Arthritis, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are among the most prevalent diseases affecting Americans. Although the development of any disease involves the complex interplay of several factors, lifestyle choices have a significant role in the prevention of disease. Maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, eating a healthful diet and not smoking can significantly reduce the risk for these and many other common diseases.
Arthritis
Arthritis describes a group of joint disorders characterized by pain, degenerative changes and loss of function. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that approximately 27 million adult men and women in the United States have osteoarthritis and an additional 1.3 million have rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, with an estimated 19 million Americans experiencing limitation in their activities due to the effects of the disease.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to decreased insulin production or insensitivity to the actions of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which facilitates the uptake and utilization of sugar, or glucose, by the body cells. Without glucose, the cells have inadequate fuel to perform necessary functions. Diabetes is a significant contributing factor to other serious disorders, including kidney failure, heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and stroke. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that an estimated 23 million American children and adults have diabetes mellitus.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a disorder of the blood vessels that supply the heart with life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients. The deposition and growth of cholesterol-containing plaques in the coronary arteries causes a progressive decline in the volume of blood delivered to the heart. The oxygen-deprived muscle cells of the heart undergo gradual degenerative changes, leading to a progressive decline in heart function. The American Heart Association's report "Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010" stated that 9.2 million American men and 8.4 million women were living with coronary heart disease as of 2006. Approximately 5.8 million men and women had heart failure due to their disease. Heart disease remains the most common cause of death among Americans, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known as COPD, includes emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. These conditions are marked by progressive lung damage and deterioration of lung function caused by chronic inflammation of the airways and air sacs. The overwhelming majority of COPD occurs due to cigarette smoking. At least 12 million Americans are living with COPD, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as 24 million adults may be affected by COPD, which ranks as the fourth-leading cause of death and a frequent cause of disability in the United States.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Handout on Health, Osteoarthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Prevalence of Diagnosed and Undiagnosed Diabetes in the United States, All Ages, 2007
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Coronary Artery Disease
