St. Charles County Ranked Healthiest in the State by Study

ranks first in the state for healthy behaviors and outcomes, according to data released by the University of Winsconsin Population Health Institute.

The rankings take into account different things that impact health from behavior to access to clinical care to the environment. Included in the County Health Rankings (CHR) is data about the rate of obesity, children in poverty, community safety and air pollution levels.

St. Charles County has a lower teen birth rate, lower unemployment rate and lower uninsured rate than most other counties, according to the CHR. St. Charles County adults smoke less, have more access to doctors and recreational facilities than do residents of most other counties in the state. 

But when it comes to excessive drinking, St. Charles County has the highest percent of adults reporting binge drinking and excessive consumption.

"It shows we have a more affluent and younger population that cares more about health and welfare," said Doug Bolnick, spokesman for the . "It's a good thing and a bad thing. (Excessive drinking) is something that comes with higher income and a younger population."

Drinking, Obesity Top Issues

has a higher percentage of excessive drinking than the state average. About 24 percent of St. Charles County adults reported drinking more than four (for women) or five (for men) alcoholic beverages in a single occasion over a month. That's higher than last year, , according to CHR. Bolnick said the fact that the surveys are self-reporting may account for the difference.

Obesity is a problem throughout the United States with 27.5 percent of the population having a body mass index of more than 30. The BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height. Calculate your BMI on the CDC website.

Missouri was ranked 41 in the country for obesity in 2011, according to America's Health Rankings. Colorado was first, and had the lowest rate of obesity, while Mississippi was last, with the highest rate of obesity.

Nearly one-third of residents in St. Charles County are obese, a similar percentage as the rest of the state. About 25 percent of adult residents reported being physically inactive. And half of the restaurants in St. Charles County are considered fast food restaurants.

Donald Binz, a family physician with SSM Medical Group in St. Charles County, said when he started his practice in 1985 he would see maybe 10 or 15 patients with diabetes in a year. Now he has 250 diabetic patients or about 10 percent of his practice.

"Young kids and adolescents are being taught unhealthy nutrition habits," he said. "A lot of these health problems are starting not at 30, 40, 50, they are now starting at 5, 6, 8 and 15. It's going to be overwhelming cost for whatever we decide to do with healthcare system in the future to try to manage."

Addressing the Problem

Bolnick said area government agencies, businesses and schools are working on ways to combat obesity, in part as a result of these surveys.

"It's the biggest thing that comes out of this, is the partnerships that are developed, and the different programs," he said, adding that the department is looking at areas where they can improve.

Several area hospitals have programs designed to help residents lose weight. The program, sponsored by SSM Health Care and Curves, is wrapping up April 21. BJC Hospitals also offer a 12-week weight loss program called Biggest Loser.

Bonnie Barczykowski, owner of several Curves locations and creator of Lose to Win, says the key to weight loss is finding a form of exercise that is enjoyable..

"There isn't anything you shouldn't be able to eat or anything you shouldn't be able to do," she said. "The key is moderation."

CHR Health Outcome

Check out the full list of County Health Rankings and Outcomes for 2012.