A child from Pittsford’s 14534 ZIP code born today will live up to nine years longer than a child from Rochester’s 14608 ZIP code, according a new report from the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency.
The difference in life expectancy between the suburban and inner-city ZIP codes is nearly 82 years versus just over 72 years. The FLHSA report says higher smoking rates, lack of access to healthier food, unhealthy housing and fewer exercise opportunities are some reasons for the difference. Adult smoking rates are much higher in the City of Rochester than the Monroe County average: 22 percent to 14-and-a-half percent.
The agency’s 2016-to-2018 Health Improvement Plan for the region focuses on many of these same issues, including reducing smoking, unplanned pregnancies and screening for chronic diseases.