The Top Ten Causes of Death in America

I think it’s important to be cognizant of the dangers we face in our daily lives. In some cases, there’s nothing we can do. However, very often, lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in keeping you healthy and avoiding some of the following frequent causes of death.

1. Heart Attacks

About 24% of deaths in America are a result of heart attacks. In real numbers, that’s approximately 650,000 people per year.

2. Cancer

About 22% of deaths in America are cancer related. In terms of the numbers, it’s around 600,000 per year

3. Unintentional Injuries

This accounts for about 6% of deaths or about 170,000 people per year. A significant percentage are a result of motor vehicle accidents, which account for about 37,000 deaths per year. Many of those are caused by DUI drivers.

4. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

This accounts for approximately 6% of deaths or around 160,000 per year. In this category, we’re talking about.

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• bronchitis
• emphysema
• asthma

5. Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

This accounts for about 5% of deaths or approximately 147,000 per year

6. Alzheimer’s

This accounts for about 4% of deaths or approximately 121,000 per year

7. Diabetes

This accounts for about 3% of deaths or approximately 83,000 per year

8. Influenza and Pneumonia

This accounts for about 2% of deaths or approximately 56,000 per year

9. Kidney Disease

This accounts for about 1.8% of deaths or approximately 51,000 per year

10. Suicide

On average, there are about 47,000 deaths annually in America as a result of suicides.

• It is the 2^nd leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34.
• The 24-Hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is: 800-273-8255

Obviously, we cannot prevent many of the deaths described above, however, there is some general advice, which should improve our health and help us potentially avoid some of the diseases and pitfalls mentioned above.  We’re already familiar with much of the advice, but do we follow these guidelines?

• Eat healthy foods [something the author of this article doesn’t do, unless you consider a daily dose of burgers, fries, steaks, Italian food, and lots of chocolate chip cookies / ice cream good choices]
• Get plenty of sleep [I don’t get nearly enough sleep]
• Exercise Often [I go to the gym every day]
• Avoid alcohol or drink only in moderation [I never touched alcohol]
• Do not smoke [I never smoked]
• Do not use illegal drugs [I never touched illegal drugs]
• Build healthy and positive relationships. This is critical and let me add one thought of my own. Laughter is the best medicine on the planet.
• Avoid the use of unnecessary legal prescription drugs.
• Establish an ongoing relationship with a doctor. Go for annual physicals, which thanks to Obamacare, are now free. You should also schedule regular dental appointments.

How does your lifestyle jive with the recommendations listed above?