My current medical practice is in urban South Carolina, but my career, as a physician, started in the rural area. South Carolina is a rural state which means most of it is a rural area.

Recently, the CDC ascertained that people who live in rural areas are likely to die from the five leading causes of death whereas their counterparts are less likely because the quality of care is superior in urban areas. The leading causes of death are cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, and unintentional injuries. The report suggests chronic lower respiratory disease and cancer could be reduced if smoking and obesity could reduce the risk for stroke.

Recommendations for areas of improvement were “increase cancer prevention and early detection, motor vehicle safety education and intervention, safe pain meds prescribing practice and education, high blood pressure screening and control, and education and encouragement for fitness and nutrition.”