Lucas Co tanks in overall health

There are real problems in the Lucas County community when it comes to peoples' overall health.

Ohio released its county-by-county health rankings Tuesday and Lucas County ranks No. 71 out of the state's 88 counties. It's also the lowest ranked Northwest Ohio county.

With the region facing historic unemployment, those out of work are slacking on exercising, smoking, and drinking alcohol.

"These are the conditions in Lucas County and it's somewhat of a wake up call," said Dr. David Grossman, Lucas County Health Commissioner. "But some of us have been preaching about these issues for as long as we have been around."

The county-by-county report looks at things like how many people drink, smoke, or eat badly. Education and community safety also factor into the totals.

Putnam and Wood County, on the other hand, are two of the top 10 top counties in the state. Putnam is the seventh top county while Wood is ninth in overall health. Hancock County ranks 15th, Henry County 17th, Ottawa County 18th, Fulton County 21st, Williams County 23rd, Defiance County 26th, Seneca County 28th, Huron County 33rd, Erie County 44th, and Sandusky County 46th.

In Michigan, Lenawee County is ranked 15 out of the Wolverine State's 82 counties. Hillsdale County comes in at 29th while Monroe County is near the middle at 49th.

"It's not good," Dr. Grossman said. "I think it implies that we have a real problem in this community."

Dr. Grossman said the bad rank is partly because of a high level of poverty, but he believes some of these problems like lack of exercise can be prevented.

"Stopping smoking would be a good idea because it saves you money," he said. "Exercising and walking doesn't cost anything. They are all are good things."

Although Lucas County ranks one of the worst in Ohio, those living in the county have plenty of access to care. In that category, Lucas County ranks 7th.

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