15342, Houston, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15342, Houston, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.63 percent of the residents in 15342 has some form of health insurance. 35.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.28 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 15342 would have to travel an average of 1.42 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Canonsburg General Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,701 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 15342, Houston, Pennsylvania.

## Breathing Easy in Houston: A Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 15342

The air hangs thick and humid over Houston, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15342), a town nestled in the rolling hills south of Pittsburgh. It's a place where the echoes of industry still resonate, where generations have built lives around the rhythms of work and family. But what about the air *inside* those homes, the air that fills the lungs of the people who call Houston home? This isn't just a rhetorical question. It's the genesis of our "Lung Cancer Score" for 15342, a snapshot of community health, focusing specifically on factors that impact lung health and, ultimately, the risk of lung cancer.

We're not just crunching numbers here. We're painting a picture. We're walking the streets, talking to residents, and breathing in the atmosphere that shapes their lives. This isn't about fear-mongering; it's about empowerment. It's about understanding the forces at play and identifying opportunities to build a healthier, more resilient community.

**The Scorecard: What We're Looking At**

Our Lung Cancer Score is a composite, a blend of data points and observations, categorized for clarity:

* **Environmental Factors:** Air quality, proximity to industrial sites, access to green spaces, and housing conditions.
* **Lifestyle Factors:** Smoking rates, rates of physical activity, dietary habits, and access to healthy food options.
* **Socioeconomic Factors:** Income levels, educational attainment, access to healthcare, and insurance coverage.
* **Community Resources:** Availability of wellness programs, support groups, and opportunities for social connection.

**The Demographics of Breathing: A Portrait of 15342**

Before we dive into the specifics, let's sketch the canvas. Houston, PA, is a predominantly white community, with a median age hovering around 45. The population is relatively stable, with a strong sense of belonging. Many families have deep roots in the area, a legacy of coal mining and related industries. While the economic landscape has shifted, the spirit of hard work and self-reliance remains.

The median household income in 15342 is slightly below the Pennsylvania average, and a significant portion of the population relies on fixed incomes. This reality shapes everything, from housing choices to healthcare access. Educational attainment is generally good, but there are pockets of disparity.

**Environmental Whispers: What's in the Air?**

Imagine the sun setting over the fields, painting the sky in fiery hues. But what else is in the air? This is where our investigation begins.

* **Proximity to Industry:** While the coal mines are largely a memory, the area has seen its share of industrial activity. We need to examine the history of land use, the presence of any remaining industrial sites, and the potential for lingering environmental contaminants. This includes assessing air quality data from the EPA and local monitoring stations. We need to ask: Are there any specific pollutants of concern? What are the long-term health implications?
* **Housing Conditions:** The age and condition of housing stock are crucial. Older homes may contain lead paint or asbestos, both known carcinogens. We need to assess the prevalence of these hazards and the availability of resources for remediation. Picture a weathered porch, a peeling paint, and the silent threat it poses.
* **Green Spaces and Outdoor Recreation:** The presence of parks, trails, and recreational areas is a double-edged sword. They offer opportunities for physical activity and stress reduction, both crucial for lung health. However, the quality of these spaces, and the air within them, is paramount. Are they well-maintained? Are they safe from traffic and pollution? Imagine a family playing frisbee in a park, the joy tinged with the subtle worry of air quality.

**Lifestyle's Footprint: The Choices We Make**

The choices we make daily have a profound impact on our health.

* **Smoking Rates:** This is the elephant in the room. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. We need to understand the smoking prevalence in 15342, identify any contributing factors, and assess the availability of smoking cessation programs. Imagine a group of friends huddled outside a convenience store, the smoke swirling around them. What support is offered to help them break free?
* **Physical Activity:** Regular exercise is a lung's best friend. We need to assess the opportunities for physical activity in 15342. Are there walking trails? Fitness centers? Organized sports leagues? Imagine a group of seniors taking a brisk walk on a crisp autumn morning, the air filling their lungs with health.
* **Dietary Habits and Healthy Food Access:** A balanced diet strengthens the immune system and helps protect against cancer. We need to examine the availability of fresh, healthy food options in 15342. Are there farmers' markets? Grocery stores with a good selection of produce? Imagine a bustling farmers' market, overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables, a vibrant testament to healthy eating.

**Socioeconomic Threads: The Fabric of Health**

Our socioeconomic circumstances are deeply interwoven with our health outcomes.

* **Income and Education:** Lower income levels and lower educational attainment are often associated with poorer health outcomes. We need to examine the income distribution and educational levels in 15342 and consider how these factors might impact access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing. Imagine a single mother struggling to make ends meet, the stress weighing heavily on her health.
* **Healthcare Access and Insurance Coverage:** Access to quality healthcare, including preventative screenings, is crucial for early detection and treatment of lung cancer. We need to assess the availability of healthcare providers in 15342, the rates of insurance coverage, and the barriers to accessing care. Imagine a doctor's office, the waiting room filled with people seeking care, the hope and anxiety etched on their faces.

**Community Resources: The Support System**

A strong community can make all the difference.

* **Local Wellness Programs:** The presence of wellness programs, such as smoking cessation support groups, exercise classes, and health education initiatives, is a positive sign. We need to identify these programs, assess their effectiveness, and determine their accessibility to all residents. Imagine a support group meeting, the shared experiences and encouragement creating a sense of belonging.
* **Neighborhood Vibe and Social Connection:** Strong social connections can buffer against stress and promote overall well-being. We need to assess the sense of community in 15342, the opportunities for social interaction, and the presence of community organizations. Imagine a community festival, the laughter and camaraderie filling the air.
* **Outdoor Recreation:** The presence of parks, trails, and recreational areas is a double-edged sword. They offer opportunities for physical activity and stress reduction, both crucial for lung health. However, the quality of these spaces, and the air within them, is paramount. Are they well-maintained? Are they safe from traffic and pollution? Imagine a family playing frisbee in a park, the joy tinged with the subtle worry of air quality.

**Places to Live: A Neighborhood Perspective**

Let's take a closer look at some specific neighborhoods within 15342, painting a picture of their unique characteristics:

* **The Historic District:** Characterized by older homes, this area may have charm but also potential environmental concerns like lead paint or asbestos. We'd need to assess the housing stock's condition and the availability of resources for remediation.
* **The Suburbs:** Newer developments might offer modern amenities but could also be located further from essential services or green spaces. We'd need to examine the walkability, access to parks, and the overall lifestyle.
* **Rural Areas:** These areas might offer a more relaxed pace of life and greater access to nature. However, they could also face challenges in terms of healthcare access and transportation.

**Putting It All Together: The Lung Cancer Score**

Our Lung Cancer Score for 15342 will be a nuanced assessment, a reflection of the complex interplay of factors that shape community health. We'll use a scoring system, assigning points based on the presence or absence of positive and negative factors. The final score will provide a snapshot of the community's lung health, highlighting areas of strength and areas that need improvement.

**Moving Forward: Action and Empowerment**

This isn't just about assigning a score. It's about sparking action.

* **Community Engagement:** We'll share our findings with the residents of 15342, holding town hall meetings and workshops to discuss the results and gather feedback.
* **Collaboration:** We'll work with local organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies to develop targeted interventions.
* **Advocacy:** We'll advocate for policies that promote healthy living, such as improved air quality regulations, increased access to healthcare, and funding for wellness programs.

The goal is to empower the people of 15342 to take control of their health. It's about fostering a community where everyone can breathe easy, knowing they have the resources and support they need to live long, healthy lives. It's about building a future where the echoes of industry are replaced by the sounds of laughter, healthy living, and a community thriving together.