An Obese Town of St. Albans in Queens, New York Essay

The town of St. Albans is located in Queens, New York. It is a part of District 12, which also includes Hollis, Rochdale, South Jamaica, Northern Springfield Gardens, and Jamaica Center. Its population is predominantly African American. It was the home to many celebrities throughout the years including James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Lewis and Jackie Robinson. The average age of the residents of this town ranges from late 30s to early 50s. Linden Blvd., which is the most centrally located road is commonly referred to as the â€Å"spine† of St Albans and is vastly populated with Caribbean eateries, beauty salons and supply stores, laundry mats, delis, fast food restaurants and churches that seem to populate every block. Along the outer edges†¦show more content†¦Hispanic origin is next with 2,336,076 or 28.6 percent, and black/African American non-Hispanic only constituting 22.8 percent or 1,861,295. Asian non-Hispanic had 12.6 percent of the population or 1,028,119 persons, non-Hispanic of two or more races 1.8 percent or 148,676 persons, and some other race non-Hispanic 1.0 percent or 78,063. Obesity is defined as defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity is not only based on an individual’s weight but also their BMI. A BMI greater than or equal to 25 is overweight. A BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity ((Organization, 2013). Obesity is the most common preventable deaths and the fifths leading health risk globally. Obesity has also been linked to other debilitating diseases and can increase a person’s chances of being hospitalized. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death (cdc.gov, 2014). According to the New York City Department of Health and Hygiene in 2011 it was reported that the area of Jamaica, Queens, which encompasses St. Albans and Hollis, has an obesity rate of 23.9 percent. Southeast Queens, a neighboring district, includes town such as Queens Village, Springfield Gardens, Cambria Heights, Rosedale, and Bellerose 21.3 percent. When the borough of Queens was compared to the other 4