The Public Health Report Card is a public education initiative that promotes healthy lifestyle choices as a personal responsibility. “MSMA has taken the pulse of Mississippi and our health is in critical condition,” said MSMA President Randy Easterling, MD. “We have a prescription for better health for Mississippi. Our cure is to help you reduce risky behaviors and work with you to meet healthy goals.”

 

“The 2010 Report Card does not come as a surprise to us, and it certainly continues to highlight the health issues confronting our state. We know these problems exist; the challenge – for all of us – is changing our behavior. This is not an easy fix; but it is definitely not one we should ignore. Our first place ranking in obesity and a lack of physical activity can lead to high rates of a variety of chronic and life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Reversing these rankings will take public, private and individual efforts,” said State Health Officer Mary Currier, MD.

 

Throughout the year, scientific articles written by Mississippi doctors for the JMSMA will outline the best practices for treating Mississippi’s worst health problems. Simultaneously, news releases will publicize helpful advice on routine changes patients can make to improve their health.

 

Living a healthy lifestyle greatly reduces the risk of chronic disease and can reduce health care costs for individuals and our community as a whole. “Physicians know all too well that key health behaviors like a poor diet, too little exercise, tobacco use, and substance abuse can lead to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other preventable conditions,” Easterling said. “Changing lifestyle behaviors now to live healthy can help prevent and manage these conditions.” 

 

“Health information resources for physicians and our patients reviewed and recommended by Mississippi doctors compliments our continuing efforts to encourage Mississippians to take positive steps to improve their health,” Easterling said. “MSMA and the Department of Health hope the Public Health Report Card will encourage more Mississippians to partner with their physicians to make lasting changes and become fit for life.”