Shelton - Lifestyle for a Longer Life

Lifestyle for a Longer Life

C.D. Shelton

Table of Contents

Copyright

Lifestyle for a Longer Life by C.D. Shelton

2014 by C.D. Shelton. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying without written permission of the publisher or author. The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the publisher or author.

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.

Disclaimer

This book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health before any lifestyle changes regarding diet and exercise. The information within is meant to educate and not to serve as medical advice.

Preface

The origin of an illness is usually closely tied in with our lifestyle and habits. Genetics can and does influence the expression of some medical problems, but experts in the field of pathology indicate that as much as 75% of the major illnesses expressed by people are connected to habits and lifestyle. Poor diet, bad habits like smoking and drinking, and lack of exercise to name a few, are all lifestyle choices that could lead to major illness. With that said, the adage, An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure, applies.

This eBook will address some personal choices that can lead to a healthier you, but before we do that well look at hazardous occupations and leading causes of death and in the United States.

Leading Causes of Death

In 2010, in older age groups, chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease were the leading causes of death. The top twoheart disease and cancer account for 47% of all deaths in the U.S. All other causes of death (including accidents and suicide) listed below, account for 53% of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

Source: cdc.gov, National Vital Statistics Reports: Deaths: Final Data for 2010, May 8, 2013.

The Most Preventable Causes of Death in the U.S.

The following graph is taken from a year 2000 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and is based on the hard fact that heart attacks and cancer kill most people. It is not possible to trace the exact cause of death for any one person, so these figures should be regarded with some caution. That said, the epidemiology of the researchers is as good as any, here is a graph of preventable causes of death. Remember, this is an estimate of preventable causes of death and will not necessarily match the graph above from the National Vital Statistics Report of the actual causes of death, (this year 2000 graph is the latest available):

Preventable Deaths and Illness

Smoking accounts for 18% of all preventable deaths. It should be understood that the death rates traceable to smoking is because of the development of heart disease,cancer, strokes and respiratory diseases. The number of deaths in the Overweight and Obesity category, 15%, is linked to the development of Alzheimers Disease, Diabetes, Nephritis (kidney disease) and in part, heart disease.

If we examine the JAMA graph above, the two leading preventable causes of major illnesses and death would be

Smoking and Obesity. Ultimately (if not controlled) these two categories combine to become the most frequent cause of death in the United States47% of all deaths are linked to these two categories.

Awareness is Everything

Smoking is the one category that strikes the most fear in people's hearts. Why is this? Advertising against smoking, and the many laws banning smoking have been passed raising awareness that smoking has been linked to a shorter life span.

The other major category, Obesity, has emerged as a preventable source of illness and ultimately of death. Of course, everything in life is a choice, and people have to decide what makes them happy (and healthy). It would be nice to see more people aware of just how risky obesity is, when they make their choice of what and how much to consume.

Hazards

Accidents and Worker Injury is another leading cause of people getting injured or sick from working on a job. There are many reasons for work place injuries, they are:

• Unsafe equipment
• Inadequate safety training
• Inadequate supervision
• Dangerous work that is illegal or inappropriate for youth under 18
• Pressure to work faster
• Stressful conditions
• Poor Driving Skill

Employers must work to reduce or minimize hazards in the workplace and train employees how to work safely on the job. And drivers must be made aware of the dangers of driving.

Workplace Hazards Include:

Retail/Grocery Stores/Convenience Stores

Food Service/Fast Food

• Sharp objects
• Hot cooking equipment
• Slippery floors
• Electricity
• Heavy lifting
• Violent crime

Janitorial/Cleanup/Maintenance

• Hazardous cleaning chemicals
• Slippery floors
• Heavy lifting
• Blood on discarded needles
• Electricity
• Vehicles

Office/Clerical

• Repetitive hand motion (computer work)
• Back and neck strain
• Stress

Outdoor Work

• Pesticides and chemicals
• Machinery and vehicles
• Electricity
• Heavy lifting
• Noise
• Sun Exposure

Construction

• Falls
• Machines and tools
• Hazardous materials
• Confined space
• Electricity
• Noise

Industry

• Moving equipment
• Hot equipment
• Hazardous chemicals
• Electricity
• Heat
• Noise

Agriculture

• Machinery
• "Struck-by"
• Falls
• Electricity
• Confined space
• Hazardous chemicals
• Organic dust (e.g., grain)
• Heat

OSHA Is Here to Help!

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency of the Department of Labor (DOL) that protects workers from dangers on the job that can cause injuries or illnesses. OSHA is here to help. Anyone can call the following two phone numbers to report possible workplace hazards. These are the toll-free numbers: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or TTY 1-877-889-5627.