This document discusses health issues and challenges facing Virginia's Eastern Shore region. It notes high rates of obesity, cancer, arthritis, and other chronic diseases according to state health statistics. Socioeconomic factors like lower levels of education and higher poverty and uninsured rates are also addressed. The mission of creating a healthier Eastern Shore through livable communities that encourage physical activity, healthy eating, affordable housing, and transportation choices is presented. Strategies include supporting existing communities, mixed income housing, and policies to establish livable places that can improve social determinants of health.

1. Eastern Shore Healthy Communities Patti G. Kiger, M.Ed., Ph.D., candidate Virginia Rural Health Summit April 6, 2010

21. Virginia’s Eastern Shore 70% of adults are overweight 33% are obese Cancer incidence 482.1/M (34/35) Cancer mortality 227.5/M (32/35) Breast cancer incidence 143/M (35/35 Breast cancer mortality 30.4/M (25/35) Source: 2005-2007 BRFSS/2002 – 2006 Va Div. Health Statistics

22. Virginia’s Eastern Shore(Ranking in 35 Health Districts) 42% of adults have arthritis (34th) 40% high cholesterol (23rd) 36% high blood pressure (30th) 32% no physical activity (32nd) 23% disability (29th) 22% currently smoke (24th) 12% type 2 diabetes (29th) Source: 2005-2007 BRFSS

23. Virginia’s Eastern Shore 26% no high school diploma 24% no health insurance coverage 20% live in poverty 64% children on free or reduced lunch

24. Virginia’s Eastern Shore Median HH Income: Accomack $37,000; Northampton $34,000 (rounded)(VA=$61K) Teen births: Accomack 33%; Northampton 39% (VA = 17.5%) 24% households headed by single female (16% White, 44% Black)

26. Our Mission:Creating a healthier Eastern Shore…

27. VisionWe imagine a healthier Eastern Shore emerging from livable communities where children and adults have healthy eating choices at home, school and work; walk and bicycle safely; play or exercise outdoors, in neighborhood parks, trails and open spaces; and enjoy a tobacco-free community.

28. Roadmap: Strategic Plan

29. Livable Communities

30. Support Existing Communities

31. Encourage Affordable Housing

32. Provide Transportation Choices

33. Provide Parks, Recreation, Schools, and Cultural Facilities

34. Policy, Environmental Change Create Livable Communities Policy

35. Livable Communities are Healthy Places Livable Communities With less sprawl and people living in closer proximity, mass transit makes sense. A critical mass of people with transportation attracts employers that provide benefits. Available employment provides incentive to finish school. Closely located amenities naturally increases physical activity, reduces car emissions. Social Determinants With mixed income housing, better norms/new habits are established to support a better early life – reduces social exclusion. Newly developed housing gives a better sense of home/place. Employment provides security (work & food), reason to stay in school, self-esteem, health benefits.

36. Thank-you For More Information Contact: kigerpg@evms.edu