Common Health Issues and Their Prevention
Some issues are preventable, while others require long-term commitment. Diseases affecting large populations or those that cause severe symptoms may require public health programs to prevent.
Additionally, social determinants of health such as lack of access to nutritious foods are often at the root cause of many chronic diseases. Addressing these factors can significantly improve people’s wellbeing.
1. Obesity
Obesity is a serious medical condition caused by an excess of body fat. It puts undue strain on bones, organs and other tissues within the body, potentially leading to several life-threatening ailments.
Obesity is unlike some other diseases that come without warning and can be prevented through proper nutrition and physical activity. It’s essential to recognize that obesity has multiple causes – genetics, nutrition, hormones and environment.
2. Prescription Drug Abuse
Abuse of prescription drugs is one of the most prevalent drug issues in America. This includes misuse of medications such as opioid pain relievers, central nervous system depressants and stimulants.
Healthcare providers can help prevent abuse by screening patients for possible nonmedical use of prescription drugs. They may also check patient records in their state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which keeps track of controlled prescription medication prescribing and dispensing activity.
3. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a major health concern for millions of people. Fortunately, it’s also preventable.
Preventing heart disease requires making some simple lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and quitting smoking.
4. Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency that can cause irreversible brain damage. It typically occurs when an artery carrying oxygen to the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot.
An transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini stroke” can occur when a small area of the brain does not receive enough blood flow for a brief period.
5. AIDS
People living with HIV can lead a normal life with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Modern drugs have significantly reduced AIDS deaths worldwide.
Aids is an infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It weakens your immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. The best way to prevent AIDS is through taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) and living a healthy life.
6. Cancer
Cancer is a disorder in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. It’s caused by various factors, including things you cannot change (like your family history), risky habits and exposure to certain chemicals known as carcinogens.
Preventing cancer is one of the most effective ways to lower your chances of getting it. This includes making healthy choices and avoiding known cancer-causing substances.
7. Infectious Diseases
Communicable diseases are infections that can be spread from person to person. They’re caused by microscopic germs (like bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites) that can enter your body and cause harm.
Germs can spread when people come into contact with bodily fluids from an infected individual, such as coughs or sneezes. Germs may also be transferred through contaminated surfaces and water sources.
8. Environmental Quality
The environment we live in plays an integral role in our wellbeing. This encompasses air, water, land, buildings and infrastructure – to name just a few.
Poor environmental quality can result in serious health complications like asthma, heart disease and lung cancer. Furthermore, it causes premature deaths as well as shortened life expectancies.
9. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungs that can be brought on by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
The most effective way to prevent pneumonia is vaccination. This is especially important for children under 2 and adults 65 and older.
People with weakened immune systems or other health conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, long-term cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy) and those in the military are particularly vulnerable to developing pneumonia.
