Health director says mortality report not a concern on individual level

A new study by Washington State University's medical school in Spokane found higher mortality rates on the eastern side of the state, but health officials say the subject is a lot more complicated than what was captured in the study.

Troy Henderson, director of the Whitman County Department of Public Health, said eating well, exercising and putting on a seat belt when driving have more significant effects on individual health.

"Humans are almost infinitely different from one another," Henderson said. "These broadstroke statements can drive policy and help us look at ways to make our communitie...