HEALTH WARNING: We’re Dying Longer! – Troy L. Rawlings
LIFE LOVE & LUXURIES with TROY L. RAWLINGS
Initially this article started as a Feel-Good piece about how, because of modern medicine, advances in technology and our extensive knowledge surrounding the foods we eat, we as a society are living healthier longer lives than our ancestors. Yet, during my deep dive, I found out some disturbing news. While some of us are living longer than our ancestors, many of us are also living with chronic illnesses, and dying from those illnesses at a higher rate. In actuality, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (pnas.org) stated that people born in the 1950s are the last generation to see broad mortality improvements. All of us born after 1970 have seen progressively worsening health outcomes at the same ages. What??!!
WHAT’S THE CAUSE
Some of the main causes of our higher mortality rate are from external factors like; elevated rates of drug overdoses, traffic fatalities, alcohol-related liver disease, and suicide, reflecting the stresses of modern economic and social pressures. (from Tufts Now – Tufts University)
Other factors include the rise of early-onset cancer, with cancer diagnoses and deaths increasing amongst younger people. Colorectal cancer deaths are on the rise in adults under 55. Experts say this is linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and poor dietary habits. (Nature.com)
Cardiovascular challenges are also on the rise with younger Americans. After decades of declining heart disease deaths across all ages, cardiovascular mortality is ticking back up for young Americans. High rates of stress, sedentary lifestyles (we sit too much), obesity, and vaping are erasing previous smoking-related health gains for Millennials. (syracuse.com)
GOOD NEWS & SOLUTIONS
The good news is that studies show we are living longer than ever on recorded record here in the United States. And the approximate life expectancy has risen to 79.5. That’s up about a full year from a decade prior. But we want to live HEALTHIER LONGER lives, not just longer.
Here are some actionable preventative measure and healthy living steps we can take:
- MENTAL HEALTH CARE
From taking more “me time” for downtime and calmness for wade, to talking to close loved ones, and/or a therapist. Whatever helps you feel better - REGULAR CHECKUPS
With affordable and free health care, and being able to get an annual physical and blood work for the price of a good meal, there is no reason for us not to get regular checkups. It may save your life; Literally! - MOVE YOUR BODY
From children to adults, go outside somewhere! (As my Mom used to say) Parents knew!! If you’re sitting around all day you’ll get depressed, your body starts cramping up, your mind gets foggy… Go take a walk, a hike, a swim, a bike ride. It’s time for us to get back to our childhood fun days, without the injuries.
Let’s start today. If you’re in Los Angeles, there are parks that have free yoga classes. There are walking and hiking paths everywhere. There are beaches and bike trails. We have no excuses. Life can be long and beautiful, if we just appreciate and love this body we’re blessed with.
What are your favorite parks, or beaches in Los Angeles? What are ways you’ve found that help you reduce stress? Also, Remember to Log On to ReachLAAngels.com for all the hottest events, restaurants, and venues to fit your tastes.
Until The Next Time,
God Bless, One Love
Troy
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