Disease

A disease is defined as a particular abnormal, pathological condition that

affects part or all of an organism often constructed as a medical condition
associated with symptoms and signs in humans, "disease" is often used more
broadly to refer to any condition that causes pain, dysfunction, distress, social
problems, or death to the person afflicted, or similar problems for those in contact
with the person. As human beings who have experienced a disease in some form,
we feel that we generally understand disease. Personally, when I think of disease
my mind jumps to the flu, cancer, and even the Bubonic plague.
In todays era of technological and medical advances, there are several
diseases which are preventable. Some, most common now than ever, are obesity,
diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity is one of the most common risk factors for
developing diabetes and heart disease. To begin, being obese basically means that
you have too much body fat than is considered healthy for your age and height.
Obesity occurs when you eat more calories than you use and can also be affected
by your genetics, overeating habits, and not exercising. There are three types of
diabetes; one is where the body does not produce insulin, called Type 1 or earlyonset diabetes. The second is where the body does not produce enough insulin for
proper function, called Type 2, and the third is called gestational diabetes, which
affects pregnant women. Insulin is a peptide hormone which aids in the regulation
of the carbohydrate metabolism by promoting the absorption of glucose in the
blood. Heart disease is varied, but generally describes the ranges of conditions
which may affect ones heart. Among these include blood vessel diseases, coronary
artery disease, heart rhythm problems, and even cogenital heart defects. Obesity,

diabetes, and heart disease can be prevented through leading a healthy life, most
importantly exercise and healthy eating habits.
As we know, obesity is one factor than can increase the risk of developing
diabetes and heart disease. Has this always been a problem? Not exactly. Obesity
has been declared as a modern-day epidemic. With this epidemic, the risk for other
serious health issues has risen and therefore created a larger issue than just obesity
itself. In the last 30 years, the percentage of obese children has doubled. Now, you
may ask why obesity is such a current issue. The answer is our lifestyle. Many
people drive cars wherever they need to go, limiting the amount of actual walking
they must do. Eating habits have changed, since going back into history you cant
find fast food or food with preservatives, artificial flavors and sugars. Electronics
also play a role; children spend 25% of their time playing video games and watching
tv when that time could be spent being active. Obesity is not prevalent in all
countries, due to different circumstances, but it has become not only a national
problem but a worldwide problem as well. America is considered the ninth fattest
country in the world.
Researching obesity, diabetes, and heart disease has made me come to
wonder if I have a chance of developing either of these. Throughout my life, I plan
to continue to be active in some way and keep up a healthy diet. I dont particularly
believe I have any increased risk in developing diabetes, although most causes are
unknown other than obesity and circumstances during pregnancy. My grandma has
diabetes, but she developed them due to bad habits so she has type 2.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart disease and/or cardiovascular
disease. Atherosclerosis itself is a heart disease with its own risks and causes, but
as far as I know my family does not have a history of heart problems. As far as

obesity goes, the only way I can prevent this issue is keeping an eye on my eating
and exercising habits and avoid gaining excess weight.
If you go to a grocery store, youll notice that organic or healthier choices
tend to cost more than the alternatives. Such things as this play a factor in rising
health issues. Expensive food items can be to be a turn-off for consumers and will
drive them to make unhealthier choices. In the Forbes article Worlds Fattest
Countries, Daniel Epstein, from the WHO Regional Office of the Americas, has
declared that obesity has become a problem of poverty. Poorer people will choose
something fast, easy, cheap and filling, such as fast food. This socio-economic issue
is yet another factor to the increasing health problems in the world and is
something that is hard to prevent.

Disease Bibliography
Internet Site
Wikipedia, Disease <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disease>
MedlinePlus, Obesity <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/obesity.html>
MNT, What is Diabetes? What causes Diabetes?
<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/>

Spark, How Has the Childhood Obesity Rate Changed in the Last 30 Years?
<http://www.sparkpe.org/blog/how-has-the-childhood-obesity-rate-changed/>
Forbes, Worlds Fattest Countries <http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worldsfattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html>
Mayo Clinic, Diabetes: Causes <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/diabetes/basics/causes/con-20033091>
Mayo Clinic, Heart Disease: Causes <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/heart-disease/basics/causes/con-20034056>