35135, Riverside, Alabama Overall Health Score People Score

The People Score for the Overall Health Score in 35135, Riverside, Alabama is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.27 percent of the residents in 35135 has some form of health insurance. 41.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.52 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 35135 would have to travel an average of 5.99 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, St Vincent's St Clair. In a 20-mile radius, there are 749 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 35135, Riverside, Alabama.

## Riverside, Alabama: Pulse Check – Decoding the Health of a Community (ZIP Code 35135)

The sun, a molten coin in the Alabama sky, spills its warmth over Riverside. The air, thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, whispers of the Coosa River, a shimmering ribbon that defines the town's eastern edge. Here, in the heart of ZIP Code 35135, a community breathes, a tapestry woven from generations, from the whispers of history to the vibrant energy of the present. But beyond the picturesque facades and the friendly waves from passing pickups, lies a complex story – the story of community health. Let's take a deep dive, a pulse check, to understand the overall health score of Riverside.

**The Demographics: A Portrait in Resilience**

Riverside, a town sculpted by the curves of the Coosa and the rise of the Appalachian foothills, boasts a population that reflects the broader trends of rural Alabama. The majority of residents are White, a demographic deeply rooted in the land and its traditions. A significant minority population, reflecting the historical presence of African Americans, contributes to the town's cultural richness. The median age leans towards the older side, a testament to the enduring appeal of small-town life, where families often choose to settle and build their lives.

The economic landscape, however, paints a more nuanced picture. While Riverside offers the serenity of a close-knit community, it also faces the challenges inherent in many rural areas. The median household income is lower than the national average, and pockets of poverty exist, impacting access to resources and healthcare. This economic reality significantly influences the overall health score, acting as a constant undercurrent to the town's vitality.

**Where You Live: The Foundation of Well-being**

The homes of Riverside are as diverse as its people. You'll find charming, well-maintained bungalows with sprawling yards, their porches adorned with rocking chairs, perfect for a lazy afternoon spent watching the world go by. These homes often represent a deep-seated sense of community, where neighbors know each other by name and front yards become impromptu gathering spots.

Then there are the newer developments, nestled on the outskirts of town, offering a more modern aesthetic. These homes, with their manicured lawns and attached garages, often attract younger families seeking a balance between suburban convenience and the charm of small-town living.

The quality of housing, the availability of affordable options, and the safety of the neighborhoods are all crucial factors in determining the health score. Access to safe, well-maintained housing directly impacts physical and mental well-being.

**The Neighborhood Vibe: A Tapestry of Connection**

The true spirit of Riverside resides in its neighborhood vibe. It’s a place where people genuinely care about each other. You see it in the impromptu potlucks held on summer evenings, the helping hands offered during times of need, and the familiar faces at the local diner, "The Riverside Grill," where conversations flow as freely as the coffee.

The town's social fabric is further enriched by its churches, which serve as cornerstones of the community, providing not only spiritual guidance but also social support and outreach programs. These institutions play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and connection, which are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

The sense of community, the feeling of safety, and the availability of social support networks are all essential components of a healthy lifestyle. They act as buffers against stress, isolation, and other factors that can negatively impact health.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Riverside: A Balancing Act**

Living a healthy lifestyle in Riverside is a balancing act, a dance between the benefits of small-town living and the challenges of limited resources.

**The Good:** The natural beauty of the area is a major asset. The Coosa River, with its gentle currents and abundant wildlife, provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the peace and quiet. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding hills, offering a chance to connect with nature and get some exercise. The air is clean, the pace of life is slower, and the pressure of urban living is largely absent.

**The Challenges:** Access to healthy food options can be limited. While there are local grocery stores, the availability of fresh produce and healthy choices may be restricted compared to larger urban areas. This can contribute to dietary challenges and potentially impact the prevalence of diet-related health issues. The lack of readily accessible healthcare services, including specialists, is another challenge. Residents may have to travel to nearby cities for specialized medical care, adding to the burden of healthcare access.

**Local Wellness Programs: Seeds of Change**

Despite the challenges, Riverside is not stagnant. Seeds of change are being sown through local wellness programs. The Riverside Community Center, a hub of activity, often hosts health screenings, educational workshops, and fitness classes. These initiatives, often supported by local volunteers and community organizations, play a crucial role in promoting health awareness and providing access to resources.

The local schools, too, are increasingly focused on promoting healthy habits. They may incorporate nutrition education into the curriculum and encourage physical activity through sports programs and outdoor play.

These local wellness programs, while perhaps modest in scale, are essential. They represent a commitment to improving the health of the community from within, one step at a time.

**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Room for the Soul**

Riverside's natural environment is its greatest asset when it comes to outdoor recreation. The Coosa River is a constant invitation to explore. Families can spend hours fishing from the banks, casting lines into the shimmering water, hoping for a bite. Kayakers and canoers can glide along the river's surface, enjoying the tranquility and the abundant wildlife.

Hiking trails, weaving through the surrounding hills, offer opportunities for invigorating exercise and a chance to connect with nature. The trails, often shaded by towering trees, provide a welcome respite from the summer heat.

These outdoor activities are not just about physical exercise; they are also about mental well-being. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health.

**The Health Score: A Work in Progress**

Calculating a precise "Overall Health Score" for Riverside, Alabama, is a complex undertaking. It would require a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including:

* **Demographic data:** Age, race, income levels, education levels, and employment rates.
* **Health indicators:** Rates of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, etc.), mortality rates, access to healthcare, and health insurance coverage.
* **Environmental factors:** Air and water quality, access to green spaces, and the availability of healthy food options.
* **Social determinants of health:** Social support networks, community cohesion, and the prevalence of social and economic disparities.

Based on the available information, we can paint a picture. Riverside, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges related to healthcare access, economic disparities, and the availability of healthy resources. However, the town's strong sense of community, its natural beauty, and the growing efforts of local wellness programs offer a foundation for positive change.

**The Future: Cultivating a Healthier Riverside**

The future of community health in Riverside hinges on a collective effort. It requires:

* **Addressing economic disparities:** Creating job opportunities, promoting economic development, and ensuring access to affordable housing.
* **Improving healthcare access:** Expanding healthcare services, recruiting healthcare professionals, and increasing access to health insurance.
* **Promoting healthy lifestyles:** Supporting local wellness programs, encouraging physical activity, and increasing access to healthy food options.
* **Strengthening community connections:** Fostering social support networks, promoting community engagement, and building a sense of belonging.

Riverside has the potential to be a model of community health. By embracing its strengths, addressing its challenges, and working together, the residents of 35135 can cultivate a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come. The sun will continue to rise over the Coosa, the river will continue to flow, and the spirit of Riverside, resilient and enduring, will continue to breathe. It's a work in progress, a journey, and the pulse check reveals a community ready to embrace the challenge.