Forsyth County Health Facts
Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of work disabilities and causes up to $1 billion in lost wages each year for the state of
North Carolina. Arthritis affects people in all age groups in the United States, including as many as 285,000 children. A
healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise, can help prevent arthritis.
Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for all North Carolina women. Breast and cervical cancers can
often be successfully treated when they are found in the early stages. Regular early-detection screenings are a woman’s
best protection. For the first time in over 60 years, the number of deaths attributed to Cancer (651) surpassed that of
Heart Disease (607) in Forsyth County for the year 2002. The number of new cancer cases can be reduced substantially, and
many more cancer deaths can be prevented, by adopting healthier lifestyles such as avoiding tobacco use, increasing
physical activity, achieving optimal weight, improving nutrition, and avoiding sun exposure. Each of these measures can
significantly reduce a person's risk for cancer.
Diabetes
One in every 10 adults in North Carolina has diabetes, and about one million people in the state have either diabetes or
pre-diabetes. The disease has increased among North Carolinians by 75 percent over the last eight years due to the rapid
rise in overweight and obesity in the state. 84% of people with diabetes in Forsyth County are over weight or obese. Losing
5 percent to seven percent of total body weight through modest physical activity (150 minutes/week) and healthy eating can
decrease the risk of developing type 2-diabetes by 58 percent in high-risk individuals. People with type 2-diabetes can
decrease their risk of developing devastating complications such as blindness, kidney failure and amputations by 25 percent
by reducing their average blood sugar level. Blood sugar levels can be decreased by getting more physically active, eating
healthier foods, getting regular medical care, taking medicines when prescribed, and reducing stress levels. For people
with type 2 diabetes, even small reductions in blood pressure can decrease the risk of having a stroke by 44 percent.
People can reduce their blood pressure by eating healthy foods and lowering salt intake, increasing physical activity,
seeing their doctor regularly and following their treatment plan, and managing stress.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is the number one cause of death for North Carolina women and men, but
making healthy choices could prevent or delay an estimated 80 percent of these deaths. Regular blood pressure, blood sugar
and cholesterol checks will help determine whether a person is at risk for heart disease or stroke and what they can do to
lower that risk. In 2002, Forsyth County had a heart disease mortality rate of 193 per 100,000 and a stroke mortality rate
of 68.6 per 100,000. Increased physical activity and healthier eating can reduce blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
Achieving a healthy weight and quitting smoking also greatly reduces a person’s risk for illness and death from cardiovascular
disease.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, or porous bones, is a threat to over one million North Carolinians. Each year, more than 13,000 North
Carolinians are hospitalized for osteoporosis-related fractures, resulting in $455 million in direct medical costs.
Osteoporosis can be prevented and/or treated through a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise,
and a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake, along with bone-density testing and medication when
appropriate. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence through a healthy diet and physical activity can be the
best defense against developing osteoporosis later.
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Eating five or more fruits and vegetables daily and walking 30 minutes each day can reduce a person’s risk for heart
disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes—North Carolina's four major killers. Children and youth need at least 60 minutes of
physical activity every day. Limit television and video time to no more than one to two hours a day. Almost as many people
die each year from making poor food choices and sitting still as from cigarette smoking. Choosing healthier foods and
becoming more physically active can prevent or control many chronic illnesses. Healthy eating tips for adults and kids:
Limit consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Prepare and provide appropriate portion sizes of foods and beverages.
Prepare and eat more meals at home. Approximately one in four North Carolina adults are obese. North Carolina taxpayers
spend $2.14 billion each year in direct medical costs associated with overweight and obesity. That is $261 for every man,
woman and child each year, based on 2001 Census data. Eat smart and move more to achieve a healthy weight. Over 62 percent
of North Carolinians are either completely sedentary or are insufficiently active to receive the health benefits of
physical activity. Moderate exercise like walking, even a few days a week, can improve health.
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