Baltimore, Maryland Health and City Information

Baltimore, usually referred to as "Baltimore City," to distinguish it from Baltimore County, is located in Central Maryland along the Patapsco River on the Chesapeake Bay. This densely populated city is faced with several health concerns. Obesity rates in Baltimore are high leaving the city rated the "8th Fattest City" in the nation. The adult obesity rate is 28%, with 24% of the population admitting that they receive no physical activity at all. Baltimore has a moderate prevalence of diabetes, with 9.6% of residents considered diabetic and indicating a 4.3% increase since 2005. The city also has a high rate of poverty, with 25.6% of the population living below the poverty line, 28% of whom are under 18.

Given the high rate of obesity, diabetes and poverty, it is highly suggested that medical professionals in Baltimore receive certification for CPR, First Aid and BLS (Basic Life Support). These are critical qualifications for EMTs, RNs and other medical personnel in order to serve this densely populated community with a high risk of health problems. With "CPR Select's" flexible, quality online training programs Baltimore medical professionals can certify or recertify with ease.

Johns Hopkins Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the world and is the top hospital in the United States. Employing more than 30 thousand people, including over 1,700 physicians, this 560-bed facility is a non-profit, world-renowned teaching hospital that specializes in cardiology, neuroscience, pediatrics, psychiatry, ENT, gynecology, rheumatology and geriatrics. Johns Hopkins also has an adult and pediatric Emergency Room. Other notable Baltimore hospitals include University of Maryland Medical Center and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

Baltimore, comprised of 9 geographic regions, is commonly called "Charm City" and the city's motto is "Get In On It." Baltimore is the 24th largest metro area in the United States and the largest in Maryland. With a metropolitan population of over 2.7 million people in 92,052 square miles, Baltimore is also the most-populated metro area in Maryland and the 20th most populous in the nation. The climate is humid subtropical with four distinct seasons consisting of hot summers, cool winters with approximately 20" of snow, and mild temperatures during spring and fall. The area has a high prevalence of thunderstorms, sleet and hail.

Incorporated in 1797, Baltimore was the site of The Battle of Baltimore in 1814 during the War of 1812. During the battle, forces from Fort McHenry defended Baltimore against British troops. Francis Scott Key wrote the "Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem, about what he witnessed during this battle. The population of Baltimore grew rapidly during the Civil War where Baltimore was part of the Union. In 1904, the Great Baltimore Fire destroyed 1500 buildings in 70 blocks, leaving the city devastated and needing to be rebuild.

The economy of Baltimore is largely comprised of healthcare, life sciences, international finance and banking, entertainment, maritime commerce, defense and biotech. Baltimore is also a major seaport and has a major sugar refinery. Tourism, especially in the Inner Harbor area, is also of vital importance to Baltimore's economy and the city was voted the "4th Best City for Young Professionals."

With over 21 million visitors bringing in over $4 billion annually, Baltimore is a major travel destination. Inner Harbor is known for its "quirky" neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, cultural attractions, seaports and incredible architecture. Once just a series of abandoned warehouses, Inner Harbor is now a major tourist destination. Downtown Baltimore is known for its shopping and entertainment, with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Center Stage, Lyric Opera Baltimore and Everyman Theatre. Baltimore is also home to the oldest screwpile lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay, Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, and the most-visited attraction is the National Aquarium.