Report Shows Improvements in Some Areas of Health in California
Teen birth rates and death rates from all causes declined in California, according to the County Health Status Profiles 2005 report, the Stockton Record reports. The report, released Monday, analyzed data from 2000 through 2003 from the state's 58 counties and contains health-status indicators recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service.
According to the report:
- Teen birth rates between 2001 and 2003 were 41.1 per 1,000 females, compared to 48.6 per 1,000 females between 1998 and 2000;
- The number of infants who received adequate prenatal care increased to 77.7 per 100 live births, from 75.8 between 1998 and 2000;
- Deaths from all causes declined from an age-adjusted rate of 814.1 deaths per 100,000 residents between 1998 and 2000, to 729 during the study period;
- The number of AIDS cases in residents ages 13 and older decreased to 14.7 cases per 100,000 residents, from 17.8 cases per 100,000 between 1998 and 2000; and
- The number of mothers who breastfed infants averaged 83.3 per 100 births during the study period.
State Public Health Officer Richard Jackson said, "The health of Californians continues to improve as more of us choose healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, eating a low-fat diet with more fruits and vegetables and not smoking" (Goldeen, Stockton Record, 4/5). He added, "While this report shows that there has definitely been improvement, it also shows that work remains to be done" (AP/San Jose Mercury News, 4/4). The report is available online. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report. This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.