The Reasons for the Increase in Chronic Illness in the United States

Subject: Public Health
Pages: 2
Words: 361
Reading time:
2 min

The increase in chronic illnesses in the United States can be attributed to a number of reasons. Besides, the chronic illnesses in my community pose some significant epidemiological implications. Community health is extremely essential since it propagates a healthy working environment. Lack of good health and inappropriate health behaviors can be disastrous to the wellbeing of a community.

Research studies indicate that majority of people in the United States are prone to contract chronic illnesses due to poor lifestyle choices. Besides, the rate at which chronic illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, stroke, and diabetes are spreading is alarming and may lead to a national health disaster. Statistical evidence proves that 7 out of 10 deaths occur due to chronic illnesses. There has been a serious disruption in the US economy due to immense costs incurred to curb chronic diseases. In an actual sense, the government diverts a huge proportion of its income in the health sector in order to reduce deaths occasioned by chronic illnesses.

There has been an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases in Miami, Florida. Chronic maladies are the leading causes of premature deaths in the United States. Upon careful analysis of my community, it is apparent that obesity, cancer, cardiovascular complications, arthritis, and stroke are the major chronic ailments affecting the population. The main reason behind the increased prevalence of such diseases in the country is unhealthy lifestyle practices. For instance, most people in my community embrace unhealthy behaviors characterized by alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise. Before the close of 2011, over 50% of the Miami population comprising of individuals above 18 years were not embracing aerobic and physical fitness exercises.

Another reason behind the spread of chronic illnesses is demographic factors such as race and social-economic status. For example, people from minority races are associated with low social-economic status. Hence, they are not likely to afford a healthy lifestyle. Eventually, they become more vulnerable to chronic illnesses as opposed to the wealthy majority. The epidemiological implications of chronic illnesses are continually increasing mortality rates and the cost of healthcare.