Oklahoma's health shows little improvement

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahomans smoke more, exercise less and are generally less healthy than residents of other states, according to a new report on the state's health. <br><br>State officials released

Friday, March 26th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahomans smoke more, exercise less and are generally less healthy than residents of other states, according to a new report on the state's health.

State officials released Friday its eighth annual State of the State's Health Report, and while there were some bright spots, Oklahoma received a failing grade in many categories.

``Right now it's obvious that the health of our state is not where it should be,'' said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mike Crutcher. ``We have a ways to go to get where we need to be.''

Of 33 general categories listed on a new health report card in the report, Oklahoma had 17 failing grades.

Although there were some reductions in tobacco use among Oklahoma's youth, smoking and tobacco-related illnesses continue to plague the state's health system. The percentage of youth smokers in Oklahoma (16.9 percent) continues to outpace the national average (11 percent).

The number of Oklahoma adults who smoke was also above the national average, with 26.6 percent of adults in the state smoking, compared to 23 percent nationally.

Oklahoma ranked a 42nd nationally in its lung cancer death rate.

``Decreasing the exposure of our youth to tobacco is at the heart of many of these problems,'' Crutcher said. ``It's time for Oklahomans to belly up to the bar and do something about this.''

Gov. Brad Henry said the new report illustrates the need for a vote on his proposed tobacco tax, which would be used to fund a number of health care initiatives.

``As the report notes, tobacco use is a significant contributor to health problems in Oklahoma,'' Henry said. ``Research and the experience of other states indicate an increase in the tobacco tax would not only generate much-needed funding for health care, but would also reduce smoking, particularly among Oklahoma teenagers.''

Physical activity and exercise is another area where Oklahoma lags far behind the national average. More than 30 percent of Oklahoma adults reported they get little or no exercise, ranking Oklahoma 47th among the 50 states. Oklahoma's poor fitness levels contribute to the state's risk for a number of chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes, according to the report.

``The consequences from obesity have become absolutely stunning,'' said Dr. Gordon Deckert, a member of the State Board of Health. ``The country is indeed getting fatter and fatter, and Oklahoma is accompanying it.''

Deckert said communities can play a part in improving Oklahoma's fitness by encouraging physical activity. Adding sidewalks to residential developments and creating bicycle paths are ways local communities can become involved.

``We have a society that says, 'Don't walk,''' Deckert said.

Among the few bright spots in the report were immunization levels for adults. Although Oklahoma ranks 48th nationally in the percentage of children with updated immunizations, the number of adults receiving influenza and pneumonia shots was well above the national average last year.

Among the recommendations in the report for improving the state's health are reducing fat intake, increasing physical activity, raising the tobacco tax, using helmets when riding bicycles and motorcycles and keeping children's immunizations current.

``If you want to pinpoint what we can do, if you want to change the health of Oklahomans instead of just talking about our poor health forever, we need to do some significant things,'' Crutcher said.