Overweight and obesity are growing concerns within the United States. They are problems are continuing to escalate and cause severe health problems in many individuals. Some related diseases include diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Fortunately, with and increase in physical activity and decrease in calorie intake, this epidemic can be controlled.
Tobacco use and substance abuse are the next two indicators. Tobacco use alone is one of the leading causes of death in this country. It is also considered one of the most preventable. Abuse of alcohol and drugs is also preventable and causes a great number of diseases and health problems every year. Cancer, heart disease, chronic lung diseases, and stroke among many others may result from engaging in this behavior. .
Another preventable topic is responsible sexual behavior. Sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS), and unintended pregnancies are all caused from not following precautions when sexually active.
Mental health is our sixth leading health indicator. This too is preventable for most people. Depression is the leading mental health issue in the United States. More than 19 million people suffer from depression and it is the cause of two thirds of suicides committed each year. It is an illness not limited to any one ethnic group. .
Injury and violence is the next topic including the issues of homicide, motor vehicle crashes, falls, fires, and drowning, along with others. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in this topic, in 1998 15.6 deaths occurred per 100,000 people. .
The next indicator is environmental quality. Smoking is one of the major problems in environmental quality. Those that smoke harm themselves and others by exposing them to second hand smoke.
The last two indicators are immunization and access to health care. As discussed before they are both extrememly important in preventing serious illness and ensuring a longer healthier life.