The health of most Austin/Travis County residents is good with a lower
overall mortality rate than most metropolitan areas in the State or
nation. However, there are significant health disparities particularly
in the Black population of Travis County. Blacks experience higher
rates of mortality in most of the leading causes of death and in infant
mortality. The leading causes of death in Travis County are heart disease,
cancers, stroke and unintentional injury. The total infant mortality
rate in Travis County is well below the year 2000 national objective.
However, the teen pregnancy rate is higher than both the state and
national rates. The teen pregnancy rate for Hispanics is significantly
higher than other populations, but Hispanics seem to have healthy births
equal to that of the White non-Hispanic population. Most chronic diseases
appear to be declining in small increments. Of all chronic diseases,
stroke is the most prevalent. Communicable diseases have declined over
the past decade but remain at an incidence rate higher than both the
state and national levels. AIDS and HIV infections particularly are
having an increased impact on the Black population. The environment
is still good but is feeling the effects of the sustained growth of
the area. The environment will be an area of greater concerned in the
coming years if the current rate of growth continues. The greatest
determinant in the worsening environmental conditions is that of increased
vehicle miles driven. Unintentional injury is the leading cause of
death after the first year of life until about age 45. Most unintentional
injuries are attributed to motor vehicle accidents.
It is estimate that 50 percent of all U.S. deaths are preventable.
In spite of this knowledge, we continue to experience high rates of
morbidity and mortality caused by chronic and communicable diseases
and injury. There is scientific proof that most preventable deaths
can be attributed to nine causes: tobacco, diet and activity patterns,
alcohol, microbial agents, toxic agents, firearms, sexual behavior,
and abuse of drugs (McGinnis & Foege, 1993). Improvement or change
in individual behaviors that directly or indirectly relate to health
outcomes is a more cost-effective approach to healthy individuals than
providing treatment after illness occurs. Strategies that address determinants
or root causes of ill health such as smoking, diet, and physical activity
can prevent or delay multiple chronic diseases while improving the
over all physical and mental wellbeing of individuals.
Top Of Page
Physical Health Home Page
