Our Communities' Health

Based on studies, population health profiles and health service utilization data, residents living in the Central West LHIN appear to be doing their part to stay healthy by practicing behaviours that support a healthy lifestyle.

The self-reported levels of daily smoking, heavy drinking, life stress, and consumption of fruits and vegetables are similar to the Ontario averages. 53% of people living in the Central West LHIN rate their overall health as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’, which is close to the provincial average of 60%.

Our LHIN has the highest birth rate in Ontario, welcoming over 10,000 new lives into the region each year. This represents 8.15% of all births in Ontario.

Relative to the province, the Central West LHIN has a lower prevalence of arthritis, heart disease and hypertension, however provincial comparisons also indicate that a higher proportion of the population is physically inactive. Based on body mass index, 35.6% of the adult population is considered overweight and 12.9% are obese.

This health profile was instrumental in the development of our three-year Integrated Health Service Plan (IHSP) and subsequent Health System Plan (HSP).