Rural residents have higher rates of age-adjusted mortality, disability, and chronic disease than their urban counterparts, though mortality and disability rates vary more by region than by metro status. Contributing negatively to the health status of rural residents and their lower socioeconomic status, are higher incidences of both smoking and obesity, workplace hazards, and lower levels of physical activity. This new book examines issues facing rural America today including the baby boom migration and its impact on rural America; broadband internet availability; the health status and health care access of farm and rural populations; The Rural Education Achievement Program created to address the unique needs of rural schools, and rural water supply and sewer systems.