Health & Wellness

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London enjoys a prominent reputation for excellence in health care, home to several teaching hospitals. However, the overall health of our residents suggests a growing level of health concerns related to inactivity and the effects of poverty on health. Many of our children are vulnerable and require intervention from social service agencies. Finally, other areas of concern such as mental health and an aging population are important health topics to residents of our City.
Recruit more family doctors

Improve mental health and addictions services programs

Develop more obesity reduction initiatives

Key Report Findings (click to expand)

  • Obesity Rates
    • In 2007, the obesity rate for the population aged 18 and over in London was 15.3%, 4.4% lower than the national average (16.0%) and 5.0% lower than the provincial average (16.1%). The rate was down 7.8% from 2005.
    • Table III-3: Obesity* Rates for Vital Signs by CMA and Health Regions, 2003, 2005 and 2007
      Appendix Table III-3: Obesity Rates (18 or older) for Vital Signs CMAs, 2005
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  • Physical Activity
    • In 2007, 50.3% of the population aged 12 and over in London reported being physically active or moderately active. This represented a decrease of 2.7 percentage points from 2005. The 2007 level was 1.5 percentage points higher than the provincial level (48.8%) and 1.3 percentage points higher than the national level (49.0%).
    • Leisure-Time Physically Active or Moderately Active for London Health Region, Ontario and Canada, Per cent, 2003, 2005 and 2007
    		•
      2003
      2005
      2007
      Canada
      50.4
      51.0
      49.0
      Ontario
      50.0
      51.3
      48.8
      London Health Region:
      Middlesex-London Health Unit
      54.6
      53.0
      50.3

    • Source: Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 2.1) 2003, Cansim Table 105-0292 for Canada, Provinces, CMAs and Health Regions, terminated table.  For 2005 and 2007, Canadian Community Health Survey, Indicator Profile, for Canada, Provinces and Health Regions, Cansim Table 105-0502.

      Related Articles:
      Table III-6: Leisure-Time Physically Active or Moderately Active for Vital Signs by CMA and Health Regions, Per cent, 2003, 2005 and 2007

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  • Children’s Aid
    • For the year 2007 – 2008
      The Children’s Aid Society:
      • • received 8,435 inquiries and referrals in 2007-2008
      • • completed 2,950 investigations of child abuse and neglect
      • • opened 668 new protection cases and closed 594 protection cases
      • • provided investigation and protection services to 1,600 families in the community
      • • admitted 355 children into substitute care and discharged 358 children
      • • finalized 37 adoptions
      • • it had 869 children and youth in its care on March 31, 2008
         
    • Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex (CAS) - 2007 and 2008 Statistics
    • Total calls and referrals*
      8,435
      Total number of investigations of child abuse and neglect
      2,950
      Total Number of families CAS provided investigation and protection services for in the community as on April 1, 2008.
      1,600
      On March 31, 2008 total number of children and youth in case
      869
      Number of new protection cases
      668
      Number of closed protection cases
      594
      Number of children admitted into substitute care
      355
      Number of children discharged from care
      358
      Number of adoptions finalized
      37
    • Source: Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex, courtesy of Diane Cresswell, Director of Communications and Information Management.
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  • Smoking Rates
    • 19.6% of the population aged 12 and older have been identified as current smokers in 2007, London has experienced a 10.1% increase from 17.8% in 2005. The rate in 2007 was 10.5% below the national rate (21.9%) and 4.9% below the provincial rate (20.6%).
    • Smoking Rates for Current Smokers for London Health Region, Ontario and Canada, 2003, 2005 and 2007
    		•
      2003
      2005
      2007
      Canada
      22.9
      21.7
      21.9
      Ontario
      22.1
      20.7
      20.6
      London Health Region: Middlesex-London Health Unit
      19.8
      17.8
      19.6
    • Source: Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey.
      Note: Population aged 12 and over who reported being a current smoker (daily or occasional). Daily smokers refer to those who reported smoking cigarettes every day. Occasional smokers refer to those who reported smoking cigarettes occasionally. This includes former daily smokers who now smoke occasionally.

      Related Articles:

      Table III-5: Smoking Rates for Current Smokers for Vital Signs by CMA and HeBlth Regions, 2003, 2005 and 2007
       Appendix Table III-5: Smoking Rates for Vital Signs CMAs, 2003
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  • Mental Health
    • In 2007, 73.0% of respondents in London rated their mental health status as “excellent” or “very good.” This represented a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 2005. By comparison, the proportion of respondents rating their own mental health as “excellent” or “very good” in 2007 was 72.6% in Ontario and 72.7% Canada-wide.
    • Self-rated Mental Health for the Proportion of the Population 12 years and over for London Health Region, Ontario and Canada, 2003, 2005 and 2007, %
    		•
      2003
      2005
      2007
      Percentage-point change, 2003-2007
      Canada
      71.6
      72.9
      72.7
      1.1
      Ontario
      70.7
      72.8
      72.6
      1.9
      London Health Region: Middlesex-London Health Unit
      71.8
      73.9
      73.0
      1.2
    • Source: Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), Indicator Profile, for Canada, Provinces and Health Regions.

      Related Articles:

      Table III-7: Self-rated Mental Health for Vital Signs for the Proportion of the Population 12 years and over by CMA and Health Regions, 2003, 2005 and 2007, Per Cent
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LOCAL LINKS

Physical Activity

Physical Activty: Spectrum Interactive
https://www.london.ca/EConnect603/Main/(bozrsoumrepymfytmyj3vhip)/Default.aspx?ProxyURL=Start/Start.asp

Sports, London
http://relocatecanada.com/london/sport.html

London's Parks and Trails
http://www.londonmommy.com/parksandtrails.htm

Interactive Physical Activity: Healthy Living London
http://www.healthylivinginfo.ca/physical_interactive.php?9

Fitness, Recreational and Social Programs for Seniors
http://www.info.london.on.ca/list.asp?pathid=806

Health Services

London Middlesex Health Unit
http://www.healthunit.com/default.aspx

Health Services for Southwestern Ontario
http://www.thehealthline.ca/

Community Services: London
http://relocatecanada.com/london/healthcare.html

London Health Sciences Centre
http://www.lhsc.on.ca/
 
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/

 

If you have relevant data that helps us understand the issues that shape our community, please contact us to have it linked to this page.

 

London Community Foundation || 130 King Street, London, Ontario || 519 667-1600