“Be cool, stay in school” is old saying, but after a recent Harvard study, it now has a new twist.
Of late, Americans have enjoyed a longer life span giving them more time to create memories with family and friends. In a recent study published in the March/April issue of Health Affairs, those that have completed more than 12 years of school can expect to live longer lives than those who only possess a high school diploma.
A lead researcher in the Harvard Study pointed out that less educated individuals are more likely to have lower incomes than that of a college graduate. In addition, the undereducated may live in poor housing conditions and have less or no access to health insurance and medical services.
Deaths related smoking, obesity and and other risk factors could more likely be avoided with furthering education and becoming more aware of the health hazards. Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Yale University School of Medicine’s Prevention Research Center, said, “Disparities in health are a major challenge in the United States. The less affluent and less educated are also, invariably, less healthy.”
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