Health in Highland Park

Cedrick Lindsay, Kendall Anthony, Wayne Sparrow

Questions that need answers

• What are some housing factors that affect the health of residents in Highland Park?

• How does the lack of nutritious food affect the residents of Highland Park?

• Why does obesity have such a dominant effect on the residents of Highland Park?

Housing Factors

• Poor Housing Infrastructure– Heating and cooling

Housing FactorsCorroded electrical wiring

Housing FactorsIncreased risk for lead poisoning and asbestos inhalation

- In 2007, the VA Department of Health designated Highland Park (23222) as a “high-risk” zip code (Bouas et. al.)

Lack of Nutritious Foods Causes Multiple Health Problems

• High Blood Pressure• High Cholesterol• Obesity• Asthma• Type 2 Diabetes• Sleep Apnea• Stress• Others

Why is there a lack of healthy foods?

• Inadequate Access to Proper Nutrition– The lack of mainstream grocery stores in

impoverished areas force residents to eat at fast food chains

– Higher concentration of fast food restaurants

Why do people choose fast food?

Cheaper• Fast food is cheaper than

healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables.

• Fast food restaurants are more desirable to children than local stores and restaurants that serve these nutritious foods

Why do people choose fast food?

• Faster and more convenient – The fastest for these children to get food is

through fast food chains– Most fast food places are within walking distance

from schools and homes – Fresh and ready to make

Why do people choose fast food?

• Lack of parental guidance– Single parents who work during the day in

Highland Park are unable to cook healthy meals for their children

– Adults have trouble controlling the amount of proper nutrients their children should intake every day

Obesity in Impoverished Areas

Obesity in Correlation to Race

Obesity in Highland Park

• Highland Park residents are predominantly black and Hispanic

• There is a lack of recreational activities in the area such as a park, sidewalks for exercise or recreational centers

Healthy vs. Obese

VS.

CDC Statistics• 12.5 million of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.• Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has

almost tripled.• There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity

prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents. – In 2007—2008, Hispanic boys, aged 2 to 19 years,were significantly more

likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white boys, and non-Hispanic black girls were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white girls.

• 1 of 7 low-income, preschool-aged children is obese. • County obesity rates are variable within states. Even states with the

lowest prevalence of obesity have counties where many low-income children are obese and at risk for chronic disease.