If you’re a health-conscious person, you know that healthy habits can help you live a longer, happier life.

But what if I told you that more than 11 million healthy years are lost every year due to preventable conditions? Where is this happening, and what can we do to stop it?.

The Leading Causes of Lost Healthy Years

First, let’s look at the leading causes of lost healthy years around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the top 10 causes of global burden of disease include:.

1. Ischemic Heart Disease

The leading cause of death worldwide, ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart’s blood supply is blocked or reduced. This can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and heart attacks.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

2. Stroke

Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, often by a blood clot or burst blood vessel. Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet.

3. Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Factors that increase your risk include exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, and weakened immune system.

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a group of lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but exposure to air pollution and other lung irritants can also contribute to the disease.

5. Diarrhea Diseases

Diarrhea diseases are often caused by contaminated food and water, and can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Good hygiene and sanitation can help prevent these diseases.

6. Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia

Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by memory loss, impaired thinking, and personality changes. Aging is the greatest risk factor for dementia, but other factors such as family history, head injury, and smoking can also increase your risk.

7. Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancers

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and smoking is the leading cause. Exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollution can also increase your risk.

8. Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce or use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Risk factors include obesity, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise.

9. Kidney Diseases

The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and regulate fluid levels in the body. Kidney diseases can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions.

10. Liver Diseases

The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body and producing bile. Liver diseases can be caused by viruses, toxins, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Where are Healthy Years Lost?

Now that we know the leading causes of lost healthy years, let’s explore where these losses are happening.

According to the WHO, the majority of healthy years lost occur in low-income countries, where access to healthcare and preventative measures may be limited.

In 2016, the country with the highest rate of years of life lost due to premature death or disability was South Sudan, followed by Central African Republic and Somalia.

In these countries, the leading causes of lost healthy years were infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.

However, high-income countries also face their own challenges. In the United States, for example, the leading causes of lost healthy years include heart disease, cancer, and opioid addiction.

Preventing Lost Healthy Years

While the causes and locations of lost healthy years may vary, there are steps we can take to prevent these losses. Here are some strategies for promoting health and preventing disease:.

1. Lifestyle Changes

Many of the leading causes of lost healthy years are linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

By making simple changes to our daily routines, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and being physically active, we can reduce our risk of developing chronic diseases.

2. Vaccinations

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent infectious diseases such as influenza and hepatitis. By getting vaccinated, we can protect ourselves and those around us from serious illnesses.

3. Screening and Early Detection

Regular health screenings and early detection can help prevent many diseases from progressing to advanced stages. For example, mammograms can detect breast cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable.

4. Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare is essential for preventing and treating diseases. In low-income countries, improving access to basic healthcare services such as vaccinations and maternal care can save countless lives.

In high-income countries, ensuring that all individuals have access to affordable healthcare can help prevent chronic diseases and improve overall health.

Conclusion

11 million healthy years lost every year is a staggering statistic. But by understanding the leading causes of these losses and implementing preventative measures, we can work towards a healthier, happier future.