Thriving in the skin you’re in: Some brief seasonal thoughts on rural health
Rural health is an interesting descriptor for those of us who exist in Small Town USA. What differentiates rural health from anywhere else in the country? We have the same aches, pains and illnesses as a peer in downtown Manhattan. Most of us have insurance and we, by and large, have the same access to doctors and medical facilities as anyone in a city center.
But it’s not the same, is it? A fact sheet from the CDC shares some context in the following excerpts:
“1 in 5 people in the U.S. live in rural areas. Several demographic, environmental, economic and social factors may put rural residents at higher risk of death than people who live in urban areas. This is especially true for the top five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke… People who live in rural areas in the United States tend to be older and sicker than people living in urban areas. Rural residents have higher rates of cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. They also have higher rates of poverty, less access to healthcare and are less likely to have health insurance.”
“Unintentional injury deaths are more common in rural areas than in urban areas. This is partially due to motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses.”
“Between 2021-2022, there were 21,020 injuries in agricultural production that required days away from work… In 2022, workers in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry had one of the highest fatal injury rates (18.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalents).”
“In the United States, suicide was responsible for 46,000 deaths in 2020. That is approximately 1 suicide every 11 minutes. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In the past two decades, suicide rates have been consistently higher in and risen more in rural areas than urban areas.”
Life can be harder away from the convenience and economic potential of urban centers. Most rural residents have worked hard and continue to do so to maintain their property, economic standing and support their families. Rural residents are more self-reliant – it’s often harder to talk about the things that keep us up at night. That’s why it’s important to take decisive steps so you’re able to thrive in the skin you’re in.
Listen to your body. We all know “the big ones” (chest pain, for instance), but barring anything unduly alarming, it’s easy to want to push through discomfort. That discomfort can be your body setting off an alarm bell for you. A quick checkup can bring peace of mind and perhaps some quick relief – and on the off chance it is something serious, quick action leads to quick intervention and better outcomes.
Feed your body what it needs. “Some studies suggest that the average healthy adult will get enough water if they take in about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) to 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of total fluid,” says the Mayo Clinic. “That includes fluid from all sources including drinking water. How much fluid a body needs depends on several things, including body type, activity level and environment.”
Counting calories isn’t as necessary as long as you’re avoiding over-processed foods when and where you can and getting good sources of protein and fiber and eating regular portions of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.
Exercise – whenever, wherever. It might come easier to rural residents but it definitely doesn’t mean it’s a given. Heart.org recommends that adults get “at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.” Guidelines vary for kids according to age.
There are some gyms within driving distance, but you don’t have to be limited by facilities or lack thereof. There is an abundance of local parkland and walking trails – the Erie Canalway Trail (eriecanalway.org) connects Buffalo to Albany. Take a walk each day and reap the benefits!
“Look, Mom! No hands!” From dirt bikes to pickup trucks, country kids have a certain spark in their eye and country moms and dads are quick to respond to failed daredevil antics with “You’re okay! Dust it off. You’re not bleeding.” But while rural crowds may have grown up used to powerful equipment, it’s still important to cultivate caution around anything with a motor and moving parts like PTO shafts, belts, chains and more. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Watch out for clothing snags. Wear ear protection. Watch out for others on the road or trail. The list is long but the general takeaway is simple: be smart. Be safe.
Talk to someone. Mental health is hard to navigate alone – and social stigma against getting help doesn’t make things any easier. The truth is we all need someone sometimes, to lean on, to vent to, to help us process and, in some cases, provide us tools to coexist with whatever mental difficulty we might be navigating, be it anxiety, depression or something more.
There are several clinics in the area with good quality of care if you are looking for a therapist or some type of counseling intervention. Program information and other resources are available through the NYS Office of Mental Health (omh.ny.gov). If you find yourself or someone you love in crisis, you can call or text the 988 crisis hotline at any time for assistance.
Get checked out – especially for the big stuff. Regular doctor’s visits and appropriate tests are important. There are some big upcoming emphasis months which bring this to the forefront: Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) and Movember (the November emphasis on male health risks like prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health).
Don’t be overwhelmed by the “what ifs?” but see your doctor regularly and get tested regularly for age-specific health concerns (like some of these cancers) so you can exhale and live the long and happy life you’ve dreamed of with your loved ones.
Rural healthcare brings with it its own sets of concerns but if you’re proactive you can still thrive.
by Andy Haman
