Summary: The Plague In West Mobile County

A plague is devastating America and has run rampant for several years. Modern health care has been struggling against this plague that strikes across all social, racial, political and geographic boundaries. A plague that the American public is well aware of and one that is still pervasive and life threatening. A plague that strikes everyone, but that starts with our children. This is the plague of obesity and its effect on the American people and the health-care community is frightening.

Community Overview
West Mobile County is located in Mobile, Alabama. 36695 is one of many zip codes located within Mobile County and where I am performing this assessment. The estimated population in zip code 36695 as of 2013 was 46,316. The area is a

Ages in this zip code vary. Young families with school aged and younger children are sometimes seen, as are teenagers. They are usually seen in cars however, rarely walking. The most noticeable age appears to be over 60, with more women observed around town than men. As the usual weather in the state is warm, the population often looks older and more weathered due to a large amount of time spent in the sun. Located in 36695, there are 5 elementary schools, one middle school and one high school educating approximately 3,609 students. There is one local park in the area. Most of the sports played are associated with the schools and are played on the school fields or through the park during sport seasons.
The traffic is very congested and busy throughout the work week starting at 6am and continuing until 7:45pm. Billboards and signs are located on the main roads advertising fast food places and those establishments are constantly kept busy. Only a couple of fruit and vegetable stands are located in 36695, but on occasion you might see a person selling fruit or seafood out of the back of the truck on the

Ensuring and encouraging schools to offer more fruits and vegetables to the students is a way of incorporating these foods into a child’s daily diet. There are a number of articles written on fast food consumption and obesity. A study performed in Michigan on fast food and obesity states , “the main reason that Michigan adults go to fast-food restaurants is that they are quick and convenient (64%). Over eating and unhealthy eating may result in obesity and other medical health problems. Fast food is high in fat content and calories and gives that temporary full feeling making it easy and convenient. The increase in fat can cause an increase in Cholesterol which is a direct cause of Heart Diseases and also can increase a persons chance of having a stroke. Working families or single parent families are pressed for time and the over saturation of fast food restaurants in town make this convenient for quick meals. “Mothers who work more may be more reliant on processed foods, foods prepared away from home and school meal programs for their children's