East Dorset among healthiest places to live (From Bournemouth Echo)

East Dorset among healthiest places to live

8:00am Thursday 8th July 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

A SNAPSHOT of the nation’s health has highlighted that there are still too many differences between areas, a government minister has said.

The annual health profiles of each local authority area in England, just published by the Department of Health, reveal some fascinating and sometimes puzzling variations in life expectancy, academic achievement, physical exercise, obesity, smoking, drinking and major diseases.

Across the country both men and women are generally living longer, while early deaths from heart disease, cancer and stroke continue to fall.

In the South West region, men in East Dorset have the longest life expectancy at 81.2 years, against the national average of 77.9.

East Dorset remains one of the healthiest places to live, with the lowest early death rates from heart disease, stroke, and cancer in the region; and lowest rate of hospital admissions for alcohol-related harm.

Deaths from smoking in people over 35 are also the lowest in the country, but road injuries and deaths are much higher in East Dorset than the England average – 74.6 for every 100,000 people.

New cases of malignant melanoma skin cancer are much higher in the South West than the national average, a problem reflected throughout the Daily Echo’s circulation area.

In much of Dorset and the New Forest, diabetes also seems to be more common, especially in areas with a high proportion of elderly people.

South West regional director of public health Dr Gabriel Scally said: “We need to work hard to get more people eating healthily, exercising regularly, not smoking, drinking less alcohol and generally looking after themselves.”

Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: “These figures are an excellent way for people to find out more about the health of their local population.

“But the differences in health from area to area are still too varied.

“Everyone should have the same chance to have a healthy life, no matter where they live.”

The health profiles are meant to help councils, GPs and health trusts target their resources to improve the health and wellbeing of those most in need.

The government has pledged to prioritise prevention in public health and give doctors more power to make decisions at a local level.

• Reports are available online at healthprofiles.info.