Female life expectancy on the drop in some U.S. counties

Women's Health reports that women are falling off this mortal coil a bit earlier these days, as life expectancy rates for females have stalled -- or even declined -- in some parts of the U.S.

According to the data, women's life expectancy saw a significant decline in 180 counties between 1983 and 1999. The cause for this precipitous drop? The folks at Women's Health attribute it to chronic diseases associated with obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.

Here is a quick look at the U.S. counties that have experienced the greatest drop (numbers measured in years of average decline in female life expectancy):

• Pulaski County, VA - 5.8
• Radford, VA - 5.8
• Dolores County, CO - 3.3
• Montezuma County, CO - 3.3

• San Juan County, CO - 3.3.
• East Feliciana Parish, LA - 3.2
• St. Helena Parish, LA - 3.2
• West Feliciana Parish, LA - 3.2
• Callaway County, MO - 3.0
• Danville, VA - 3.0