Health survey shows 'stark' inequality between parts of Harrow (From Harrow Times)

Health survey shows 'stark' inequality between parts of Harrow

1:15pm Monday 8th February 2010 in

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MASSIVE differences in life expectancy and deprivation across Harrow have been identified by a health assessment of the borough.

Women living in Pinner South are expected to live more than ten years longer than women in Wealdstone, and men in West Harrow have a life expectancy five-and-a-half years greater than those from Greenhill ward, the analysis has shown.

The figures, from the Annual Public Health Report 2009/10, show pockets of Wealdstone, South Harrow and Queensbury are among some of the most deprived areas in the country.

Parts of Harrow-on-the-Hill and Pinner have very low levels of deprivation.

The report, put together by Andrew Howe, director of public health at NHS Harrow, says there are “stark health and social inequalities”, and labels Harrow as a “borough of contrasts”.

He said there was a clear correlation between high levels of deprivation and high levels of crime.

The report also showed more than 30 per cent of children in the final year of primary school are either overweight or obese.

Mr Howe said this was a “major concern" as overweight and obese children have a tendency to grow up to become obese adults.

The report also showed more than 20 per cent of adults living around Wealdstone and South Harrow are obese, and showed residents in those deprived areas are least likely to get exercise three time a week or eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

The report shows Harrow has drug and alcohol misuse levels that are significantly lower than the London and UK averages, but has had a gradual rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions.

The report will be discussed at a Harrow Partnership Board meeting on Tuesday, February 16, at Harrow Civic Centre, starting at 6pm.

What do you think? How healthy is Harrow? Leave your comments below.