Health Status
In 2009, more than four out of five Monterey County females (86%) felt their overall health status overall health status was “good”, “very good” or “excellent”. Among low- and moderate-income women, this figure dropped slightly, to 78%. (Source: California Health Interview Survey, 2009)
However, based on body mass index calculations, nearly two-thirds of women local women are clinically overweight or obese. That figure jumps to 74.1% among local Latinas. (Source: California Health Interview Survey, 2009) However, obesity is as much a socio-economic problem as an individual one. Healthy foods are still expensive. Low-income families still struggle to have good nutrition, and the lack of parks, walking trails and other neighborhood-based recreational facilities, coupled with safety concerns in many areas, discourages residents from activities that can combat unhealthy weight.
The news is even more promising when it comes to cancer-related deaths: The CANCER mortality rate for Monterey County females is the 4th lowest rate in the state, at 118 cases per 100,000 (13.2% lower than for females statewide, which was 137 per 100,000). (Source: California Cancer Inquiry System, 2011)
Improvement has been recorded in some health indicators. Local women are experiencing cancer at a lower rate. Cancer incidence rates in this county decreased between 2004 and 2008 by 9.4% for women. Of all of California’s 58 counties, Monterey County has the 6th lowest rate of any type of cancer among women and girls. (Source: California Cancer Inquiry System, 2011)
Source: California Health Interview Survey, 2009
Confirmed in Compliance with National