Study: Alabama Ranks Third in Premature Death
A comprehensive report published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association found Alabama ranked third-worst in premature death, or dying between the ages of 20 to 55. West Virginia came in first, followed by Mississippi.
The study looked at life expectancy and other key health measures across the U.S.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation analyzed data from 1990 to 2016. It’s part of a global effort to measure the effects of disease, injury, and risk factors.
One contributor to Alabama’s third-worst ranking on premature death: the combined years of life lost to opioid misuse increased more than 900 percent. Another contributor was the chronic lung disease COPD. Smoking is the top risk factor for both death and disability in Alabama. Others include high body mass index, high blood pressure, and alcohol use.
Though U.S. death rates have declined, the study concludes there are significant health differences among states.
But there was some good news in Alabama: the years of life infants lost to preterm birth complications dropped 35 percent over the study period.
‘Sinners’ gives Michael B. Jordan two roles of a lifetime
In Sinners, Ryan Coogler creates a bold original vision, and Michael B. Jordan is at the top of his game.
Syria hopes tourists will return to Palmyra, a World Heritage Site ravaged by war
Before 2015, Palmyra was considered one of the world's most intact ancient Roman sites. ISIS blew up many key monuments of this storied Silk Road city. Syrians hope restoration can begin now.
Tiny Desk Radio brings you the behind-the-scenes stories of your favorite concerts
We're bringing the best of Tiny Desk to the airwaves, only on public radio.
China’s Xi Jinping arrives in Cambodia to wrap up 3-nation Southeast Asia tour
The visit, Xi's first since 2016, will conclude a three-nation Southeast Asian tour that included stops in Vietnam and Malaysia.
Texas may ban THC products just a few years after legalization started a big business
The Texas Legislature is considering a ban on consumable THC products as some lawmakers say the booming business has caused health problems and allowed sales to minors.
Trump calls for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s ‘termination’ in blistering attack
President Trump lashed out at Powell for not acting sooner to lower interest rates. The president's own tariffs make that more difficult, by putting upward pressure on prices.
