Public Health and Environment

Early Detection of Disease

Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritis, are diseases that people are likely to encounter as they grow older. Typically these diseases persist over time, have multiple factors which influence their development and do not have simple treatments or cures. Personal lifestyle choices such as smoking, physical inactivity or unhealthy eating can contribute to chronic disease development. Some people may have genetic predisposition to these diseases as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases are among the most prevalent, costly and preventable of all health problems. Almost every American family is in some way adversely affected by chronic diseases - through the deaths of loved ones; through family members living with long-term illness, disability, and diminished quality of life; and in many cases, through the enormous financial burden wrought by these diseases.

Chronic diseases represent the seven leading causes of death among men, the ten leading causes of death among women aged 50-64 and two thirds of all deaths in Minnesota. As the state's population ages, the number of people affected by chronic diseases and the resulting costs will increase dramatically. (Minnesota Department of Health)

Premature death from chronic disease is preventable. Using tobacco products, eating high-fat foods, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the primary risk factors for chronic disease. Effectively addressing these underlying causes of disease, has a multiplier-effect resulting in the prevention of multiple disease outcomes. Early detection and treatment of all chronic disease can save lives, health care costs, disability, premature death and suffering. (Minnesota Department of Health)

Cancer has now replaced heart disease as the number one cause of death nationally. In Washington County cancer has been the leading cause of death since 1993. The reason for this is unclear at this time. (Community Health Service Plan 2000-2003)

Compared to other counties in Minnesota, Washington County residents are younger, more educated, with a lower percentage living in poverty. These factors alone would lead us to believe that the residents would also be generally healthy and the data shows this to be the case. Although relatively healthy at this point in time, there are some health indicators that we need to monitor. (Health Sketch, October 1999)

Immunizations

Lots of adults think "shots" or immunizations are just for children.  They're not!  As an adult, you need to be protected against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and several other diseases.  Your best protection against these diseases is immunizations.  Contrary to what some think, these diseases have not been wiped out.  During 1995, at least 39 percent of all reported measles cases in the United States occurred in persons 20 years of age or older.  If you were never immunized, you are at risk.  For more information about immunizations and where to get them, click here.