16117, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16117, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.40 percent of the residents in 16117 has some form of health insurance. 41.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.89 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 16117 would have to travel an average of 9.87 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Heritage Valley Beaver. In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,427 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 16117, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

## The Breath of Ellwood: Unpacking Lung Cancer Risk in 16117

The air hangs thick with the ghosts of industry in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. The legacy of steel and manufacturing, etched into the brick and mortar of its buildings, also lingers in the very breath its residents take. This isn't a judgment, but a reality. This is 16117, and understanding its community health, particularly its vulnerability to lung cancer, requires a deep dive beyond statistics. It demands we walk the streets, listen to the stories, and feel the pulse of a town striving to breathe easier.

This isn't just about numbers. It's about the people: the retirees sipping coffee on their porches, the teenagers laughing on the basketball court, the families gathering for picnics in Ewing Park. Their lives, their choices, their environment – all contribute to a complex tapestry that either shields them or exposes them to the risks of lung cancer.

**The Demographics: A Snapshot of 16117**

Before we delve into the nuances of community health, let's paint a picture. Ellwood City, nestled in Lawrence County, is a town of roughly 7,500 residents. The population skews older, a reflection of the historical exodus of younger generations seeking opportunities elsewhere. This aging demographic is a significant factor in lung cancer risk, as the disease's incidence increases with age.

The racial makeup is predominantly white, with a small but growing Hispanic/Latino population. Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role. The median household income is lower than the state average, and a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line. This can translate to limited access to quality healthcare, preventative screenings, and healthy food options – all of which impact lung cancer risk and survival rates.

The town's history as a manufacturing hub also leaves its mark. While the steel mills are largely gone, the potential for lingering environmental contaminants from past industrial activity is a concern. This includes exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen, which could be present in older buildings and the surrounding soil.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Resilience and Challenges**

Imagine this: the sun dips low over the Connoquenessing Creek, casting long shadows across the meticulously kept lawns of the North End. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and the distant rumble of a passing train. This is a neighborhood of pride, where families have lived for generations, their homes reflecting a quiet dignity.

But even in this idyllic setting, the specter of lung cancer can cast a shadow. The prevalence of smoking, a major risk factor, is a concern. While smoking rates have declined nationally, they can vary significantly at the local level. The social influence of peer groups, family habits, and access to cessation resources all play a role.

Venture downtown, and the scene shifts. The historic Main Street, lined with brick storefronts, whispers tales of boom and bust. The aroma of pizza from a local pizzeria mingles with the scent of exhaust from passing cars. Here, the challenges are more visible. The struggle for economic stability can lead to stress, which in turn can contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including smoking.

The presence of community spaces, like the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, offers a glimpse into the town's past, but also highlights the need to look forward. These spaces can be vital for health education and awareness campaigns, offering resources and support to residents.

**Places to Live: Shaping the Environment, Shaping Health**

Where you live directly impacts your health. In 16117, the housing stock varies. Older homes, while charming, may present risks related to radon exposure, another known carcinogen. Radon, a naturally occurring gas, can seep into homes from the ground. Regular testing and mitigation are crucial.

The proximity to green spaces is another factor. Ewing Park, a sprawling oasis, offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, promoting physical activity and reducing stress. Access to parks and trails is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but their impact is diminished if they are not readily accessible or safe for all residents.

The location of businesses also matters. The presence of fast-food restaurants and limited access to fresh produce can contribute to poor dietary habits, increasing the risk of obesity and other health problems that can indirectly impact lung cancer risk.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Ellwood City: A Call to Action**

Promoting a healthy lifestyle is paramount in mitigating lung cancer risk. This involves a multi-pronged approach, focusing on prevention, early detection, and access to quality healthcare.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

Ellwood City has a dedicated group of individuals and organizations working to improve community health. The Ellwood City Hospital and the local YMCA are key players, offering wellness programs, health screenings, and smoking cessation resources. These initiatives are vital, but their reach needs to be expanded.

Imagine a community health fair held in Ewing Park, showcasing local resources and offering free lung cancer screenings. Envision a robust smoking cessation program tailored to the specific needs of the community, perhaps incorporating support groups and personalized counseling.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Life into the Community**

Ewing Park is a jewel, but its potential can be further realized. Imagine more walking trails, improved accessibility for all ages and abilities, and regular community events that encourage physical activity.

The Connoquenessing Creek offers opportunities for kayaking and other water activities, but access and safety are paramount. Promoting safe and accessible outdoor recreation is crucial for encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

**The Role of Education and Awareness**

Education is the cornerstone of prevention. Public health campaigns, targeting both adults and youth, are essential. These campaigns should emphasize the dangers of smoking, the importance of radon testing, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Schools play a vital role in educating children about healthy choices. Incorporating health education into the curriculum, promoting smoke-free environments, and encouraging physical activity are all crucial steps.

**Early Detection: The Power of Screening**

Early detection is key to improving lung cancer survival rates. Promoting lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, such as current and former smokers, is essential. This requires collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and insurance companies to ensure access to affordable screenings.

**A Holistic Approach: Beyond the Statistics**

Addressing lung cancer risk in 16117 requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simply listing statistics. It demands a deep understanding of the community's unique challenges and strengths.

It requires collaboration. Healthcare providers, community organizations, local government, and residents must work together to create a healthier environment.

It requires empowerment. Providing residents with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to make healthy choices is essential.

It requires hope. Recognizing the resilience and spirit of the people of Ellwood City, and believing in their ability to create a healthier future, is the most important step of all.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Living Document**

This article serves as a starting point, a snapshot of the current situation. The "Lung Cancer Score" for 16117 is not a static number, but a living document. It will change as the community evolves, as new programs are implemented, and as residents take control of their health.

The breath of Ellwood City is a shared responsibility. By understanding the risks, promoting healthy lifestyles, and working together, we can help the residents of 16117 breathe easier and live longer, healthier lives. The fight against lung cancer in this community is not just a medical battle; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of a town that refuses to be defined by its past, but instead, strives to build a healthier future, one breath at a time.