Good health improves the quality of individual lives and reduces health care costs. The health status of people depends on good health practices and behaviour, and access to health care services. How are we doing with respect to Health & Wellness? You told us: B

Low birth weight Of the babies born on South Vancouver Island in 2007/08, 4.5% were considered to have a low birth weight, down considerably from 5.7% in 2006/07. In BC and Canada, 5.7% and 6.1% of babies respectively had low birth weight in 2007/08. Grade: B
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Work absence Full-time workers in Greater Victoria were absent from work an average of 11.0 days in 2008, not including maternity leaves. This is considerably higher than the B.C. average of 9.8 days and 10.0 days for Canada overall. Grade: C
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Obesity In 2008, 15.4% of residents on South Vancouver Island 18 years and over reported being obese (having a body mass index greater than 30) up significantly from 11.5% in 2007 and 12.8% in 2005. In Canada overall, 17.2% reported being obese as did 13.5% of British Columbians. Grade: C-
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Happiness In a regional study done in 2008, Greater Victoria residents on average rated their happiness 7.6 out of a total score of 10. This is comparable to the most recent average score for Canada overall at 7.7 and the highest international average score of 8.2 in Denmark. The happiness measure is a combination of self-reported happiness and life satisfaction. Grade: B-
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Addiction beds As of May 2009, there were 78 beds available in Greater Victoria to support people in their recovery from addictions to drugs and alcohol. This compares to 47 beds in May 2008. These beds provide a range of services from overnight safe shelter to stays of up to three months in a safe, home-like and sober environment for people in long-term recovery from addiction. Grade: C
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Smoking In 2008, 15.6% of the population on South Vancouver Island 12 and over reported smoking daily or occasionally, compared to 13.9% in 2007 and 15.9% in 2005. In B.C. 18.6% reported smoking in 2008 as did 21.4% of Canadians. Grade: C
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Waitlist for Residential Care
(% of clients admitted to residential care within 30 days)
Source: Vancouver Island Health Authority

Photo: Artist - Ted Grant