Future Health Problems - Research Paper Example

? Future Health Problems al Affiliation There are numerous projected increases of diseases, ranging from chronic and infectious diseases, which pose a threat to the future of United States in economic development. Of the many chronic illnesses, cancer, diabetes, and hearts diseases are at a high risk of affecting the USA population in the next decades, with all of them already indicating high rates of deaths, consumption of federal government expenditure, and other costs. However, all these diseases can be prevented and controlled incase of their occurrence to avoid future costs. The primary prevention measures include behavioral change in lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking, drinking, and taking illegal drugs, and concentrating on taking healthy foods. Similarly, regular physical exercises have numerous benefits in most of them. The environmental control against harmful particles, gases, and carcinogenic substances can also be enforced by US citizens and government, to prevent heart diseases and cancers. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the United States, due to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease and gives recommendations that can tackle these health problems. Keywords: Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Physical Exercise, Threats, Immune System, Sugar Fats, Overweight, Obesity, Smoking, Expenditure, Screening, Healthy Lifestyle, Illnesses, Nutrition Introduction The government and the population of the United States have been struggling to solve the numerous health problems threatening the society and the future generations. Huge amounts of resources have been invested in medical and environmental research, as well as treatment and prevention programs, yet the rate of the threatening diseases seems to increase. According to DeVol and Bedroussian, there are 7 of the most chronic diseases; cancers and diabetes having more potential to threaten the future of the United States in economic and financial terms than others (hypertension, stroke, mental disorder, pulmonary condition and heart diseases) (2007). The other threat comes from infectious diseases, especially with the increased movements of people across the globe, and importations of various edible products within the United States. In this paper diabetes, cancers, and heart diseases are discussed. Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is a progressive autoimmune disease, such that an individual’s body immune system gradually destroys the beta cell that produces insulin. Scientists have not yet been able to identify the exact cause, but evidence points to the autoimmune, genetic, and environmental (viral infection or conditions that damage the pancreas) factors (UMMC, 2011). Type 2 diabetes, which is the focus here, is the most common in United States population and is a result of the pancreas failing to produce sufficient insulin, which is responsible of absorbing sugars from the blood to the cells. Therefore the sugar accumulation in the blood is unhealthy and puts one in a risk of diabetic condition. As of 2007, unless an alternative action was taken, the projected trends between 2003 and 2023 indicated a 52.9 percent increase in cases of diabetes, which were greatly attributed to obesity epidemic (DeVol and Bedroussian, 2007). Millions of people in the United States have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while others are at a high risk, yet unaware or ignorant. Challenges diabetes poses: One of the effects of diabetes in human health is causing other health problems in human organs. As a result of diabetes, cardiovascular and periodontal diseases can arise, damaging the heart, kidneys, and nerves, and causing infections on the teeth gum and bones respectively (NIDCR, 2013). It could also affect human eye vision, as a result of cataract condition, which blocks the lens. In 2003, the United States expenditure on diabetes alone totaled to $27.1 billion, let alone individuals’ financial costs and implications of their families incomes (DeVol and Bedroussian, 2007). In 2005, the federal government also spent approximately $80 billion in providing care and adding on the treatment cost of diabetic patients (Nash, 2008). Following the Medicare program in the new US health care bill, a lot of money costing the tax payer is being directed to support pre-diabetes and diabetes patients in treatment. Out of the estimated $2 trillion spending between 2011 and 2020, the beneficiaries will be responsible of $0. 3trillion, while the federal government will cover $1.7 trillion (United health group, 2010). It is obvious that the disease comes with expensive expenditure to both the patients and the government, while these resources could have been invested in other productive projects for national development. Already, the disease is known to cause high death rates, which means if the disease in not controlled, more morbidity and mortality will be realized. Recommendations Lowering incidences of obesity: Most of the American populations have a poor health diet and consumption. That is why you will find them in big sizes, overweight and obese; in most cases it is the effect of high consumptions of fast foods highly concentrated with sugars, fats, and calories. Therefore, people need to be cautious with the proportions and ingredients of each food substance they consume. Decline in obesity and overweight should be a US national initiative, because they are a risk factor of diabetes mellitus. Similarly, loosing considerable weight assists lower the blood sugar, cholesterol level, and blood pressure. The strategy calls for a healthier nutritional diet. Physical exercises and earlier screening: It is one way of reducing weight and cholesterol levels in the body, hence a way to burn extra fats and consume sugars within the blood circulation. They are as simple as brisk walks, jogging, bike cycling, distance running, and gym programs. As the federal government invests more in screening machines, the citizens should take advantage of the situation and get screened to detect diabetes earlier in time, so as to prevent future costs in treatment of complications (Nash, 2008). Physical exercises and earlier screening contribute to earlier treatments and proper blood circulation, burning of calories, and a healthy life style in comfortable weight that counters diabetes. Cancer The disease is associated with abnormal (out of control) cells growth, which invade other neighboring tissues and these cells can spread to other body parts through the blood and lymph systems. Cancers are of different types and are usually named after the cell/ organ they begin with. It is a killer disease and continues to claim most lives of the Americans. According to Reuben (2010), nearly 41% of the US population will be diagnosed with cancer disease in their future lives, and approximaley21% of the Americans would die from it. Breast cancer is common among women, while for men, prostrates cancer take the lead. Alongside them, colon, lung, carcinoma, CNS, liver, kidney, uterine, leukemia, and sarcoma cancers are projected to increase in the US, which could heavily affect the future population including the young children. Challenges cancer poses: First of all, the diagnosed patients will have to deal with numerous side effects in their treatment, which not only affects psychological aspects, but results in extra pain, damage of normal (healthy) cells during radiotherapies, anemia, intense fatigue, second cancers as a result of cancer treatments, infertility cases, and numerous surgical openings among others (American cancer society, 2013). The disease is also a challenge to the US economy in spending and with increase in the projected cases; the nation might have to spend even more resources than before. The trends of cancer expenditures have been increasing and in 2009 only, the disease cost the nation$243.4 billion inclusive of direct medical cost, indirect morbidity, and mortality cost (Reuben, 2010). The projected cancer medical cost alone by 2020 is expected to be $158 and $ 207, on the lower and higher bound respectively (NIH, 2011). Apart from the nation loosing human productivity, the expenditure is substantial and with the increasing population, it would put pressure on government budgets. Families and individuals also have to spend heavily in accessing care, and partial financial obligations to treatments on their side. Recommendations Screening for early detection: Most citizens take screenings for granted when advised to undertake them, simply because they think all is well. Both men and women should avail of screening because this assists in identifying lesions before they develop into cancer. At least research has shown that cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers, can be prevented by treating lesions before they become cancerous (CDC, (a), 2012). The government also needs to reduce the cost of screening and treatment services, to make them available for all US citizens; the Medicare program has began this, though more needs to be done. Environmental control: Considering that most of US production (in industries and agricultural activities) is chemical oriented, air pollution from industries’ smoke (consisting of harmful gases and particles) should be controlled, since it affects US citizens’ respiratory systems, which could end in lungs cancers. Smoking too should be prohibited, if not properly controlled. The environments have also been contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals, right from agricultural production to fast food manufacturing. All these expose both children and adults to potential environmental carcinogens. Such chemicals as Bisphenol A (BPA), by products like benzene and formaldehyde, naturally occurring radon, among other pollutants that people are unaware of should be eliminated from the environment and the markets to prevent cancer causes (Reuben, 2010). Heart Disease It is one of the great cardiovascular diseases that will influence family, individuals, and United States economic affairs. As the population continues to age and other members of the US society persist on their unhealthy drinking and poor nutrition, cases of heart diseases are expected to increase by 41.1% (DeVol and Bedroussian, 2007). Apparently, just as diabetes, heart disease could be influenced by obesity and cholesterol increase, which affects blood pumping and circulation in the body. Challenges heart disease poses: With the numerous cases of heart diseases increase among people of all ages, especially the young generation and elderly, the population will need huge resources for treatment. The disease condition also will cause loss in productivity, as the patients keep off work activities to cater for their health. According to Barron, by 2030, expenditure on heart diseases will triple to amount to $818 billion, while the cost from lost productivity is projected to increase by 61 percent adding up to $276 billion (2011). Heart diseases can also be fatal (in case of heart attacks and failures) and cause other illnesses. The US citizens are a risk of linked heart disease disabilities, frequent fatigue, and depression, which destabilizes the psychological state. The families and societies will continue to suffer from additional expenses in care services. Recommendations Behavioral change in lifestyle: Once people are well informed of the risks associated with such smoking and dietary fats intake, they should take it upon themselves to stop smoking and reduce high fat foods, which is an essential way to prevent the risk of heart disease. According to the CDC, smoking (high contents of tobacco) could lead to coronary heart disease, double risks of stroke, reduced blood circulation and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and risks to cancer and other heart diseases for situations of second hand smoke exposure (CDC, (b), 2012). The nation should also venture in low fat and sugar foods for a healthy lifestyle to prevent overweight, high cholesterol, and obesity, which are risk factors of heart diseases. Avoiding mental stress activities such as use of illicit drugs will also be healthy to prevent the disease. Physical exercise: It is each citizen’s responsibility to engage in body exercises in an unpolluted environment, and allow their bodies to train to handle heavy tasks. Exercising in fresh/ less polluted environments helps the mind relax and think clearly. Exercises like brisk walks burn extra calories, allow humans to walk at a pace that can raise one’s heartbeat, and assist to achieve cardiovascular benefits. It comes with no or less cost and it’s flexible for all ages; hence no US citizen can make an excuse, considering that parents and children can opt to set aside vehicle means for considerable distances walk. Children can walk to schools, while workers can take walks during break hours, going to work, and coming from work. It only requires time and determination to achieve it. Regular participation in other sports such as swimming, running, among others also has substantial benefits in preventing and controlling heart diseases. References American Cancer Society. (2013). Physical Side Effects. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/index Barron, J. (2011, July 2). The Growth of Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved from http://www.jonbarron.org/article/growth-cardiovascular-disease CDC, (a). (2012, August 30). Cancer: Addressing the cancer burden at a glance. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/AAG/dcpc.htm CDC, (b) (2012, November 27). Heart Disease and Stroke. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/heart_disease/ DeVol, R., & Bedroussian, A. (2007, October). An Unhealthy America: The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease Charting a New Course to Save Lives and Increase Productivity and Economic Growth. Retrieved from http://www.milkeninstitute.org/healthreform/pdf/AnUnhealthyAmericaExecSumm.pdf Nash, D. B. (2008, March). Changing Diabetes Care. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2730086/ NIDCR. (2013, February 8). Diabetes and Oral Health. Retrieved from http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Diabetes/ NIH. (2011, January12). Cancer costs projected to reach at least $158 billion in 2020.Retrieved from http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jan2011/nci-12.htm Reuben, S. H. (2010, April). Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What can We Do Now? Retrieved from http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/pcp/annualReports/pcp08-09rpt/PCP_Report_08-09_508.pdf UMMC. (2011). Diabetes Type 1 Causes. Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_causes_type_1_diabetes_000009_2.htm United health group. (2010, November). The United States of Diabetes: challenges and opportunities in the Decade Ahead. Retrieved from http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/hrm/unh_workingpaper5.pdf Read More