Homicide was not one of the nation’s top 15 causes of death in 2010, according to new government statistics. That’s the first time since 1965 that homicide has not ranked as a major killer of American citizens.
The top 15 list, released January, 2012, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, analyzes data from death certificates. The report is preliminary; a more detailed analysis will be released later, according to the CDCP.
While the homicide rate took a plunge as the leading contributor for death over the last 45 years, Parkinson’s disease took a hike upward by 4.6%. Heart disease and cancer still account for about half of all deaths.
The leading causes of death, according to the CDCP and in numerical order, are:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Lower respiratory diseases
- Stroke and related cerebrovascular diseases
- Accidents (unintentional injuries)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney diseases
- Influenza and pneumonia
- Suicide
- Septicemia
- Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
- Hypertension and related renal disease
- Parkinson’s disease (4.6% increase) and…
- Pneumonitis (refers to inflammation of the lungs caused by medications or other exposures, such as breathing something harmful over time) due to solids and liquids.
Death rates increased in 2010 for five conditions: Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, Parkinson’s and pneumonitis.
While this is not ‘good’ news, a person with Parkinson’s disease must remember, you don’t die from having PD, but complications from the disease. So, it could be surmised that, in order to avoid complications as long as possible, exercise, eat nutritionally sound, don’t neglect your regular check-ups, stay away from those who are sick (cold, flu, etc), and laugh. A merry heart does a body good. (Click on photo to see picture/ad in its entirety.)
Journeying with you ~
