Chronic Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic disease is one of the top health issues in the United States. A chronic disease is defined as a condition that lasts for more than three months and cannot be cured. The CDC reports that six in ten adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, and four in ten have two or more. In the United States, chronic diseases are responsible for seven in ten deaths each year and account for 86% of healthcare spending.
The most common chronic diseases include heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes. These five conditions are responsible for the majority of deaths each year in the U.S., as well as a large portion of the country's healthcare costs.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., accounting for one in four deaths each year.
- Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability.
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death, with more than 1.6 million people expected to be diagnosed this year.
- COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., primarily caused by smoking.
- Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death and a major contributor to heart disease and stroke.
Chronic diseases are often preventable. Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can greatly reduce your risk. If you have a chronic disease, working with your healthcare team to manage it and keep it under control is essential to living a long and healthy life.
Substance Addiction and Abuse
Substance addiction and abuse are growing problems in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 20 million people suffer from a substance use disorder. Substance abuse can lead to serious health problems, including overdose, organ damage, and death.
Substance abuse is a major public health issue. The use of illicit drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
People with substance abuse disorders often have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Substance abuse can also lead to social problems, including relationship difficulties, financial problems, and job loss.
Treatment for substance abuse often includes counseling, medication, and self-help groups. Recovery from substance abuse is possible but requires time and effort. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Mental Health
Mental health is an important issue in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the U.S. suffers from a mental illness. Mental illnesses can lead to serious problems, including suicide, if left untreated.
Mental health is often misunderstood. People with mental illnesses are not always violent or dangerous. In fact, most people with mental illness are not violent. Mental illness is a medical condition, just like any other, and can be treated with medication and therapy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please seek help. There are many resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Lack of Vaccines
Vaccines are an important part of preventative healthcare, protecting us from serious diseases like measles and polio. However, in the United States, there is a growing movement of people choosing not to vaccinate their children, which puts the entire population at risk for these diseases.
There are various reasons why people choose not to vaccinate their children. Some believe that the vaccines are not effective, others think they are unsafe, and the most common reason given is religious beliefs.
Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that vaccines are vital for protecting our population from disease. Vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives.
Violence
Violence is a major public health problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), violence is responsible for more than 10,000 deaths each year. It is also a leading cause of injuries and hospitalizations, with lasting effects on victims, families, and communities.
There are many different types of violence:
- Physical violence involves someone being physically harmed.
- Sexual violence involves someone being forced to have sex against their will.
- Emotional violence involves verbal or emotional abuse.
Most violence is preventable. Preventative measures include:
- Teaching people how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence
- Providing support for victims of violence
- Working to change social norms that condone violence
If you or someone you know is a victim of violence, resources are available to help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Assault Hotline provide 24/7 support for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text "HOME" to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
