend of tradition and progress. The streets are generally safe, and the sense of community is strong. However, the lack of sidewalks in some areas and the reliance on cars for transportation can limit opportunities for physical activity.

The cost of living in Limaville is generally affordable, making it an attractive option for families and retirees. However, the limited availability of diverse housing options might pose a challenge for attracting a more varied population.

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

The surrounding landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Nimishillen Creek provides a scenic backdrop for fishing and kayaking. The nearby state parks offer hiking trails and opportunities for nature walks. These spaces are crucial for promoting physical activity and reducing stress, both of which contribute to overall health.

**Local Wellness Programs: Building a Healthier Future**

While specific local wellness programs within Limaville may be limited, the potential for growth is significant. The local schools could implement health education programs, teaching children about the dangers of smoking and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Community organizations could partner with healthcare providers to offer free health screenings and educational workshops. The local fire department could play a role in promoting fire safety and educating residents about radon testing.

**Vignette: The Creek and the Promise**

The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. A group of teenagers gather along the banks of the Nimishillen Creek, casting their fishing lines into the water. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Among them is a young woman named Emily, who recently lost her grandfather to lung cancer. She's determined to make a difference. She envisions a community where everyone has access to information about lung cancer prevention, where people support each other, and where the beauty of their surroundings inspires a commitment to health.

**The Road Ahead: Action and Advocacy**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 44640, while not a definitive number, highlights both strengths and areas for improvement. The community's strong sense of connection, its access to outdoor recreation, and its proximity to healthcare resources are positive factors. However, the potential for high smoking rates, the legacy of industrial exposure, and the need for increased community awareness represent significant challenges.

To improve the community's health profile, several actions are crucial:

* **Promote Smoking Cessation:** Implement and support smoking cessation programs, making resources readily available to those who want to quit.
* **Radon Testing and Mitigation:** Encourage homeowners to test their homes for radon and provide resources for mitigation.
* **Air Quality Monitoring:** Advocate for monitoring of air quality in the area and address any identified pollution sources.
* **Health Education:** Support health education programs in schools and community centers, focusing on lung cancer prevention, healthy lifestyles, and early detection.
* **Community Engagement:** Foster community dialogue about health concerns, encourage participation in local wellness programs, and support initiatives that promote healthy behaviors.
* **Advocate for Affordable Healthcare:** Advocate for policies that ensure access to affordable healthcare, including preventative screenings.

**Conclusion: Breathing Easy Together**

Limaville, Ohio, is a community with a rich history and a strong sense of identity. By understanding the factors that contribute to lung cancer risk and by taking proactive steps to address those risks, the residents of 44640 can build a healthier future. This requires a collective effort, a commitment from individuals, community organizations, and local government. It's about breathing easy, together, and ensuring that the air in Limaville remains filled with the promise of a long and healthy life for generations to come. The future of Limaville's health is not predetermined; it is a story that is being written, one breath at a time.