What's Really Killing Us
by Alpha Fowler Bryan, M. D.

Every few years, the state gathers information about the health problems plaguing individuals and families. Cardiovascular diseases and cancers are presently the biggest killers of Clayton County residents, but there are other health issues Clayton residents need to be aware of as well. Here’s a snapshot about the state of health in Clayton and some of the things we’re doing about it.

THE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN CLAYTON COUNTY
Major cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Clayton County. Between 2004 and 2008 (the latest data available), cardiovascular disease accounted for 2,143 deaths in Clayton County – 31.1 percent of all local deaths recorded between that time. Cancer comes in a close second place, accounting for 1,464 deaths (21.3 percent), followed by respiratory diseases (548 deaths, or 8 percent), infectious and parasitic diseases (337 deaths, or 4.9 percent), and mental and behavioral disorders (222 deaths, or 3.2 percent). Other diseases accounted for following number of deaths: Kidney diseases (221 deaths/3.2 percent); digestive system diseases (216 deaths/3.1 percent); diabetes (214 deaths/3.1 percent); nervous system diseases (207 death/3.0 percent); homicide (181 deaths/2.6 percent); motor vehicle crashes (169 deaths/2.5 percent); fetal and infant conditions (125 deaths/1.8 percent); suicide (96 deaths/1.4 percent); and poisoning (86 deaths/1.2 percent).

What’s Really Killing Us
As shocking as it sounds, half (50 percent) of the deaths in Clayton County are attributed to bad habits. Tobacco use is the cause of 19 percent of the deaths in Clayton County, contributing to heart disease, cancers, respiratory diseases, and infant deaths. Poor diet and inactivity account for 14 percent of deaths, contributing to heart disease, cancers, diabetes, and infant deaths. Twelve percent of deaths in Clayton are attributed to other high-risk activities and behaviors, such as exposure to microbes and toxins, firearms, sexual behavior (HIV/AIDS/other sexually transmitted infections), motor vehicle accidents, and drug use. Five percent of deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use.

Diabetes
Diabetes is currently the eighth-leading cause of death in Clayton County, accounting for 214 deaths between 2004 and 2008. In Clayton, African Americans presently make up 72.2 percent of those suffering with diabetes, while whites represent 22.2 percent. Other races account for only 5.6 percent of diabetes cases. Risk factors for diabetes include a family history, being overweight or obese, high blood pressure, and a lack of physical activity.

Infant Mortality
The infant mortality rate (IMR) – the number children who die before their first birthday – is often a telling sign of the overall health of a community. For the last 10 years, Clayton County’s infant mortality rate (IMR) has been consistently higher than the state average. In 2002, according to Georgia Department of Public Health statistics, Clayton’s IMR rose to 12.4 (12.4 deaths per 1,000 infants), while the state IMR that year was 8.9. According to 2008 statistics (the latest available), Clayton’s IMR was at 8.6, which was above the state rate of 8.0. Prematurity, the primary cause of infant mortality can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to second-hand smoke while pregnant, drug and alcohol use, inadequate prenatal care, socioeconomic factors, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and close spacing between pregnancies.

Teen Pregnancies/Teen Births
While Clayton’s teen birth rate (ages 10-19) has gone down in recent years, it remains above the state average. Between 2005 and 2009, the average birthrate for Georgia was 26.5 births per 1,000 live births. The average for Clayton during that time was 30.8. Teen mothers run a greater risk of having children who are born premature. In addition to teens often being ill-equipped to raise a child, children born prematurely often have expensive, lifelong health problems, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, blindness, and hearing loss.

Chronic Disease
The Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Clinic at CCBOH works to screen and identify those at risk of cardiovascular diseases and refer them to treatment programs. Call (678) 610-7199 for more information.
The CCBOH Ryan White Clinic provides HIV/AIDS testing, counseling, and assistance for those who can’t afford medication. Call (678)-610-7484 for more information.

Teen Pregnancy
The Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) program, proudly led by CCBOH, aims to reduce the rates of teen pregnancy, course failure, and academic suspension among Clayton’s youth by helping teens acquire the skills needed for positive youth development. Call (678) 479-2220 for more information.

Infant Mortality
The Making Our Mother Successful (MOMS) Program provides needs assessments, in-home visitations, educational workshops, and community resource referrals to women who have delivered a low-birth-weight baby (less than 2500 grams or 5 lbs., 8 oz.), pregnant African-American women between the ages of 30 and 44, and pregnant teenagers. Call (678) 610-7419 for more information.

The Clayton County Perinatal and Infant Health Coalition, led by CCBOH, works with community partners to improve local birth outcomes. Regular work sessions and meetings inform strategies that may be useful in tackling perinatal/infant health issues. Call (678) 610-7257 for more information.

While health statistics can be intimidating, they don’t have to control our lives. Many diseases and health problems are preventable through a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, and sensible actions. The Clayton County Board of Health encourages you to help create “a healthier Clayton in one generation.”