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About this episode

A precedent has been set, and it’s for the U-S life expectancy rate. For the first time ever, the government reported that the average expected lifespan for Americans is more than 78 years. The report that was released Wednesday said the increased life rate is directly linked to a decrease in the mortality rate for 9 out of the 15 leading causes of death. Plus the United States experienced a mild flu season this year, resulting in a diminished threat to people with serious conditions. The study was determined by the National Center for Health Statistics and took into account about 95-percent of the 2-point-4-million U-S death certificates for 2006. Generally, white women have the longest expected lifespan, followed by black women, white men and then black men. Statisticians are hoping to add Hispanic data into the mix next year. However, even with this recent life expectancy increase in the United States, the World Health Organization says that Americans still trail behind about 30 other countries. Some list toppers include Switzerland and Australia as well as Japan at number-one..........

• Release Date

  Jun 12, 2008

• Runtime

  03:59