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Researching Health ...

Sewage Overflows Caused By Sandy
Superstorm Sandy caused 11 billion gallons of partially or untreated sewage - the equivalent of Central Park stacked 41 feet high - to leak into rivers, lakes, and waterways, according to this report by Climate Central. New York City reported six sewage spills larger than 100,000,000 gallons, and 28 larger than 1 million gallons. New York authorities estimate it will cost nearly $2 billion to repair flood damaged sewage treatment facilities. Sewage overflow is common in the city, although not on this scale, and climate change will only make things worse, the group warns: "Climate change is making sewage treatment plants more vulnerable to major failures and overflows due to rising seas, more intense coastal storms, and increasingly heavy precipitation events." (April 30, 2013)

Childhood lead poisoning drops
Childhood lead poisoning cases dropped 17 percent in 2011, achieving a new low in New York City, according to this Health Department report. The number of lead poisoning cases in young children has declined 56 percent since 2005. (October 5, 2012)

Heath care savings from drop in obesity rates
If New York were to reduce its body mass index by 5 percent by 2030, it could save $40 billion in health care costs, according to this report by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. But if the state continues on its current trajectory, it could have an adult obesity rate of 51 percent by that time. (September 19, 2012)

Cost of Public-Sector Retiree Health Benefits
This report by the Empire Center estimates that New York’s state and local governments combined unfunded liability for public-sector retiree health insurance comes to nearly $250 billion. (September 18, 2012)

Pedestrian and cyclist deaths
Crash data analyzed by Transportation Alternatives revealed that most city pedestrians and cyclists killed during a 14-year span died because drivers broke an enforceable traffic law. (August 15, 2012)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Health, prevention, disease information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York State Department of Health
More health data for New Yorkers including information on how to sign up for Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus-- the insurance programs for those who are presently not covered by other plans
HabitSmart
"Warm Turkey," for those who aren't sure they want to quit, but want to cut down. Also, info on coping with other addictions in non-traditional, but research-supported ways.
New York City Health Insurance Link
This web site created by the city government is designed to help individual New Yorkers and businesses find appropriate health insurance. It allows users to compare the benefits and costs of plans available from every New York City insurance carrier and Healthy NY as well as plans offered by city purchasing alliances and associations. The site also contains news on health iunsurance and basic information on the basics of health coverage.
American Cancer Society
Half of all Americans will face cancer at some point in their lives-- and the New York and Washington-based American Cancer Society web site provides a wealth of information for those dealing with the disease. Includes links to other major cancer sites and resources