The Health of Mississippi

Mississippi leads the nation in:

• In 2008, Mississippi was ranked next to last in an ordering of the health of the nation's states
• We are second in the nation in the percentage of people with diabetes (2008)
• We have the highest rate of heart disease deaths in the country (2006)

Other factors contributing to poor health indicators include:

• 67.4% of Mississippi adults, and 44% of our children, are overweight or obese (2008/2007)
• Mississippi's teen birth rate exceeds the U.S. rate by 63% (2006).  In 2008, 16.3% of all babies in Mississippi were born to teens)
• We rank #1 in the nation in the rate of such sexually tansmitted diseases as gonorrhea and Chlamydia (2007)

Life style changes can affect your state of health.  Consider the following:

• Physically active people have a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use is the single largest contributor to preventable premature death in the United States
• Poor diet is considered a leading contributor to such health concerns as diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis and obesity
• It has been estimated that 350,000 U.S. deaths in 2000 could be attributed to poor diet and activity patterns

• Educate you and your organization on adopting healthy habits
• Guide you to becoming a Master Health Education Volunteer helping others to live a healthier life
• Help you organize a local group to focus on a community health priority

Visit the following parts of our web site to help get you started on the path to a healthier life:

• Calendar of events – is there a class or event scheduled in your area?
• Publications and media – read or request a copy of material to help you get started
• Master Health Education Volunteer – find out how you can learn to help others improve their health
• Contact information – talk to your local area health agent for more information on programs and opportunities to enhance your health and that of your community

Recognize that even though today may be the day that you vow to begin living a healthier life, sometimes it takes a little help from your friends – Call your county office of MSU Extension Service; we care and we are there to help!

References:

Guide to Community Preventive Services, 2003

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Facts Online

National Center for Health Statistics

Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools