There are many factors that affect people's respiratory health in the Portland, Oregon metro area. High rates of seasonal allergies and asthma are common due to pollen, smoke, and other airborne allergens. The climate and air quality vary across Oregon and affect individuals differently depending on where they live. Living close to roads and in older homes with poor ventilation can increase exposure to triggers. Lifestyle choices like smoking also impact health. Those suffering from respiratory issues face financial challenges in accessing healthcare and managing costs.
1. Running Head: Oregon’s Health 1
Oregon’s Health Delivery System
Stephanie Knippa
HCA 301A: Health Care Organization and Design
Professor Tokonitz
Warner Pacific College
June 14, 2015
2. OREGONS HEALTH 2
There are many things that effect the health of Oregonians, specifically people who live
in the Portland Metro area. During the summer allergies are bad in the Portland Metro area and
those that did not have allergies before moving to this area are now starting to be effected by the
air quality. It also effects the asthma rates in Portland too, most cities and neighborhoods in the
Portland Metro area have rates that fall from 13.10%-25.00%(Equity Atlas 2.0. (n.d.). Those who
suffer from allergies have reactions such as itchy, watery eyes, a dry cough, sore throat, and hard
time breathing. When they air is more dense, dry, and windy there are more allergens in the air,
mostly pollen and cotton, when you add wind it only makes it worse. Some people also suffer
from pet allergies and choose to still have pets. I am one of those people, but I love cats too
much to give them up. People’s actions and decisions can affect their health and the lifestyle they
live.
Asthma has become a more common health related issue over the last decade. With the
change in climate, exposure and while the child was in the womb. Those who had a mother who
smoked during their pregnancy more likely have the risk of effecting their fetus lungs and
causing them a life long battle with breathing related issues. This can also trinkle into the years
following birth and the exposure of second hand smoke. It sadly can even lead to lung cancer and
second hand smoke is worse that the person who is smoking. The climate is different in other
parts of Oregon, this also effects the percentage of those who suffer from Asthma, but also those
who suffer from allergies. When we go to central Oregon, I do not suffer from allergies and
symptoms from my allergies like I do in Portland. This is also the same for a friend who grew up
in Seaside, Oregon and now lives in Eugene, after his move to Eugene he now suffers from
seasonal allergies. Air quality and weather systems are different in different parts of the state
based on altitude and temperature.
3. OREGONS HEALTH 3
Limiting exposure during hot spot days, these are days where the air quality is poor and
those that suffer from asthma or breathing related issues are urged to stay indoors. Other ways to
reduce your issues with breathing are to limit exercise, and taking roots that are not well traveled
by cars. Emissions from cars can also be a trigger for breathing related issues, during the summer
the smog warnings are more popular because the temperature is hotter and there are still clouds
in the sky. If you live in an area with poorer air quality you should install filters in your homes to
help deuce the amount of allergens that you and your family are exposed to (Asthma,2014,
January 28) Per the map from Equality Atlas, I live in an area where the percentage of those who
suffer from asthma is between 16.13%-25.00%(Equity Atlas 2.0. (n.d.), the highest percentage
on the map (Equity Atlas 2.0. (n.d.). I suffer from asthma and seasonal allergies. This is not an
ideal living place for me as I also live in a very old unventilated house what was built before the
laws on lead paint and have lead paint on my walls. Even though it has been painted over the
landlord was still required to give me an information packet and required that we signed we were
notified.
The health insurance companies and also the prescription companies take advantage of
those who suffer from asthma and allergies. The medication cost is high for monthly
prescriptions of inhalers and other medications used to control breathing related issues and
allergy symptoms. Then you are required to have follow ups with your regular doctor and more
than likely an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist as well. Most of this will be at the cost of the
patient until the deductible has been met, but they are still required to pay a co-pay at each visit.
Even with the health reform that has happened it has not benefited those who need it the most.
Although the air quality for the mapped area is showing to be the same there are some areas that
are effected in different percentages based on how close you are to roads, and bodies of water.
4. OREGONS HEALTH 4
There are many aspects that affect the quality of breathing in the Portland Metro area, the
changes in weather, where you live, if you live next to a freeway, highway or highly traveled
area. If you live is a home with poor ventilation or that is older, and also the decisions you make
about smoking and the level of exposure to second hand smoke. As someone who suffers from
seasonal allergies, and someone who suffers from asthma, I have to watch what I do on a daily
basis. If air quality is poor one day I know that I will need to have little exposure to the outside
and try and stay inside. During days where the air quality is better, I am able to enjoy the
outdoors more, but still watching my activity level so I do not cause breathing issues. The
balance is tough to find when you are sufferer of breathing related issues, it limits you to what
you can do and how much exospore you can have to certain things.
Asthma Rates for Milwaukie Area Equity Atlas 2.0. (n.d.)
6. OREGONS HEALTH 6
References
Asthma and Air Pollution. (2014, January 28). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from
http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/fasthma.asp
Equity Atlas 2.0. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from https://gis.oregonmetro.gov/equityAtlas/
