Google
Search WWW Search siakhenn.tripod.com
Website Index :
Home
Country Profile
Demographics
Health & Self-care
Humanities & Lifestyle
Travel Resources
Video
World Resources

Health and Self-care:
Allergies
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Asthma
Autism
Bad Breath
Cancer
Cholesterol
Common Cold
Common Illnesses
Costly Illness
Depression
Diabetes
E.Coli
Fatigue & Remedies
Gout
Health & Fitness
Heartburn
Heart Disease: Risks
Hemorrhoids
Hypertension
Lupus
Medical Conditions
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine Headaches Explained
Pains
Prostate Cancer
Senior & Safety
Shingles
Sleep & Snoring
Strokes

Drugs & Health Foods:
Antioxidants
Caffeine: Pros & Cons
Cancer-Fighting Foods
Drugs: Uses & Side Effects
Fish & Mercury
Fruits: Health Benefits
High-Octane Foods
Minerals & Trace Elements in Foods
Spices: Healing Power
Tea: Health Benefits
Vitamins

Related Links:
A-Z index of drugs
Cancer Statistics
Cancer Types
Disease Index - CDC
Drugs and Medications
Find drugs by disease
Food & Drug Administration
Food Storage Guide
Health Canada
Health Information
Hospitals: Best in USA
Life Expectancy Calculator
Lists of Drugs & Supplements
Medical Encyclopedia
USA Health Care Reform


11 Most Expensive Medical Conditions

Cancer, heart disease, trauma - these are just a few of the medical events that add up.

Description Image
01. Heart Conditions: $95.6 Billion

More than 80 million Americans have cardiovascular disease, which claims more than 860,000 lives a year. Heart disease is the most expensive U.S. health condition, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. To reduce your risk of heart disease complications, maintain a healthy weight by eating right and getting regular exercise. Don't smoke. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations to control other risk factors, like high blood pressure and diabetes.
02. Trauma: $74.3 Billion

Americans make 30 million to 40 million emergency hospital visits annually for injuries. Traffic crashes are the most common form of serious trauma, causing 33,308 fatalities in 2009. However, thanks to better road design, air bags, seat belt laws, and anti-drunk-driving laws, traffic fatalities in 2009 reached their lowest total since 1950. You can save lives by driving safely and wearing your seat belt.
03. Cancer: $72.2 Billion

More than 11.7 million Americans have some form of invasive cancer, and more than 560,000 die each year, making cancer the nation's second leading cause of death. It's also the third most expensive U.S. health condition, after heart disease and trauma, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The good news: Overall, cancer rates have been falling since 1999. Experts say environmental causes, including poor lifestyle choices, cause up to two-thirds of cancer cases in the U.S. Reduce your risk by eating healthy, exercising, taking recommended screening tests, and not smoking.
04. Mental Disorders: $72.1 Billion

Demand for mental health care is rising in America. More than 36 million people sought treatment in 2006, up from 19 million in 1996. Overall, about 26% of adults suffer from mental disorders, including depression, in a given year. To help a loved one, know when to consult a professional. You can learn to recognize warning signs from advocacy groups like Mental Health America.
05. Joint Disorders: $57 Billion

Non-traumatic joint disorders including osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, affect more than 50 million Americans. OA risks increase with age and represent the leading cause of knee and hip replacements. Weight loss can help reduce the risk of knee OA, particularly for women. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful in maintaining joint function.
06. COPD and Asthma: $53.7 Billion

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes the lung diseases emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. More than 85% of COPD is due to smoking. Quit smoking now to reduce your risk. One in 15 Americans has asthma, more than 20 million people. Genetics and environmental exposures are important factors in the development of asthma.
07. Hypertension: $47.4 Billion

More than 74.5 million adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease. The good news: More people are taking care of it. Hypertension control has improved from 27% in 1988-1994 to 50% in 2007-2008. Minimize your risks by keeping a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, and limiting alcohol. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods.
08. Diabetes: $45.9 Billion

Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes. Nearly 27% are 65 and older. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death and the eighth most expensive U.S. health condition, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Diabetes can lead to heart and kidney disease, blindness, amputations, and many other complications. Maintaining a healthy weight with a well-balanced diet and exercise can reduce your diabetes risk. For people with diabetes, monitor your blood sugar and take your meds.
09. Hyperlipidemia: $38.6 Billion

Lipids are fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides that build up in the bloodstream. Your body makes cholesterol, and it's also found in some foods. But more than 102 million adults have too much cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to narrowing of the arteries and contributes to heart disease and stroke. To help control cholesterol, choose foods with little or no saturated fats, such as produce, low-fat dairy, and lean meats, and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you need other ways to control cholesterol.
10. Back Problems: $35 Billion

Nearly everyone has low back pain sometime, most often between ages 30 and 50. Many cases are the result of injury or trauma. Some cases reflect degenerative conditions such as arthritis or disc disease. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, stress, and improper body mechanics during work or exercise. To maintain back health, don't smoke, lose weight, and learn safe techniques for heavy lifting.
11. Normal Childbirth: $35 Billion

Childbirth is the No. 1 reason for hospitalization in the U.S., with more than 4.1 million babies born each year. Uncomplicated pregnancy and birth cost about $7,600 each. However, an estimated $2.5 billion a year is spent on unnecessary C-sections. C-sections shouldn't take place before 39 weeks, unless there's a clinical reason. Late preterm births (34 to 36 weeks) face higher risks of medical problems, including death.
Source: WebMD
Copyright © 2000 Siakhenn
Last modified on
arrw_tp_blu.gif (131 bytes)