U.S. Life Expectancy Rises to 78

Average U.S. life expectancy has passed 78 years, health officials say. This is the prediction for a baby born in 2006. It is 4 months longer than the prediction for a baby born in 2005. The forecast is based on death trends. In 2006, death rates fell for 9 of the 15 leading causes. These included heart disease, cancer, accidents and diabetes. The flu season in 2006 also was mild. This led to fewer pneumonia deaths. The Associated Press wrote about the new report June 11.