Why Living In A Rural Area Isn’t As Healthy As You May Think
A study recently showed that white women and black men who live in rural areas are more prone to living with heart failure.
People sometimes think that living on a farm or away from the city in rural areas is better for you. The perception is less stress, fewer people, fewer pollutants, and less feeling hurried. Living a rural life sounds good until you consider some of rural dwellers’ unique stressors. Whether it’s the lack of healthcare facilities or employment, living away from the city can also harm your health.
According to Fox 4 News, a team of researchers found that folks living in rural areas have a 19% increased chance of suffering from heart failure. The researchers broke the study down further and found that black men have the most risk to get heart failure at 34%. In addition, white women face a 22% increased risk, while black women have an 18% higher risk.
According to the study, researchers are still trying to find the causation for such high numbers in rural areas. 6.2 million American adults suffer from heart failure. Once one is diagnosed with heart failure, it is harder to get healthy again. So, it’s easier to do your best to try to prevent it to live a healthy lifestyle.
Heart failure happens when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood for the body’s needs. Most often heart failure is caused by another underlying condition that damages your heart. Issues like coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy can cause chronic heart failure. Therefore a poor diet or a diet high in fats can cause high blood pressure which can then in turn lead to heart failure.
Rural areas can be known to have their quirks. From large balls of twine to resisting electric vehicles, rural areas should look after their communities and keep them safe.
Interestingly, another study came out that shows us the least stressful jobs. Those types of jobs are traditionally found in rural areas. So, chances are, it’s not the stress causing the underlying conditions that lead to heart failure. The least stressful jobs are in agriculture, lumber, and forestry jobs. That’s right, all three of these don’t deal with people as much as say, a stock broker. This does make sense since confrontations and emotions can be the main cause of stress. The study in question spanned 13 years with people from across the south and it was sponsored by The National Cancer Institute.
The study concluded with the findings that living in rural America for black men and white women is related to heart failure. The study also suggests that the healthcare system needs increased interventions Researchers say that they are not sure exactly why the numbers are higher in women and black men, but they say everyone should try to live a healthy lifestyle, avoid tobacco use, and exercise at least three times a week.
The study also suggested that grocery stores, especially in rural areas, have been experiencing a decline in accessibility and numbers. And recently, those grocery stores that do exist have had significant increases in affordable and fresh foods. With increased prices, lower-income folks, have been suffering.
