A story in The New York Times reported an optimistic message from new research about American life spans: The right mix of steps to improve habits and public health could help people live longer, regardless of how much money they make.

One of the places this seems to be happening is Birmingham.

Read the April 11 New York Times report here.

*Early presentations on BirminghamWatch incorrectly connected the New York Times report on life spans to a report on Medicaid.