In 2009, a study found that 18.5% of Los Angeles residents rated their health as fair or poor, and 22% were uninsured. The biggest health issues in the city were obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Nearly 36% of adults were obese, and these conditions often went hand-in-hand with other issues. For instance, 29.1% had high cholesterol and 24.7% suffered from hypertension. Diabetes affected 8.7% of the population.
Poor vaccination rates were another concern, with only 51.9% of people vaccinated against influenza, potentially putting many at risk. Binge drinking was prevalent among 16.2% of residents, leading to a death rate of 5.4 per 100,000 from alcohol or drug use. Smoking was another issue, with 14.3% of people being regular smokers.
In terms of infant health, 7.4% of births were of low birth weight, and the infant mortality rate was 4.9 per 1,000. Additionally, 13.6% of people were dealing with depression, contributing to a suicide rate of 6.6 per 100,000.
For medical professionals in the city, certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Basic Life Support are essential. Programs like those offered by CPR Select provide necessary training to EMTs, RNs, and others.
Los Angeles is a bustling city with a population of 3,792,621, making it the second-most populous city in the United States. Located in California, it covers 503 square miles. Known as “The City of Angels” or simply “L.A.,” it is a major economic powerhouse. In 2010, its gross metropolitan product was $735.7 billion. The city’s economy thrives on international trade, with the presence of many global companies and six Fortune 500 companies. Key industries include television and entertainment, technology, fashion, and apparel.
Tourism also plays a major role, with attractions like Disneyland, Laguna Beach, Malibu, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, and many more drawing visitors. The Los Angeles Unified School District oversees the city’s public education, and higher education institutions like California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Southern California (USC) contribute significantly to the local economy. USC alone generates about $4 billion annually.