Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Carbon dioxide emissions from human activity, mostly the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and large-scale deforestation, is the primary cause of the now famous “greenhouse effect” and global climate change. Experts say that no matter what we do, some warming, and related negative effects, will occur, however, the current consensus among experts is that it is not too late to stop “catastrophic warming” from occurring if we reduce our carbon emission by 20% by the year 2020, and 80% by the year 2050. Failure to do so will result in more flooding, blazing hot summers, tropical diseases, global famine, sea level rises, more intense storms, and droughts in much of New Jersey.

Clean and Renewable Energy

Producing and consuming energy from fossil fuels has a tremendous negative impact on the environment. Global warming, acid rain, smog, oil spills, and strip mining are some of the many impacts that are a result of our need for cheap energy. Luckily in New Jersey, people can choose clean and renewable electricity that comes from sources such as solar and wind through the CleanPower Choice Program (www.njcleanpower.com). In addition to federal tax credits, the state also offers many incentives, including rebates and grants, for installing solar panels, fuel cells, and geothermal technologies at government facilities, homes, and businesses. Generators of electricity from photovoltaics are eligible to sell Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) as well. Such opportunities allow communities to improve energy efficiency and enjoy the environmental and financial benefits.

Heart Disease Death Rate

Residents must be healthy to enjoy a high quality of life, and heart disease is the leading cause of death in Middlesex County. Although deaths from heart disease have decreased over the past several decades, it is mainly due to better recognition and treatment of heart disease risk factors. These can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, little or no exercise, and a diet high in saturated fats and sodium. Treatments for these risk factors and lifestyle changes, such as exercising, have led to lower heart disease rates and can prevent the disease altogether. Access to appropriate health care and opportunities to improve lifestyle risk factors are necessary to reduce deaths from heart disease in Middlesex County.

Childhood Obesity

Rates of childhood obesity have more than tripled in the United States over the past 30 years. This trend has been observed in all 50 states and is a major public health concern. Overweight children are more likely to become overweight and obese adults with predispositions for health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Obesity affects the economy through lower productivity due to illness, lost income, and premature death, in addition to posing significant costs on the healthcare system for treating these health conditions.

Cancer Incidence (all cancers)

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Middlesex County. Cancer can be devastating because of its physical, emotional, and economic consequences. Nationally, the costs of cancer are estimated at $107 billion, which includes direct medical costs, the cost of lost productivity due to illness, and the cost of lost productivity due to death. In addition, while mortality rates are falling, disparities still exist in Middlesex County. The most common types of cancer in Middlesex County are lung, breast, and colorectal cancer, however with early detection through routine health screenings and life style changes, such as diet and exercise, the incidence of these types of cancers can be reduced.

Incidence rates reflect the current health status of county residents. The incidence of some cancers can reflect certain health behaviors, specifically smoking, diet, and exercise decisions. Both incidence and mortality rates are related to health care access and use. Regular physical examinations, appropriate cancer screenings, and cancer education can affect cancer incidence by altering behaviors and preventing certain cancers and cancer mortality through early detection and treatment.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease marked by elevated blood glucose (sugar) and impaired insulin production. It is a concern because its prevalence is increasing in Middlesex County, and its associated complications can include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, blindness, dental disease, and pregnancy complications. Furthermore, economic impacts include direct healthcare costs of treating diabetes and its complications as well as the indirect costs of disability, lost productivity, and death.

It is estimated that nationwide, approximately one-third of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed. These cases are more likely to go unmanaged and develop potentially life-threatening complications. Therefore both the prevalence of screening for diabetes and the disease itself can have an impact on health in Middlesex County.

Asthma Rate

Asthma is a common respiratory condition. Attacks are often triggered by environmental conditions such as ozone concentrations, car exhaust, dust mites, roaches, rats and mice, and tobacco smoke. Asthma “attacks” that require a hospital visit indicate serious health conditions than can be highly influenced by environmental and economic factors. Asthma is also a particular problem for children who are affected both in their everyday activities and in their long term ability to develop and thrive both physically and emotionally. Asthma is an important indicator not only due to the direct problems it causes, but also because it is linked to so many other aspects of poverty and environmental health.

Lead Exposure Rate

Lead is a metal that is commonly used in industrial processes and was found in most house paints before 1978. It may also enter a household through drinking water. Although the prevalence of lead in paint and other household items has decreased, exposure is still a concern in many older homes. If ingested, it can damage the brain and nervous system, red blood cells, and the kidneys in developing children. Children under the age of six are most at risk for lead poisoning, and children need to be screened for lead because their bodies absorb lead more easily. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to hearing impairments, attention deficits, and poor classroom performance. Children should be tested before the age of two for lead exposure to ensure that it does not affect healthy development.

Recreational Land Per Capita

Recreational space provides Middlesex County residents with opportunities for active physical activity, pleasant aesthetics, and access to a variety of leisure activities. Because Middlesex County is largely developed and densely populated, a high quality of life depends greatly on offering residents access to recreational areas, such as parks and playgrounds. As the county’s population grows and development increases, there may be fewer opportunities for both passive and active recreation in the county without an active effort to provide such resources.

Unemployment Rate

The local unemployment rate serves as a good indicator of the economy’s state. Unemployment rates are determined by the percentage of those in the labor force that are without jobs. High unemployment rates indicate a slowing of the growth of the economy, and low unemployment rates indicate the opposite. Higher unemployment rates also affect the rates of consumption as unemployed workers are likely to exhibit less spending power. Therefore a slowing economy may be further depressed by this decline in spending.