..::Aboriginal Life Expectancy 12 years::..
.:less than average Canadian:.

WHY?

* High rates of death due to accident or violence (80% for those under age 24)
* High rates of teen suicide
* Pneumonia and influenza kill 2x as many aboriginals
* TB occurs at 5x the rate of the general population



* Neonatal/Infant mortality rate is almost 2.5x higher than average BC�er
Common causes are pneumonia (10% higher) and SIDS (5% higher)
* FAS/E rates high
* Newborns have 50% higher birth weight
* Death from HIV/AIDS is 2x as common
* Teen pregnancy common
* Mental health issues are common



* Many of these health issues are emotionally based:
childhood trauma such as foster care, residential schools, abuse, and violence
* Manifestations include high rate of addictions
* High rates of smoking: 50% current smokers
* Other self-reported �lifestyle� health risk factors:
o 73% say drinking is a problem
o 60% say drug abuse is a problem
o 37% report family violence
o 35% report sexual abuse as a problem
o Diabetes 2x as common



Information gathered from Aboriginal Health Association of BC. (n.d.). Aboriginal Health Handbook.
Available online from: http://www.ahabc.bc.ca/health.html