Leading Causes and Actual Causes of Death

OBJ: 9.PCH.1.4Design 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.

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

Causes of Death Lifestyle (%)

Environment (%)

Heredity(%)

1. CardiovascularDiseases

 

54 

9 

25

2. Cancer 37 24 29

3. Stroke 50 22 21

Cardiovascular Disease

TobaccoLack of Physical ActivityPoor NutritionExcessive Alcohol Consumption

Cancer TobaccoLack of Physical ActivityPoor NutritionExcessive Alcohol Consumption

Stroke TobaccoLack of Physical ActivityPoor NutritionExcessive Alcohol Consumption

Actual Causes of Death

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

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.

Chronic Diseases are the Leading Causes of Death and Disability in the U.S.

What is it? A disease that affects the circulatory system

(heart and/or blood vessels)

2 Types Hypertension Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

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

Cardiovascular Disease

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

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

Skin 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

Lung Cancer

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

Diabetes

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

Osteoporosis

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

Bronchitis

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

Emphysema

Primary Prevention Eating nutritiously Exercising regularly Avoiding harmful substances (i.e. tobacco)Secondary Control Early detection: medical exams and self-

examinationTertiary Treatment Level

3 Levels of Disease and Injury Control

Change in bowel or bladder habitsA sore that does not healUnusual bleeding or dischargeThickening or lump in breast or elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty in swallowingObvious change in wart or moleNagging cough or hoarseness

American Cancer Society’sSeven Warning Signs of Cancer

The American CancerSociety believes thatearly detectionexaminations and

testscan help save lives

andreduce suffering fromcancers of the:

Breast Colon Rectum Cervix Prostate Testis (testicles) Oral cavity (mouth) Skin

Early Detection Can Save Lives