Mayor Menino Releases 2010 Health of Boston Report
Mortality rates continue to decline, fewer drug and alcohol deaths
Fewer Boston residents are dying of cancer, heart disease, injuries, and stroke, four of the five leading causes of death in the city, and Asian residents in Boston have the highest average life expectancy of any racial or ethnic group, according to the new Health of Boston report released today by Mayor Menino.
The 399-page report prepared by the Boston Public Health Commission contained plenty of good news about the health of Boston residents: Fewer substance abuse deaths, high rates of cancer screening, fewer teen pregnancies, fewer adults smokers and salmonella cases, and the near- disappearance of children in Boston with elevated lead levels.
But serious challenges remain. The report found that Boston’s black and Latino residents continue to experience higher levels of chronic disease, mortality, and poorer health outcomes compared to white residents. In 2008, the asthma hospitalization rate for black and Latino children was more than three times the rate for Asian children and four times the rate for white children. That same year, the diabetes hospitalization rate for black and Latino residents was about four times the rate for Asians and whites. For Boston’s black residents the health inequities begin early in life and persist throughout the individual’s lifespan: In 2008, the black infant mortality rate was more than four times the white infant mortality rate, and black residents had the shortest average life expectancy.
Three Things to Know Today 1. Hot off the Community Calendar, view events for today: 10:00am Free Gentle Yoga at Christopher Columbus Park Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Parks & Recreation Department and Blue Cross Blue Shield MA are partnering to provide the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series – free fitness programming in Boston Parks this summer. Read More…
Friends and neighbors gathered to celebrate ten years at Ducali Pizzeria with owner Philip Frattaroli and his family. State Senator Joe Boncore joined the occasion which featured a dramatic cake, complete with Ducali colored (blue and yellow) filling inside. Shown above, (L-R) Kelly and Philip Frattaroli, Sen. Joe and Christine Boncore. The name “Ducali” comes Read More…
