Landmark study examines Hispanic longevity paradox

(AP)—The government's largest study of Hispanics' health aims to answer why they live longer than other Americans, but the first results suggest that trend might be in jeopardy, especially among certain groups.

Overall, high rates of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were found, especially among older adults. But troubling signs were seen among younger Hispanics, who were the least likely to have diabetes under treatment and well controlled.

Hispanics from Puerto Rico and Cuba were among the unhealthiest; those from South America were among the healthiest.

The landmark study has followed more than 16,000 Hispanics since 2008; the initial results released Monday reveal a diverse group whose health habits depend in part on how long they've lived in the United States.

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