Report: Violence, obesity, asthma are on rise across the state

A new report looking at health trends in Massachusetts is warning that girls and young children are increasingly involved in violent behavior, and deaths from domestic violence have tripled since 2005.

The Massachusetts Health Council report also finds that asthma rates, lack of access to dental care and obesity also are on the rise. And hepatitis C rates among younger people has increased.

Susan Servais, executive director of the council, said the state must take more steps to stem domestic violence, including more school violence prevention program and public education programs about domestic and dating violence.

On the positive side, the report found the number of smokers continues to fall and more people are being insured under the states' landmark health care law. (AP)

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