Africa 1.

-Malnutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity (http://healthissuesinafrica.wordpress .com/) I found this a very interesting blog which cited many world organizations that have been helping Africa with their health problems. It even links to the organizations sites with more information about the topic. 1 in 10 Infants die within the first 12 months of life 1 in 5 children suffer from chronic malnutrition More than 12 cases a month of Marasmus or Kwashiorkor are seen in one clinic in Alexander 1 in 10 children suffers from severe malnutrition 50% of children have a calcium, iron and zinc deficiency 75% of South Africans, have inadequate access to food More than 1 in 5 children are physically stunted due to malnutrition. http://food4africa.org/ These statistics were very eye opening for the how much malnutrition is affecting the children of Africa. 2. -AIDS: birthplace of AIDS (http://www.voanews.com/content/africa-aids-overviewextended-11jul12/1382459.html) This is interesting because it shares some personal stories of people in Africa. a. caused by mixing of chimp blood and human blood (http://www.aids.gov/hiv-aidsbasics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/) This is a very informational website and it is actually made by the government. It is very helpful and gives so much data about HIV and AIDS.

Two-thirds of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa During 2010 alone, an estimated 1.2 million adults and children died as a result of AIDS-related illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa (http://www.avert.org/aids-impact-africa.htm)
b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XjNOadA5WU I love this video because it explains what a community has created to take care the people who have AIDs. China- Chinas environmental problems, including outdoor and indoor air pollution, water shortages and pollution, desertification, and soil pollution which are leading to serious health risks. Pollution comes from a variety of sources like heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic). This has become increasingly prominent, seriously endangering the health of local citizens (He et al. 2009). (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2799473//) Commentary I was very surprised to read that China was so badly affected by pollution. I didnt read anything about how China is trying to stop or health the situation either. That is something i would like to know about.

Depression is now one of the top three public health problems in China, according to Michael R. Phillips, executive director of Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center. Facts: 90 per cent of Chinese who have committed suicide are found to have never sought psychological care. 5 per cent of Chinese people suffer from the disease and 13 out of 1,000 Chinese have mental health issues. Mental illness is something that can come from can result from personality traits, stress and or a lack of a social support network. Commentary I didnt know that depression was such a big issue, enough to be considered one of the top 3 health issues in the country. I thought it was interesting to see how completely different both issues were and I wonder how they are related. (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-03/08/content_422677.htm) Europe- Health in Europe is better than it has ever been. Still many causes of concern: mental stress, alcohol abuse, STDs, smoking, and physical activity. Children in Europe are increasingly affected by overweight and obesity. Many important risk factors for premature death such as blood pressure, cholesterol, Body Mass Index and diabetes relate to how we eat, drink and move. In May 2007, the European Commission adopted a White Paper on a strategy for combating overweight and obesity, combining actions in areas such as agriculture, transport, sport and education, as well as public health and food. The strategy re-emphasises the Platform as one model for better partnerships at national and local levels, and brings together a new High Level Group, comprised of government representatives of each Member State. http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/my_health/young_people/index_en.htm- This had a lot of information on health issues in Europe. Mental ill health accounts for almost 20% of the burden of disease in the WHO European Region and mental health problems affect one in four people at some time in life. Nine of the ten countries with the highest rates of suicide in the world are in the European Region http://www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/noncommunicablediseases/mental-health- Great info on health issues in Europe. Very helpful. Experts estimate that only one-third of people affected by the disorders get help. Genetics (heredity): Many mental illnesses run in families, suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness are more likely to develop one themselves. Susceptibility is passed on in families through genes. Experts believe many mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in many genes -- not just one. That is why a person inherits a susceptibility to a mental illness and doesn't necessarily develop the illness. Mental illness itself occurs from the interaction of multiple genes and other factors --such as stress, abuse, or a traumatic event -- which can influence, or trigger, an illness in a person who has an inherited susceptibility to it. Infections: Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms. For example, a condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDA) associated with the Streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children.

Brain defects or injury: Defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental illnesses. Prenatal damage: Some evidence suggests that a disruption of early fetal brain development or trauma that occurs at the time of birth -- for example, loss of oxygen to the brain -- may be a factor in the development of certain conditions, such as autism. Substance abuse: Long-term substance abuse, in particular, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Other factors: Poor nutrition and exposure to toxins, such as lead, may play a role in the development of mental illnesses. http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/mental-health-causes -mental-illness- I like this site. A lot of great resources about medical things. STDS Eastern Europe has seen a steady increase in HIV infections since 2000, which is largely due to an increase in heterosexually acquired infections and infections among injecting drug users.

The highest rates of STDs are found in urban populations between the ages of 15 and 35 years. Men tend to become infected at slightly older ages than women The growing incidence of STDs throughout Europe indicates a high level of unprotected sex and therefore an increasing risk of HIV infection Homosexual men and injecting drug users are still at highest risk of contracting HIV in Europe. But the incidence of heterosexually acquired cases is rising In the UK, in 2000, there were more new cases of HIV cases acquired through heterosexual than through homosexual intercourse. (The figures were 292 vs 389 cases, respectively) There have been outbreaks of gonorrhoea and syphilis among gay men in many European countries. These infections do not only increase the chances of HIV infection. They also indicate that risk-taking behaviours such as unprotected sex, which may result in HIV and other STD infections, continue to occur

http://www.google.com/url? sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFgQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F %2Fwww.emhf.org%2Fresource_images %2FEMHF_Factsheet_STD.pdf&ei=lST_T8ClE6e62gXCgpnfAQ&usg=AFQjCNHGZiITiaF4H 0cfAuvnunJYa36DNA&sig2=D_SLZ4KebWSyZ_-yEbFzZw Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Its prevalence has tripled in many countries of the WHO European Region since the 1980s, and the numbers of those affected continue to rise at an alarming rate, particularly among children. In addition to causing various physical disabilities and psychological problems, excess weight drastically increases a persons risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. The risk of developing more than one of these diseases (co-morbidity) also increases with increasing body weight. Obesity is already responsible for 28% of health costs and 1013% of deaths in different parts of the Region. Caused by an increase in food intake and lack in physical activity. Due to the increase in technology childhood obesity is the most common. Instead of going outside and playing they are sitting inside playing video games or on the computer. http://publicpolicyexchange .co.uk/events/CD03-PPE2.php

United States Heart Disease-For both men and women, heart disease kills the largest number of Americans per year. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease, which causes heart attacks and strokes, kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. Quit smoking and eat a diet low in fat and sodium to cut your risk. Cancer- Lung cancer is the cancer responsible for the most deaths in both men and women. Women are also affected greatly by breast and colorectal cancers, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reduce your risk of cancers by not smoking, eating a healthy diet, using sunscreen and getting regular cancer screenings. Stroke is the number three cause of death in women, and the number four cause of death in men. Lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic, include quitting smoking, losing excess weight, exercising and eating a healthy diet. http://www.livestrong.com/article/36536-top-health-problems-america/ This a long list of the biggest health concerns in the United States regarding both men and women. The 3 Most Important Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer If you or a loved one has had a brush with cancer, it may give you some extra motivation to clean up your diet, avoid foods you know are bad for you, and eat more healthfully. Youll find plenty of ideas on how to make your diet healthier in the Nutrition Diva archives. But if youre trying to reduce your risk of breast cancer, be sure youre not overlooking the things that will have the biggest impact: 1. Lose Weight (If You Need To) Being overweight is one of the strongest and most consistent risk factors for breast cancer particularly in women who have gone through menopause. Obesity increases circulating estrogen levels, which contribute to cancer risk. Check out my tips on how to take off extra weight and how to find a diet that will work for you. 2. Exercise Regularly Even if you can maintain a healthy weight without exercising, regular exercise further reduces your risk of breast cancer by lowering the levels of circulating estrogen in your body. Among cancer survivors, regular exercise has been shown to cut mortality risk in half. Im not talking about ironman competitions or 100-mile bike rides. You can substantially reduce your risk of breast cancer by taking a brisk 30-minute walk every day. 3. Drink Moderately or Not at All Although its not completely clear how or why alcohol increases cancer risk, the evidence of a link between drinking and breast cancer is quite convincing. Even one drink a day is linked to a

slight increase in risk. Higher consumptions levels bump your risk up dramatically. If you regularly consume alcohol and youre at all concerned about breast cancer, this is one habit you may want to give serious thought to. http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/xml/nutrition.xml Alot of great advice on this podcast about Breast Cancer, and awareness on the subject. Also what women can do to lower their chances. I really was not really shocked at all to read and the learn the stuff that I did. I feel like i knew that this were the three biggest health issues in the United States. They are by no means the only health issues concerning our country. You are many more that were listed such as obesity and things such as accidents. A lot of this can be prevented some of them cant, it is always nice to be able to read about things that can help you prevent getting these health diseases. Informing Americans about these issues can possibly save a lot of peoples lives.