Health verdict raises concerns

A profile of Oldham paints a damning picture of health with the borough fairing worst than the national average in almost all aspects of lifestyle.

The Department of Health published 32 indicators ranging from income deprivation, cancer, children living in poverty to road injuries and deaths.

Life expectancy, obesity, binge drinking, general poor health and mental health are also all measured.

A detailed picture of the health of Oldham in 2010 shows more adults smoke and binge drink than the England average. In addition, adults are not physically active nor do they eat healthily.

Deaths from cancer, early deaths from heart disease and strokes and death from smoking is a big problem. Tooth decay for children under five is also a massive concern, according to the profile.

By contrast, the road fatality rate is significantly lower than in other areas, as are winter deaths, incidents of skin cancer and homelessness. Children are more physically active than in other areas but obesity is still a problem.

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said: “We have seen real progress in improving health in Oldham, with the health profile showing that over the last 10 years there has been an increase in life expectancy.

“However, we are concerned that the levels of conditions such as heart disease and stroke are still high and other key areas such as childhood obesity and oral health for children remain worse than the England average.”

It is hoped the profile will be used by councillors, MPs and health bodies to target specific areas in the borough.

To view the profile visit www.communityhealthprofiles.info