Article : National Vital : Statistics Reports Deaths: Final Data for 2007  by Jiaquan Xu, M.D.; Kenneth D. Kochanek, M.A.; Sherry L. Murphy, B.S.; and Betzaida Tejada-Vera, B.S.; Division of Vital Statistics

Impacts on Longevity

Throughout history, many trends, advancements, and diseases have impacted human longevity. For instance, the Plague, also known as the Black Death, led to a drastic decline in longevity during the latter part of the Middle Ages.

Conversely, Louis Pasteur's discoveries and experiments in the mid-1800s led to the development of the germ theory of disease, which increased longevity.

One of the key concerns for public health professionals is addressing the impacts on longevity and identifying strategies to promote better health equality across genders, social classes, and geographic regions.

In this Discussion, you identify a factor (a trend, advancement, or disease) that has impacted longevity in the United States since 1900.

Then you analyze the disparities of the trend, advancement, or disease among different genders, social classes, and geographic regions.

Also, you provide recommendations for addressing those disparities.

To prepare for this Discussion,

Examine the indicated pages of the articles, "Vital Statistics Rates in the United States 1900-1940" and "Deaths: Final Data for 2007," listed in this week's Learning Resources.

Review Chapter 1 in the course text, focusing on the different factors that have changed public health and longevity over time.

Review this week's media, which addresses the history of various diseases, national health over time, and determinants of health. Consider how socioeconomic status, gender, and geographic factors affect longevity.

Select a trend, advancement, or disease that has, in some way, impacted longevity in the United States since 1900.

A 300-word brief description of the trend, advancement, or disease you selected. Then analyze how it has impacted longevity among different genders, socioeconomic groups, and geographic regions in the United States.

(Include any disparities of the trend, advancement, or disease including variant effects, distribution, or access.) Provide recommendations on how to address the disparities between the different populations you discussed.