total population of New York City

Population Growth in New York City

According to the United States Census Bureau (n.d.), New York City’s total population in 2010 was approximately 8, 175,133. The population was expected to be 8,550, 405 in 2015, a growth of 375,271 individuals. In terms of gender, the total male population in 2010 was 3,882,544; in 2015, the population averaged 4,081,698. In 2010, there were 4,292,589 females. The population increased to 4,468,707 in 2015. According to NYC (2010), this is the largest population gain seen in New York in a long time. The reason for the growing population is the low death rate and high life expectancy. New York population is further categorized into age groups. Both 2010 and 2015 decennial census shows that citizens who had 85-84 years formed the lowest population. Age group 20-25 years formed New York’s highest population followed by 30-34 years.

Hypertension and Cancer in New York City

According to Trust for America’s Health (2017), hypertension and cancer are epidemic in New York City. Hypertension prevalence has increased by 11% while cancer has almost doubled over the past 10 years. In 2015, 29 percent of NYC citizens (1.8 million adults) were found to be having hypertension. Hypertension can be described as a transforming factor for stroke and heart disease (Trust for America’s Health, 2015). Regarding age, approximately 11% of adults aged 18-44 years and 64% aged 65 years and above were reported to be suffering from hypertension. The condition is most prevalent among people of color compared to white adults. In 2013, total deaths resulting from hypertension were 44,039 while the death rate was 184.8. Cancer is also one of the leading causes of death among the elderly in New York. By 2015, the total deaths caused by the condition were 35,738 and the death rate was 155.8. State ranking according to cancer death was 38 (AHR, 2015).

Health Disparities in New York City

Health disparities are the variances in the presence of illness, health results, and access to healthcare facilities due poverty, racial discrimination, social network, and education level (NYC Health, 2010). According to various studies, more adults whose income is low are likely to report cases of cancer and hypertension compared to the population with more income. With more income, one can access healthy and fresh foods and quality health facilities hence controlling the conditions. Moreover, one will afford to live in rich neighborhoods where he/she can access playgrounds or recreational facilities for exercises. Racial/ethnic factors largely contribute to health disparities. Illness and death rate among adult people in New York is unevenly distributed by income and race/ethnicity. White citizens of New York are likely to live longer than people of color in the same country. Moreover, the lifespan of those people residing in poor neighborhoods is short. Most quality and well-equipped health centers are found in rich neighborhoods making it easier for the rich to access them. With fewer and low-quality facilities, the poor are unable to access quality services leading to death. The people of color who can afford to pay for health services may not seek or receive quality services due to racial discrimination. Education level is another factor that promotes health disparities. People with less education are more likely to be diagnosed with various diseases. This is because they lack sufficient knowledge on how to prevent or control these conditions and when to seek help. Therefore, related authorities should overcome ethnicity, poverty, and education disparities to develop a successful health promotion program.

References

AHR. (2015). Explore Health Measures in New York | 2015 Annual Report | AHR. Retrieved from http://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/2015-annual-report/state/NY

NYC Health. (2010). Health Disparities in New York City. PsycEXTRA Dataset, (1), 1-8.

Trust for America’s Health. (2017). New York Public Health Data - Trust for America’s Health. Retrieved from http://healthyamericans.org/states/?stateid=NY#section=1,year=2017,code=drugOverdoseDeaths

United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). New York city New York QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/HEA775215/3651000