Disease Trends and the Delivery of Healthcare Services

Disease Trends and the Delivery of Health Care Services
HCA 240

Disease Trends and the Delivery of Health Care Services
The 2010 Census Bureau revealed that the United States population was 308.7 million as of 1, in April 2010, a rise, of 9.7% in the population since the year 2000. There was also a 9.9% increase on males now over 151.8 million in the population, as compared to females which is about 9.5% or 157 million. Out of the 308.7 million, 112.8 of them are between the ages of 18 and under, 81.5 are the ages of 45-64 and 40.3 are 65 years of age or older. (Howden, Meyer)

A study that was conducted by UOP entitled as trends in aging – united States and worldwide, it was revealed in 2030,the population will increase for people over the ages of 65 by 19.6% or 71 million, and those the ages of 80 and above by 19.5 million. This means that the healthcare cost will increase and just as many will be demanding for it.

A person with proper diet and exercise affects the trend in aging more than the genetics do. Those who die sooner than the others of the same age bracket are people that are not into physical activities, and healthy eating. Practicing a proper diet and exercise reduces the probability of suffering from health problems such as stroke, or having a heart attack; hypertension causes the arteries to thicken and harden and in turn slows down the flow of blood needed by the organs in the body, diabetes, and high cholesterol causes the blockage of the blood vessels known as atherosclerosis. All of this can be prevented by avoiding foods that are high in cholesterol, sodium and fat are two main causes of heart disease. Not smoking cigarettes will also be of great improvement, chemicals that are in cigarettes damages the heart functions. (CDC 2011)
Strokes occur when the oxygen and blood supply does not reach the brain tissue resulting to the death of brain cells. Medical attention is needed immediately once a person has a stroke to prevent the damage it may cause. A stroke is an example of the health issues connected with aging. Strokes can be avoided by controlling the rise of blood pressure, cholesterol, and not smoking cigarettes. Exercising and having a healthy diet also reduces the risk of heart disease, depression, diabetes, cancer and osteoarthritis.
Smoking is not healthy and there are no benefits from smoking. It ruptures person body cells and contributes to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles. Smoking decreases the flow of blood, slows down metabolism, and increases blood pressure. Smoking also shortens the life 10 years. (CDC, 2010)
Obesity is another factor. The rate of obesity in the United States is 33.8% which is equivalent to one in three Americans. Groups like Hispanic blacks, have 44.1%obesity and Mexican Americans have 39.3% while all Hispanics have 37.9% obesity and the group that has the lowest rate is the non-Hispanic white which is 32.6%, as stated “overweight and obese” (2012) Obesity cause coronary artery disease wherein the blood vessel is responsible for the distribution of the heart with blood, nutrients and oxygen, become thick and hard causing the decrease of the needed components. There is risk of having Type II Diabetes which is not curable but preventive. To preventing having obese or diabetes a person should eat a healthy diet everyday and exercise.
Such health issues will get treated by improved procedures and techniques in the medical aspect, with the help of improving’s one’s lifestyle. Educating people about how to avoid obtaining said diseases must be started as early as possible, even to children by imparting to them nutritious and healthy foods. It must be done with the help of different healthcare sectors because they are knowledgeable about said diseases and is capable of giving more thorough information regarding the same.
For the people that are already suffering from the disease, they must be assured that healthcare providers are of help. There are pills that will suppress illnesses such as appetite suppressors, but they have side effects that have to be observed so that it will not cause additional problems. Changing a person’s lifestyle is a great way to fight obesity. Adding physical activities, walking more often, avoiding unhealthy foods, are a few ways fight back.

Reference Page

Adult Obesity Retrieved from (http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult)

Obesity in America Retrieved from (http://www.obsityinamerica.org)