In the last few centuries, medicine and health care have made some significant progress. Germ theory revolutionized the way we treat infectious diseases. With the discovery of antibiotics, bacterial infections are no longer a life-threatening condition. Modern technology and science have extended life expectancy and significantly improved the quality of life for most of the world. Autism treatment has taken a step forward. Stem cell therapy has allowed some patients to receive positive therapy predictions.
That being said, the world is still struggling with health concerns. Today’s most prominent health risks are brought on by many factors. Ignorance, misinformation, and mental health issues may be partially to blame for the biggest risks humans face today.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse, whether it be alcohol or prescription medication, has swiftly become one of the biggest problems in America and the western world. With a significant rise in overdose-related deaths in the last few decades, this issue has caught the attention of governments all over the world.
The Reason
Although many factors have led to the rise of substance abuse, the biggest culprit is mental health disorders. Another prevalent factor is the overuse of painkillers.
Is There Hope?
Despite the rising number of statistics for substance abuse, significant steps are being taken to try to resolve the issue. More and more drug detox programs are being created to help treat people. Governments around the world have started paying more attention to substance abuse and laws, regulations, and money is being put into studying the underlying causes.
Obesity
Obesity has been described as an epidemic in modern society. The Obesity problem may be the world’s next great challenge. Being obese causes a variety of health-related issues, increasing your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and many other problems.
Obesity can be described as the modern epidemic, killing more people each year
The Reason
Many factors play into the Obesity Epidemic. Physical inactivity, as well as poor nutrition, are some of the biggest reasons obesity is on the rise.
Is There Hope?
There have been some great advancements in nutritional science in the last few decades. An understanding of food and how it affects hormones in the body have led to the spread of better information about nutrition.
A Rise in Preventable Diseases
You may have seen the news recently about the rise of vaccine-preventable diseases. The World Health Organization has reported that a significant number of the world’s population is contracting vaccine-preventable diseases, including:
- Diphtheria
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Meningitis
- Mumps
- Tetanus
- Tuberculosis
- Yellow Fever
The Reason
The biggest reason people, especially children, are contracting diseases that can easily be prevented, is the spread of misinformation around vaccines. Social media has led to parents becoming concerned that vaccines have adverse side-effects that may hurt their children.
Is There Hope?
Although vaccination is still optional in most countries, many governments have recently tried to combat the spread of misinformation around vaccines, as well as limit the exposure of infected persons to the general population.
What it All Means
Although Humanity has taken a significant leap forward in terms of medicine and human life expectancy, we still have a long way to go. There is hope, however, even if it may be a slow process. If you, or someone you love, is suffering from one or more of these current health issues, there are people who can help if you know where to look.
