Heart Disease (leading cause
of death)
Coronary Artery Disease (also
known as CAD, Atherosclerotic Heart Disease, Ischemic
Heart Disease, Angina) is the leading cause of death
in the United States. Be aware that high cholesterol,
high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and sedentary
lifestyles play a large role in the occurrence of
coronary heart disease.
For
more information visit:
www.americanheart.org
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Cancer
(2nd leading cause of death)
It is estimated that 40% of
Americans will face a cancer diagnosis and one in
five will die of the disease. Increased public awareness
and the availability of improved cancer screening
techniques have led to earlier detection and more
successful treatment of many types of cancer. The
bottom line is that life style issues and personal
behaviors can dramatically reduce cancer death rates.
The genes that we inherit from our parents contribute
directly to a very small number of cancers, causing
fewer than 5% of deaths.
There
are many things that damage cells directly such as
over exposure to sun, cigarette smoke or chemicals
found in the environment. Tobacco smoke is responsible
for almost 30% of cancer deaths in the U.S. Diet is
responsible for close to 30% of cancer deaths through
ingestion of saturated fats and red meats.
There
are numerous ways to impact the development of cancer.
The elimination of smoking could almost end lung cancer,
which accounts for the largest percentage of cancer
related deaths. Testing stool for occult blood, breast
self examination and mammograms for women, rectal
exams combined with blood tests for Prostrate-Specific
Antigens (PSA) and pap smears are simple, inexpensive
screening tests that, through early detection, can
substantially improve the cure rate of treatments
for colorectal, breast, prostrate, and uterine cancers.
A
final important comment regarding cancer is the psycho-emotional
devastation of the diagnosis on the individual and
his/her family. In a 1997 study, 47% of those diagnosed
with cancer had a level of distress equivalent to
that seen in a major psychiatric disorder with the
most common problems being anxiety and depression.
Styles of coping will vary as will the support by
family members and friends. Because people do not
know what to say to the cancer patient and withdraw
from contact, isolation is one of the biggest problems
the cancer patient faces. It is important for friends
and family to stay in touch and remain supportive
rather than withdraw from contact.
For
more information visit:
American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org
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