What are the Leading Causes of Death in America?
- Diseases of the heart
- Malignant neoplasms (cancer)
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma)
- Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
- Accidents (unintentional injuries)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Influenza and pneumonia
- Nephritis, nephrotic syndrom and nephrosis (kidney inflammation)
- Intentional self-harm (suicide)
What kind of diseases pose the biggest threat?
As you can see from the list above, most of the diseases affecting Americans are chronic diseases. These diseases cause the most deaths as well as the most disability in the United States.
How can you avoid falling victim to these leading health threats?
Stay healthy, stay informed, and take control! Although some diseases may be caused by matters outside of your control, there is a lot you can do for your health through the lifestyle and behavior choices you make.
What common causes of chronic disease are under your control?
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor nutrition
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Heart disease (the #1 cause of death) has many risk factors, which of these are under your control?
- High Blood Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Type II Diabetes
- Tobacco Use
- Unhealthy Diet (high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt)
- Physical Inactivity
- Obesity
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Stress
What 5 simple steps can you take to reduce your risk for chronic disease?
- More fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products
- Less foods high in sodium/ salt
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Be Physically Active
- Don’t Smoke
- Limit Alcohol Use
- No more than 1 drink a day for women
- No more than 2 drinks a day for men
- GETTING STARTED WITH THE DASH DIET (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) – Low sodium, heart healthy eating plan to lower blood pressure and heart disease risk.
