Local Health Trends

The latest Health Profiles are out..and they paint a fascinating picture of life here in North Devon and Torridge.

NORTH DEVON..

The health of people in North Devon is similar to the
England average. Life expectancy for women is better
than the England average.

Life expectancy varies within North Devon. Life
expectancy in men from the most deprived areas is
almost 6 years less than in men from the least deprived
areas.

The rate of early death from heart disease and stroke
has fallen over the last 10 years and is similar to the
England average. The rate of early death from cancer
is better than the average. However, the rate of new
cases of malignant melanoma skin cancer is worse.

The proportion of children in Reception year classified
as obese is similar to the England average. GCSE
achievement is worse than the average.

The estimated rates of smoking, binge drinking and
healthy eating in adults are similar to the England
averages. The estimated rate of physical activity in
adults is better than the average. However, the
estimated adult obesity rate is worse than the average.

The rate of people claiming incapacity benefit due to
mental illness is worse than the England average.

TORRIDGE..

The health of people in Torridge is generally good
when compared to England. Life expectancy for both
men and women is higher than the England average.
There are inequalities within Torridge. Life expectancy
in men from the most deprived areas is over 3 years
less than in men from the least deprived areas.

The early death rate from heart disease and stroke has
fallen in the last 10 years and is better than the
England average. The early death rate from cancer is
now better than the England average.

The proportion of obese adults is worse than England
as a whole with over a quarter of adults being classified
as obese. The percentage of people diagnosed with
diabetes is worse than the England average.
similar to the England average. Over three-quarters of
mothers initiate breastfeeding, better than the England
average.  

The percentage of children spending at least 3 hours
every week on school sports is higher than the England
average. The proportion of children in Reception year
classified as obese is similar to the England average.