© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Selected stories from the WKAR NewsRoom in your morning email. SUBSCRIBE HERE

New Health Report Seeks to Identify Regional Priorities

A new report outlines causes for many health conditions among residents in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties.
WKAR File Photo
A new report outlines causes for many health conditions among residents in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties.

Mid-Michigan health officials say they’ve issued the most comprehensive study of its kind in this region.  The survey takes an extensive look at many social and environmental causes of health outcomes. 

The study tracks a number of physical health indicators, including obesity, smoking and stress.  The report also probes socioeconomic and environmental factors, and not surprisingly, it finds a direct correlation between poverty and poor health. 

Ingham Health Officer Renee Canady says she hopes the data will prompt people not to be complacent about their health.

"Why can you go through some communities and there are wonderful bike paths and people are walking and talking?," says Canady.  "Because it's a culture of health that they've decided they want.  And so, we're just trying to ignite a movement."

Health officials will host a series of public meetings this summer about the data, and will issue an action plan this fall. 

 

 

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!