Unfortunately, research shows that people in the Southern states aren’t living as long as other Americans. The main reason for this isn’t clear, but several different factors are responsible.
Higher Rates of Smoking
This information comes from Politico. Down South, a good number of people still enjoy lighting up a cigarette, and this love for smoking means that the associated health issues, including lung cancer and heart disease, are more common here. It’s hard to kick this habit, but it’s sadly something that’s affecting people’s health.
Obesity Issues
There’s no denying that Southern cooking is delicious and a huge part of Southern culture. Unfortunately, it has a major downside, which is that it’s usually loaded with fats and sugar. That’s why you see higher obesity rates down there, which causes other health problems like diabetes.
Access to Healthcare
In many Southern areas, especially the rural ones, finding a doctor or a hospital isn’t as easy as it should be. This makes it hard for many people to catch health problems early, which can be important for keeping us around for longer. Unless you live in a big city, the chances of getting an appointment are slim.
Healthcare Skepticism
Even with people with access to good healthcare, not all of them will go to the doctor. For many people in the South, you only see the doctor if you’re in really bad shape, meaning that by the time some of them do, their small health issues have turned into big problems. Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be a weakness.
Economic Reasons
On the whole, people in the South have lower incomes and higher poverty rates, meaning that not everyone can afford the best food or even the best doctors. As you might expect, this has a knock-on effect on people’s health and means they have shorter lifespans. Who could’ve known your zip code could have such an effect on your health?
Lack of Education
Research shows that people who stay in school for longer usually live healthier lives. Sadly, some Southern states have lower high school graduation rates than the North. This means that the people down there might make poorer choices about their health and live shorter lives as a result.
The Stroke Belt
Parts of the South are known as “the stroke belt,” but that’s not just a nickname. Strokes are more common here than in other parts of America, and they’re some of the top reasons for disability and death. People in the South need to know the risks and how to prevent strokes to help them live longer and healthier lives.
Cancer Rates
Certain cancers seem more prevalent in the South, thanks to a mix of lifestyle choices and environmental reasons. There needs to be more focus on these serious diseases and more ways of preventing them in these areas. If more Southerners could get regular screening, this could help catch signs of these diseases early, when they’re most treatable.
Less Physical Activity
Some people in the South aren’t as active as their northern neighbors. It might be the heat or the long hours, but it adds up to a lot of sitting around. Being active can help people avoid numerous health issues, so this more relaxed lifestyle can be more harmful than some realize.
Air Quality
The air isn’t as clean as it could be in some parts of the South, thanks to the number of factories there. Breathing in bad air day in and day out causes various respiratory issues, which can take years off people’s lives. If we increase the number of green spaces and regulate industries more, this could really improve the air quality.
Heat and Humidity
Everyone knows the South is hot and humid, but not everybody realizes how this can affect people’s health. The high temperatures can be hard on their bodies for older people or anyone with a pre-existing condition. Increasing public awareness about these problems could work wonders for people.
More Infectious Diseases
Similarly, all that warm weather means more bugs and more germs, so diseases spread a lot easier. Unfortunately, that means people down South must be extra careful about preventing illnesses. There really needs to be more public education on diseases so people know how to stay safe.
Mistrusting the Doctors
Many people in the South don’t trust doctors or hospitals, as they think these professionals don’t have their best interests at heart. Sadly, these skeptics will miss out on preventative care, which could help them live healthier lives for longer. However, there is hope that having more open conversations in the community could make people more trusting of healthcare providers.
Infant Mortality Rates
As heartbreaking as it is, many of the smallest Southerners have a harder start to life than babies in other parts of the country. The infant mortality rate down South is a lot higher, which is mostly due to healthcare issues and a lack of support for mothers and newborns. There’s clearly a need for more prenatal and early childhood care.
Mental Health Matters
Unfortunately, many Southerners still think that talking about mental health is taboo and that doing this doesn’t help anyone. Staying silent about these matters stops people from getting the help they need, which is more important than you might think. We really need to change the narrative and give people the support they deserve.
Too Much Drinking
Most Southerners love socializing with a cold drink in hand, although they sometimes ignore how much that it can affect our health. All alcohol is bad for our bodies, and we’ve got to start encouraging people to drink in moderation, if at all. It’s okay to enjoy yourself, but you shouldn’t compromise your health at the same time.
Pesticide Problem
There are many farms in the South, but many risks are associated with them. Many farmers use pesticides to keep bugs off their crops, which can cause health problems. They could use many safer alternatives, which would keep our communities and the environment much healthier.
Resistance to Vaccinations
In some Southern communities, people aren’t exactly keen to get vaccinations because of misinformation or simply because they don’t believe in them. As you might expect, this means that many people don’t have the natural protections against diseases that people in the North may have. Even the most “harmless” illnesses can be dangerous down South.
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