Heart Disease Cancer Chronic lower respiratory diseases (example: COPD ) Stroke Diabetes

The United States spends significantly more on heath care than any other nation (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009). The average life expectancy in the United States is far below many other nations that spend less on health care each year (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009). 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009). The Unites States ranks twenty ninth in the world using the measurement, with an average of 69.3 years of healthy life expectancy. Japan racks number one with a healthy life expectancy of 75.0 years. This ranking for the Unites States is surprisingly low considering they have the best medical care systems in the world (Understanding Wellness, n.d.). National Health Care expenditures in the United States are $2.5 trillion and are rising every year (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).

Heart Disease Risk Factors Heart disease risks include tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor diet, overweight and lack of physical activity (Up to 40 percent of annual deaths from each of five leading US causes are preventable, n.d.). Prevention Life style changes including diet, exercise, and quitting smoking (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009).

Cancer Risks Cancer risks include tobacco use, poor diet, lack of physical activity, overweight, sun exposure, certain hormones, alcohol, some viruses and bacteria, ionizing radiation, chemicals and substances (Up to 40 percent of annual deaths from each of five leading US causes are preventable, n.d.). Prevention Regular screenings such as mammograms, pap test, and colonoscopy. Quitting smoking: 10 years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a current smoker (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009).

Respiratory Diseases Risks Chronic respiratory disease risks include tobacco smoke, second hand smoke exposure, indoor air pollutants, allergens, and exposure to occupational agents (Up to 40 percent of annual deaths from each of five leading US causes are preventable, n.d.). Prevention Quitting Smoking: COPD remains the third leading cause of smoking related deaths, killing about 93,000 adults annually as well as second hand smoke slows lung growth which increases the risk for acute respiratory disease and severe asthma (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009).

Cardiovascular Disease (Stroke) Risks Cardiovascular disease (stroke) include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, tobacco use, and lack of physical activity (Up to 40 percent of annual deaths from each of five leading US causes are preventable, n.d.). Prevention Good Nutrition: Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. Early detection efforts for high blood pressure and treatment. Healthy blood pressure and healthy blood cholesterol levels has greatly reduced risk for cardiovascular disease according to (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009). A 12 to 13 point reduction in systolic blood pressure can reduce stroke deaths by 25% and a 10% decrease in total cholesterol levels decrease the risk for coronary heart disease (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009).

Diabetes Risks According to the article (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009) nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes and it is becoming more common every day. Diabetes continues to be the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower extremity amputations, and blindness among adults age 20 to 74. Prevention Public health efforts for early detection, monitoring blood sugars, annual exams, Diet and Nutrition, and Exercise can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes for Americans at high risk for the disease (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009)

The functional operation of the body. It involves the health related components of physical fitness; muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility and body composition (Understanding Wellness, n.d.). The physical dimension also includes appropriate use of the medical system with regular medical and dental checkups, proper use of medications, being seen when ill and minimizing exposure to tobacco smoke and harmful pollutants (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).

Involves the use of your mind. Maintaining an active mind, reading writing, and keeping abreast of current events (Understanding Wellness, n.d.). Being able to critically think, analyze, evaluate and apply the knowledge (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).

The ability to laugh, adjust to change, enjoy life, cope with stress, and maintain intimate relationships are examples of the emotional dimension of wellness (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).

The social dimension of wellness involves being able to get along with others, appreciate the uniqueness of others, and being able to feel connected to others (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).

Involves the personal search for meaning and direction in life. Selflessness, compassion, honesty, joy for living, forgiveness, charity, and the development of clear and comfortable sense of right and wrong are components of spiritual wellness (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).

The preservation of natural resources as well as the protection of plants and wildlife is a component of environmental wellness (Understanding Wellness, n.d.). Habits such as carpooling, recycling, conserving electricity, and limiting the use of pesticides are also components of environmental wellness (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).

Much of your life will be spent at work. Therefore, is important to choose a career that will provide internal and external rewards that you value (Understanding Wellness, n.d.). Occupational wellness involves maintaining a satisfying balance between work time and leisure time (Understanding Wellness, n.d.).