5 Leading Causes of Death in the US

In today’s modern world, everyday life is becoming faster and faster. Life as we know it is passing by without us even noticing. Though these changes might be quick and at times, subtle, the toll that most of us take for these changes are significant.

Unhealthy lifestyles tend to birth unwanted diseases and conditions. Morbid as it may sound, these diseases if left untreated, are fatal in most adults. A terrifying statistic, however, shows that these illnesses aren’t solely targeting middle to older aged adults. Individuals as young as 20 years old are now stricken with a disease that would otherwise be present in older people.

Here’s a list of the 5 leading causes of death in the US. These are the most prevalent diseases rising among the U.S. population.

1 – Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. Citizens. Men, in particular, are more prone to having heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is a term for several illnesses, most of which are due to plaque and cholesterol buildup in the arteries.

When the buildup of plaque reaches critical levels, the arteries become narrow, thus restricting the flow of blood. This blockage increases the chances of a person from having a stroke or heart attack. People who have this condition can have a hard time coping with daily life.

Preventing the disease: Since cardiovascular diseases are lifestyle related, a drastic change in a person’s habits can make a significant change in their health for the better. A healthy lifestyle suggests that a person should become mindful of their diet. A healthy diet means avoiding greasy food and opting for more healthy alternatives such as organically grown vegetables. Consuming healthy oils such as Omega 3 and using olive oil are good alternatives to traditional cooking oils.

2 – Cancer

Cancer, a.k.a. “The Scourge of Humanity,” is a disease which increases the speed and growth of abnormal cells in the human body. If the cells are left to multiply, cancer cells can interrupt vital bodily processes which can result in death.

Cancer can develop in any person. Those with advancing age and those who have higher chances of exposure to carcinogens have higher risks of developing cancer. The best example of this carcinogen is those found in cigarettes. A lot of people develop lung cancer even if they aren’t smokers due to frequent exposure to secondhand smoke.

Preventing the disease: Since there’s no sure fire way on what causes cancer, people should focus on what we already know. Several people claim that eating an excess of processed foods can trigger abnormal growths within the body. Also, avoid smoking as there are a lot of carcinogens present in cigarettes. These carcinogens are so harmful, that some people get affected by second-hand smoke, even if they aren’t smokers.

3 – COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is also a major cause of most deaths in the U.S. CLRDs or Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases also include bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. People who have these conditions have difficulty in breathing, constant production of phlegm, and chest-related infections.

Smoking is the number one cause of COPD and other lung-related diseases. Air pollution, chemical fumes, pollen, dust, and any other minute and harmful airborne particles also can cause similar disease.

Preventing the disease: Due to the increasing pollution all around us, people should be wary of certain places where there are a lot of fumes and all other forms of air pollution. Wearing of masks can greatly reduce the chances of breathing in these harmful particles, therefore, reducing the chances of developing the disease. As with cancer, COPD can result from excessive smoking. Gradually stopping smoking or preventing any exposure to secondhand smoke can also be beneficial for a lot of individuals.

4 – Accidents

Although not classified as an illness, accidents are part of the leading cause of death for most U.S. citizens. Accidents are also known as unintentional injuries. Most of these injuries are highly preventable. Most people even have a lot of ways of reducing the risk of accidents from happening. Precautions include road safety, proper work attitude, no horse playing, and constant awareness of one’s surrounding.

Preventing accidents: Some accidents often result from careless acts or neglectful practices. When an individual practices safety and vigilance, the chances of accidents from happening, significantly decrease.  If you’ve been hurt in a crash, understanding what to do after an accident that’s not your fault is the first step to a healthy, holistic recovery.

5 – Stroke

Cerebrovascular Diseases stem from problems in the blood vessels in the brain. When clots happen in the blood vessels, most people experience stroke or aneurysms.

The four most common conditions develop when these blockages occur: Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack, Vascular Dementia, and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. In healthcare systems, particularly in the field of healthcare, experience catering to patients that have cerebrovascular diseases.

Strokes happen fast and without warning. If you suspect someone of having a stroke, immediately call Emergency medical services because of every second that counts. A lot of professionals in some medical billing in Houston see a lot of people experience a stroke. There are a handful of remedies that are only active in the first three hours of a person experiencing a stroke. The classic telltale symptoms of stroke are:

• Numbness on one side of the face and body
• Blurry Vision
• Slurred Speech
• Severe Headaches
• Dizziness or Unconsciousness

Preventing the disease: Stroke can also result from having a lot of bad lifestyle practices. Diet and exercise play a key role in reducing the occurrence of stroke from happening and developing. An active lifestyle includes regularly doing exercises and consuming healthy food. Again, essential oils such as omega 3 and olive oil are good ways to prevent strokes and other cerebrovascular diseases.

Takeaway

Most of these diseases are preventable. People tend to blend in with the trend which is the reason why most people develop these conditions. High Blood pressure, for example, is highly preventable when a lot of drastic lifestyle changes become possible.