Life span in U.S. lower than other developed nations

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) When it comes to life span, turns out Americans aren't living as long as people in several other countries, including those with less wealth and development.

While life expectancy has increased nearly 10 years on average throughout the last 20 years, many counties in the U.S. lag behind on par with countries receiving federal assistance like Bangledash. It's especially true here in the south.

According to the CIA's World Factbook, the U.S. places 51st on a list of life span's across the world sandwiched between Guam and Bahrain.

There are still many debating why Americans aren't leading the stats, but several say it's lifestyle and Dr. Tom Kim from the Free Medical Clinic of America in Knoxville agrees.

"They have to break the bad habits. Instead of drinking beer, wines and smoking, that money buys some more fruit and vegetables. Otherwise we cannot do that," said Kim.

Kim has three steps to good health: stop smoking, eat less and walk more.

He says we can all live healthy lives at healthy weights if we cut what we're eating in half and ditch the car to walk when it's an option.

A few years ago, the surgeon general suggested everyone take 10,000 steps a day for good health. It should be enough for the average person to walk five miles, burning about 3,000 calories a week. That's enough to burn one pound of fat.

Kim says fighting obesity can solve the nation's high rates of diabetes and hyper-tension, two diseases that plague millions and lead to more and more deaths each year.

Join the Conversation!

To comment, the following rules must be followed:

  • No Obscenity, Profanity, Vulgarity, Racism or Violent Descriptions
  • No Negative Community Comparisons
  • No Fighting, Name-calling, or Personal Attacks
  • Multiple Accounts are Not Allowed
  • Stay on Story Topic

Flagging does not guarantee removal.

Multiple violations may result in account suspension.
Decisions to suspend or unsuspend accounts are made by Station Moderators.
Links require admin approval before posting.
Questions may be sent to Please provide detailed information.

powered by Disqus

