Personal Health Chapter 1

Leading causes of death

Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke

Income and Education

Inequalities in income and education underlie many of the health disparities among Americans.

Life Expectancy

On average women live about 5 years longer than men

Disability

People with disabilities are more likely to be inactive and overweight.

Key Contributor to death among Americans

Tobacco

The Healthy People Initiative

1) Eliminate preventable disease, disability, injury and premature death. 2) Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve health of all groups. 3) Create social and physical environment that promote good health for all.

Heredity/Family History

25,000 genes, half from each parents

Leading causes of death among Americans Ages 15-24

Accidents, Homicide, Suicide

Access to health care

Adequate health care helps improve quality and quantity of life through preventive care and the treatment of disease.

Taking Personal Responsibility for Your Wellness

BEHAVIOR can tip the balance toward good health, even when heredity or environment is a negative factor.

Ethnicity

Compared with the US population as a whole, American ethic minorities have higher rates of death and disability from many causes.

Environment

Conditions you live in (tobacco, sunlight, radiation)

Sexual Orientation

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors (unsafe sex, and drug use)