The human body is remarkably complex and adaptable. It possesses intricate and redundant systems to ensure continued function in the face of substantial challenges encountered through a seemingly countless array of disorders. In most cases, the body is capable of successfully healing itself. However, with repeated insults, it can eventually succumb to disease. Interestingly, the most common of the potentially deadly diseases that affect the human body have modifiable risk factors; things you have the power to change which decreases your risk and maintains your good health.
Coronary Heart Disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports heart disease is the leading cause of death of American men and women, accounting for more than 631,000 deaths in 2006. According to the American Heart Association, 17.6 million Americans have coronary heart disease, a condition that can lead to heart attack or heart failure. You can modify your heart disease risk by not smoking, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death of Americans, according to CDC. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 562,000 Americans died of cancer in 2009. Among men, the top three causes of cancer deaths are lung, prostate and colorectal cancer. Among women, lung, breast and colorectal cancer are the leading cancer killers. Notably, lung cancer accounts for more than 28 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. You can modify your cancer risk by not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth most frequent cause of death in the United States. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, two diseases that cause obstruction of the airways and reduce lung capacity for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. CDC estimates between 10 million and 24 million Americans have COPD. You can reduce your risk for COPD by not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, and avoiding exposure to occupational and environmental toxic gases.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is the sixth leading cause of death of Americans, according to CDC. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports approximately 7.8 percent of the American population or 23.6 million people were living with diabetes as of 2007. The overwhelming majority of diabetes in the United States is type 2 diabetes. The risk for type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with body weight, diet and level of activity. You can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: FastStats, Leading Causes of Death
- American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2010 Update
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts and Figures, 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What is COPD?
