Disease, The Great Equalizer

In the United States disease is an equal opportunity parasite.  Most diseases strike men and women in relatively similar numbers.  The diseases and disorders that are prevalent in America affect hundreds of thousands of citizens each year. They are painful, terrible, often fatal and almost always unavoidable.  Luckily, many of the most common diseases in the country are treatable, at least to some degree.

  1. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death for both men and women.  Other cancers such as breast and prostate cancer are more gender specific. While cancer is often fatal, early detection can greatly improve survival rates. Healthy lifestyle choices can aid in prevention.
  2. Strokes are the number four killer of men and the number three killer of women.  Strokes can be fatal or simply debilitating. Again, lifestyle changes can effectively lower the risk of stroke in both men and women.
  3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) includes emphysema and bronchitis. This disorder is painful and life threatening. Quitting smoking is the single greatest thing anyone can do to decrease their risk of this chronic disease
  4. Diabetes is another common disorder. While slightly more men are affected by this disease good diet and proper nutrition are the best ways to help prevent it.
  5. Kidney disease kills equally among men and women.  Diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes of this deadly disease.  Diabetics are at even greater risk for kidney disease, making it even more important to treat diabetes.

While these common diseases strike men and women proportionately, it is interesting to note that Alzheimer’s doesn’t fit the pattern. It is the tenth leading cause of death among American men but the fifth of women.  As of yet, this anomaly has not been explained.

There are things that can be done to help prevent some deadly diseases.  Above all, be aware of risk factors and have regular physicals.