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 State, federal and tribal programs educate the public about diabetes. There is funding to support diabetes care for under- or uninsured people. Federal funding is being used to establish a coalition and action plan for preventing and treating arthritis. Federal and state funds are used for breast and cervical cancer screening for women age 50 or older, at less than 250% of federal poverty level (if under/uninsured). Healthy eating habits and physical activity are promoted in the schools. New Mexico Clinical Prevention Initiative aims for standardized prevention guidelines in health care systems.
Increase physical activity and nutrition education in the schools. Improve the quality of life for persons who have arthritis. Increase the public’s knowledge about diabetes. Increase coverage for diabetes services and supplies for people who are uninsured or unable to pay for services. Increase access to screening and treatment for breast cancer and cervical dysplasia. Increase public knowledge about prevention and control of arthritis and osteoporosis. Enhance access to family planning services.
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 Young Adults (18-44) Young adults are a vital part of the health of our state. They are our current and future leaders. Also, since they are often the parents of young children, their healthy or unhealthy habits and behaviors have long-term impacts that go beyond their own state of health. In general, people in this age group do not tend to suffer from serious chronic disease. However, they have relatively high rates of mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse; and young adulthood is a high-risk period for suicide. The leading causes of death at this stage of life are injuries, whether unintentional or intentional, and drug overdoses. About forty-five percent of all deaths in New Mexicans in this age group result from injuries. The leading causes of injury deaths are motor vehicle crashes (31%), homicide (16%) and suicide (23%). Alcohol is involved in 47% to 55% of these deaths.
Alcoholism or drug abuse among adults in a family can have many harmful effects on children, including poor school performance, higher drop-out rates, and increased rates of illness and unhealthy behaviors.(1) Economic pressures, income inequality and lack of opportunity to make healthier choices also contribute to troubled families and youth(1), and to ill health. New Mexicans living in poverty are more than seven times as likely as those at or above 235% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to describe themselves as in poor health. These problems tend to reinforce each other. Poverty, drug or alcohol abuse, social isolation and crime often go together and are linked to a variety of other unhealthy behaviors and serious illnesses.(2) However, young adulthood can be a time of growth and change: people still have ample time to change personal behaviors and family dynamics. In many cases, this can safeguard their health and protect the health of their families and communities. Middle-Aged Adults (45-64) To a great extent, our good health as adults depends on how we lived in childhood and early adulthood. In middle age, past choices, behaviors and stresses that began much earlier may start to show their effects on health. The leading causes of death among New Mexicans in this age group are heart disease (30%), lung cancer (13%), cirrhosis of the liver (9%) and diabetes (7%). All of these are strongly affected by behavior and lifestyle. Some 58% of deaths from these four causes are due to smoking, alcohol abuse, inactivity and unhealthy eating. Most New Mexican adults do not exercise regularly or eat recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables (Figures 1, 2).
Many of the choices that we make are strongly affected by our social and physical environment, combined with our personal strengths and vulnerabilities (physical or emotional). In general, social and economic resources are needed to support healthy choices. Poverty, lack of education, and other factors can lead to a lack of these resources, and can limit the opportunity to make healthy choices -- both for oneself and for one’s family. Eighteen percent of New Mexicans age 18-64 live below the FPL, and the gap between the richest and the poorest New Mexicans is large. Studies have shown that income inequality, as well as poverty, is linked to high mortality rates. One study showed that “the effect [of income inequality] was largest for working age populations, in which a hypothetical 1% increase in the share of income to the poorer half of households would reduce mortality by 21 deaths per 100,000.”(3) Older Adults (65 and older) New Mexico’s older adult population is growing rapidly. Although people live longer lives, the quality of life is an issue: are the added years healthy ones, or years of disability and pain? Older adults must often cope with the burden of chronic diseases, which become a major cause of disability.  Old age brings a set of risks that are a major concern for older adults. Physical disability, Alzheimer’s disease, social isolation and elder abuse/neglect are major threats. At the same time, in old age one’s strength is likely to be diminishing. Social support and social integration foster good health. Physical activity or exercise is very important at this stage of life. In fact, strength building and other exercise reduces the risk of falls, and reduces the risk of hip fracture if one does fall. Access to high-quality health care and other services is important for maintaining good health and preventing disability. As people grow older, they are more likely to develop diseases which have better outcomes if detected early. This makes screening especially important. Geographic access to care is of particular concern for older New Mexicans who may be geographically isolated and unable to travel long distances for preventive and primary care. Poverty among older adults is a serious concern. It is associated with malnutrition, disease and elder abuse.(4,5) 16.5% of New Mexicans of age 65 and over live below the FPL. New Mexico’s adults face many challenges as they strive to maintain or improve their health. Each stage brings both opportunities and threats. Young adults have strength and energy, and often start and support families. Adults in middle age often have accumulated experience and know-how to contribute as mentors and teachers. Traditionally, old age has brought with it an important and highly honored role, passing on their knowledge and wisdom. Even in our seemingly youth-oriented culture, this role is still widely respected.
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