Expectency...

While life expectancy in the United States has grown overall in the last few decades, not all Americans are benefitting equally. New research finds significant disparities, with people in certain parts of the country living more than 20 years longer than those in less fortunate communities.

The reasons for the geographic disparities are complex, but the authors say a number of issues are at play. Risk factors including obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes explained 74 percent of the variation in longevity, the researchers found. Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, income, education, unemployment, and race, as well as access to quality health care also played a role.  Choose wisely.