Category Archives: Chronic Disease

Killing Us Softly (and Early): Chronic Stress and America’s Life Expectancy Crisis

November 12, 2023

Life expectancy is a key indicator of a nation’s health and well-being. However, despite having similar resources to other developed countries, life expectancy has seen a concerning decline in America. Most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals U.S. life expectancy has declined to 76.4 years, the shortest in nearly two decades.

When compared with other high-income countries, the United States falls short. Premature deaths have reached historically high rates, and the U.S. has among the highest maternal and infant mortality rates among its counterparts.

Physicians and public health experts have identified chronic stress as not just a significant contributing factor to this life expectancy crisis but also a societal epidemic.

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How Old Are You(r Organs)? – Examining Human Organ Systems As Markers Of Aging

June 16, 2023

While aging is commonly considered a whole-person phenomenon, a growing body of research reveals that different biological systems and human organs age at varying rates. Emerging evidence highlights the natural aging process – and the variation in its rates – as reflective of a complex interplay of age, chronic disease, lifestyle factors, and genetic risks, all specific to the individual.

Understanding the rate of aging in different organs and biological systems is crucial for developing effective anti-aging therapies and targeted interventions. By identifying the factors contributing to the aging process, we can slow down or even reverse the aging process in different organs, potentially elongating our population’s health- and lifespans one organ at a time.

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Young and Sick: Understanding The Epidemic of Chronic Disease Among Patients Under 40

April 30, 2023

Accounting for over 70% of deaths worldwide, chronic diseases – such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer – are well-known for their long-term, progressive nature. As one of the leading causes of disability, chronic health conditions not only affect the individual’s quality of life but also significantly impact society’s economic burden.

These conditions have traditionally been associated with aging, but we now witness a worrying trend of chronic disease among young adults. The prevalence of chronic diseases among patients under 40 is increasing at an alarming rate, posing a significant challenge for healthcare systems, professionals, and patients.

The systemic implications of a silent epidemic of chronic disease among young adults underscore the importance of understanding the underlying causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies that can enable early detection and effective treatment. Such an approach can not only improve population health outcomes but also help reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems and socio-economic conditions.

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