Latest nationwide health report shows some improvements in infant mortality

The latest national health report is out from the CDC. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Infant mortality: Overall, the infant mortality rate in 2017 was 14% lower than in 2007. At the same time, the rate was 170% higher among black infants than infants born to Asian or Pacific Islander mothers. 
• Use of cigarettes: Although the number of high schoolers who used tobacco cigarettes decreased between 2011-2018, the use of e-cigarettes increased by nearly 20%.
• Prescription drugs: The proportion of Americans taking five or more prescription drugs nearly doubled between 1999-2016. In 2017, some 12% of adults who were 100%-200% below the federal poverty level reported not getting prescribed medicines due to cost.