You've been hearing for some time that Americans are living longer. Now it's official.  According to the latest government calculations, a child born in 2003 can expect to live 77.6 years on average, up from 77.3 the year before.  In 1990, life expectancy was about two years shorter, at 75.4 years.

 

U.S. life expectancy has risen consistently over the past 100 years due to many factors, including advances in medicine and cleanliness and declines in certain unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.

 

A new government study also reports that deaths resulting from heart disease, cancer, and stroke continue to decline overall, but half of Americans between 55 and 64 have high blood pressure, and two in five are obese.  So, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, while people are living longer, the aging population in general may not be in the best health.

 

DOUG'S STRESS RELIEVER:  There is no time like right now to be happy.  Happiness is a journey, not a destination.  So, work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one's watching.

 

Lear more about your health and what you can do to                LIVE LONGER AND HEALTHIER at:

 

American Heart Association

 

American Cancer Society