Age of degenerative and human-made diseases

Definition

The age of degenerative and human-made diseases refers to a stage in the epidemiological transition where chronic diseases, primarily associated with aging and lifestyle choices, become the leading causes of death. This stage is characterized by a decline in infectious diseases and an increase in non-communicable diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which are often influenced by human behaviors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and environmental factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. This age typically emerges in more developed countries where life expectancy has increased due to advancements in medical care and public health.
2. Major risk factors for degenerative diseases include sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
3. The burden of these diseases often leads to increased healthcare costs and significant impacts on quality of life for individuals.
4. Preventive measures such as regular exercise, balanced diets, and public health initiatives play a crucial role in managing the risks associated with degenerative diseases.
5. This transition also highlights disparities in health outcomes between different socioeconomic groups, as those with limited access to healthcare or education may experience higher rates of chronic diseases.

Review Questions

• What factors contribute to the rise of degenerative diseases in the age of degenerative and human-made diseases?
  • Several factors contribute to the rise of degenerative diseases during this age. Lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors. Additionally, increased longevity due to advancements in healthcare means that more people live long enough to develop chronic conditions. Urbanization and environmental changes can also influence health behaviors that lead to these diseases.
• Discuss how the epidemiological transition impacts public health strategies in addressing degenerative diseases.
  • The epidemiological transition necessitates a shift in public health strategies from controlling infectious diseases to preventing chronic conditions. Public health campaigns now focus on promoting healthy lifestyles through education about nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation. Additionally, healthcare systems are adapting to manage long-term care for individuals suffering from degenerative diseases. This transition requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy changes aimed at reducing risk factors within communities.
• Evaluate the implications of the age of degenerative and human-made diseases on global health equity.
  • The age of degenerative and human-made diseases has significant implications for global health equity. As chronic diseases become prevalent primarily in developed nations, lower-income countries may still struggle with infectious diseases while facing a dual burden. This disparity can exacerbate inequalities as wealthier populations have better access to healthcare resources to manage chronic conditions. Addressing these inequities is crucial for ensuring that all populations have equal opportunities for healthy living and access to preventive measures against both infectious and chronic diseases.

Related terms

Epidemiological Transition: A theory that describes the shift in disease patterns from infectious diseases to chronic non-communicable diseases as societies develop and modernize.

Chronic Diseases: Long-lasting diseases that often progress slowly and are typically linked to lifestyle factors and aging, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Public Health: The science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease prevention.