As a result of poor diet and fitness, Americans are faced with growing concerns in regards to health.  Issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are increasing everywhere in the US, and Minneapolis is no exception. Here are some health statistics for Minneapolis and information about what the city is doing to manage them.

Obesity

According to state obesity rates, 24.6 % of adults and 23% of children in Minnesota are either overweight or clinically obese. Like many cities across the state, Minneapolis has a significantly high obesity rate and is actively working in the fight against this problem. Minneapolis is rich in obesity prevention programs, and offers programs such as Youth Determined to Succeed, Bike Share, and United Health HEROES Grants, all of which promote educating children and youth about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and keeping active. Healthy habits formed early have a much higher, long-term success rate for healthy living.

Heart Disease

Coronary disease is the second leading cause of death in Minnesota, accounting for over a fifth of all deaths. Every year almost 8,000 Minnesotans die from heart disease. The Minneapolis Heart Foundation has a fantastic program called ‘Heartbeatsback’, which aims to end heart disease in an entire community and then provide a nation-wide model for preventive care. Since the program started, the average number of heart attacks has dropped by 24 %. In just over a year they have also increased awareness dramatically. 77% of adults in the community have participated in local health programs and activities, members of the community eat 25 % more fruit and vegetables, and 55% of the area’s largest companies are now implementing healthy initiative programs for their employees.

Diabetes

One in five Minnesotans has or is at high risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. 294,000 Minnesotans have diabetes, and 971, 000 have a form of pre-diabetes. Every year 15,000 Minnesotans are newly diagnosed. This is why the American Diabetes Association’s Minneapolis- Saint Paul office is so committed to educating the community about ways of preventing diabetes. There are many programs and resources available, which include the annual diabetes expo, fitness management, and ideas for exercise, meal plans, and a food advisory. The diabetes translation conference was also held in Minneapolis this year.

Cancer

Approximately half of all Minnesotans will be diagnosed with a serious form of cancer at some point in their lifetime, and about 25% of those will result in death. There have been added community concerns of cancer in Minneapolis. Reports have shown that over a period of twenty years, 2,424 cases of cancer were seen in men and 2271 cases in women in the northeast Minneapolis area. The overall lifetime risk for residents of Minnesota has been calculated to be 465 cancers/1,000 people. The risk factors associated with cancer are tobacco use, poor diet and obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Educating children and their parents in Minneapolis about the importance of good nutrition and an active lifestyle is the key to the bringing these statistics down in regards to the number of Minnesotans who are diagnosed as obese, or with heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.