SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – South Dakotans are living longer, according to a newly released report, and officials are crediting better medical care and better living habits.

The average life span for people in South Dakota increased from 78 years in 1997 to 80 in 2007, which was most recent year available for an analysis based on state Health Department reports and WorldLifeExpectancy. The organization compiles data from national, international and state agencies.

The average South Dakota woman has a lifespan of 82.6 years, slightly higher than the national average of 81. The average South Dakota man has a lifespan of 77.2 years, compared to 75.9 nationally.

Mike McCurry, state demographer and assistant professor at South Dakota State University, said the lengthening lifespans are due to better living habits, good doctors and gains on American Indian reservations.

“Probably more than anything else, it’s better health care,” McCurry told the Sioux Falls Argus Leader (http://argusne.ws/H4u8hI ). “We’re an amazingly health people in this state.”

McCurry said the biggest improvement was among American Indians. He said preliminary data show life expectancy for males moving from the high 50s to the mid-60s, and in some cases the low 70s. McCurry noted that the Indian Health Service was started in 1954 to provide medical care to Americans Indians, and people are now focusing more on health.

“Health improved over time. They’ve made a tremendous effort controlling alcohol on the reservation,” McCurry said.

Tanya Fiddler, executive director of the Four Bands Community Fund, a community development financial institution serving north-central South Dakota from Eagle Butte, said tribes have emphasized prevention of diabetes and heart disease, alcohol treatment, mammography and better diet.

“There is definitely a greater focus here on prevention and intervention from kids to adults,” said Fiddler, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Some troubling signs still remain, including an average diet heavy on sodium and transfats, said Mary Michaels, government relations director for the American Heart Association. She said one in three people has high blood pressure, but noted that encouraging signs include a drop in smoking and more attention to fitness.

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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com