The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-02
S1Uift Pace OF Moden, Life Ends m Death. Statistics Show Startling Increase of Heart Dis- eases in America-Auto Accidents Decline
 General Death Rate Drops.

New York, Dec. IA marked lowering of the death rate, resulting in a saving of 85,000 lives in the nation this year, as compared with 1887, is indicated by life insurance mortality records, according to 8 survey conducted by The Association of Life Insurance presidents.
 The results of this study were an- nounced by Dr. Harold M. Frost, medical director of the New Eng land Mutual Life Insurance com pany, Boston in an address before the associations thirty-second an- nual convention here today.
 Lowest Death Rate
 Declaring that the death rate among policyholders this year is the lowest for any year since the asso- ciation has compiled these records, he said: "In specific figures, 747.9 of each 100000 policyholders will have died this year, as compared with 794.3 in 1887. This represents an improvement in the death rate of 5.8 per cent; a saving of ASA lives for each 100000 policyholders.
 If the same degree of improve ment continues and applies to our general population, we may expect 73 900 fewer deaths in our nation than last year, despite an increase of population which, had the death rate of 1897 prevailed, would have resulted automatically in 12,OOO more deaths.
 Considering the lower death rate in conjunction with the increase in population, we conclude that there will be about 1,373,00O deaths in the United States in 1938,-a saving of 35,OO0 lives as compared with 1937." Dr. Frost said this forecast ap- pears conservative when compared with a recent statement by Dr.. Thomas Parran, surgeon general of the United States public health service, that for the first half of this year the natioral death rate from disease was 8.5 per cent less than that of 1897, and that in the absence of some unforeseen occur rance, such as an epidemic, the na- tional death rate for 1888 would be tllc 4OWcSb ever kIlOWu.
 Heart Disease
 Among only three of the 21 spe- cific causes of death among life insurance policyholders is there any material increase this year, accord ing to the survey. The foremost causes of death are organic heart disease. deaths from which in- creased from 158.6 to 164.3 per 1OO,- 900 insured lives, and cancer, deaths from which increased from BIO to 94.1 per 100000 insured lives. The death rate from suicide increased from 13.7 to 15.9 deaths per 100000 insured lives. This is not surpris- ing" Dr. Frost commented. "The experience of recent years has dem- ontrated that the frequency of sui- eide varies with fluctuations of eco- homie conditions, increasing as these condition be come more harasSing, and vice versa. This increase of rate, therefore, is consistent with the decline of business in 1938."
 Influenza and pneumonia regist- cred the most prominent gains in mortality saving, representing 62 per cent of the total saving of 1888 over 1887, according to the survey. Tuber- culosis registers the lowest death rate yet recorded in the associations series-a decrease of 8.8 per cent compared with 1897. Deaths from Bright's disease declined by 31.1 per cent.
 Deaths from automobile accidents have declined almost 20 per cent. reaching the lowest point since 1928. Translated into national figures, this means tha tthis year 5000 lives should be saved, which would have been lost had we continued to op- crate our automobiles as in 1937," Dr. Frost stated. However, lest we become too well pleased with this result, we must remember that the number of deaths from automobiles in 1888 will be approximately 32,000, and that most of them might have been averted through effective safe-' ty programs. To give but one ex- amble, the deaths from automobile accidents in Providence, R. l., through @ proper safety campaign, were reduced by 65 per cent in the first seven months of this year. If similar campaigns could be carried out generally and could achieve the same result, it would mean a saving this year, not of 5000 lives, but of 26,000.
 The type of heart disease spoken of as "coronary artery disease, coro- nary tuberculosis or occlusion, angina pectoris and acute indiges- tion" largely represent a price being paid for the pace of modern life, particularly urban life, Dr. Frost believes. Continuing: Tn spite of the fact that living conditions have so materially improved, many men are today living in 8 manner which l believe incompatible with contin- ued good health. They rush from pillar to post, continually on the move. They are under business pres sure. with long hours of work and undue mental strain. They eat ir- regularly and hastily. consuming too