Source: Fox News
Summary
Over the past 250 years, the leading causes of death in America have changed dramatically, reflecting advances in medicine, public health, prevention, and treatment. In 1776, diseases like smallpox, tuberculosis, and diarrhea were prevalent, while today, chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and obesity are the top killers. The introduction of vaccines, improvements in sanitation and hygiene, and advances in medical technology have contributed to increased life expectancy and a shift in the leading causes of death.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar.
The transformation of deaths from infectious diseases to chronic debilitating diseases represents both success and new challenges Americans will have to face. Chronic diseases now account for most American deaths, driven by an aging population and lifestyle behaviors. The uptick in chronic diseases is fueled by lack of exercise and diets rich in fats, salts, and ultraprocessed foods, leading to the rise of obesity. Public health advances can change the course of health for millions of Americans, just as vaccines and antibiotics prolonged life centuries ago.
It seems we’ve traded one set of health concerns for another.
Author: Evan Null
