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Part I Appalachian Health Determinants To better understand the background factors affecting the health of the region’s population, this part examines some of the most misunderstood aspects of Appalachian health, including genetic predisposition, individual lifestyle behaviors, and the social and cultural dimensions of health. The system of providing health care to Appalachians is also scrutinized here, as well as the health effects of severe environmental pollution in some areas of Appalachia. These chapters lay to rest the notion of inbreeding, stereotypically attributed to Appalachians; question whether there is really an overarching “Appalachian lifestyle”; and provide a nuanced look at health behaviors and beliefs in some parts of the region by avoiding a simplistic accounting of Appalachian cultural characteristics. Taken together, these chapters can put health care providers on a much firmer footing with their Appalachian patients who are seeking better health and a sense of overall well-being. The chapters on health systems and the environment will be of particular relevance to policy makers interested in addressing these large-scale issues. ...

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