Why is it that when a health problem shared by both sexes is found to be
more prevalent (or, sometimes, even so much as present at all) in women,
it's an alarming trend and needs money poured into it and is one more
trophy of victimhood, whereas, when men are doing worse in some area,
it's not worthy of commentary?
sugarzareh
*Washington State Department of Health <http://www.doh.wa.gov>*
Date: June 01, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(05-066)
Contact: Phyllis Reed, Research Investigator, 360-236-4324
Patricia Starzyk, Research Investigator, 360-236-4323
Deanna Whitman, Communications Office, 360-236-4022
*Women living longer; infant mortality dropping*
/2003 Vital Statistics also shows change in top baby names /
*OLYMPIA* -- In 2003 Washington had a lower percent of low-weight
births, a lower infant mortality rate, and a higher life expectancy rate
than the nation as a whole. These are just a few of the highlights from
the Washington State Department of Health report, Vital Statistics,
2003. "This report is full of helpful information and is used by many
people throughout our state to understand trends, identify high-risk
populations, set priorities and target prevention activities," said Dr.
Pat Starzyk, the report's co-author.
*Births*
For decades, there has been a consistent decline in the rate of births
in Washington. And although more than 80,000 babies were born in 2003,
the birth rate is among the lowest recorded. Dr. Starzyk explains, "The
total number of new births is increasing, but the birth rate, which is
the number of births per 1,000 population, is declining."
Washington's percent of low-weight births is lower than the national
average, but our low birth weight births have been increasing since 1990
- in part, but not entirely due to the increase in multiple births.
The percent of expectant mothers who received prenatal care during their
first trimester worsened in 2003. In prior years the percent of moms
receiving first trimester prenatal care was approximately 83 percent. In
2003 the percentage dropped to 81.5. This year also marked the highest
proportion of mothers in the past 10 years who received late or no
prenatal care.
Birth certificates underwent important changes in 2003. People may now
report as many races as they choose. Nearly 3 percent of mothers
reported belonging to more than one race group. Birth certificates now
collect information on smoking patterns prior to pregnancy and by
trimester during pregnancy. The new data shows women reduce their
smoking during pregnancy; 13 percent of mothers smoked in the three
months before pregnancy compared to 10 percent during the first
trimester and 9 percent for the second and third trimesters.
The top baby name changed in 2003. Emma became the top name for girls in
2003, replacing Emily, which had been the top name for seven years.
Ethan replaced Jacob as the top name for boys in 2002, but Jacob
regained the lead in 2003, a lead it had for eight other years.
*Deaths*
Although more than 45,000 Washington residents died in 2003, the
age-adjusted death rate was the lowest it has been in the last 10 years.
Men's age-adjusted death rate was 924 deaths per 100,000 population,
decreasing 12 percent from the 10-year high point. For women the rate
was 671.4, decreasing 5 percent from its high point. Even with these
declines, the 2003 age-adjusted mortality rate for men is 1.4 times
higher than women. Men are expected to live to age 76 and women until 80.
Heart disease and cancer accounted for more than 48 percent of all
deaths in 2003. The 10 leading causes of death
<http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehsphl/chs/chs-data/death/download/deathC2.xls>
accounted for more than 80 percent of all deaths among residents.
There was a decrease in infant mortality in 2003. There were 5.6 deaths
per 1,000 live births compared to 6.2 ten years ago (1994).
*Marriages and divorces*
In 2003 more than 39,000 couples got married and more than 26,000
divorces occurred. King County (the most populous county) took the lead
with 11,250 marriages and 5,637 divorces. Garfield County (the least
populous county) had the least - 15 marriages and eight divorces.
*Related Topics*
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<HTTP://access.wa.gov/siteinfo/resources/submitnews.aspx>
* Current Legislative News <HTTP://access.wa.gov/leg/LegNews.aspx>
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