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...Department. Consistent with previous findings, education very influential on health behavior. Individuals with fewer years of education were more likely to smoke, exercise less, and have an unhealthy diet. By analyzing local data, a profile can be established to develop and implement appropriate public health programs as well as effective intervention for these various local target communities.

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The leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease and cancer, accounting for more than half of all deaths (Anderson & Smith, 2003). The major risk factors for these diseases include smoking, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet (Coldiz & Stein, 2004; Wong, Black, & Gardin, 2002; Cheta, 1999). According to Healthy People 2010, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, accounting for 430,000 deaths annually. With the prevalence of obesity increasing in the United States (Mokdad et al., 2001), physical activity and diet are strongly associated with the second leading cause of preventable deaths.

After a rapid decline in the rates of smoking in the 1980s, the rate of smoking in adults only decreased slightly in the 1990s. In fact, in 2002, the prevalence of adult smokers in the United States was 22.5%, with males smoking at a higher rate than females (MMWR, 2004a). Smoking was more prevalent in the 35 to 44 year old age group and least prevalent in the 65 and older age group (Healthy People 2010, 2003). Additionally, individuals with more years of education had a lower smoking rate (Healthy People 2010). The physiological effects of smoking include a reduction in the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increased platelet aggregation (Eyre, Kahn, & Robertson, 2004).

Physical activity decreases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers (Coldiz & Stein, 2004; Wong et al., 2002). Healthy People 2010 includes physical activity as one of the ten leading indicators of health. A sedentary life style has an injurious effect on health, especially the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD; Cheta, 1999). Physically fit and active individuals are 20% -40% less likely to develop CVD (Haskell, 2003). The risk of a cardiovascular event is reduced by increasing physical activity by 30 minutes for 5 days per week (Eyre et al., 2004).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend daily consumption of five servings of fruit and vegetables. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data concluded that the overall consumption of fruits and vegetables has decreased slightly from 3.44 times per day in 1994, to 3.37 times per day in 2000 (Serdula et al., 2004). This data also showed that women, all individuals 55 years of age and or older, and all non-smokers were more likely to eat the recommended servings (Serdula et al.). Likewise, daily consumption of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables increased with education (Serdula et al.).

A diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and poultry reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD); however, a diet rich in red meat, sugars, and high-fat dairy products increases this risk (Hu et al., 2002). An increase in the consumption of cholesterol, saturated, and trans fats is also associated with an increased risk of CHD (Eyre et al., 2004). Studies indicate that consumption of fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of certain cancers (Eyre et al.). Saturated fats, found mainly in red meats, chicken fats, and whole-milk products, have the greatest impact on cancer risk (Cheta, 1999). Unsaturated fats, those found in...

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