The rate of smoking in the greater Glendale area has dropped to below 10%, according to a new study released this week.
According to Glendale News-Press, the report found a decrease in the number of smokers from 15.3% of the population in 2002 to 9.3% in 2007 – the most recent data available. And with the city ratcheting up smoking restrictions in subsequent years, that ratio could fall even further.
At the same time, waistlines are among the growing health concerns in Glendale.
The Glendale Community Needs Assessment found that 62% of area residents are obese or overweight, 4% more than in Los Angeles County as a whole, according to Gale Feldman, a researcher who presented the sweeping 300-page health report.
But the report contained other positive news. Glendale residents are giving birth to fewer undernourished babies than they were a few years ago, more locals have kicked their smoking habit and 96% of local children have health insurance – more than the county average of 93%.
The three most common causes of death in Glendale in 2007 – the last year for which data was available – was heart disease, at 28%; cancer, at 24%; and strokes, at 5%.
Death due to prostate and colon cancer is on the rise, while lung and breast-cancer-related deaths among women are declining.
73% of area children do not participate in enough physical activity to meet federal guidelines, though in a survey parents acknowledged Glendale offers a wealth of parks and recreational possibilities.
