Background data galore!

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Release: Health, United States, 2014 05/08/2015 The National Center for Health Statistics announces the release of Health, United States, 2014. Health, United States is the annual report on the health status of the nation, compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics and submitted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the President and Congress. Each year, Health, United States examines an important health topic and this year's special feature explores the health of the 55–64 age group. This group was born during the height of the Baby Boom and will become Medicare eligible over the next 10 years. The feature compares their health to those who were 55-64 years old a decade ago. Adults aged 55-64 are entering a period of life increasingly influenced by chronic conditions, which are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Among the highlights:  Current 55-64 year olds are more racially diverse than a decade earlier with non-Hispanic white persons comprising almost 75%, non-Hispanic black persons about 11% and Hispanic persons almost 10%.  In 2009-2012 the prevalence of diabetes was close to 19%, the prevalence of obesity was about 40% and the prevalence of hypertension was just over 51% among 55-64 year olds, unchanged from a decade earlier.  In 2012–2013, adults aged 55–64 living below 100% of poverty were nearly three times as likely to be current smokers as those at 400% or more of poverty (32.4% vs 11.2%).  In 2009–2012, nearly half (45%) of adults aged 55-64 took a prescription cardiovascular drug, and 15% used a prescription analgesic, similar to levels a decade earlier. The report also features detailed tables and charts displaying health statistics trends over time on: birth and death rates, infant mortality, life expectancy, morbidity and health status, risk factors, use of ambulatory and inpatient care, health personnel and facilities, financing of health care, health insurance and managed care, and other health topics. A variety of resources can be found on the Health, United States webpage, including the full report featuring a chartbook and trend tables. A special abridged edition, Health, United States, 2014: In Brief is also available as a companion to the full report.