Is Your Zip Code Killing You?

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While your medical history is important studies show that your zip code could also play an important factor in your health.

A health status report done by St. Louis County Health and Human Services revealed that there are disparities in life expectancies in Duluth.

Depending on where you live could determine how long you live.

“If you can move get off the couch and if you can’t move just move your legs,” said Annie Kennedy with The Health and Wellness Table. “You know just move something.”

To extend their life expectancy and educate others you can catch a group every Sunday at 1p.m. leaving St. Mark AME Church in Duluth in their lime green t–shirts walking about a mile down 4th street.

This initiative was started by The Health and Wellness Table in Duluth to tackle health inequalities in communities by doing something that’s active, free and accessible to everyone.

“It makes me feel good, it makes me stronger,” said Kennedy. “I feel stronger and more alert, mentally alert. Walking is very healthy for you.”

The St. Louis County Health Status report reveals that the lowest projected life expectancy was 73-years-old found in zip codes 55802 and 55806 which includes downtown, Central Hillside and Park Point.

While area code 55812, the east side of Duluth, had the highest projected life span at 84-years-old.

Socio–economic factors such as education, income and chronic stress of racism all play a role.

“The stress level of being poverty stricken can affect your health in people’s bodies,” said Natasha Garner with The Health and Wellness Table. “They’re much more stressed out, they have a lot more things to worry about. They also don’t have access to healthcare.”

There is another walking group that meets every Friday at the West Duluth Library.

Anyone is welcome to join both of the groups, you do not have to live in the neighborhood.