May 13--Nearly one in four Berks County adults -- some 77,000 people -- smokes.
In the past year, more than 62 percent of them were advised by a health professional to quit.
That was just the tip of the health-data iceberg presented Tuesday in the Goggleworks to nearly 30 representatives of local health and humanservices agencies.
Information on smoking, obesity, diabetes, stress, health screenings, ethnic demographics and health insurance came from researchers representing the 2008 Household Health Survey.
The survey, conducted by the nonprofit Public Health Management Corporation, or PHMC, of Philadelphia, included Berks, Lancaster and Schuylkill counties in its southeastern Pennsylvania area for the fi rst time.
"This was very much needed to have clearer insight into what's happening here," said Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz, prevention program manager with the Berks County Council on Chemical Abuse and a city councilwoman.
PHMC researchers said local groups affi liated with them can use the data for planning and other activities. The survey of 3,000 households in the additional three counties cost about $125,000, according to Francine Axler, PHMC project director.
Pat Giles, senior vice president of community impact at the United Way of Berks County, said the agency is in the process of collaborating on several health-care projects.
"What this data does is to help us better understand and assess local health-care needs," she said.
"It's nice to see actual figures," added Christa Mc-Cusker, tobacco control coordinator with the Council on Chemical Abuse. "It will allow us to better serve those who might be looking for our services."
"What surprised me was the high percentage of women in the county who weren't getting regular health screenings compared to those in the city," said Rosie Skomitz, a coordinator for Civilized Health Care For All, a group advocating for a publicly funded state health insurance system.
PHMC data also showed that Berks County has the third-highest uninsured adult population -- some 22,000 or 8.7 percent -- in the eightcounty study area.
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