Stanislaus County Launches Wellness Campaign
The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency on Wednesday announced a countywide initiative to promote healthier lifestyles after Department of Health Services data showed that the county has the highest mortality rate from heart disease in the state, the Modesto Bee reports.
DHS data showed that 238 out of 100,000 county residents die from heart disease annually in Stanislaus County. The data shows that heart disease in the county is more prevalent among African-American than white residents but that rates for white residents are still higher than national or state averages. Latinos and Asians have heart disease death rates closer to national and state averages, according to the data.
Stanislaus County Public Health Officer John Walker said the county will be more active in promoting awareness of heart disease risk factors, including poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and obesity.
The Heart Coalition -- comprising volunteers from hospitals, health insurers and not-for-profit organizations -- will target efforts toward a large adult population by urging employers to give workers exercise breaks, promote healthy foods, publish wellness newsletters, conduct healthy living presentations for employees and offer health incentives to workers.
Other county efforts will address diabetes prevention. The county also is considering policy changes for tobacco vendors and whether smog is contributing to the high rates of heart disease (Carlson, Modesto Bee, 2/3).