Smoking, overeating, gambling a deadly equation for residents

Mon, Apr 11, 2005 (9:24 a.m.)

ATLANTIC CITY -- Some of the attractions of this gambling mecca could be killing local residents at a higher rate than in the rest of the state.

Health experts say the high-pressure, pleasure-seeking lifestyle and ubiquitous all-you-can-eat buffets have contributed to Atlantic County having the highest death rate in New Jersey.

According to statistics released by the state health department's Center for Health Statistics, Atlantic County had 1,010 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2002, or 200 more than the state average. Gloucester County was second with 974 deaths and Cumberland County was third with 955.

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