The following chart represents the principal HSA (Health Service Area) that dominates and the national leading causes of death for that area as of 1997. The causes of death are age adjusted and shown by cases per 100,000. The chart on the left shows the actual cases, whereas, the chart on right compares that information to national trends. To interpret the comparative chart, if a bar falls below average (the centerline) then the number of cases for that statistic is below normal as compared to the nation. Conversely, a bar to the right of the line indicates rates above average as compared to the country. Source: CDC - Center for Disease Control - Health Stats 1997.