The Stats - Pt.2 Illness

Every day we are bombarded with new information; studies and reports, promising sounding treatments and pharmaceuticals, and ever expanding statistics about various disorders and diseases. Honestly ,it can be overwhelming and a bit confusing. Not coming from a medical background, and without doing countless hours of research, our current health situation would seem quite dyer. Among all of the numerous “facts” available to us, I’ve chosen to dig deeper into the crisis that is dis-ease.

The World Health Organization's data shows the leading global causes of death to be heart disease, stroke,and lung disease or respiratory infection. During the past decade however, Diabetes (claiming the lives of over 1.6 million) and Dementia (which numbers of deaths more than doubled in the last 15 years) have rapidly climbed closer to the top of the list. Diseases such as Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS have seen a significant drop in mortality rates, no longer in the top 10 since the year 2000. As a whole, noncommunicable disease is claiming more lives than ever, even with seemingly endless medical advancements.

A disease lasting three months or longer is defined as chronic, and in America alone, more than 40 million people are limited in their usual activities due to a chronic health condition. It is projected by next year over 40% of the United States population will be affected by chronic disease, 81 million of those individuals suffering from more than one. Four of the five most expensive health conditions are chronic, and account for greater than 75% of health care costs. By the year 2023, it is estimated nearly $4.2 trillion will be spent on treatment and lost economic output.

Personally, I was shocked when learning these numbers. How can it be with modern medicine, new technologies, more medical university graduates than ever, and billions of dollars being spent on funding research, that we are seeing a DECLINE in health? My research has led me to many astounding discoveries when it comes to our well being. From information on medical insurance to big pharma, links between diet and disease, the farming industry and food companies, prevention vs. treatment of illness, and every area in between. Interested in the numbers or not, the fact is disease affects us all, directly or indirectly (your own personal wellness, friends and families health, insurance costs, and global economy). My hope is that this short post and seemingly small amount of information has peaked your interest. I strongly believe WE have the power to significantly reduce some of the climbing illness statistics. Join me on my continuing discovery, so that together we can become more informed and empowered in the pursuit of wellness.