August 12, 2009

Top 10 Causes of Preventable Death


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Based on a Harvard study done in the United States, these are the top causes of premature or preventable death among Americans: 

10 – Abuse of Alcohol

Taking too much alcohol causes non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or “lifestyle diseases” like cancer, liver disease, and stroke. Major road accidents, violence, and related injuries are mostly attributed to alcohol abuse which is prevalent among people between the ages of 30 and 45.  


9 – High Intake of Trans-fatty Acids 

Hydrogenated or unsaturated fat, also known as trans-fat, accumulates in the body and its effects in the long term are life-threatening.  


8 – Low Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential to prevent many diseases and boost brain health. These are commonly found in tuna and seafood. 


7 – High Dietary Salt 

Too much sodium makes the body more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. 


6 – LDL Cholesterol 

The LDL cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol, is also a cardiovascular threat. 


5 – High Blood Sugar 

This is usually associated with diabetes. It is also related to eye, kidney, and nerve damage. 


4 – Lack of Physical Activity 

Being physically inactive slows down the body. It roughly accounts to one in every ten deaths. It is mostly seen after the age of 70 and more common in women than in men. 


3 – Being Overweight 

This condition is also responsible for one in ten deaths and more typical among the middle-aged. 


2 – High Blood Pressure 

Hypertension causes one in every five or six deaths. It is usually caused by indirect risk factors such as obesity, inactivity, too much salt, and alcohol abuse which are all fatal on their own. 


1 – Smoking 

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death. 50% of all long-term smokers die from a disease directly related to smoking. It also adds up to 33% of all cancer deaths. Even people who already stopped the habit are still largely at risk since smoking causes harmful long-term effects.


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