Childhood Obesity in Wayne County

 According to the Wayne County Public Health Department, the rates of childhood obesity are higher in Wayne County than the national rates. As obesity explodes as an epidemic in this nation and state, it is undeniably a problem encountered by school medical directors. This is typically a preventable condition in which the local experts are key for prevention.  As a local expert, education is the best means of prevention and intervention.  Organizing informational sessions on nutrition and fitness is a major means of impacting the community.  Furthermore, supporting fundraisers for various sports and activities may also help. Childhood impacts communities because obese children often become obese adults and are much more likely to develop comorbidities. As the level of health in the community declines, the healthcare costs increase.  None of this is good for communities. This is an epidemic in Wayne County and it is one in which the medical experts need to take seriously.


http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/departments/publichlth/Report%20Card%202009%20Wayne.pdf

Reflections on Medicine in Wayne County

As the academic year and Intro to Rural Medicine come to an end, I find that I have learned a great deal about medicine in  Wayne County.  I grew up in Wayne County and realized at a young age how difficult it can be to travel to receive healthcare.  However, there was much that I did not know about Wayne County's healthcare prior to the RMED blog and the research it entailed.  In the process, I found that while Wayne County ranked very poorly in terms of morbidity in NYS, there are a number of programs that indicate progress in bettering the delivery of healthcare. 

I was surprised to learn about NY Connects, a program which improves access to healthcare, has reached Wayne County. Furthermore, the Public Health department has some great programs in place for smoking awareness and education.  There is also a highly comprehensive substance abuse program in place.  It seems though, that Wayne County still needs to improve their health to reduce morbidity. 

Having lived in Wayne County for so long, I know that there is much to offer in terms of culture and history. However, I think that access to care will remain a problem. I think that one of the most important things a physician can offer, in addition to providing the best care, is to work in the community to improve access.  Technology will be one of the greatest tools in the future for allowing patients access to their information and care, and it is imperative that technology grow in rural areas like Wayne County.