MEN in Tendring are some of the most likely to die early in the east of England, according to a health inequality study.

Analysis from the BBC’s Shared Data Unit, having studied figures from the Office for National Statistics between 2014-16, shows a correlation between deprivation and the rate of premature deaths.

The avoidable death rate per 100,000 men in Tendring was 317 (764 deaths), putting the local authority in the top 20 per cent for this gender across England.

Meanwhile the district’s deprivation ranking was 58 - the third lowest after Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

The lower the ranking, the more deprived the local authority area.

Tendring Council’s health and education boss, Lynda McWilliams, said: “Recognising the health profile of Tendring, we established our own Health and Wellbeing Board to bring in partner organisations to work together to set priorities and tackle health issues.

“Actions speak louder than words though, so we’ve also been involved in a number of projects which directly try to improve health outcomes for residents.”

Avoidable deaths affect people under 75 from causes considered to be avoidable in the presence of “timely and effective healthcare” or “public health interventions”.

These health conditions include heart disease, some cancers, respiratory diseases and type 2 diabetes - where lifestyle and environment may have contributed - but also various infections and drug use disorders.

Cllr McWilliams added: “Working together with our partners, including the voluntary sector which has stepped up to the plate with groups such as Lads Need Dads, I'm confident we're pulling in the right direction to improve the quality of life for our residents.

“However, there's no quick fix when it comes to health, and this work will take time to have an impact and change cultures which promote bad health into good ones.”

Across England, the rate of avoidable deaths was considerably higher for men (271.7) than women (168.2).

For women in Colchester, this was 146.9 and within the lowest 20 per cent alongside Maldon at 158.8.

Addressing health inequalities is the job of the NHS and the public health authority being Essex County Council.

Councillor John Spence, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said it was “essential we work relentlessly to close the gaps in life expectancy across Essex”.

He said: “We’re working closely with partners including Tendring Council, to coordinate a range of public health programmes across the district, including smoking cessation, weight management support, physical activity promotion and support for substance misuse.”

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