The Most Common Health Issues That
Affect Millions of Americans Every
Year
The most common health issues that affect millions of Americans every year are
heart disease, cancer, lung and breathing problems, mental disorders, obesity,
diabetes, substance abuse lifestyle.morningdispatcher, and the flu. These diseases can be prevented,
diagnosed, and managed through routine screening and testing.
Heart Disease (CDC, 2019)
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in both the United States and
globally. They include heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. They can lead to
disability and amputations.
Breathing Problems/Asthma/COPD/Migraines
Millions of people in the United States suffer from breathing problems, including
asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The conditions are often
passed down through genetics and can be triggered by things such as pollution, air
pollutants, poor diets, and physical inactivity.
Mental Disorders/Anxiety
An estimated 40 million adults in the United States experience anxiety at some point
in their lives. Other mental health conditions include depression and bipolar
disorder.
These illnesses can have a huge impact on your quality of life and can be treated by
your doctor through medication and counseling. However, many patients don’t seek
treatment because they are afraid of the high costs associated with medications.
Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
An overweight person is at a higher risk for developing many different types of
serious diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and
diabetes. Fortunately, you can make lifestyle changes to lower your risk of
developing these diseases by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Stress, Smoking/Tobacco Use/Substance Misuse
Many of us have experienced a time or two in our lives when we struggled to deal
with stress and anxiety. This can be a very isolating feeling and it can be difficult to
discuss these emotions with other people.
Unfortunately, many people suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol, which is
another major health issue that affects thousands of Americans each year. Drug and
alcohol misuse can lead to a variety of health complications, including heart &
kidney disease.
This is a very important topic to talk about because addiction can have a
tremendous impact on someone’s life and may be a preventable health issue. If you
or someone you know is struggling with these problems, reach out to Mira for more
information on how we can help.
Chronic Diseases/Lifestyle Illnesses
Most chronic illnesses last one or more years, require ongoing medical attention,
and can limit your ability to live a normal, fulfilling life.
The most common chronic diseases in the United States include high blood
pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. These health
problems can be prevented and managed through regular check-ups and lifestyle
changes, such as a nutritious diet, exercise, and tobacco or alcohol cessation.
A healthy lifestyle can also prevent other chronic diseases. For example, smoking
cigarettes can increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
Likewise, drinking too much alcohol can lead to liver and kidney damage, and other
serious conditions. Additionally, poor nutrition can increase the risk of heart disease
and diabetes.