The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15483, Stockdale, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 90.77 percent of the residents in 15483 has some form of health insurance. 36.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.00 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.
A resident in 15483 would have to travel an average of 7.74 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Penn Highlands Mon Valley. In a 20-mile radius, there are 226 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 15483, Stockdale, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15483, Stockdale, Pennsylvania
Lung Cancer Score | 79 |
---|---|
People Score | 85 |
Provider Score | 48 |
Hospital Score | 44 |
Travel Score | 60 |
15483 | Stockdale | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Employer Insurance | 70.46 | 70.46 | 58.71 |
Direct Purchase Insurance | 6.15 | 6.15 | 14.80 |
Medicare | 27.38 | 27.38 | 19.53 |
Medicaid | 9.54 | 9.54 | 19.77 |
TRICARE | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.43 |
VA | 54.77 | 54.77 | 51.92 |
Percent Insured in 15483, Stockdale, Pennsylvania
Residents who need health insurance can purchase insurance at The U.S. government healthcare website.
15483 | Stockdale | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Under 19 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 95.41 |
Adults (19-64 years) | 84.54 | 84.54 | 92.43 |
Seniors (65+ years) | 100.00 | 100.00 | 99.56 |
## Breathing Easy in Stockdale: Unveiling the Lung Cancer Score in 15483
The air hangs thick with history in Stockdale, Pennsylvania. A town etched by the Monongahela River, its story is woven with the threads of industry, community, and the enduring spirit of its people. But behind the familiar facades, a silent threat looms: lung cancer. This isn't a distant statistic; it's a potential shadow that touches every corner of 15483. This article delves into the heart of Stockdale, examining its community health landscape, uncovering the factors that influence its "Lung Cancer Score," and exploring the pathways towards a healthier future.
**Understanding the Score: More Than Just Numbers**
The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a formal, codified metric. Instead, it's a conceptual framework, a way to understand the complex interplay of factors that contribute to lung cancer risk within a specific community. It’s a tapestry woven from demographics, environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and access to healthcare. In Stockdale, this score is particularly relevant, given its history and the potential for environmental exposures.
**Demographics: The People of Stockdale**
The people are the heart of Stockdale. Understanding their demographics is crucial to understanding the "Lung Cancer Score." The population of 15483 is primarily white, with a significant age demographic of older adults. This aging population, coupled with a history of industrial activity, presents a unique set of challenges.
Imagine Mrs. Petrovich, a woman whose hands have known the rhythm of hard work, her life intertwined with the town's industrial past. She remembers the days when the air carried the scent of coal and the distant rumble of machinery. Her generation, and those before, may have faced occupational hazards that contribute to increased lung cancer risk.
The town's economic landscape also plays a role. The median household income in Stockdale is lower than the national average. This can impact access to quality healthcare, healthy food options, and safe housing, all of which indirectly affect lung cancer risk.
**Places to Live: Where the Air Meets the Ground**
The physical environment of Stockdale is another crucial element. The presence of older homes, some potentially built before stricter regulations on materials like asbestos, is a factor. Imagine a family renovating their century-old home, unaware of the hidden dangers lurking within the walls. Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes, is another concern, particularly in areas with specific geological formations.
The proximity to industrial sites, past and present, is also a consideration. While many industries have evolved, the legacy of their operations can linger in the soil and air. This highlights the importance of environmental monitoring and remediation efforts.
**The Neighborhood Vibe: Community and Connection**
Stockdale's strength lies in its tight-knit community. The sense of belonging, the shared history, and the support networks are invaluable. The neighborhood vibe, the feeling of safety and connection, can significantly impact health outcomes.
Picture the annual Stockdale Days festival, a vibrant celebration where neighbors gather, share stories, and strengthen bonds. This sense of community can encourage healthy behaviors and provide support for those facing health challenges. Conversely, social isolation, a factor often associated with poorer health outcomes, is something Stockdale actively combats through its strong community ties.
**Healthy Lifestyle in Stockdale: Choices and Challenges**
Lifestyle choices play a critical role in the "Lung Cancer Score." Smoking, the leading cause of lung cancer, remains a significant concern. Stockdale, like many communities, likely has residents who smoke, influenced by factors such as peer pressure, stress, and the historical prevalence of smoking in the region.
Access to healthy food options is another consideration. While Stockdale may have grocery stores, the availability of fresh produce and affordable healthy meals can be a challenge for some residents. This can lead to dietary choices that indirectly impact lung health.
Physical activity is another key factor. Stockdale's topography, with its rolling hills and proximity to the river, offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. But are these opportunities accessible and utilized by all residents?
**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Fresh Air**
The Monongahela River provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. The riverfront offers opportunities for walking, biking, and fishing, all of which can promote physical activity and reduce stress.
Imagine a family enjoying a leisurely bike ride along the river trail, the sun on their faces, the sound of the water providing a soothing soundtrack. This type of activity can significantly benefit lung health and overall well-being.
The presence of parks and green spaces is also essential. These areas provide a place for residents to connect with nature, exercise, and escape the stresses of daily life.
**Local Wellness Programs: Building a Healthier Future**
The availability of local wellness programs is critical to improving Stockdale's "Lung Cancer Score." These programs can provide education, support, and resources to help residents make healthier choices.
Imagine a free smoking cessation program offered at the local community center. This program could provide counseling, support groups, and access to nicotine replacement therapy, helping residents quit smoking and reduce their lung cancer risk.
Screening programs are also essential. Early detection of lung cancer is crucial for improving survival rates. Mobile screening units or partnerships with local healthcare providers can make lung cancer screenings more accessible to residents.
Education is key. Public health campaigns can raise awareness about lung cancer risk factors, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and encourage residents to seek medical attention when necessary.
**The Role of Healthcare Access**
Access to quality healthcare is paramount. Does Stockdale have sufficient access to primary care physicians, specialists, and diagnostic services? Are residents able to afford and access these services?
Imagine a resident experiencing persistent cough or shortness of breath. Prompt access to a doctor, followed by appropriate diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, is crucial for early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
**Addressing the Challenges: A Call to Action**
Improving Stockdale's "Lung Cancer Score" requires a multi-faceted approach, involving individual responsibility, community collaboration, and policy changes.
**Individual Responsibility:** Residents can take proactive steps to reduce their risk, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and getting screened for lung cancer.
**Community Collaboration:** Local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders can work together to implement wellness programs, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and advocate for improved access to healthcare.
**Policy Changes:** Local and state governments can implement policies that support healthy communities, such as smoke-free air regulations, funding for wellness programs, and environmental remediation efforts.
**The Future of Stockdale: A Breath of Fresh Air**
Stockdale has the potential to become a model for community health. By understanding the factors that influence its "Lung Cancer Score," the community can take proactive steps to create a healthier future.
Imagine a future where the air is cleaner, the community is more connected, and residents are empowered to make healthy choices. A future where lung cancer is no longer a looming shadow, but a preventable disease.
This requires a collective effort, a commitment to change, and a shared vision of a healthier Stockdale. The journey won't be easy, but the rewards – a vibrant, thriving community where everyone can breathe easy – are immeasurable. The story of Stockdale is still being written, and its next chapter can be one of health, hope, and a brighter tomorrow.
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