Leading Causes and Actual Causes of Death OBJ: 9.PCH.1.4 Design Strategies for Reducing Risks for Chronic Diseases

When health is absent: Wisdom cannot reveal itself, Art cannot become manifest, Strength cannot be exerted, Wealth becomes useless, and Reason is powerless. Not being healthy affects all areas of a person’s quality of life. Being healthy is important in helping a person achieve their goals in life.

Health literacy is the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services they need to make appropriate health decisions.  National Health Education Standards, 2007

Leading Causes of Death Lifestyle (%) Environment (%) Heredity (%) 1. Cardiovascular Diseases   54 9 25 2. Cancer 37 24 29 3. Stroke 50 22 21

Actual Causes of Death Cardiovascular Disease Cancer Stroke Tobacco Lack of Physical Activity Poor Nutrition Excessive Alcohol Consumption Cancer Stroke

Chronic Diseases An illness which is ongoing Referred to as “degenerative” because they break down organs Today, these conditions often result from one’s LIFESTYLE Behavioral choices – food, physical activity, safety practices

Chronic Diseases are the Leading Causes of Death and Disability in the U.S. 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases Heart Disease, cancer, and stroke account for more than 50% of all deaths each year Chronic Diseases are among the most common, costly, and PREVENTABLE of all health problems in the U.S.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) What is it? A disease that affects the circulatory system (heart and/or blood vessels) 2 Types Hypertension Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular Disease HYPERTENSION – high blood pressure Can damage blood vessels and heart over a long period of time “Silent Killer” – often has early symptoms Most common in people over the age of 35 Prevention – eat healthfully, exercise regularly, and manage your weight

Cardiovascular Disease ATHEROSCLEROSIS – a disease where there is an accumulation of plaque on artery walls Typically caused by unhealthy food choices that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol Leads to Arteriosclerosis – plaque builds up on the walls to the point where it causes the artery to harden Can also lead to strokes and heart attacks

Cardiovascular Disease BEHAVIORAL FACTORS Smoking Poor Diet Lack of Physical Activity Alcohol Abuse Obesity Poor Stress Management ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Stressful Workplace

Cancer What is it? The uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells

Cancer Tumor an abnormal mass of tissue that has no natural role in the body Often associated as being cancer, but that is not always the case. 2 types of tumors Benign = non-cancerous, grows slowly without spreading Malignant = cancerous, spreads to other organs and parts of the body

Skin Cancer Also known as “carcinoma” Symptoms: changes on the skin, a mole or freckle that changes, or a sore that wont heal Behavioral Factors: Exposure to sun or radiation Failure to use sunscreen/clothing/shade Use of tanning beds Environmental Factors: Depletion of ozone layer Lack of shade Time of day, Occupation

Lung Cancer Also classified as a carcinoma. Typically no immediate symptoms, but later there is a severe cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, and hoarseness Behavioral Factors: Smoking General air pollution Environmental Factors: Exposure to radon, asbestos

Diabetes The inability of the body to metabolize sugar because of lack of insulin Either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin (insulin resistance) Behavioral Factors: Obesity Diet high in fat and calories Physical inactivity

Osteoporosis What is it? A condition in which there is a progressive loss of bone tissue Behavioral Factors: Lack of physical activity (especially weight training and weight bearing physical activity) Lack of calcium and vitamin D in diet

Bronchitis What is it? An inflammation of the bronchi caused by infection or exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution. Causes the bronchi to produce excess amounts of mucus, which block the airways causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath Behavioral Factors: Smoking Choice of occupation Environmental Factors: General air pollution Asbestos in buildings Secondhand smoke

Emphysema A disease that progressively destroys the walls of the alveoli Almost always caused by cigarette smoke Behavioral Factors: Smoking Choice of occupation Environmental Factors: General pollution Asbestos in buildings Secondhand smoke

3 Levels of Disease and Injury Control Primary Prevention Eating nutritiously Exercising regularly Avoiding harmful substances (i.e. tobacco) Secondary Control Early detection: medical exams and self- examination Tertiary Treatment Level

American Cancer Society’s Seven Warning Signs of Cancer Change in bowel or bladder habits A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing Obvious change in wart or mole Nagging cough or hoarseness

Early Detection Can Save Lives The American Cancer Breast Society believes that Colon early detection Rectum examinations and tests Cervix can help save lives and Prostate reduce suffering from Testis (testicles) cancers of the: Oral cavity (mouth) Skin