Top Health Issues In The US And How To Reduce Risk

Top health issues in the United States (US) include a combination of chronic diseases, mental health concerns, and public health challenges.

Basically, life in the United States offers countless opportunities, but it also presents unique challenges that can significantly impact an individual’s health.

From cultural norms to environmental factors, several aspects of American life influence physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed choices and policymakers address systemic issues that affect public health.

Here’s an overview of the top health issues in the US:

1. Chronic Diseases

Heart Disease

According to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics, the leading cause of death in the U.S. are heart-related diseases, caused by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity (1).

In 2022, at least 702,880 persons died of heart disease.

To lower the risk of heart diseases, individuals are advised to:

- Promote heart-healthy diets (low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar).
- Engage in regular physical activity (150 minutes of moderate exercise per week).
- Widespread screening for hypertension and cholesterol.
- Smoking cessation programs and policies to reduce tobacco use.

Cancer

In this category, lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers are the most common, with lifestyle and environmental factors often contributing.

To lower the risk government and individuals can adopt strategies that

- Increase access to screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies).
- Promote healthy lifestyles, including a balanced diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
- Expand HPV vaccination programs to reduce cervical cancer risk.
- Fund research for early detection and treatment.

Diabetes

Also, in the chronic diseases category is Type 2 diabetes, associated with obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, is growing rapidly.

The CDC says 101,209 deaths occurred as a result of diabetes in 2022.

To lower the risk of diabetes:

- Encourage healthy eating and weight management.
- Improve access to preventive care and education on diabetes management.
- Increase availability of affordable medications like insulin.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Conditions like COPD and asthma are often caused by smoking, pollution, or workplace hazards.

The government and individuals could reduce the risk by:

- Reducing air pollution and secondhand smoke exposure.
- Providing smoking cessation programs.
- Improving access to medications and inhalers for asthma control.

2. Mental Health Issues

Depression And Anxiety

These are widespread and can lead to poor quality of life, substance abuse, and suicide.

Under-listed are some of the strategies that could help lower the risk.

- Increase access to mental health services, including counselling and therapy.
- Reduce stigma around mental health through public awareness campaigns.
- Expand mental health coverage under insurance plans.

Substance Use Disorders

The opioid epidemic, alcohol abuse, and misuse of other substances remain major concerns.

Indeed, Substance Use disorders (SUDs) are a pressing public health issue in the United States.

They not only devastate the lives of individuals but also ripple through families and communities, leaving lasting scars.

Understanding how SUDs contribute to mortality is crucial for tackling this crisis head-on.

Overdose is the leading direct cause of death among individuals with SUDs. When substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants overwhelm the body, they can cause respiratory depression, heart failure, or seizures, often leading to fatal outcomes.

Also, it could cause organ damage and respiratory depression

Some strategies that could help in lowering this situation are:

- Implementation of harm reduction strategies (e.g., needle exchange programs, naloxone distribution).
- Expanding access to treatment programs, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.
- Strengthening regulations on prescribing opioids and other addictive medications.

Suicide

Furthermore, suicide rates have increased, particularly among young adults and veterans.

The could be reduce by

- Increasing access to crisis hotlines and mental health services.
- Training communities to recognise and address suicide warning signs.
- Promoting social support networks and reduce isolation.

3. Obesity And Related Conditions

According to statistics, over 40% of U.S. adults are above their Body Mass Index, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.

To lower this figure:

- Encourage healthy eating by improving access to affordable, nutritious foods.
- Implement community-based physical activity programs.
- Educate about portion control and balanced diets in schools and workplaces.
- Regulate advertising for unhealthy foods, especially targeting children.

4. Infectious Diseases

COVID-19

The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in public health systems and continues to impact health outcomes.

Some strategies to adopt are:

- Expanding vaccine availability and education.
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure for future pandemics.
- Promoting mask-wearing and hygiene during outbreaks.

Antibiotic Resistance

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to resistant infections. This is also one of the leading causes of health issues in the US

Strategies to adopt for reduction of this issue are:

- Encouraging appropriate antibiotic use among healthcare providers and patients.
- Funding research for new antibiotics.
- Improving infection prevention practices in hospitals.

5. Lifestyle-Related Health Issues

Smoking And Vaping

Also, tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable deaths, with vaping increasingly popular among youth.

To reduce this:

- Enforce stricter regulations on tobacco and vaping products.
- Increase taxes on tobacco and nicotine products.
- Launch public education campaigns about health risks.

Poor Nutrition And Physical Inactivity

This is another major contributing factor to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Promoting nutrition education in schools and communities, improving access to parks, gyms, and safe spaces for exercise and offering workplace wellness programmes to encourage healthy lifestyles could help lower the growing trend.

6. Health Inequities

Minority and low-income populations face disparities in healthcare access, leading to worse outcomes for many conditions.

To manage the situation, the government or individuals should:

- Expand Medicaid and other programs to improve access to affordable care.
- Address social determinants of health (e.g., housing, education, transportation).
- Train healthcare providers in cultural competence.

7. Ageing-Related Issues

Alzheimer’s And Dementia

Furthermore, these conditions are increasingly common as the population ages. In fact, the CDC says this diseases are among the top 10 leading causes of death in the US with 120,122 deaths occurring in 2022.

To reduce this trend:

- Fund research into treatment and prevention.
- Provide caregiver support and respite programs.
- Improve early detection and intervention.

Arthritis

A leading cause of disability, particularly among older adults.

To manage the situation:

- Promote low-impact exercise and weight management.
- Expand access to physical therapy.
- Improve public awareness of treatments like joint replacement surgery.

8. Environmental and Public Health Concerns

Pollution

Also, Air and water pollution contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health issues.