The Top Health Problems – What You Can Do About Them
If you want to live a long and healthy life you will need to make sure that you maintain a lifestyle that gives you the best chance at it. Some diseases are passed down genetically but the most important factor in avoiding problems with your health is your lifestyle. How well you take care of yourself is the number one factor in how healthy you will be.
Many of the problems that have been identified as the top health concerns in America today can be avoided either partially or completely by taking the necessary steps to guard your health. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has compiled a list of the top health problems facing Americans today and what you can do to avoid or mitigate them.
Here are the top 5 health problems facing Americans today:
1. Heart disease – Heart disease is the number one health problem in America today accounting for 34% of deaths. There are many things you can do to keep your heart healthy. Keeping your weight at a healthy level and stopping smoking are keys to protecting your heart. Make sure your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables and try to get some exercise every day.
2. Cancer – It has been estimated that there will be 570,000 deaths attributable to cancer in the United States in 2010. The American Cancer Society estimates that 170,000 of these deaths will caused by smoking and excessive drinking and are completely preventable. Another 170,000 will be caused by obesity, poor nutrition and lack of exercise. One million cases of skin cancer will also be diagnosed that could have been prevented by using sunblock. Sadly enough, over two thirds of the cancer deaths in America are self inflicted.
3. Stroke – Stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery that leads to the brain. This causes that part of the brain to become damaged and affects the part of the body that is controlled by that area of the brain. Often caused by plaque, stroke is one of the major killers in America today and is ranked number three for women and number four for men. Smoking, obesity, a sedentary life, diabetes and poor nutrition are all contributing factors to the risk of stroke.
4. Respiratory System Diseases – Bronchitis and emphysema are two diseases that can be classified as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Any disease that blocks the flow of air to your lungs is a serious health concern and a leading cause of death in the U.S. These diseases are quite often caused by smoking and are completely preventable. The damage done to your lungs by smoking is permanent so stopping smoking is critical to preventing the disease from advancing.
5. Diabetes – Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, affecting 90% of the people with the disease. Type 2 diabetes changes the way that your body uses blood sugar causing kidney damage, nerve damage, heart disease and even blindness. Type 2 diabetes is strongly genetic in origin but lifestyle choices are a major factor in its development. So, if you know there is diabetes in your family you must be extra vigilant to guard against developing it. To prevent diabetes, get your weight down to where it’s supposed to be, get your blood pressure under control, get daily exercise and stick to a healthy diet of mostly fruits and vegetables.
Learn more about diet, nutrition and health. Visit HealthyLiving411.com where you can find reviews and articles to choose the best diet for you.
