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2002 Report from The C D C - Web MD Medical News 9/02

Sept. 17, 2002 -- If life expectancy and infant mortality are reliable measures of a nation's health, then the U.S. is in the pink. But a new government report indicates Americans' fat tendencies tarnish that clean bill of health.

The CDC reports in Health, United States, 2002 that Americans' health has improved over the years, with life expectancy at a record high and infant mortality at a record low. As of 2000, men could expect to live an average of 74 years, women an average of 80 years. In1900, life expectancy was just 48 years for men, 51 for women. As for infant mortality -- deaths before the first birthday -- the rate has declined 75% since 1950, to 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Health officials attribute the life expectancy improvement over the last 50 years to decreases in deaths from heart disease, stroke, and injuries. CDC director Julie L. Gerberding, MD, says in a news release that "effective public health efforts, greater knowledge ... about healthier lifestyles, and improved healthcare" also played a big role.

The report also indicates that life expectancy improvements might be threatened by the current trend toward excess weight in both adults and children. Three out of five American adults aged 20-74 are overweight and one in four is obese. The prevalence of adult obesity has increased substantially since 1988, and numerous studies have shown it to be a risk factor for such killer diseases as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Some of the report's key points:

In 2000, 25% of men and 21% of women smoked -- only slightly lower than in 1990. In contrast, more than 40% of all adults smoked in 1965.
Men and women who reach age 65 can expect to live to an average 81 years.
While infant mortality rates improved overall, the rate among black babies is more than twice the national average.
Death rates for children and young adults aged 1-24 have dropped 50% since 1950, thanks to a major reduction in injuries. Murder and suicide continue to be the second and third leading causes of death in this age group.
Death rates for adults 24-44 have decreased by 40% since 1950, largely due to a decline in deaths from heart disease and tuberculosis.
Death rates for adults 45-64 have declined by 50% since 1950, due to a reduction in heart disease and stroke deaths. Cancers are the leading cause of death in this age group, causing about one-third of deaths.
In 2000, 39% of adults said they didn't get any exercise.
The number of people under 65 who don't have private health insurance was about 17% in 2000. This number has remained nearly steady since 1994.

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