Leading Cause of Death
cALL 800-273-8255 or text "sos" to 741741
A Leading Cause of
Death - Suicide Gordon Clay, a suicide prevention advocate from Brookings Oregon, who runs an organization with the goal of achieving Zero Attempts, said "We can wait around for the powers to be to find the funding to make the necessary changes or we can step up as individual citizens to do something about it." There are many little things that individuals could do:
If you're having difficulty knowing what to say, check out the list at https://bit.ly/2SOU1la Join others to create something that involves your entire community. Mr. Clay choose the latter. He saw a 16-page, four color newspaper insert called Suicide Awareness and Prevention: Finding Hope that the Grants Pass Daily Courier wrote, designed, produced and ran in newspapers in Jackson and Josephine counties last September during Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. He worked with the publisher Travis Moore, to make it more pertinent for Coos, Curry and Del Norte counties. He also wanted to open up the donor base to include small businesses, organizations and most importantly individual citizens, to show that the entire village needs to get involved, not just major stakeholders. While major funding still came from Advanced Health and AllCare Health, 87 other businesses and organizations stepped-up, including 41 individuals. "I'm very pleased with the community support we received and am looking forward to the magazine's appearance on September 7th in the Triplicate. I hope people will read it, learn the warning signs and what to do and not do. "Instead of opening up every phone or face-to-face conversation with the meaningless 'How are you?'", Mr. Clay said, "Really be aware when you see a friend exhibiting one of those warning signs, and change the dialogue to 'R U OK?' And it's ok to say "I'm not ok.'" Mr. Clay goes on to say "We have R U O K? counter displays in 42 locations in Crescent City and Smith River (http://bit.ly/29RwviR). Stop in, thank the proprietor and pick up a few cards so that when you see a friend exhibiting a warning sign you can hand them a card and let them know that you're available to listen." [Mr. Clay goes on to say "We have R U O K? counter displays in 59 locations in Brookings (http://bit.ly/29RwviR). Stop in, thank the proprietor and pick up a few cards so that when you see a friend exhibiting a warning sign you can hand them a card and let them know that you're available to listen."] We all have a role to play in suicide prevention. Commit to break the silence by talking about your lived experience, freely. Let's work together as a village to save lives. Gordon Clay The top 10 leading
causes of death in the United States (2014) The most recent data (2014) (resource no longer available at www.cdc.gov) reveals that annually there were 2,626,418 deaths registered in the U.S., which equates to:
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for almost 1 in every 4 deaths, and affecting significantly more men than women.causes of death Annually there are around 2,626,418 deaths registered in the U.S. with the leading top 10 causes accounting for nearly 75 percent of all deaths. The top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. in 2014:
Death rates below are calculated on an annual basis per 100,000 of estimated population. Age-adjusted rates are used to compare relative mortality risks among groups and over time. Below, we expand on each of the causes of death and ask whether they can be prevented. 1: Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. and also the leading cause of death worldwide. More than half of the deaths that occur as a result of heart disease are in men. Heart disease is a term used to describe several conditions, many of which are related to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries. As the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow, this makes it more difficult for blood to flow and creates a risk for heart attack or stroke. Other types of heart problems include angina, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The key to preventing death from heart disease is to protect the heart and know the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Major warning signs and symptoms of heart attack Some of the following signs and symptoms can materialize before a heart attack:
Protecting the heart Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can significantly lower heart disease risk. Several lifestyle and dietary modifications can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease, including:
2: Cancer (malignant neoplasms)
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can interfere with essential life-sustaining systems and result in death. Anyone can develop cancer, but the risk of most types of cancer increases with age, and some individuals have higher or lower risk due to differences in exposure to carcinogens (such as from smoking) and as a result of genetic factors. Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both men and women. Estimated cancer-related deaths for 2016 Leading causes of death from cancer for males:
Leading causes of death from cancer for females:
Can cancer be prevented? A substantial proportion of cancers are preventable, and all cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol could be prevented. The World Cancer Research Fund has estimated that up to one-third of cancer cases that occur in economically developed countries like the U.S. are related to being overweight, obese, inactive (sedentary), or poor nutrition. These are all preventable. Some cancers are related to infectious agents such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) - these may be prevented through behavioral changes and use of protective vaccinations and antibiotic treatments. Many of the more than 3 million skin cancer cases that are diagnosed annually could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning. 3: Chronic lower respiratory disease
Chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is a collection of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related issues, including primarily chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but also bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Warning signs and symptoms of COPD Signs and symptoms of COPD may include:
How can COPD be prevented? In the U.S., tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD, although exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role. Smoking is a primary risk factor of COPD, and approximately 80 percent of COPD deaths can be attributed to smoking. To prevent COPD:
4: Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Accidents, also referred to as unintentional injuries, are at present the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of death for those aged1-44. Possible prevention measures By their very natures, accidents are unintentional, but there are many ways to reduce the risk of accidental death and injury. Some key components of accident prevention include those focused on road safety, such as seat-belt use, and improved awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated. 5: Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases)
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. Cerebrovascular diseases are conditions that develop as a result of problems with the blood vessels that supply the brain. Four of the most common types of cerebrovascular disease are:
Every year more than 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke; risk of having a stroke varies with race, ethnicity, and geography; it also increases with age. However, in 2009, 24 percent of people hospitalized for stroke were younger than 65 years. The highest death rates from stroke in the U.S. occur in the southeast. Signs and symptoms of stroke During a stroke, every second counts. Fast treatment can reduce the brain damage that stroke can cause. Signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden:
Call 9-1-1 immediately if any of the above symptoms are experienced. If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. Some treatments for stroke only work if given within the first 3 hours after symptoms appear. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room. How can stroke be prevented? High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are major risk factors for stroke. Several other medical conditions and unhealthy lifestyle choices can increase your risk for stroke. Although you cannot control all of your risk factors for stroke, you can take steps to prevent stroke and its complications. Stroke prevention measures include:
6: Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in cognitive function that affects a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Dementia is caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain. As a result of the damage, neurons can no longer function normally and may die. This, in turn, can lead to changes in memory, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Alzheimer's disease is just one type of dementia, with vascular dementia causing similar symptoms but resulting from changes to the blood vessels that supply circulation to the brain. For people with Alzheimer's disease, the damage and death of neurons eventually impair the ability to carry out basic bodily functions such as walking and swallowing. People in the final stages of the disease are bed-bound and require round-the-clock care. Alzheimer's is ultimately fatal. An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease currently, including approximately 200,000 individuals younger than 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most expensive conditions in the nation and is the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot currently be cured, prevented, or slowed. In 2015, the cost of Alzheimer's in the U.S. is estimated at $226 billion. Despite these already staggering figures, Alzheimer's is expected to cost an estimated $1.2 trillion (in today's dollars) in 2050. This is, in part, because of improved rates of early detection, treatment, and prevention of other major causes of death, meaning that more people survive into older age (when the risk of Alzheimer's disease is greatest). Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease The following are common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's:
Can Alzheimer's be prevented? As the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown, there is no way to prevent the condition. However, there are some steps you can take that may help to delay the onset of dementia. Alzheimer's is thought to develop as a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and coexisting medical conditions. Reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease Many of the factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart or blood vessels) have also been connected to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. In fact, results of autopsies have revealed the some 80 percent of people with Alzheimer's have cardiovascular disease. The risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as stroke and heart attacks, may be reduced by improving cardiovascular health using steps such as:
Staying mentally active Evidence suggests rates of dementia are lower in mentally, physically, and socially active people. It may be possible to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia by:
7: Diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body is no longer able to carefully control blood glucose, leading to abnormally high levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Persistently elevated blood glucose can cause damage to the body's tissues, including the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues in the eyes. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, a simple sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ situated near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin that helps glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When a person has diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in the blood. Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and the need for amputation of the lower extremities or limbs. Type 1 diabetes, which was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, accounts for about 5 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, accounts for about 90-95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Warning signs and symptoms of diabetes People who think they might have diabetes must visit a doctor for diagnosis. They may have some or none of the following symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains may accompany some of these symptoms in the abrupt onset of type 1 diabetes. Can diabetes be prevented? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system misidentifies the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and attacks these cells. Researchers are making progress in identifying the involvement of genes and triggering factors that predispose some individuals to develop type 1 diabetes, but there is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Unlike with type 1 diabetes, there are numerous ways to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk, as can maintaining a healthy body weight The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a large prevention study of people at high risk for diabetes, showed that lifestyle intervention that resulted in weight loss and increased physical activity in this population can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and in some cases return blood glucose levels to within the normal range. Other international studies have shown similar results. 8: Influenza and pneumonia
Influenza and pneumonia are the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. The reason influenza is more prevalent in the winter is not known; however, data suggest the virus survives and is transmitted better in cold temperatures. Influenza is spread easily from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can have the flu more than once because the virus that causes the disease may belong to different strains of one of three different influenza virus families: A, B or C. Type A viruses tend to have a greater effect on adults, while type B viruses are a greater problem in children. Influenza can be complicated by pneumonia, a serious condition that can cause inflammation of the lungs. In people with pneumonia, the air sacs in the lungs fill with pus and other liquid, preventing oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. If there is too little oxygen in the blood, the body's cells cannot work properly, which can lead to death. Warning signs and symptoms of influenza and pneumonia Signs and symptoms of influenza include:
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia include:
Can influenza and pneumonia be prevented? Methods of preventing influenza and pneumonia include:
9: Kidney disease (nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis)
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis are all conditions, disorders, or diseases of the kidneys. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys. Because of this, waste from the blood remains in the body and may cause other health problems. An estimated 10 percent of adults in the U.S. - more than 20 million people - are thought to have CKD to some degree. The chances of developing CKD increase with age, especially after the age of 50, and the condition is most common among adults older than 70. Awareness and understanding about kidney disease is critically low, with an estimated 26 million Americans having chronic kidney disease. Among those with severe (stage 4) kidney disease, fewer than half realize that they have damaged kidneys. Warning signs and symptoms of kidney disease The early symptoms of chronic kidney disease are the same as for many other illnesses. These symptoms may be the only sign of a problem in the early stages. Symptoms may include:
Symptoms that may occur when kidney function has become severe include:
Sleep problems
Can kidney disease be prevented? To reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease:
10: Suicide (intentional self-harm) (Editor's note: Check the Top 50 Leading Causes of Death)
Among adults aged 18 years or younger in the U.S. during 2008-2009:
How can suicide be prevented? Risk Factors vary with age, gender, and ethnic group. Some important risk factors are:
However, it is important to note that many people with these risk factors are not suicidal, while others who are contemplating suicide may not have any of these risk factors. The following are some of the Warning Signs you might notice in yourself or a friend that may be a reason for concern.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282929.php
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