Make America Healthy Again
America is experiencing the beginning of a catastrophe. For the first time ever, life expectancy is declining (Graphic from Axios based upon government data.) It is not for lack of medical advances but is rooted in the social determinants of despair and disease and the linked epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
After more than 150 years of a rapid and steady rise of life expectancy, longevity in the United States has declined for three consecutive years which for most of us is certainly unexpected; it is the first of four interrelated surprises.
For thousands of years life expectancy was about 35 years, an average of infant deaths, childhood infectious deaths, trauma deaths and maternal childbirth deaths, all balanced by those fortunate enough to live longer.
Shortly after the Civil War, longevity began to climb and by the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was rising rapidly. Safe water, sanitary sewers, pasteurization of milk, obstetrical care of mother and infant all combined to lift the average age of death. Vaccinations soon prevented many childhood deaths; aseptic technique in the operating room eliminated most surgical and traumatic wound infections. Beginning in the…
