HEALTH IN MOLE VALLEY "GENERALLY BETTER"
A recent NHS survey has concluded that the health of people in Mole Valley is generally better than the England average. Life expectancy is high, and early deaths from cancer and from heart disease and stroke are lower than the national rates.
However there are health inequalities. For example women in the most deprived areas have a life expectancy 4.6 years shorter than those from the least deprived areas.
The percentage of children classified as obese is below the England average, although physical activity levels are low. Over 1200 children are living in low income households.
Healthy eating is high, although nearly one in five adults are obese. One in seven binge drink and over one is six adults smoke.
Conservative Councillor David Sharland, Portfolio Holder for Health and Well-Being said:-
"I welcome the news that Mole Valley’s health is higher than average, but we still see inequalities particularly in low income households. Our task as a district council is to work with the NHS and other organizations to try and address those issues. The Local Area Agreement for Surrey has a number of priorities. These include alcohol abuse, childhood obesity, smoking, social care, teenage pregnancy and sexual health"
More information can be found on www.healthprofiles.info
Malcolm Johnson – Communications Officer – Conservative Group of Councillors for Mole Valley
26th June 2008