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11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 720
Omaha, NE  68154
 

Phone  402.934.5886
Fax      402.934.5820

Association of Community Health Improvement News

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What is a trend bender?

A trend bender is a strategic theme that, if addressed successfully, can help a
community break an unhealthy cycle in order to create a significant impact on health and quality of life
 

Indicators

Linking Douglas County’s leading causes of death to behaviors…


Many of us would assume that genetics play an overwhelming role in our health. However, 60 percent of what contributes towards one’s health are factors that include personal behaviors, social and environmental factors. Behaviors lead the way comprising 40 percent of what contributes to one’s health. That is a large percentage of our health that we have some degree of control over.


In Douglas County, the six leading causes of death are: Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Chronic Lung Disease, Accidents, and Alzheimer’s. These causes of death are costly to our community. By choosing to practice and adopt healthier lifestyles in our daily lives, we can reduce our odds of falling victim to many of the leading causes of death. This statement is backed by research. Studies have shown that staying fit and/or becoming fit has a direct relation to a lower rate in mortality (Blair et al, 1995, JAMA, 273, 1093-8). According to Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, people who exercise have lower rates of:

• Premature death
• Dying from heart disease
• Developing diabetes
• Developing high blood pressure
• Developing colon cancer
• Better success in weight control

The nine key community health improvement areas we have identified can be directly impacted by our individual and community efforts. By beginning to change our behaviors both on a personal and a community level, we can positively impact the indicators – creating better health.

In 2004, our community will see a new initiative, ACT!vateOmaha. This five-year campaign will be aimed at creating a culture in Douglas County where healthy, active lifestyles are common-place – a community where our physical environment supports transportation modes such as walking, and bicycling. This is an opportunity to see the numbers in this document change, knowing that you have been a part in creating a healthier community.