"Health, United States, 1998," issued today by HHS Secretary Donna E.
Shalala, reports record-high life expectancy, with a narrowing life
expectancy gap between whites and blacks. It also shows record-low infant
mortality; as well as declining death rates for a number of the leading
causes of death, including heart disease, cancer and firearm-related
mortality.

At the same time, the report includes a special study of socioeconomic
disparities in health.  For almost all health indicators considered, each
increase in either income or education increased the likelihood of being in
good health. Persons with lower income or education also had a higher
prevalence of health risk factors, such as sedentary life style and
cigarette smoking, were less likely to have health insurance coverage or
receive preventive care, and were more likely to report unmet health care
needs.

REPORT CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM...

http://www.cdc.gov/nchswww/releases/98news/98news/huspr98.htm
Visit our Web Site!

http://www.utoronto.ca/qol

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   Canalising a river
   Grafting a fruit tree
   Educating a person
   Transforming a state
   These are instances of fruitful criticism
   And at the same time instances of art.
       -Bertolt Brecht
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Dennis Raphael, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate Director,
Masters of Health Science Program in Health Promotion
Department of Public Health Sciences
Graduate Department of Community Health
University of Toronto
McMurrich Building, Room 101
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M5S 1A8
voice:    (416) 978-7567
fax: (416) 978-2087
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