Why are American lives getting shorter?

0
277

Why Are American Lives Getting Shorter?

The life expectancy of Americans has been steadily going down since 2014 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is a worrying statistic, as it suggests something is wrong with America’s health. To understand why the lives of Americans are shortening, one must first look at why the lifespan of Americans is decreasing and then what can be done to reverse this trend.

Reasons for Shortening Lifespans

There are numerous factors that contribute to the shortening lifespans for Americans, such as:

  1. Poor diet: Consumption of too much unhealthy, processed food has been linked to declining health and lower life expectancy. Too much sugar and trans-fats can be dangerous for many people and further eating an unbalanced diet does not provide vital nutrients necessary for health.

  2. Obesity: The prevalence of obesity in America has been on the rise, and with obesity comes various health risks such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It is estimated that approximately 40% of Americans are obese and this is only becoming more concerning.

  3. Lack of Exercise: Not having enough physical activity has been linked to higher rates of chronic illnesses and shorter life expectancy. Many Americans do not get the recommended amount of exercise and this could put them at risk of shorter lifespans.

  4. Stress: Stress is a common factor in American’s lives, and this can also contribute to shorter lifespans. A heightened level of stress can cause inflammation in the body, and this can lead to illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even certain cancers.

  5. Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Substance abuse is another factor to why American’s lives are getting shorter. Alcohol and drugs can lead to an increased risk of diseases and even some types of cancer.

  6. Poor Healthcare: Healthcare disparities are extensive in the United States and many individuals do not have access to quality healthcare. This can lead to poorer health outcomes due to lack of screening and prevention services, as well as delayed detection of diseases.

Ways to Improve American Lifespans

In order to improve life expectancy for Americans, various initiatives should be taken such as:

  1. Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can provide essential nutrients and help keep the body healthy. Limiting sugar, sodium and trans-fats is important in order to reduce the risk of diseases.

  2. Exercise: Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, as well as help improve energy levels. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week in a combination of moderate to vigorous activity.

  3. Mental Health: Mental health is essential to overall wellbeing and should not be ignored. Getting good sleep, meditating, and talking to someone about areas of stress can help support mental health and reduce stress levels.

  4. Early Detection: Catching those illnesses early can reduce complications and allow for better outcomes. Regular screening through healthcare providers can help catch illnesses earlier, such as breast cancer and diabetes.

  5. Social Support: Creating supportive and understanding environments is critical for healthy and fulfilling lives. Having companionship and strong support systems can be impactful in reducing stress levels and helping cope with adversities.

  6. Policy Change: Policies that allow for easier access to quality healthcare and healthy food options can improve the wellbeing of Americans. Government-funded initiatives are often the most efficient way to effectively provide resources to the population.

The life expectancy of Americans is declining, largely due to poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, stress, drug and alcohol abuse and poor healthcare. Knowing the root causes of this issue is necessary in order to implement correctly targeted initiatives that can improve life expectancy. Implementing interventions such as improving access to quality healthcare, promoting better diet, introducing more exercise and understanding of mental health can help reduce this worrying trend and lead to healthier, longer and more fulfilled lives.

Previous articleWhat Is Cloisonnism?
Next articleFisher and Price: The Original Growth Stock Investors