Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause and respiratory disease is the second leading cause of death in Middlesex-London.
These and other chronic diseases and injuries are linked to many behavioural lifestyle risk factors.
In the most recently available data from a community health survey, a substantial portion of the population reported behaviours that put them at risk for chronic diseases and injuries. For instance, less than 40% of the population of Middlesex-London reported that they consumed enough fruits and vegetables to meet the Canada Food Guide recommendations. Almost half the population reported being inactive during their leisure time. Similarly, over half the adult population reported a body mass index that classified them as overweight or obese. In the same time frame, about one in five of the adult population in Middlesex-London were current smokers and more than a quarter exceeded the low risk drinking guidelines. Over a third of the adult population reported having a sun burn in the year prior to the survey while less than half reported taking protective measures such as applying sun screen. About one fifth of the population found life to be quite or extremely stressful and about a quarter found work to be quite or extremely stressful on most days.
On a more positive note, under 3% of people reported being exposed to second-hand smoke in their home and only 3% reported drinking 2 or more drinks in the hour before they drove. Additionally, over 90% of the population reported having a family physician.
In general, females were more likely to have more protective health behaviours than men, with physical activity being an exception to this rule. The relationship between lifestyle behaviours and age was different depending on the behaviour. For instance, as age increased the proportion that was overweight or obese increased but the proportion who reported they engaged in binge drinking decreased. When comparing to Ontario and the Peer Group, there were very few statistically significant differences indicating that Middlesex-London is similar to its comparators.