The Mexican Paradox

[joanna bujes]

A well written article about life-styles and quality of life:
.....
Decades of scientific research have posited that low income and lack of 
access to early prenatal care are the best predictors of unhealthy births. 
But when it comes to immigrant Latinas, a surprising and mysterious 
phenomenon kicks in: Although they get less prenatal care and are 
more  likely to be living in poverty, studies show first-generation Latinas 
– especially those from Mexico – have healthy babies. Having fewer low 
birthweight and pre-term babies (those born before 37 weeks) means lower 
infant mortality. Nationally, the rate of infant deaths per 1,000 live 
births for Latinas is 5.6, compared to 5.7 for whites and 13.5 for African 
Americans.

  A report by a statewide task force to be unveiled early next month 
reveals that what's known as the "Mexican Paradox" is at work in North 
Carolina. The report found that between 1996 and 2000, the rate of infant 
deaths per 1,000 live births to Mexican-born women was 6.1, compared to 6.6 
for whites and 15 for African Americans. (For non-Mexican Latinas, it was 5 
and for U.S.-born Latinas, 6.3.)

For more, and it's really quite interesting, see

http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=15018

Joanna