Westchester First in Healthy Behaviors Statewide

From Westchester Department of Health: Westchester again ranked among the state’s top performers for health outcomes and health factors, including a 1st place ranking for healthy behaviors, according to the County Health Rankings released this week by the eighth annual national County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program.

“We always talk about the great quality of life we enjoy in Westchester,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “It’s gratifying to know that our residents are taking the steps to enhance and extend their lives, which is a testament to the messaging coming out of our Department of Health.”

The Westchester County Department of Health, headed by Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler, is committed to disseminating advice and strategies for healthy living.

“Westchester County continues to rank near the top of the state in health factors and outcomes, which is very positive news,” said Amler. “The results underscore the ability of our health care providers to supply our residents with the medical, educational and outreach resources they need to maintain and improve the quality of their lives.”

The county ranked 4th for health outcomes, which is based on health behaviors and clinical care, and 4th for health factors, which measure the ways our social and economic factors and environment affect our future health. Westchester was in the top five last year, too.

“This report also demonstrates that many of our residents are eating healthier, exercising more and avoiding tobacco,” Amler said. “Residents who need support to make these healthy lifestyle changes can reach out to the health department for encouragement and help.”

The rankings were developed by The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report shows how counties compare within the state in terms of how healthy people feel, how long they live and how their health is affected by factors such as tobacco use, obesity and access to healthcare.

The report demonstrated that Westchester residents have better than average access to primary care physicians, dentists and mental health providers, lower unemployment, fewer children living in poverty and a better educated population than the state as a whole. Westchester also had a lower rate of adult smokers, adult obesity and physically inactive residents than the state.

For more information, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health. You can also follow us on Twitter @wchealthdept or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/wchealthdept.

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