According to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings for 2022, Kansas City, Missouri, known for its lively diversity and cultural heritage, is struggling with major health challenges. Shockingly, it has been labeled the unhealthiest city in Missouri.
The Rankings
After analyzing 35 crucial health indicators, including smoking, obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, air quality, accessibility to healthcare, and immunization rates, this inclusive report assessed the health of all 50 states in the USA. According to the study, Missouri ranked 39th, while Kansas secured the 31st position in the overall rankings. Additionally, the report provided in-depth rankings of metropolitan areas within each state, utilizing 23 health-related criteria.
Kansas City, MO-KS, ranked at the bottom among the six metro areas in Missouri and fifth among the seven metro areas in Kansas in terms of health statistics, according to a recent report. The report highlighted concerning health figures for Kansas City, including the highest rates for smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and cancer-related deaths, as well as infant mortality when compared to other metro areas in both states.
Children and seniors in the city have the lowest rates of immunization. Additionally, the city has the smallest proportion of adults who have consistent access to healthcare.
The Causes
Kansas City’s health outcomes have been a cause for concern, and the reasons behind this are manifold. Social and economic factors have played a significant role, with poverty, education, income, and racial disparities being key contributors. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 report, the poverty rate in Kansas City was 16.3%, which is higher than both the state and national averages of 13.2% and 10.5%, respectively.
In terms of median household income, Kansas City falls behind both the state and the nation with a figure of $54,372, compared to $57,409 and $62,843 respectively. What’s more, the city has a significantly higher percentage of Black residents, at 29.9%, compared to the state’s 11.8% and the nation’s 13.4%. Unfortunately, these disparities often result in increased obstacles and discrimination for these communities when it comes to accessing quality healthcare and social services.
The American Lung Association’s 2020 State of the Air report identified prominent environmental and behavioral issues related to air quality, physical activity, nutrition, and substance use. Kansas City, unfortunately, ranked 25th among the most polluted cities for ozone levels, highlighting the severity of the problem.
The respiratory problems caused by ozone levels are a major concern for the citizens of this city. These levels have been known to worsen conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Additionally, the city’s particle pollution ranking of 47th is alarming, as this can increase the risk of lung cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.
A major contributing factor to the poor health statistics in Kansas City is the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Shockingly, only 22.9% of adults in the city follow the recommended guidelines for physical activity, while a mere 10.7% consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 20.5% of the population still engages in smoking, which further exacerbates the issue.
The Solutions
To tackle the health disparities in Kansas City, it is crucial to adopt a collaborative and comprehensive approach that involves various stakeholders. This includes governmental agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, businesses, schools, and individuals. To address these challenges, there are several potential solutions that can be explored.
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- Expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare, particularly for uninsured or underinsured residents.
- Allocating increased funding and support to public health programs and services that target social determinants of health and work to reduce disparities.
- Promoting healthy behaviors through education, awareness campaigns, incentives, and regulatory measures.
- Enhancing environmental health by reducing air pollution, improving water quality, and increasing green spaces.
- Encouraging civic engagement and community involvement in health-related initiatives and decision-making.
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Conclusion
With its distinct allure and promising prospects, Kansas City faces significant health challenges that require urgent attention. By adopting viable and long-lasting remedies, the city can strive towards a future that is healthier and more fulfilling for all its inhabitants.
