The report included data on causes of death, obesity, population information, unemployment data and health, dental and mental health care access.
Polk’s leading cause of death in 2009 was diseases of the heart 22.9 percent of deaths (63 deaths), with cancer 21.8 percent (60 deaths). The report listed causes for 2008 and 2009 and compared Polk’s data to North Carolina.

The top 10 causes of death in Polk County in 2009 were heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases, all other unintentional injuries, diabetes mellitus, septicemia, influenza and pneumonia and Parkinson’s disease (see chart above).
All deaths in Polk in 2009 totaled 275, according to the report. In 2008, cancer was the top cause of death with 23.9 percent (72 deaths) of Polk’s deaths. Heart disease was the second cause, at 22.3 percent (68 deaths). There were 305 people who died in Polk County in 2008, according to the report.
Smith said that most of the leading causes of death can be prevented.
New data on the percentage of poverty in Polk County is 14.4 percent, Smith added, saying 2,906 people in Polk County were at poverty levels.
Smith also said a third of Polk County children are overweight or obese. In 2009, 15.1 percent of Polk’s children ages 2 through 18 were obese. In 2008, 12.4 percent of Polk’s children were obese. North Carolina had 18 percent of children ages 2 through 18 who were obese in 2009. The data is taken from children seen in public health clinics, the report says.
Smith reviewed movements for better health that are ongoing in Polk County and recognized Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly members who are helping to make Polk County healthier. Smith said Polk County has created new greenway spaces and sidewalks and she mentioned a local food movement, fresh foods in schools, healthy changes in child care centers and Polk County government’s is planned a wellness program for employees as just some of the progress that has been made in recent years.
“We definitely believe you can invest in prevention now or pay a lot more later,” Smith said.
Smith also told commissioners that the state is eliminating funding for her position next year, which will leave the health department without a health educator unless funding is found.
The health district will conduct a comprehensive community health assessment this year that will seek community input and include evidence-based data to guide the district’s practices in developing community action plans.