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U.S. Life Expectancy Hits Record High
Dec. 9, 2005 -- U.S. life expectancy has reached an all-time high, according to the CDC.
A baby born in 2003 has a life expectancy of 77.6 years, the CDC estimates. That's up from a life expectancy of 75.4 years for babies born in 1990.
The numbers appear in a new CDC report on American health.
The report also shows the continuation of two other positive trends:
- Fewer deaths from leading killers including heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
- Smoking is still declining (but not as quickly as in the past).
Still, the CDC sees room for improvement, especially when it comes to weight, high blood pressure, and other potential health hazards.
Living Longer
Newborn babies aren't the only ones with greater life expectancy. Today's adults are also living longer than previous generations.
"In 2003, American men could expect to live three years longer, and women more than one year longer, than they did in 1990," the CDC states.
The ranks of American elders are growing. As the "baby boom" generation ages, people age 55-64 will be the nation's fastest-growing age group for the next decade, the CDC predicts.
Fewer Deaths From Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke
Here's a look at the drop in 2003 deaths from leading killers:
- Heart disease deaths: down nearly 4%.
- Cancer deaths: down more than 2%.
- Stroke deaths: down almost 5%.
- Deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases: down nearly 5% from its peak in 1999.
- Deaths from unintentional injuries: down more than 2%.
Infant mortality in 2003 was 6.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. That's similar to the rate for 2002, which had increased for the first time in more than 40 years.
More Work Ahead
Despite those gains, America's report card for health isn't completely upbeat.
"Half of Americans aged 55-64 years have high blood pressure -- a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke -- and two in five are obese," states a CDC news release.
The take-home message: Make your health a priority, no matter how old you are.
"It's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle to enjoy a longer, healthier life," says CDC director Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, in the news release.
Healthy Aging Guide
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
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