MODESTO BEE
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Last Updated: April 3, 2007, 07:35:26 AM PDT

We don't always worry about what we should worry about. Numerous studies have shown this and the 2007 Stanislaus County Public Health Report reaffirms it.

For example, the biggest danger in our county is not gang shootings or drivers running red lights, as frightening as those might be. The leading cause of death is coronary heart disease, which often is linked to not eating right or exercising enough. Out of California's 58 counties, Stanislaus has the thirdhighest rate of coronary heart disease. San Joaquin County is even worse, ranking 57th. (Rankings are best to worst.)

For homicides, Stanislaus ranks 41st in the state; for motor vehicle accidents, we're in the middle, at 29th.

The value of the public heath report is that it identifies trends — positive and negative — and compares Stanislaus County's health status to that of other California counties and to national goals.

The 129-page report will be used as a guide by the county Health Services Agency and other organizations in planning programs. The report also contains large sections on emergency preparedness and the many partners that have been lined up to assist in case of a natural disaster, such as another heat wave, or a man-made emergency, such as a terrorist attack.

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