Where are the Dentists in Oakcliff, TX ?

 

Dentists in Dallas, TX

Dentists in Dallas, TX

The map today shows the geographic location of dentists currently practicing in the Dallas, TX area. In the process of conducting our GIS research, we noticed some areas that were heavily populated with oral health services as well as areas that are likely experiencing disparities in oral health care.

To bring awareness to the current health conditions in low-income areas in South-Dallas such as Oakcliff and other communities, the Oral Health Needs Index (OHNI) made an easy-to-access, oral health focused, Geographic Information System (GIS) based tool that allows people to find services based on their environment and resources.

Identifying dental providers who accept Medicaid/Medicare and forms of dental insurance in areas of low socioeconomic status can be difficult but it also essential in tackling disparities. With OHNI, users get a clear visualization of communities with lack of services. Lack of transportation and finding participating providers is a major barrier for low-income and rural populations. Identifying these barriers and how they contribute to health disparities experienced by under-served communities is important. It allows for a better understanding of ways to combat the health disparities in disadvantaged communities.

Mission Possible: Addressing Health Disparities in Heart Disease and Stroke Outcomes

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of  death in the united states. The prevalence of heart disease is higher in certain groups of people. These group of people include those associated with poverty and lack of education. Also, people associated with racial and ethnic minorities. Areas such as Southeast, Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta, experience a higher prevalence in heart disease because they experience a lower education rate and a higher poverty rate. They also have a hard time accessing health care and community supports. Heart diseases today are characterized by tobacco use, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Public health helps to prevent and reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, increase opportunities for physical activity. this helps control the rate of heart disease in some populations.

Barbershop Helps Fight Health Disparities in Black Men

In Madison, Wisconsin the JP Hair Design Barbershop is changing the health of the community. This barbershop also houses a health center. Many men come into the barbershop to get a haircut and come out with not only that but more knowledge about their health. At the barbershop they noticed that men came in talking about their health problems but once they left it seemed those issues were not being resolved. All that changed when Aaron Perry received a grant to open his health center in the barbershop.

The grant was for $300,000 and includes plans to maintain and expand to other barbershops. The familiar environment of the barbershop makes the men more comfortable talking about their health problems and getting treated for them. This is important because in Wisconsin African American makes live seven years shorter than white males in the same state. The other barbershops may not have a whole health center in them, but they will provide educational materials and referrals to health care providers.

https://madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/madison-barbershop-health-center-for-black-men-will-expand-to/article_5e23c9db-d1cc-5e7a-90cb-f80b5418a167.html

Wearable devices and mobile health technology—one step towards better health

With increasing efforts being made to address the current global obesity epidemic, wearable mobile health (“mHealth”) technology has been deemed a great tool for promoting physical activity and encouraging healthy habits. Current research also pinpoints the need for these new technologies that can serve best as part of a larger overall health plan, rather than working with individuals to encourage weight loss and nutrition.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-08-wearable-devices-mobile-health-technologyone.html

Nationwide HPV Vaccination Percentages

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This map depicts the HPV vaccination percentages in the United States as of August 2017. It is easy to see the vast differences in HPV vaccination rates in the West and Northeast versus that of the Central states and the Southeast. For more information, you can visit the CDC’s web page covering the HPV vaccine.

Radon Levels in the USA

This is a follow up post about the radon levels in the United States of America. As mentioned in an earlier post, radon is formed when uranium breaks down into radium, which breaks down into radon. Radon is absorbed by the soil and ends up in water wells and home foundations. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon levels shouldn’t exceed 4.0 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). The map below shows the radon levels by color – yellow representing Zone 1; counties where average indoor radon screening levels are less than 2pCi/L, orange representing Zone 2, counties where average indoor radon screening levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L, and red representing Zone 3, counties where average indoor radon screening levels exceed 4pCi/L.  According to the National Radon Defense, the best way to know the radon level in your home is to test for it.

Click here to visit the National Radon Defense website to learn more about radon, radon levels in the U.S. and radon testing.

Source: https://www.nationalradondefense.com/radon-information/radon-map.html

Radon Levels in GA

Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. According to the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., after tobacco. Radon is formed when uranium breaks down into radium, which breaks down into radon. Radon is absorbed by the soil and can enter homes through the foundation and well water systems. The map below shows the percentage of homes tested with radon levels 4.0 pCi/L and above. The data is from homes which volunteered to test their homes for radon.

Click on the link here to view more information about radon, radon testing and radon levels in Georgia.

 

Source: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/extension/home-radon

Map of Sickle Cell and Malaria in Africa

Here is an interesting article on the distribution of sickle cell anemia and malaria across the African continent. The authors of this article also details various testing instruments and measures for HIV/AIDS and other conditions.

Below is a map that illustrates the distribution of malaria and sickle cell anemia in Africa. Click on the website here to download the article!

Source: Listick Daniel, Nanbol & Onuigwe, Festus & I.M., AbdulAzeez & B Osadolor, Humphrey & M.A.O, Okungbowa & O.J., Ikeama & Bukar, Alhaji & Emokpae, Abiodun & J.P.C., Nnadi & T, Nuhu & O.G., Ighalo & S.A., Shinkafi & Omoruyi Pius, Omosigho & Imoru, Momodu & Ikechukwu, Iwueke & Isah Ladu, Adama. (2017). SOKOTO JOURNAL OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE (SJMLS) VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017.

Preterm Births in the U.S.

According to the March of Dimes website, there has been an increase in the rate of preterm births in the U.S., rising from 2% to 9.8% in 2016. Furthermore, their data show significant differences in preterm birth rates, based on race and zip code. Below is a map of this data for the U.S. The colors are based on a “grade” that the March of Dimes has given each state based on the rate of preterm birth rates in that state. Visit the March of Dimes website here to find out more information on each state’s preterm birth rate report card.

Source: https://www.marchofdimes.org/mission/prematurity-reportcard.aspx?

Areas Where Vaping is Banned or Restricted

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Governments are back and forth in deciding how healthy vaping truly is. Based off of the World Health Organization’s opinion in 2014, which highlighted concerns about the health effects of vaping, this map depicts countries that have either banned or placed restrictions on vaping. For more information you can visit The Sun, a news UK company’s webpage.