Illinois Women: Fat, Lazy, Drunk, Cancerous
By Margaret Lyons in News on Sep 2, 2004 3:28PM
Ladies, listen up: Illinois women are less healthy than most other women. Were more likely to die of breast or colorectal cancers than women in most other states (46 other states for breast cancer, 44 for colorectal). On the upside, were less likely to commit suicidewere only 6th for that. (States are ranked from 1-50, 1 meaning fewest women died from this condition.)
In a report released yesterday by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, womens health and mortality statistics were broken down by state, apparently a first for tracking womens health. The report indicates both regional and ethnic and racial trends in terms of insurance coverage, preventive care, and susceptibility to stroke and heart disease.
Like we said, Illinoiss not looking too hot. Were ranked 33rd for obesity and 40th for binge drinking, which, according to Chicagoists Beer and Chip laboratory, might be related. Were also extremely lazy, coming in 41st in no physical activity. Again, lower numbers = better health.
The report is interesting state by statewere a little .pdf crazygonuts this week, for whatever reasonbut beyond that, the breakdown along racial lines is staggering. In Illinois, 82.6 percent of non-Hispanic white women receive early and adequate prenatal care, while only 64.3 percent of non-Hispanic black women and 65.7 percent of Hispanic women do. In terms of exercise, 25.8 percent of white women reported that they didnt engage in any physical activity, but that figure jumps to 38.8 percent of black women, 45.2 percent of Hispanic women, and 43.7 percent of Asian women. Lets all put out our cigarettes and run run run to the doctor for mammograms and Pap smearsyeah, were 41st for that, too.