Latest news with #Vicknair
Time Business News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Unequal Risks: How Age, Race, and Geography Shape America's Leading Causes of Death
When it comes to mortality in the United States, the numbers tell a sobering but layered story. While heart disease and cancer remain the country's top killers, the causes of death across the population are far from uniform. A recent study by Scott Vicknair offers a detailed look at how factors such as age, race, and geography play pivotal roles in shaping health outcomes. A Nation's Biggest Killers Heart disease takes the lead, responsible for more than 21% of all U.S. deaths annually. Cancer follows closely, accounting for 18.5%. Combined, these two causes result in over 1.3 million deaths every year. In third place are accidental injuries, which claim more than 227,000 lives a figure that reflects not only tragic misfortune but also systemic gaps in education and prevention. How Age Changes the Risk Profile One of the most striking findings in Vicknair's study is how the leading causes of death shift significantly with age. For infants, congenital conditions are the biggest threat. For children aged 1 to 9, accidental injuries dominate, a trend that extends into adolescence, where suicide also becomes a growing concern. Among adults under 40, accidents and violence, including homicide, are frequent causes of death. But after age 40, the pattern changes drastically: the risks of cancer and heart disease surge. According to Vicknair's data, 45.1% of people over 40 face a significant risk of developing cancer, while 34.8% are at high risk for heart disease. Beyond age 65, the picture broadens to include COVID-19, strokes, and chronic respiratory conditions. Alzheimer's emerges as a dominant cause for those over 80. Racial Disparities in Mortality The study also highlights profound racial disparities in death statistics. Non-Hispanic white Americans are most affected by heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's. For Black Americans, conditions like diabetes and stroke are more common, alongside a disproportionate impact from COVID-19. Hispanic Americans, despite having a higher average life expectancy, are dying from COVID-19 and diabetes at higher rates compared to white Americans. In fact, for every white fatality due to COVID-19, there are approximately 1.6 Hispanic fatalities. Among Native American and Alaska Native populations, the leading causes of death include accidents, liver disease, and suicide. Alarmingly, suicide rates in these communities rose nearly 20% between 2015 and 2020, compared to a relatively flat national trend. Geography Matters Location also plays a critical role in health outcomes. Vicknair's research underscores regional health risks, particularly in what's known as the 'Stroke Belt' a cluster of southeastern states with elevated rates of heart disease and stroke. Oklahoma, for instance, leads in heart disease deaths per capita. States like Kentucky and Louisiana are outliers for cancer incidence, while accidental deaths are more frequent in rural areas like Montana and Wyoming. Respiratory disease is more common in coal-mining states like West Virginia, and chronic liver disease rates are elevated in New Mexico and Arizona. Florida sees a higher rate of Alzheimer's deaths, likely due to its larger elderly population. The Rise of COVID-19 in Mortality Rankings COVID-19 now ranks as the fourth leading cause of death nationwide, responsible for nearly 6% of total annual deaths. Older adults, people of color, and residents of low-vaccination states remain the most vulnerable. The virus has amplified existing health disparities and remains a significant concern for public health. Moving Toward Solutions The data brought to light by Vicknair's study doesn't just highlight problems—it suggests paths forward. Public health strategies that emphasize early intervention, vaccination, chronic disease management, and access to healthcare could drastically reduce mortality rates. Education around lifestyle habits, such as exercise, nutrition, and substance use, will also play a critical role in shifting the tide. As the study makes clear, preventing death isn't just about medicine, it's about understanding who is most at risk and why. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward building a healthier, more equitable future for all Americans. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man allegedly threatens Catholic priest; terrorizes a Lafayette church
PINE PRAIRIE, La. (KLFY) — Man faced with an assault charge after he threatened a Pine Prairie Catholic priest and terrorized a Lafayette church, deputies said. Kenneth Vicknair was charged with simple assault after he allegedly made verbal threats of harm to a Catholic priest of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Pine Prairie on May 20, deputies said. According to deputies, the victim stated that he contacted deputies in fear that an escalated incident was about to occur due to Mr. Vicknair's behavior and body language. Vicknair was later arrested and transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail, where he was booked without incident and charged. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now During investigation, it was also learned that prior to this incident, Vicknair allegedly went to the diocese in Lafayette and demanded to see the one of the clergy members there. If his demand was not met, he threatened he was going to shoot every person that exits the front door of the building, deputies said. Family of six-year-old Korbin awaits justice as bond hearing is moved Upon his release from the Evangeline Parish Jail, he was transported to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center for pending terrorizing charges. Louisiana Senate approves bill expanding 'hands-free' driving Woman dies from brain-eating amoeba after using tap water to clear sinuses: CDC Ville Platte men arrested, one claims to be police officer; drugs, guns seized Hot Wheels custom T-Bird blends 1967 muscle with pop art firepower Man allegedly threatens Catholic priest; terrorizes a Lafayette church Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man sentenced to 35 years for long time sexual abuse of adolescent stepdaughter
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man was sentenced to 35 years in prison following the years-long sexual abuse of his stepdaughter, officials said. According to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, on Friday, Zenn Matthew Vicknair was sentenced to 420 months in prison for abuse that began when his stepdaughter was 9. Officials said the abuse was pervasive throughout his stepdaughter's life, including when the family moved to Renton, Washington, in 2012. 'Reckless' blue truck driver tied to infamous Instagram account appears in court 'Vicknair stepped into the victim's need for love and affection and filled it with pervasive, almost normalized sexual abuse for years of her young life – destroying her sense of self and the bonds of her family,' a statement from the Multnomah County DA said. The sexual abuse was first reported in 2016 when the victim's mother called the Department of Human Services after her daughter, who was 15 at the time, reported the ongoing sexual contact. After Vicknair attempted suicide and began experiencing seizures, authorities said that the victim withdrew the allegations during a therapy session. In 2021, the case was reopened when the victim contacted law enforcement because she was worried about her younger brother's welfare. Eventually, in 2024, Vicknair was convicted on two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, two counts of first-degree sodomy, and five counts of first-degree sex abuse. 'Game of whack-a-mole': Audit finds Portland faces $1B infrastructure crisis In a statement, Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Robin Skarstad, who prosecuted the case, said that Vicknair's sentencing is an acknowledgement of his years of sexual abuse and the hope that the verdict can bring some peace to the victim. 'The 35-year sentence is an acknowledgement of the repeated instances of egregious sexual abuse committed by the defendant against the most vulnerable of victims. We are so grateful for the strength this now young woman showed in seeking justice and safety for our community and hope that this verdict brings her some peace.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
