State of Health in Mississippi

Concerns

Many of Mississippi’s health indicators are not good:

• In 2014, Mississippi was ranked last in the nation in overall health
• We are third in the nation in the percentage of adults with diabetes (2013)
• We have the highest rate of heart disease deaths in the country (2013)

Factors contributing to poor health measures include:

• 69% of Mississippi adults, and 40% of our children, are overweight or obese (2013/2011)
• Mississippi's teen birth rate exceeds the U.S. rate by 60% (2013).  In 2012, 12.6% of all babies in Mississippi were born to teens
• Highest percentage of high school students in the nation not meeting recommended physical activity levels (2013)

Mississippi's mortality rates for each of the 4 leading causes of death – heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – exceed the national averages

Opportunities

Lifestyle 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 a third of premature deaths in the U.S. are due to poor nutrition and physical inactivity

How MSU Extension Service Can Help

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

What You Can Do

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

• Publications and media – read or request a copy of material to help you get started
• Master Wellness Volunteer – find out how you can learn to help others improve their health
• Contact information – talk to your local MSU Extension Service 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:

• Community Health Online Resource Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• County Health Rankings
• The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Facts Online
• National Center for Health Statistics
• Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records
• United Health Foundation, America's Health Rankings