Community Health Concerns in San Bernardino County
In San Bernardino County, California, the health disparities found among the various racial and ethnic groups are of significant concern. With the rate of newly diagnosed chronic conditions rising, and nearly 72% of the adults diagnosed as overweight or obese (California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, 2011-2012), a health assessment of the county will help to identify the issues influencing the health care choices and behaviors of this population. Taking a closer look at the demographics, ethnicity, and trends of this community are the first steps necessary to improve the health and wellness within the County of San Bernardino. Demographic Characteristics
Demographic Composition
Located in southern California, San Bernardino County is, by size, one of the largest counties in the United States covering over 20,000 square miles (S.B. County Board of Supervisors, 2015). Ninety-five percent of the county is either vacant or used by the military, leaving only 5% developed for residential and agricultural use. …show more content…
Approximately 20% of those over the age of 70 have been diagnosed with diabetes and another 59 % have been diagnosed with prediabetes (Babey, Wolstein, Diamant, & Goldstein, 2016). The likelihood of developing diabetes increases with age and is higher among ethnic and racial minorities. Obesity is also a factor influencing the incidence of diabetes and is found in approximately 35% of the older adults in the county (UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 2014). As the number of people over the age of 65 within the county continues to rise the prevalence of diabetes among these older adults is also rising. Addressing the risk factors related to diabetes of both the older adults and Hispanics in San Bernardino County is needed to decrease the incidence of this highly preventable
In San Bernardino County, California, the health disparities found among the various racial and ethnic groups are of significant concern. With the rate of newly diagnosed chronic conditions rising, and nearly 72% of the adults diagnosed as overweight or obese (California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, 2011-2012), a health assessment of the county will help to identify the issues influencing the health care choices and behaviors of this population. Taking a closer look at the demographics, ethnicity, and trends of this community are the first steps necessary to improve the health and wellness within the County of San Bernardino. Demographic Characteristics
Demographic Composition
Located in southern California, San Bernardino County is, by size, one of the largest counties in the United States covering over 20,000 square miles (S.B. County Board of Supervisors, 2015). Ninety-five percent of the county is either vacant or used by the military, leaving only 5% developed for residential and agricultural use. …show more content…
Approximately 20% of those over the age of 70 have been diagnosed with diabetes and another 59 % have been diagnosed with prediabetes (Babey, Wolstein, Diamant, & Goldstein, 2016). The likelihood of developing diabetes increases with age and is higher among ethnic and racial minorities. Obesity is also a factor influencing the incidence of diabetes and is found in approximately 35% of the older adults in the county (UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 2014). As the number of people over the age of 65 within the county continues to rise the prevalence of diabetes among these older adults is also rising. Addressing the risk factors related to diabetes of both the older adults and Hispanics in San Bernardino County is needed to decrease the incidence of this highly preventable