(Undated)– New data from The United Health Foundation show a handful of significant and chronic health conditions on the rise across the U-S, with colorectal cancer and drug deaths of particular concern in Iowa. But there is some good news. The new research shows Iowa has a low prevalence of people reporting frequent mental distress, less food insecurity than other states, and fewer people avoiding health care because of cost. But it has higher rates of obesity, too few geriatric providers for the aging population, and a growing number of people with diabetes. Dr. Rhonda Randall is UnitedHealthcare’s chief medical officer…
Most remarkably in Iowa, deaths attributed to drugs increased 87-percent in the most recent reporting period, and poverty is up 27-percent. Seven chronic conditions are on the rise nationally, including in Iowa. They include arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and diabetes. Randall says while the new data is concerning for many states including Iowa, there are some bright spots…
While still too low, the data show the number of geriatric providers is up 19-percent in Iowa, a state whose seniors rank twentieth most healthy in the country.
