Americans live longer but fatter
By HME News Staff
Updated Mon September 30, 2002
WASHINGTON - Although life expectancy is up and infant mortality is down, a majority of Americans are overweight, physically lazy and pay more for health care than any other nation, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control.
"In 2000, Americans enjoyed the longest life expectancy in U.S. history - almost 77 years, based on preliminary figures," the report said. "The life expectancy of men was 74 and for women almost 80. A century earlier, life expectancy was 48 for men and 51 for women. "
"The infant mortality rate - deaths before the first birthday - has plummeted 75% since 1950. It dropped to a record low of 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000."
The 430-page report - Health, United States, 2002 - is the 26th annual statistical report on the nation's health prepared by the CDC. HME
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