WGU D402 Task 1 – Addressing Obesity
in River Valley County
Brittny Shuey
D402
Community and Public Health TSK
1 January 25, 2025
, In the county of River Valley, obesity rates are high among individuals of
African American descent & older adults as well as children (Western
Governors University, 2020). Much of the total population consists of older
adults between the ages of 55 and 64. The median household income is $36,575
within the population, which is 14,500 (Western Governors University, 2020).
Leading causes of death within the older adult demographic are heart disease,
diabetes, and stroke as well. To find out why obesity affects the community,
we must learn which social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to
River Valley’s high obesity rate. Addressing SDOH within the community will
help evaluate initiatives currently being undertaken to implement new health
initiatives promoting a healthy lifestyle.
After reviewing the River Valley County health data, it can be determined
that access to healthcare and limited food options can prevent this
demographic from living a healthier lifestyle. Obesity affects 40% of the
population, and 46% of the time, the residents are physically inactive
(Western Governors University, 2020). To address the issue of obesity in the
community, SDOH that contributes to the issue must be found and studied.
SDOHs that contribute to obesity are access to healthcare, economic
insecurity, and low health literacy. The community health initiatives must be
addressed, evaluated, and improved to contribute to implementing a new
initiative. Increasing access to healthcare, healthier food choices, and
education on nutrition and exercise will promote a healthy lifestyle within the
in River Valley County
Brittny Shuey
D402
Community and Public Health TSK
1 January 25, 2025
, In the county of River Valley, obesity rates are high among individuals of
African American descent & older adults as well as children (Western
Governors University, 2020). Much of the total population consists of older
adults between the ages of 55 and 64. The median household income is $36,575
within the population, which is 14,500 (Western Governors University, 2020).
Leading causes of death within the older adult demographic are heart disease,
diabetes, and stroke as well. To find out why obesity affects the community,
we must learn which social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to
River Valley’s high obesity rate. Addressing SDOH within the community will
help evaluate initiatives currently being undertaken to implement new health
initiatives promoting a healthy lifestyle.
After reviewing the River Valley County health data, it can be determined
that access to healthcare and limited food options can prevent this
demographic from living a healthier lifestyle. Obesity affects 40% of the
population, and 46% of the time, the residents are physically inactive
(Western Governors University, 2020). To address the issue of obesity in the
community, SDOH that contributes to the issue must be found and studied.
SDOHs that contribute to obesity are access to healthcare, economic
insecurity, and low health literacy. The community health initiatives must be
addressed, evaluated, and improved to contribute to implementing a new
initiative. Increasing access to healthcare, healthier food choices, and
education on nutrition and exercise will promote a healthy lifestyle within the
