Medical History
In the past, childhood illnesses
were dreaded killers. Measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough, and diphtheria
together killed nearly as many people as cancer between 1900 and 1904.
The average lifespan in the United
States The average number of years that a group of individuals may anticipate
to live is known as life expectancy. People who were born recently have a longer
life expectancy. In the United States, life expectancy has grown by more than
26 years since 1900. It has increased from 47 years in 1900 to 74 years in 1981
for individuals born in 1900.
Today's Health
You undoubtedly know folks who you
would consider to be in good health. They may participate in sports or walk,
jog, or ride their bikes to school for physical activity They are likely to be
fit and energetic. They can deal with the stresses of ordinary life without
becoming agitated, and they display a cheerful attitude. These folks are most
likely health-conscious. They are better able to enjoy their life by making
excellent decisions regarding nutrition, exercise, and their relationships with
others.
Wellness and Health
The term "health" can be
interpreted in a variety of ways. Health used to be defined solely by the
absence of disease or illness. However, today's definition of health is far
broader. Health refers to how you feel physically, psychologically, and
socially, as well as how you look. Another word for this larger concept of
health is wellness. Consider how health in your life differs from health in
your grandparents' lives to appreciate the need for a broader definition.
Diseases transmitted by germs and
viruses were the leading causes of mortality in 1900. If you had lived back
then, the risk of contracting pneumonia would have been three times higher than
the risk of contracting cancer. The major causes of mortality in 1900 and now
are shown in Figure 1-1.
In 1900, the most prevalent
illnesses afflicted people of all ages. It's hardly surprising, however, that
the focus of health about 1900 was on avoiding sickness. Many illnesses that
were prevalent in 1900 can now be avoided or treated because to advances in
medicine and sanitation. The majority of illnesses currently are more likely to
strike later in life. As a teenager, you are unlikely to face the same health
risks as your grandparents.
Because to these advancements in
health, you may now not only live a better life, but you also have a higher
chance of living longer. Controlling illnesses has become more difficult.
|
1900 |
Today |
|
|
All Ages |
All Ages |
15-24
Year Olds
|
|
- Pneumonia
and flu - Tuberculosis - Inflammations
of the digestive tract - Heart
diseases - Stroke - Kidney
diseases - Accidents
- Cancer - Childhood
diseases Diphtheria |
- Heart
diseases - Cancer
- Stroke - Accidents
- Lung
diseases - Pneumonia
and flu Diabetes mellitus - Suicide
- Liver
diseases - Atherosclerosis
|
- Accidents
- Homicide
- Suicide - Cancer - Heart
diseases - Birth
defects - Pneumonia
and flu Diabetes mellitus - Stroke - Lung
diseases |
Figure
1-1: The main causes of mortality in the United States. Tuberculosis,
the second largest cause of death in 1900, had dropped out of the top 10 by the
1900s.
The average lifespan in the United
States The average number of years that a group of individuals may anticipate
to live is known as life expectancy. People who were born recently have a
longer life expectancy. In the United States, life expectancy has grown by more
than 26 years since 1900. It has increased from 47 years in 1900 to 74 years in
1981 for individuals born in 1900.
It's also crucial to look at some
data that are unique to you. The leading causes of mortality for persons aged
15 to 24 are listed in Figure 1-1. You'll see that the first few reasons are
issues that you might avoid if you took more responsibility for your behaviour.
This includes things like enhancing your mental well-being and forming healthy
habits like wearing a seatbelt and driving safely.
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