MORE ON: health disparities

Although they live near the trappings of a fit and healthy lifestyle, close to lush golf courses and luxury day spas, Coachella Valley residents are sicker and in poorer health than other Californians, according to a new analysis of multiple health studies. In a comparison of... + read more

Of the more than 57,000 Tongans in the United States, 40 percent – nearly 23,000 – live in California. But you won't find them identified in California data: The state does not require agencies to count them. Under a bill awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown's approval, Tongans would... + read more

California's adult smoking rate hit a record low last year, 11.9 percent, state health officials announced this week. While smoking prevalence has fallen across the board, the number masks big disparities among demographic groups. The state's analysis [PDF] shows smoking... + read more

The rates of hospitalizations and deaths due to heart attacks are decreasing in California, but a state analysis released yesterday reveals troubling trends: Heart attacks are sending more racial and ethnic minorities to the hospital, and they're killing patients at a younger age. Overall... + read more

A Newport Beach resident can expect to live 88.1 years. Less than 40 miles north in Watts, life expectancy drops to 72.8 years – the lowest in California. Other divisions are also striking: Median income falls by nearly $33,000 between the two cities, and educational attainment plummets... + read more

Men who live in San Luis Obispo are the most likely nationwide to have their prostates removed, according to a study looking at regional surgery rates. And Medicare patients in San Jose are among the least likely in the nation to get a certain type of artery cleaning meant to prevent strokes.... + read more