County profile

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County Profile Paper

Lake (County in California)

Coral Trujillo

Cal State Los Angeles

Department of Public Health

Professor Jim Lott, PsyD, MBA

November 20, 2022

• Good start!

• You have a few too many edit errors that will lower your grade, so please scrub

your paper clean of these mistakes.

• You are good/solid on APA.

• Please update your solutions and recommendations per my November 22nd advisory

on the Announcements page of our course website. Lots of points are at-risk/will be

lost there.

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Lake Country Health Profile

Abstract

This paper has discussed the health profile of Lake Country and its obesity problem. It

has looked at the root causes of obesity and offered possible solutions to address the problem.

Additionally, it has made recommendations for how public awareness programs can help to

control obesity in lake country. Obesity is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted

approach to solve. There are many factors that contribute to obesity, including lack of access to

healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity, poverty, genetic factors, and certain

medical conditions. By taking a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, it is possible to

effectively control obesity in any community.

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Introduction

Lake Country is a small town in the heart of the Midwest. It's known for its natural

beauty and for being home to a large number of artists and musicians. The people of Lake

Country are proud of their heritage and work hard to keep their community strong. The economy

has been tough on small towns like Lake Country, and many people have had to struggle and

travel to nearby main cities to find work. There is a lot of poverty in the area, and it's difficult for

the government to provide enough services for everyone. This paper will discuss the health

profile of Lake Country.

Population – General Demographics

Lake Country has a population of about 8000 people. The majority of the population,

about 60%, is between 25 to 64 years old. The median age is 44.1 years, and US-born citizens

make up 96.73% of the residents referred to as native Americans. Lake Country is also the

homeland of many entrepreneurs, with 11.93% population being employed in this sector. Private

companies also make up a significant portion of the economy, employing 65.05% of workers

(census, 2021). Governmental institutions are also well represented, with 14.78% of workers

employed by these organizations. There are just over 2,000 households in the area, and on

average, household family size is only under 3 to 5 people. The average income of a family in

Lake Country is about $64,000, and the per capita income is about $32,000.

This area is inhibited by multicultural people, with 84.1% of residents identifying as

White (Non-Hispanic), 7.7% as White (Hispanic), 3.05% as (Non-Hispanic), 2.76% as American

Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic), and 1.1% as Asian (Non-Hispanic). While the majority

of residents speak English as their primary language, there is a significant number of non-

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English speakers in the county as well. 96.4% of residents are U.S. citizens, making Lake County

one of California's most ethnically and linguistically diverse counties.

According to the most recent data, 95.8% of people living in Lake County are native

Americans that are living here for generations. They count for 93.4% of the population, which is

more population than counted as the national average. The rate of citizenship has been increasing

in recent years, and it is currently at its highest point since the data began being collected (DATA

USA, 2021). Lake County, CA, is currently represented by the median age group of 45.3 years

old. A new generation of native Americans tends to be younger than foreign-born citizens;

however, a general age decrease is seen in both groups as previously, in 2019, the average age of

this county was recorded as 46 years. These trends indicate that Lake County, CA, is a diverse

and dynamic community with a steady declining trend in the average age of its residents (census,

2021).

Population - Socioeconomic Status

Lake Country is a great place for those who want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The

average annual household income in the area is $97,476, while the median household income is

$80,506 per year. This means that residents have plenty of disposable income to enjoy Lake

Country's amenities. In addition, the median wage for residents aged 25 to 44 is $82,151, while

those between 45 and 64 years old have a median wage of $103,833. This provides financial

stability for families who want to settle down in the area. Despite this, Lake Country remains a

esirable place to live for all age groups. Source citations are needed for the data and facts in

this paragraph.

There are 4,655 housing units in Lake Country, and the median year in which these

properties were built is 1978. Of the 4,115 occupied housing units in Lake Country, 77.59% are

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owner-occupied, while 22.41% have renters living in them (DATA USA, 2021). This indicates

that most residents own their homes outright, while a significant minority still pay off mortgages.

Regarding education, 34.76% of residents have a high school degree, 22.41% have attained a

college certificate, and 21.59% have a bachelor's degree. Compare to statewide data.

Health Insurance

Lake Country's population health score is lower than the national median, with 9.4% of

residents having no health insurance. Additionally, the smoking rate is higher than average, at

16.5%. However, Lake Country residents have a higher life expectancy, at 74.6 years. While

there are some areas of concern, overall, Lake Country is doing reasonably well in terms of

population health (Lake, 2022). Access to care appears to be the biggest issue, followed by

smoking rates. If residents can address these issues, they will likely see an improvement in their

overall health.

Hospitals & Physician

Lake County Hospitals play a vital role in the health and well-being of the community.

These institutions provide essential medical care and healthcare services to Lake County, CA

residents. In addition to emergency care, hospitals in Lake County offer a range of important

healthcare facilities, including laboratory and diagnostic testing, scheduled surgeries, inpatient

treatment, and post-surgical care units (cdph, 2021). They also provide various support services,

including pharmacy prescriptions, nursing consultancy services, maternal health support,

counseling, and nursing home services. These services are essential for maintaining the health

and well-being of the community.

Lake County, California, has three hospitals, serving a population of 64,095 people. With

one hospital per 21,365 residents, Lake County has a higher hospital density than the majority of

Commented [JL1]: Higher than what?

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counties in California. However, Lake County falls below the state average at 26th out of 58

counties in terms of hospitals per square mile. The three hospitals in Lake County are spread out

relatively evenly, with one hospital per 418 square miles (cdph, 2021). This ensures that

residents have access to medical care regardless of their location within the county. In addition,

Lake County Hospitals offer various services, from emergency care to specialty surgeries. As a

result, residents of Lake County can be confident that they will receive the care they need close

to home.

Redbud Community Hospital in St. Helena is a top-notch facility with a wide range of

services and a highly skilled staff. Clearlake's Sutter Lakeside Hospital is also an excellent

choice, offering excellent care and a convenient location. And finally, there's Sutter Health's

North Bay Medical Center in Clearlake, which provides top-notch care for serious medical

conditions. No matter what your healthcare needs may be, you're sure to find an excellent

hospital in Lake County, CA.

Public Health & Mental Health Services

Public health and mental health services are essential for the well-being of any

community. Unfortunately, these vital services are often underfunded and understaffed. This can

lead to many problems, including a lack of care access, long appointments wait times, and a

shortage of trained professionals (USNEWS, 2021). Adventist Health Clear Lake is a healthcare

center that offers mental health and behavioral health services to the residents of lake country.

This is the only healthcare center that offers these services.

Adventist Health Clear Lake provides much-needed behavioral medicine services to its

patients. They understand that various factors can cause mental health problems and take a

holistic treatment approach. This comprehensive approach includes substance abuse counseling,

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depression and anxiety treatment, grief and loss counseling, family and couples therapy, post-

traumatic stress disorder treatment, and more (USNEWS, 2021). Their experienced staff is

dedicated to providing high-quality care that will meet your unique needs. Through their

services, residents of Lake Country will be able to find the courage and confidence needed to

take on life with health and happiness. Their behavioral medicine services are vital to their

mission to provide mental, physical, and spiritual healing.

The Public Health and Mental Health Services Department of Lake County, California

provides a variety of services to residents of the county. The department is responsible for the

promotion of public health and the prevention of disease, injury, and disability. It also provides

mental health services to residents of the county who are experiencing mental illness. The

department offers a variety of programs and services that are designed to meet the needs of the

community. These programs and services include public education, immunization, screenings,

and counseling. The department also provides support to businesses and organizations in the

county that are working to improve the health of their employees and customers. The Public

Health and Mental Health Services Department is committed to improving the health of the

residents of Lake County, California.

Children Health

In 2021, there were 13,573 children under the age of 18 living in the Lake country. Of

these children, 7.2% were born preterm, and 13.6% had ever been diagnosed with asthma. 96.1%

of children had health insurance coverage, and 92.3% of kindergarteners had all the required

immunizations (kids data, 2021). While these numbers represent a marked improvement from

previous years, there is still room for improvement. For example, preterm births are a leading

cause of infant mortality, and more needs to be done to ensure that all children have access to

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quality healthcare. In addition, childhood immunizations are critical for protecting public health,

and efforts should continue to increase coverage rates.

According to the latest data, 12.3% of students in the area receive special education

services, and 42.4% of 5th graders are considered overweight or obese. Additionally, 11.2

children and youth per 1,000 are in foster care, and 36.8% of 9th graders report feeling depressed

(kids data, 2021). While these statistics paint a difficult picture, it's important to remember that

Lake Country is home to many caring and strong people working hard to make a difference.

There are a lot of organizations and individuals who are dedicated to supporting children and

families in need. With their help, Lake Country can continue to be a wonderful place to call

home.

Health outcomes & Factors

Among the counties in the state, Lake County has the lowest life expectancy. According

to Lake County statistics, Hispanics have an average life expectancy of 80.2 years, and Whites

average of 74.2 years. The lower life expectancy in Lake County can be attributed to a variety of

factors, including poverty, poor access to healthcare, and limited opportunities for physical

activity (win measures, 2021). This lower rate is preventable with some lifestyle changes such as

exercise, eating healthy, and getting screenings when appropriate. It is important to take action

now to improve Lake County's residents' health so that life expectancy can begin to increase.

Accidental death due to involuntary injuries is a primary reason for death in Lake

County. In fact, it is the third leading cause of death overall. Nearly half of all adults in Lake

County are living with a disability. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the number of

accidental deaths due to unintentional injuries (LARSON, 2018). Chronic liver disease and

cirrhosis are the only two causes of death that have amplified over the prior evaluating period.

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This is especially worrying as they are both preventable with early detection and treatment. The

trend steadily rose from 2017 to 2019, up to 49.1%, with a small drop in 2021. This is due to the

increase in awareness and prevention measures.

Nutrition & Food Security

The importance of nutrition and food security cannot be overstated. They are essential to

our survival and well-being. Nutrition is the study of how food and nutrients impact our health. It

is a complex science that investigates how the body uses food to stay healthy and prevent

disease.

Food insecurity is a serious problem in Lake County, with an estimated 27,130 residents

living with hunger. This is an 11.8% increase from 2019, and 1 in 8.5 residents are now

struggling to get enough to eat. The problem is especially acute for children, with 14.8% of kids

suffering from food insecurity (KidsData, 2021). This equates to 1 in 6.7 children living with

hunger, and the number is only increasing. The annual food budget shortfall in the county is

$13,500,000, and many residents are unable to make ends meet. 18,173 adults and 5,236 children

live in poverty, and these numbers are only expected to rise in the coming months. Solutions are

urgently needed to address this growing crisis.

Food insecurity is a serious problem in the United States, and it can profoundly impact

children. Without access to regular meals, children may experience anxiety, hyperactivity, and

even bullying. In addition, these children are at risk for behavioral problems such as fighting and

stealing. In some cases, food insecurity can even lead to developmental delays. Lake County is

no exception to this problem; in fact, 18% of food-insecure children in the county are likely not

eligible for assistance from federal nutrition programs (KidsData, 2021). This means that these

children are not getting the meals they need to grow and thrive. The problem of childhood

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hunger is one that cannot be ignored; it is time for action to be taken to ensure that all of Lake

Country’s children have access to the nutritious food they need to grow and thrive.

Community Clinics

Lake Country CA is home to several community clinics that provide a variety of medical

services to residents. The clinic staff includes doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals

who are committed to providing high-quality care. In addition to general medical care, the clinics

offer vaccinations, well-baby checkups, and other preventive care services. They also provide

diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. The clinics are a vital resource

for the community, and they play an important role in keeping residents healthy.

There are many community clinics in Lake Country that serve low-income and uninsured

patients. These clinics provide basic medical care and often have sliding scale fees or offer free

care. Community Health Centers are a type of community clinic that receive federal funding.

There are also many independent community clinics.

The Lake County General Health District provides a wide range of clinical and nursing

services to residents of Lake County. They take a community-centered approach to care, which

means they provide the services their clients need to maintain their health and well-being. They

utilize a variety of guiding principles in order to provide the best possible care for residents.

These principles include providing competent nursing services, respecting and supporting

individual needs, and conducting ongoing assessments to improve the overall quality of services.

Major Health Problem in Lake Country

According to the Lake County Community Health report, 16% of Lake County residents

reported having diabetes, 9% reported having heart disease, 40% reported having high blood

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pressure, and 41% were considered obese. In addition, 31% of respondents identified alcohol-

related death as a major health concern in the county (LakeHealth, 2019). These findings suggest

that there is a significant need for improved access to healthcare in the area. Residents have a

higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than the national average, and many do not have

adequate resources to manage their health. As a result, it is observable that the biggest health

problem in Lake Country is obesity among residents. This trend is alarming, as obesity is linked

to a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Solutions

In order to control obesity in Lake Country, it is important to first understand the root

causes of the problem. Obesity rates are typically highest in communities where there is a lack of

access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity. In addition, poverty,

genetic factors, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to obesity. Once the root

causes have been identified, it is possible to develop strategies and plans to address them.

• One initiative is to create more bike paths and walking trails.

• Another is to offer discounts at grocery stores for products that meet certain

nutritional criteria.

• And finally, educational campaigns have raised awareness about the importance of

healthy eating and exercise.

One common strategy is to increase access to healthy food options by partnering with

local grocery stores or farmers' markets. Another approach is to create more opportunities for

physical activity through after-school programs or community recreation centers. Additionally,

public education campaigns can play an important role in raising awareness about the importance

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of healthy eating and physical activity. By taking a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, it

is possible to effectively control obesity in Lake Country.

One such strategy is the implementation of community gardens. Community gardens

provide fresh fruits and vegetables to residents who might not otherwise have access to them.

They also promote physical activity by providing a space for people to grow their own food and

get exercise. Another strategy is the rise of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been shown to help

prevent obesity in both children and adults. The Lake County Breastfeeding Task Force works to

support breastfeeding mothers and educate the community about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Recommendations

Public awareness programs can play a key role in controlling obesity by promoting

healthy diets and active lifestyles. Educating the public about the risks of obesity and the benefits

of healthy living can help to change behaviors and make a real difference in population health.

Additionally, public awareness campaigns can be advocated for policy changes that support

healthy eating and physical activity. For example, they can promote laws restricting junk food

advertising to children or requiring schools to offer healthier food options. By raising awareness

and advocating for change, public awareness programs can help to control obesity in lake

country.

Another recommendation is the use of interventions. Interventions can take many forms,

but one example is providing resources to help people make healthier choices. This might

include providing healthy food options in grocery stores and restaurants or offering discounts on

gym memberships. It could also involve increasing access to parks and recreation facilities or

providing educational materials on healthy living. Whatever form it takes, an intervention plan

should be designed to meet the needs of the community it targets.

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Conclusion

Conclusively, Lake Country is home to a diverse population, with its residents enjoying

peaceful living. These people have limited inter-city employment opportunities and have to

travel to nearby main cities to find an appropriate job. The population's health status is average,

and obesity is the main health concern. It has a declining trend in the median age. Poverty,

limited healthcare services, and poor living choices can be the reason for this trend. The region

is, however, also well-connected, with good transportation links to the rest of the country that

enable citizens to avail the opportunities of main cities. The area hosts many major employers,

including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The region also offers a variety of leisure

and entertainment options, with something to suit everyone's taste. The Lake Country region is

an attractive place to live, and its population is growing steadily.

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References

cdph. (2021). Healthcare-Associated Infections in California Hospitals Annual Report. Retrieved

from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/HAI/Pages/AnnualHAIReports.aspx

census. (2021). Lake County, California. Retrieved from

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/lakecountycalifornia

DATA USA. (2021). LAKE COUNTY. Retrieved from https://datausa.io/profile/geo/lake-

county-or

kidsdata. (2021). Children in Lake County. Retrieved from

https://www.kidsdata.org/export/pdf?loc=337

KidsData. (2021). Children Living in Food Insecure Households. Retrieved from

https://www.kidsdata.org/topic/764/food-

insecurity/table#fmt=2955&loc=2,127,347,1763,331,348,336,171,321,345,357,332,324,3

69,358,362,360,337,327,364,356,217,353,328,354,323,352,320,339,334,365,343,330,367

,344,355,366,368,265,349,361,4,273,59,370,326,333,3

Lake, C. (2022). Health Outcomes. Retrieved from

https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/explore-health-rankings/california/lake?year=2022

LakeHealth. (2019). 2020 to 2022 Lake County Community Health Improvement Plan.

Retrieved from https://www.lcghd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LH-LCGHD_2020-

to-2022-Lake-County-CHIP_FINAL.pdf

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LARSON, E. (2018). New report ranks Lake as a least healthy county in California. Retrieved

from https://lakeconews.com/index.php/news/55064-new-report-ranks-lake-as-least-

healthy-county-in-california

USNEWS. (2021). Public Health & Mental Health Services. Retrieved from

https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/california/lake-county

winmeasures. (2021). Health in Lake County, California. Retrieved from

https://www.winmeasures.org/statistics/winmeasures/california/lake-county-health