Health Measures

Oregon by the Counties

Physically Active Adults

Definition:The percentage of adults who report meeting the guidelines for physical activity provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They are: 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorousintensity activity, or a combination AND muscle-strengthening activities for all major muscle groups at least two days per week.

The data comprising this measure are from aggregated sampling across years. Low physical activity has been associated with several disease conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and premature mortality, independent of obesity.

Being physically active has a positive impact on mental as well as physical health. Adults who are physically active tend to encourage activity in their children as well, potentially reducing health costs for multiple generations.

Adult Smoking

Definition:The percentage of adults who report that they currently smoke cigarettes.

Data are from aggregated sampling across years. Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of disease and death. The effects of smoking can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases for smokers themselves as well as their family members.

Healthy Diet

Definition:The percentage of adults who report eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, meaning five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Data are from aggregated sampling across years. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and fiber that are all essential to a healthy diet. Benefits of a healthy diet include decreased risk of chronic diseases, hypertension, cancer, obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. Good nutrition is also associated with mental health benefits.

Vaccination Rate, Two-Year-Olds

Definition:The percentage of two-year-olds in a given year who have received their required immunizations – rates of 95% or greater are suppressed to 95% to prevent identification of individuals.

In Oregon, children entering preschool, child care or Head Start currently must receive: four doses Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP); three Polio; one Varicella (chickenpox); one Measles/Mumps/ Rubella (MMR); three Hepatitis B; two Hepatitis A; and three or four Hib (Haemophilus).

Vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives. The economic impact of prevented disease due to vaccines and the foregone cost of treatment is significant when compared to vaccination costs.

Low Weight Births

Definition:The percentage of live babies who weigh less than 2,500 grams (5.5 lbs) at birth.

Low weight births indicate risk factors for both child and maternal health. For the child, low birth weight is a predictor of premature morbidity and death, risk for developmental problems, and respiratory and cardiovascular disease later in life. For the mother, low birth weight indicates a number of concerns including adverse health behavior, limited access to care, socioeconomic and environmental risks.

For more infromation about Oregon and its counties visit:

Oregon by the Numbers 2018 Edition