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Record-high American life expectancy at birth in 2009, up slightly from 78 years in 2008, according to the latest figures [PDF] from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. death rate also fell to an all-time low of 741 deaths per 100,000 in 2009 — the 10th straight year of decline — with drops in death rates for 10 of the 25 leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's, diabetes, flu and pneumonia. [via CDC]
Maintaining good health during pregnancy is one of the surest ways mothers can protect their developing babies’ well-being. A new study suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D could be one such protective factor.
Since November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received 900 complaints of pet illnesses and deaths from owners and vets stemming from China-made chicken jerky dog treats. See the full story on our companion blog NewsFeed.
Tuberculosis has been brought under control in much of the world, thanks to prevention practices and powerful antibiotics. But in poor nations like Peru, the disease still kills hundreds of babies and children — and new drug-resistant cases threaten an even bigger resurgence.
