Hispanics have an average life expectancy of 81.8 years, as compared to 78.5 years for non-Hispanic whites and 74.9 years for non-Hispanic blacks. The higher life expectancy of Hispanics may be due to genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and stronger family and social ties, which all correlate to better health. Dr. Jerome Adams, the U.S. Surgeon General, recently stated that "communities of color" who are being disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 should "avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs." A reporter then said to him: "There's some people online that are already offended by ... the idea that you're saying behaviors might be leading to these high death rates." Among other things, Adams responded that people "are not helpless" and "everybody needs to do everything they can to be as healthy as possible at this critical time."