The relationship between obesity and arthritis remains unclear. Arthritis shows an increasing trend with increasing body weights [11]. West Virginia reports high obesity levels. This study attempts to examine the impacts of obesity on arthritis and to estimate the cost of arthritis linked to...

This paper uses dynamic spatial shift-share analysis to examine employment change in local development districts (LDs) of West Virginia for the period of 1976 to 2007. This paper differs from the standard shift-share analysis by combining the dynamic shift-share with the spatial shift-share and...

Investment in education to increase economic growth, as one phase of human development, has gained economists' and policy makers' interest. It establishes human capital that makes a significant contribution to economic and income growth, and preserves returns as skilled labor that contributes to...

Obesity is a major health problem in the United States, and the burden associated is high. Hypertension seems to be the most common obesity-related health problem. Studies show that hypertension is approximately twice as prevalent among the obese as in the non-obese population. This study has...

Obesity and diabetes are major health problems in the United States. The primary aim of this study is to examine the association between obesity and diabetes and to estimate the cost of diabetes linked to obesity in the Appalachian region. A system of simultaneous equations approach, and a logit...

West Virginia reports a high obesity rate, and the prevalence of obesity is 8 percent higher than the national rate. Obesity is linked with several health diseases, certain psychological disorders, quality of life, premature deaths as well as healthcare costs. Prevention of obesity is a must and...

Agriculture in North Carolina contributes to 19 percent of the state’s income and employs over 20 percent of the work force. Agricultural activities are significant in rural counties and nearly 30 percent of the total population of North Carolina lives in 85 rural counties. Individuals in...