Snapshot of Newark and Sherwood’s health published

The annual snapshot of the health of people living in Newark and Sherwood has been published.

Health Profiles are released each year by the Department of Health and give a health summary of local authority areas in England.  They are a valuable tool for the local NHS to help them understand their communitys needs, so that they can work to improve peoples health and reduce health inequalities.

For Newark and Sherwood, improvements include a rise in childrens physical activity levels, with almost two-thirds (60%) of children doing more than three hours of sport each week.  This is above the England average of 55%.

Also, the number of children in Year 6 classed as obese is lower than the England average; 16% locally and 19% nationally.

There are less adults smoking in the area; less than one-fifth (19%) are now classed as smokers.  This is a three percent reduction from rates in 2010.

There is also an increasing number of mums breastfeeding (77%), which is above the England average.

Despite the above improvements, there are several health areas where improvements need to be made.  There has been an increase in the number of people admitted to hospital due to alcohol related harm. 

Life expectancy for local women is 82 years old and 78 years old for men; both of which are in line with the England average.

Dr Chris Kenny, Director of Public Health at NHS Nottinghamshire County said: "The profiles are a valuable tool for providing a snapshot of the key health challenges facing people in Nottinghamshire.  They help us to target resources effectively so that we can address health inequalities.  The local health community will continue to work closely to tackle our priority areas of alcohol, smoking and obesity levels".

Dr Mark Jefford, Clinical Lead for Newark and Sherwood Health (which comprises of 15 GP Practices in Newark and Sherwood) said: "We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing for local people.  We are pleased that less people are smoking and that children's physical activity levels are increasing.  However, there is still work to do and reducing health inequalities remains a priority.  Were keen to promote healthy lifestyle choices such as healthy eating and reducing alcohol consumption, otherwise these can lead to poor health and early death".

The Health Profiles can be viewed at www.apho.org.uk/default.aspx?RID=49802

For general health advice visit www.nottspct.nhs.uk