Dora Mills interviewed for editorial in 'Bangor Daily News' on socio-economic status as a contributing factor to life expectancy
Dora Anne Mills, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, was interviewed for an editorial that was published by the Bangor Daily News on April 20, 2016, regarding the widening life expectancy gap between the rich and poor.
The editorial notes that the life expectancy gap between Americans at the two ends of the socio-economic spectrum has quintupled in the last 40 years, citing smoking and prescription painkillers as the primary culprits.
Mills shared her views that in order to combat the trend, a holistic approach must be adopted. She expressed support for early intervention during the childhood years to ensure that children have adequate housing, food and education, as this lowers the risk for later drug and cigarette use. She also advocated for health care workers to identify those at risk for dependency.