Jefferson County residents smoke less, exercise more and live longer than other adults in Washington state, a year-long survey of county residents shows.

Preliminary results of a survey of 600 residents conducted last year show the county faring well in terms of a number of key health indicators from frequency of routine physical exams to a lower level of binge drinking.

The positive results were partially offset by findings that those in lower income groups — including family households in Jefferson County and those in the 18 to 34 age group — had less access to health care and were more likely to smoke and drink heavily.

The $25,000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey was commissioned by Jefferson County and the city of Port Townsend in an effort to get hard data to help shape plans and policies for health care.

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The rest of this story appears in today’s Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.