Biggest Causes of Premature Death

Death is something no one really wants to think about. It’s the ultimate fear for most and we spend a lot of our lives trying to prevent it and push back the clock. However, the truth is that everyone has a time and place and not everyone dies of old age. There are some habits that we can change in our daily lives to make us live longer and then there are some causes of early death that are unavoidable. Here’s a list of the most common causes of premature death in the United States.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a huge leader in premature deaths in America. The term heart disease covers a range of conditions including heart attacks and heart failure. Heart disease can be hereditary and is often linked to being overweight. Stress also has a huge factor in heart disease, so it’s important to take the time to relax. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also contribute to having a healthy heart.

Cancer

Cancer is a condition where cells have abnormal growth and spread throughout the body or a localized region of the body. Unfortunately, anyone can develop cancer and there is not always a direct cause. However, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risks of cancer. Lung cancer is the most common form for both men and women, often caused by smoking cigarettes.

Stroke

A stroke happens when there is a problem with the blood vessels that deliver blood supply to the brain. If someone is having a stroke, time is of the essence. When you act fast it reduces the damage of the stroke. Signs of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym FAST; face, arms, speech and time. Ask the person to smile. If one side of their face droops it is a sign of a stroke. Ask them to lift their arms, the same principle applies. If their speech is slurred it is a warning sign. When you think someone might be having a stroke you need to act fast.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes people to have changes in their memory and cognitive ability. It is caused by damage of nerve cells to the brain and will eventually become fatal.

Accidents

Life is unpredictable and sometimes accidents happen. If the accident is severe enough it can lead to death. So, keep in mind, you never really know what’s going to happen. Make sure you’re following safe practices and not putting yourself in harm’s way when it could be avoided.

You can take precautionary steps to prolong your life by living a healthy and active lifestyle. Make sure you’re eating healthy, managing your stress, and exercising regularly. In the event that something does happen, make sure you have life i