17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.03 percent of the residents in 17949 has some form of health insurance. 66.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.91 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 17949 would have to travel an average of 8.17 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street. In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,905 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania.

## The Air We Breathe, The Life We Build: Decoding the Lung Cancer Score in Mahanoy Plane (17949)

The wind whips off Broad Mountain, carrying with it the scent of pine and, sometimes, the ghost of coal dust. Here in Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 17949, the past is etched into the very landscape, a history of industry and resilience. But that history, and the environment it shaped, presents a unique challenge when it comes to community health, specifically the risk of lung cancer. This isn't just about statistics; it's about the lives lived, the breaths taken, and the future we build together. Let's dive into the heart of Mahanoy Plane and unpack its Lung Cancer Score.

**Understanding the Score: More Than Just Numbers**

A "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a single, easily quantifiable number. It's a composite picture, a mosaic pieced together from various factors that influence lung cancer risk. It considers demographics, environmental exposures, access to healthcare, and lifestyle choices. In Mahanoy Plane, understanding this score means understanding the community itself.

**The Demographics: A Tapestry of Generations**

Mahanoy Plane, like many towns in the Coal Region, is a place where families run deep. Generations have lived and worked here, their lives intertwined with the land and the industry that once defined it. The population skews older, a reflection of the out-migration of younger generations seeking opportunities elsewhere. This aging demographic is significant. As we age, our risk of developing lung cancer increases.

Picture Mrs. Petrocelli, her hands gnarled with age, sitting on her porch swing, watching the afternoon sun dip behind the mountains. She remembers the days when the air was thick with coal dust, when her husband and his brothers worked deep underground. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of Mahanoy Plane. Their stories, and their health, are part of the score.

The racial makeup of Mahanoy Plane is predominantly white, a demographic that, while not inherently linked to higher lung cancer risk, can influence access to healthcare and awareness of preventative measures. The economic landscape is also critical. A lower median income, a reality for many residents, can impact access to quality healthcare, healthy food options, and the ability to afford lifestyle choices that promote health.

**The Environmental Echo: A Legacy of Industry**

The history of coal mining in Mahanoy Plane is both a source of pride and a source of potential health challenges. The legacy of the industry is visible in the scarred hillsides, the abandoned breaker sites, and, potentially, in the air itself.

Imagine walking the streets, the air crisp and clean, but the memory of coal dust lingering in the back of your throat. The potential for exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas often found in homes built on former mining land, is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Then there's the challenge of air quality. While the air in Mahanoy Plane might seem fresh compared to the industrial past, the potential for lingering pollutants from past mining activities and the presence of wood-burning stoves, especially during colder months, can contribute to a higher risk.

**Places to Live: Homes and the Health They Hold**

The homes in Mahanoy Plane are as varied as the people who live in them. From the sturdy, well-maintained row houses that line Main Street to the more sprawling houses nestled in the hills, each home tells a story.

Consider the older homes, built during the height of the coal boom. These homes may have older plumbing systems, potentially exposing residents to lead. They might also be built on land that has been affected by past mining activities, increasing the risk of radon exposure.

Then there are the newer homes, offering modern amenities and potentially better ventilation. But even these homes are not immune to environmental risks. The materials used in construction, the presence of mold, and the use of certain cleaning products can all contribute to indoor air quality issues.

**Lifestyle Choices: The Power of Personal Decisions**

Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in the Lung Cancer Score. Smoking, of course, is the single biggest risk factor. In Mahanoy Plane, understanding the prevalence of smoking is vital. The cultural context, the social pressures, and the availability of resources to help people quit smoking all contribute to the score.

Picture a group of friends gathered at the local diner, the air thick with the aroma of coffee and the quiet murmur of conversation. The prevalence of smoking in such settings, the ease with which cigarettes are accessed, and the lack of readily available support for quitting all impact the overall health of the community.

Beyond smoking, other lifestyle choices matter. Diet, exercise, and access to healthcare all play a role. The availability of fresh, healthy food options in Mahanoy Plane, the opportunities for physical activity, and the ease with which residents can access preventative care all influence the Lung Cancer Score.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

The good news is that Mahanoy Plane isn't just defined by its challenges. There are pockets of hope, initiatives working to improve community health and reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Perhaps there's a local community center offering smoking cessation programs, providing support and resources to help people quit. Maybe there's a partnership with a local hospital, offering free radon testing for homes. Perhaps a local farmer's market is blossoming, providing access to fresh, healthy produce.

Imagine a community garden, bursting with vibrant vegetables, tended by residents of all ages. This is more than just a place to grow food; it's a place to build community, to learn about healthy eating, and to connect with nature.

**Neighborhood Vibe: The Spirit of Resilience**

The "neighborhood vibe" is an intangible but crucial factor. It's the sense of community, the social connections, and the overall level of social cohesion. A strong community is a resilient community, one that is more likely to support its members and to advocate for positive change.

Think about the annual town picnic, a celebration of community, where neighbors gather to share food, laughter, and stories. This sense of connection, this shared identity, can be a powerful force in promoting health and well-being.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing in the Beauty**

Mahanoy Plane is surrounded by natural beauty. The mountains, the forests, and the streams offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, which is vital for both physical and mental health.

Picture hiking trails winding through the hills, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for exercise. Imagine families picnicking by a sparkling stream, breathing in the fresh air. These outdoor spaces are not just places for recreation; they are places for healing, for connection, and for a healthier lifestyle.

**The Score and the Future: A Call to Action**

Understanding the Lung Cancer Score in Mahanoy Plane is not about assigning blame; it's about understanding the challenges and identifying opportunities for positive change. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of demographics, environment, lifestyle, and community.

The score is a call to action. It's a call for increased awareness of radon risks, for more accessible smoking cessation programs, for expanded access to healthy food options, and for continued investment in community health initiatives.

It's a call for the residents of Mahanoy Plane to take ownership of their health, to advocate for their community, and to build a future where the air is clean, the lifestyle is healthy, and the risk of lung cancer is reduced.

The Lung Cancer Score in 17949 is not just a number; it's a story. It's a story of resilience, of history, and of the enduring spirit of the people of Mahanoy Plane. It's a story that is still being written, and the ending is yet to be determined. But with awareness, action, and a shared commitment to health, the future of Mahanoy Plane can be one of cleaner air, healthier lives, and a brighter tomorrow.