mortality rate – n. the number of a particular group who die each year
life expectancy – n. the average number of years that a person or animal can expect to live
gap – n. a separation in space : an incomplete or deficient area <a gap in her knowledge>: lack of balance : a problem caused by some disparity <a communication gap> <credibility gap>
premature – adj. happening too soon or earlier than usual
rural – adj. of or relating to the country and the people who live there instead of the city
uptick – n. a small increase or rise
flatline – adj. to be in a state of no progress or advancement
stable medical : not getting worse or likely to get worse
psycho-social – adj. of or relating to the interrelation of social factors and individual thought and behavior.
stressors – n. something that makes you worried or anxious : a source of stress
cope – v. to deal with and try to find solutions for problems
opioid – adj. possessing some properties characteristic of opiate narcotics but not derived from opium