Health Problems
Top 10 Health Problems in America
According to the Mayo Clinic, the top health problems in America vary
slightly between men and women. Men are more likely to commit suicide,
and it is the eighth most common health problem for men. Men and women
both need to be concerned, however, about the health problems that are
common to both of them.
Heart Disease
For both men and women, heart disease kills
the largest number of Americans per year. According to the American
Heart Association, heart disease, which causes heart attacks and
strokes, kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. Quit
smoking and eat a diet low in fat and sodium to cut your risk.
Cancer
Lung cancer is the cancer responsible for the
most deaths in both men and women. Women are also affected greatly by
breast and colorectal cancers, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reduce your
risk of cancers by not smoking, eating a healthy diet, using sunscreen
and getting regular cancer screenings.
Stroke
Stroke is the number three cause of death in
women, and the number four cause of death in men. Lifestyle changes that
can reduce your risk of stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic, include
quitting smoking, losing excess weight, exercising and eating a healthy
diet.
Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and
emphysema belong to a class of diseases called COPD, or chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. The National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute recommends quitting smoking to prevent COPD, as it is the
largest risk factor.
Injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, the Centers for
Disease Control states that the leading cause of fatal injuries in both
men and women is motor vehicle accidents. Wearing your seatbelt,
driving safely and not mixing alcohol and driving can prevent these
accidents. Other causes of fatal accidents include poisoning and falls.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can cause kidney damage,
heart disease and blindness. It is also a leading cause of death in both
men and women. Lose extra weight, exercise and eat a healthy diet to
prevent diabetes.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the fifth-leading
cause of death in women, and the tenth in men. Doctors do not know
exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease, but there may be a link between
this disease and heart disease, as well as head injuries.
Influenza and Pneumonia
Most healthy people can fight off a simple
case of influenza, but in some people, it may cause complications such
as pneumonia, which are potentially fatal. Wash your hands frequently
and get a flu vaccine each year as recommended by your doctor. Also, ask
your doctor if a pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is the ninth-leading cause of
death for both male and female Americans. It can be caused by high blood
pressure or diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American
Diabetes Association stresses the importance of keeping your blood sugar
under control if you are a diabetic in order to prevent kidney disease.
Septicemia
Septicemia, or blood poisoning is the
tenth-leading cause of death among women. It is usually a complication
of a bacterial infection such as a lung or urinary tract infection. The
best ways to prevent septicemia are to wash your hands often, seek
medical care for any infections in the body and to change tampons often
and avoid using tampons that are more absorbent than you need.
Source : http://www.livestrong.com
