Chronic Diseases in Klamath County

2008 Community Assessment Executive Summary

SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT

The Tobacco Related and Other Chronic Diseases community assessment was done to begin planning a population based approach to reduce the burden of chronic diseases most closely linked to physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in Oregon. Poor nutrition and physical inactivity together are the second leading cause of preventable death and disease. The prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Klamath County is slightly higher than the state average. Chronic diseases include cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes and arthritis. The modifiable risk factors that contribute to these chronic diseases include tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor diet.

Top 5 Causes of Mortality in Klamath County

1. Heart Disease (217.6)
2. Cancer (204.8)
3. CLRD (70.5)
4. Stroke (56.4)
5. Diabetes (33.5)

**Per 100,000 Population

Modifiable Risk Factors

Many factors contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Some things that increase one’s risk of chronic disease one can’t do much about, such as age, sex or hereditary. Other modifiable risk factors can be controlled or eliminated. Tobacco use, poor diet and physical inactivity are the leading modifiable factors contributing to deaths in Oregon.

Tobacco Use

• 23.7% of adults in Klamath County use tobacco.
• 14% of Klamath County 8th graders are exposed to secondhand smoke in their home.
• 21% of Klamath County 11th graders smoke cigarettes and 19% use smokeless tobacco.

Nutrition

• 26% of Klamath County adults consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
• 32% of Klamath County 8th and 11th graders drink at least 7 sodas per week.
• 23% of Klamath County 8th graders consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
• 15% of Klamath County 11th graders consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Physical Inactivity

• 54% of Klamath County adults meet the CDC recommendations for physical activity.
• 59% of Klamath County 8th graders meet the CDC recommendations for physical activity and 58% participate in PE daily.
• 48% of Klamath County 11th graders meet the CDC recommendations for physical activity and 20% participate in PE daily.

Disparities

Some things that increase one's risk from chronic diseases we cannot do much about. Examples include age, sex, race and family history of the disease. Differences in financial resources often result in disparities involving health care access and risk for chronic disease.

Race/Ethnicity

• African-American .3%
• Asian/Pacific Islander 1.3%
• American Indian/Alaska Native 3.4%
• Caucasian 86.1%
• Hispanic/Latino 8.9%

Community Conditions that Support Health

Chronic Disease Self Management Programs

Living Well with Chronic Conditions is a six week workshop that provides tools for living a healthy life with chronic health conditions including diabetes, arthritis, asthma and heart disease. Classes are offered each spring and fall by the OSU Extension Service.

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Programs are offered twice a week at the Klamath Family YMCA and are designed to allow for exercise without putting excess strain on joints and muscles. Participants gain strength and flexibility in friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Healthy Built Environments

It is important for communities to enable people of all ages and abilities to be physically active and have access to healthy food. This can be accomplished through effective land use planning and community deign and adoption and implementation of effective transportation policies.

Sky Lakes Medical Center

Adopted a Tobacco Free Campus policy in May, 2007.

School

• The Klamath County School District and the Klamath Falls City Schools have both adopted Gold Standard Tobacco Free School Policies.
• The Klamath County School District and Klamath Falls City Schools have both adopted School Wellness Policies.
• Within the School Wellness Policies, both the Klamath County School District and the Klamath Falls City Schools include a goal for physical education.

Nutrition

Within Oregon, numerous strategies can increase the availability of healthy food choices and promote public awareness of the importance of healthy eating. In Klamath County there are three small farmers markets (Klamath Falls, Keno and Merrill) that operate during the summer months where limited local produce can be purchased.

Large portion sizes, excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and lack of consumption of fruits and vegetables are areas in which intervention can lead to meaningful change.

This assessment was completed by the Klamath County Health Department and the Healthy Active Klamath Coalition.