Many times you have read this column about taking responsibility for your own health. The latest publication from the Ingham County Department of Health is appropriately titled “OUR HEALTH IS IN OUR HANDS.” It is a report on the health status of Ingham County 2004.

It mentions that Ingham County is becoming more diverse in terms of racial and ethnic makeup and not surprisingly the statistic of Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) is affecting people of color more than any other group. Below are some of the notable facts that affect Ingham County residents.

• Of the leading causes of early death, four (heart disease, accidents, violence,
AIDS) have a greater impact on males than females.

• Early prevention of cancer, can prevent early death.

• Alcohol and other substances are factors in an estimated half of all suicides
and homicides.

• Prematurity, birth defects, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are by far the
the most common causes of infant death. Parental lifestyle also influences
risk of infant death.

• Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and smoking accounty for an estimated 25% of
early death due to heart disease.

All of the above are linked to early death and they are preventable. If we change our lifestyle our years of potential life lost can be minimized. The only person that can make that decision is you.

Remember “OUR HEALTH IS IN OUR HANDS.”

SOURCE: OUR HEALTH IS IN OUR HANDS: A report on the health Status of Ingham County 2004

George T. Rowan, Ph.D. is chairperson of the Ingham County Board of Health. He is also State President of AARP and a professor in the College of Agriculture at Michigan State University