The World Health Organization released a global report entitled, “Preventing Chronic Disease: A Vital Investment,” which states that “global action to prevent chronic disease could save the lives of 36 million people who would otherwise be dead by 2015.”
The report, which was released on October 5, found that more than 17 million people die prematurely every year because of chronic disease, while over 350 million people will suffer from it over the next 10 years.
These numbers do not even touch upon the increasing death toll related to infectious diseases, which are, in fact, nowhere close to taking as many lives as chronic disease is poised to do.
Chronic diseases — such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke — are the number one cause of death in the nation and they affect every country worldwide. Often it is assumed that chronic disease affects wealthier countries, but this report has found that, in fact, low- and middle- income countries are actually the worst affected. (The report found that 80% of all deaths related to chronic disease occur in the low- to middle-income countries.) In addition, these are the countries least able to take on the burden of an ailing population.
”This is a very serious situation, both for public health and for the societies and economies affected, and the toll is projected to increase,” Dr. Lee Jong-wook, the WHO Director-General, said. “The cost of inaction is clear and unacceptable. It is vital that countries review and implement the health actions we know will reduce premature death from chronic diseases.”
If the rate of death is decreased by just two percent each year between now and 2015, as the WHO has proposed, then a whopping 36 million people will not die due to chronic illness, as is currently the trend. In fact, many of these people — just under half — are likely to fall prey to chronic disease before the age of 70.
We hear it often in the news — and we reiterate it throughout the Doctors Health Press newsletters and e- mails — that eating a well-balanced diet and following an exercise routine can be invaluable to your health.
Recently, we spoke about the rising obesity rates in the U.S., and this latest report comes on the heels of that discussion. If we do not stop and take the time to reevaluate our lifestyle choices, then the numbers of people who will become victims to chronic disease will only continue to increase.
Avoiding foods that are high in fats and sugars, becoming more physically active, and abstaining from tobacco are all steps in the right direction.
In order to curb further deaths from chronic illnesses, programs must be put into place, not only in North America, but in Third World countries as well. Tobacco should be highly taxed and foods offered in schools should be healthy choices. Not to mention, educational programs about healthy eating and the benefits of exercise need to be implemented as well.
”Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Public health efforts on health promotion and disease prevention are critical to achieving better health outcomes for people worldwide,” said Ujjal Dosanjh, Canada’s Minister of Health.
Next Post: Don’t Be a Slave to Negative Health Expectations
Previous Post: Inactive Children Turn into Obese Adults
Tags: heart disease, obesity
