According to the America’s Health Rankings published by the United Health Foundation, the city of Kansas City, Missouri, which is well-known for its vibrant variety and cultural legacy, is currently facing significant health difficulties. To everyone’s surprise, it has been ranked as the most unhealthy city in the state of Missouri.
A Look at the Rankings
Following an examination of thirty-five essential health indicators, such as smoking, obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, air quality, accessibility to healthcare, and immunization rates, this comprehensive analysis evaluated the state of health in each of the fifty states that make up the United States of America. Missouri was placed 39th in the overall rankings, whereas Kansas was ranked 31st. The survey found that Missouri was the state with the highest ranking. In addition to this, the report included comprehensive rankings of metropolitan regions within each state, based on a total of 23 health-related criteria.
According to a recent assessment, Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas City scored the lowest among the six metro regions in the state of Missouri and the fifth among the seven metro areas in the state of Kansas. When compared to other metropolitan regions in both states, the research highlighted certain troubling health statistics for Kansas City. These statistics included the highest rates for smoking, obesity, diabetes, deaths connected to cardiovascular disease and cancer, and infant mortality.
The lowest rates of immunization are found in the city mostly among children and senior citizens. A further point to consider is that the city has the lowest percentage of adults who have regular access to medical care.
The Reasons Behind It
The health outcomes in Kansas City have been a source of concern, and there are a variety of factors that have contributed to this issue. The gaps in poverty, education, income, and racial status are among the most important contributions to this phenomenon, which has been influenced by social and economic variables. According to the report that was released by the United States Census Bureau in 2019, the poverty rate in Kansas City was 16.3%. This figure is higher than the averages for both the state and the nation, which are 13.2% and 10.5%, respectively.
Kansas City has a median household income of $54,372, which is lower than the state average of $57,409 and the national average of $62,843. This places Kansas City behind both the state and the nation in terms of household income. Moreover, the city has a substantially larger percentage of Black citizens than the state has, which is 11.8%, and the nation as a whole, which is 13.4%. The city’s percentage of Black residents is 29.9%. The unfortunate reality is that these differences frequently lead to an increase in the number of barriers and discrimination that these communities face when it comes to gaining access to high-quality social services and medical treatment.
In their report titled “2020 State of the Air,” the American Lung Association identified a number of significant environmental and behavioral issues that are associated with air quality, physical activity, nutrition, and substance use. The seriousness of the issue is shown by the fact that Kansas City, which ranks 25th among the most polluted cities for ozone levels, is where the problem is most prevalent.
This city’s residents are extremely concerned about the respiratory issues that are brought on by the quantities of ozone in the air. Asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease are two illnesses that have been reported to become more severe when these levels are present. In addition, the city’s rating of 47th in terms of particle pollution is concerning because studies have shown that this can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer and other cardiovascular problems.
The widespread adoption of bad lifestyle choices is a significant element that contributes to the low health statistics that are observed in Kansas City. It is shocking to see that only 22.9% of people in the city adhere to the rules that are advised for physical activity, and only 10.7% of adults consume the amount of fruits and vegetables that is recommended for daily consumption. The fact that twenty-five percent of the population continues to smoke is another factor that contributes to the severity of the problem.
As for the Answers
The adoption of a collaborative and all-encompassing strategy that includes participation from a wide range of stakeholders is absolutely necessary in order to address the health disparities that exist in Kansas City. Institutions of government, healthcare providers, community organizations, companies, educational institutions, and private persons are all included in this category. In order to successfully handle these difficulties, there are a number of different solutions that might be investigated.
- In particular for residents who are uninsured or underfunded, expanding access to cheap and high-quality medical care is a priority.
- By increasing the amount of funding and support that is allocated to public health programs and services that focus on social determinants of health and work to eliminate inequities in health outcomes.
- Through education, awareness campaigns, incentives, and regulatory measures, the promotion of healthy behaviors is taken into consideration.
- Enhancing environmental health by lowering levels of air pollution, enhancing the quality of water, and expanding the amount of green space available.
- Promoting civic engagement and community participation in health-related projects and decision-making is becoming increasingly important.
Final Thoughts
There are substantial health concerns that need to be addressed immediately, and Kansas City, with its unique appeal and future potential, is facing these challenges. Through the implementation of solutions that are both practical and long-lasting, the city has the potential to work toward a future that is both healthier and more satisfying for all of its residents.
Kansas City has been recognized as the most unhealthy city in the state.