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Hamilton is similar to Ontario in physical activity, chronic disease rates, and life expectancy, but we’re above the provincial average in obesity and the rate of teen pregnancy. Obesity and teen pregnancy, have increased since 2001. Life expectancy, babies born with low birthweight, and teen pregnancy show rates of variation between neighbourhoods.

Physical Activity

In 2009-10, just over half of Hamiltonians reported being active (enough to improve cardiovascular health), or somewhat active (enough to have some health benefit) – similar to provincial and national averages. In 2007-8, the percentage of Hamilton women (45%) reporting they are physically active was lower than for men (55%, and younger people are more active than older people.[1] This is similar to Ontario residents overall. The following chart shows the percentage of population, aged 12 and over, who reported being physically active:

Graph_health1

 

Obesity

In 2009-10, the percentage of Hamiltonians who are overweight or obese is 60% – higher than the provincial and national average of 52%. The rate is higher for Hamilton men (69%) than for Hamilton women (51%), but both are higher than provincial averages for their gender.[2] The following chart looks at overweight and obesity by age range for 2007-8. It shows that 45-64 year olds have the highest rates of obesity, while 12-17 year olds have the lowest.

Graph_health2

 

Chronic Disease Rates

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of poor quality of life, illness, disability and death. In 2007-8, Hamiltonians reported rates of diabetes (5.5%), heart disease (5.7%), and cancer (2.5%) similar to the provincial averages. However, between 2001 and 2008, the rate of people reporting diabetes increased significantly for Ontario, but not for Hamiltonians.[3] For more information on how Hamiltonians fare, see the City of Hamilton’s Social and Health Issues Report.

Low Birthweight

Low birthweight describes babies born weighing between 500 grams and 2,500 grams (5 lbs, 8 oz), which puts them at risk for health and other special needs. Hamilton’s 6.4% low birthweight rate in 2009 was similar to the 6.5% provincial rate. The overall low birthweight rate has been relatively stable over the past decade.[4]However, as last year’s Vital Signs reported, the rate between neighbourhoods ranged from 4.8% to 9.0% between 2004 and 2008.

Teen Pregnancy Rates

In 2008, 4.7% of all Hamilton pregnancies were among teens aged 15 to 19. This was higher than the Ontario average of 3.6% [5] for this age group.

Additionally, teen pregnancy varies by geographic location – between 2006 and 2009, the rate ranged from a low of 1.1% in some areas of the city to 11.9% in other areas.[6]

Life Expectancy at Birth

The life expectancy at birth for Hamiltonians in 2005 was 80.8 years – similar to the provincial and national average of 80.7 years. Life expectancy has increased since 1997 when it was 78.3 years. Similar to national trends, women live longer than men: 83 years compared to 78.5 years.[7] The Hamilton Spectator series Code Red found a 21-year difference between the poorest and richest neighbourhoods in Hamilton. For more about Code Red, visit the Spectator’s website:www.thespec.com/topic/codered.

Self-rated General and Mental Health

In 2009-10, just under 62% of Hamiltonians, aged 12 years or over, reported that their general health was very good or excellent, similar to the provincial average.[8]Additionally, 75% of Hamiltonians rated their mental health very good or excellent, similar to provincial and national averages. For more detailed information on how Hamilton compared with other cities, visit the Health Profiles page from Statistics Canada.

 


[1] Statistics Canada, June 2011. Health Profile.
[2] Statistics Canada, June 2011. Health Profile.
[3] Canadian Community Health Survey 2007/08, Share File, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Prepared by the Applied Research and Evaluation Team, Public Health Services, City of Hamilton, August 2011.
[4] Inpatient discharge main table records, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, intelliHEALTH ONTARIO, August 2011. Prepared by the Applied Research and Evaluation Team, Public Health Services, City of Hamilton.
[5] Prepared by the Applied Research and Evaluation Team, Public Health Services, City of Hamilton, August 2011.
[6] Prepared by the Applied Research and Evaluation Team, Public Health Services, City of Hamilton, August 2011.
[7] Statistics Canada, June 2011. Health Profile.
[8] Statistics Canada, June 2011. Health Profile.