Archive for category: Disease

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Common Diseases in Trinidad and Tobago

Common Diseases in Trinidad and TobagoThe Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island country bordering the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago is the third richest country by GDP in the Americas. As a developed country, the most common diseases in Trinidad and Tobago are noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), medical conditions not caused by infectious agents.

Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 32 percent of all deaths in 2014.

Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) is the main cause of heart attack and stroke and can also lead to blindness, kidney failure and other health problems. The prevalence of hypertension in Trinidad and Tobago is high; approximately 29.8 percent of males and 23.1 percent of females are affected.

In 2013, The Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago started a campaign aiming to reduce the risk factors of heart disease among the population. The “Fight the Fat” campaign focuses on reducing obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. For the World Health Campaign, the Ministry of Health launched “Know Your Numbers; Get Screened.” Initiatives included raising awareness about hypertension and creating opportunities for adults to check their blood pressure.

Cancer
According to a report released by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 2013, Trinidad and Tobago has the highest cancer mortality rate in the Americas. Among men, the majority of cancer deaths are due to prostate cancer and, among women, breast cancer. The high number of deaths from breast and cervical cancer has led to calls for better access to screening and treatment services, given that cervical cancer is very preventable, and breast cancer can be detected and treated early.

Diabetes
Diabetes is another one of the most common diseases in Trinidad and Tobago and is responsible for about 14 percent of all deaths. As of 2016, 10.9 percent of men and 14.1 percent of women in the country are living with diabetes.

Since 1980, there has been a 350 percent increase in the number of people in Trinidad and Tobago living with diabetes. The Ministry of Health attributes this rise to unhealthy lifestyle choices among the population, such as poor diet and physical inactivity. In its fight against diabetes, the Ministry of Health is establishing more accessible screening programs, educating medical professionals about treatment and expanding programs to promote healthy lifestyles.

Like most other developed countries, the most common diseases in Trinidad and Tobago are noncommunicable. Though genetics can play a role in an individual’s development of an NCD, many are at risk because of unhealthy choices. This can be seen by statistics provided by the World Health Organization: 30 percent of the population is obese, with sedentary lifestyles and diets high in sugar, salt and fat to blame.

The Ministry of Health has taken a stance on personal responsibility, in a statement that reads: “The Ministry of Health will do its party with the strengthening of primary health care interventions, but the population of Trinidad and Tobago has a role to play in making better dietary choices and increasing physical exercise.” However, the Ministry of Health also has a role to play in helping Trinidad and Tobago make these changes. It is unlikely that everyone in the country is actively deciding to be unhealthy – there may be issues of accessibility and education at play, too.

– Hannah Seitz

Photo: Google

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The Most Common Diseases in Austria: A Result of Lifestyle

Common Diseases in AustriaCompared to some other countries, Austria is fairly lucky with its resources and success. With a lot of access to potable water and a GDP of $386.4, Austria appears to be doing well. However, like the rest of the world, the people of Austria also suffer from medical conditions.

Due to the fact that clean water is widely available in the nation, Austrians are not very prone to waterborne illnesses, such as cholera and dysentery. Austrians tend to suffer more from diseases that are affected by genetics and lifestyles.

The top five common diseases in Austria that cause the most deaths are Alzheimer’s, lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, COPD and cerebrovascular disease — all of which are noncommunicable.

Statistics prove that Austrians drink a substantial amount more than their European peers. According to research, they are the second largest alcohol consumers in the OECD. In a study, only 10 percent of Austrians stated that they didn’t consume any alcohol in the prior year. In addition to their high alcohol intake, Austrians also have high tobacco consumption rates — more than half of Austrian men ages 18 to 28 smoke.

Drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco excessively leads to health problems. The top common diseases in Austria listed above consider either smoking or drinking as risk factors.

While one cannot really control their genes, they can control their lifestyle. Austria is making an effort to reduce the amount of tobacco consumption, so that they can eventually reduce the number of cases for the noncommunicable diseases that strike the nation. In 2009, the country banned smoking in public places, excluding restaurants and cafes. By 2018, Austria plans to ban smoking in restaurants and cafes, as well.

Although the country still has room to improve, it has still made a lot of progress. By taking measures such as banning smoking in public places, Austria is making it harder for its people to continue their unhealthy habits. Implementing policies to reduce risk factors, such as drinking and smoking, puts Austria on the right path toward healthier lifestyles and less noncommunicable diseases.

– Raven Rentas

Photo: Flickr

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Healthcare Helps Common Diseases in Turkey

Common Diseases in TurkeyTurkey has a population of just over 78 million people. The country has a very complex healthcare system, offering many different plans and systems. The common diseases in Turkey are similar to those in the rest of the world.

The healthcare system in place in Turkey, although complex, is one of the world’s best, with high-quality doctors and the latest technology available to bring the highest-quality care to individuals. This leads to higher life expectancy for both males and females, with men living to be about 76 and females living to be just over 82 years old. Both are well over the worldwide average.

Turkey’s public facilities consist of government-run hospitals associated with universities to bring the highest quality of care. However, the state-run hospitals are lagging behind the private sector and have shortages of personnel and equipment.

One of the most common diseases in Turkey is heart disease. However, many forms of heart disease have diminished in severity and occurrence over the past decade. Ischemic heart disease has dropped almost 15 percent over the last decade. The new technology that is becoming more widely available in Turkey is working to decrease the most common diseases in Turkey, and the rates of many of these diseases have decreased in the past decade.

Another common disease in Turkey is Alzheimer’s disease. This is a deadly disease that has impacted millions around the world. It is also on the rise in Turkey, with its rate of occurrence jumping up nearly 10 percent over the past decade. In 2012, it was estimated that 331,512 people were living with dementia in Turkey. This represented 0.44 percent of the population of Turkey.

Alzheimer’s disease mostly impacts people who are 75 and older, with the highest rates of occurrence in those that are 80 to 94 years old. However, it is estimated that half of the people with dementia have not been diagnosed. It is imperative that Turkey works to create opportunities for new methods of diagnosis and treatment for the disease. Over the past decade, awareness of Alzheimer’s has increased drastically, and thus more people are paying attention and attempting to help find treatment and a cure.

The common diseases in Turkey are much like the rest of the world, but Turkey is more fortunate than many to have great healthcare for most of the people in the nation. There is still work to be done to research these diseases and find strategies to help those hospitals that are less fortunate than others.

– Brendin Axtman

Photo: Flickr

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Mental Illness in Developing Countries

Mental Illness in Developing CountriesMental illness has become a major health issue in the world today.  Approximately 450 million people currently suffer from some sort of mental illness or brain condition worldwide. Individuals living in developing countries, which often lack proper medical care, are extremely susceptible to mental illness.

War, poverty and diseases such as AIDS and polio are major concerns regarding mental illness in developing countries.  These countries are generally too overwhelmed by communicable diseases and ill-equipped to respond to depression, schizophrenia and other mental health problems.

Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan believes that it is time to make mental health a priority and to allot resources for treatment, developing policies, and implementing reforms to address the growing problem of mental illness, especially in developing countries.

In a special issue of a British medical journal, The Lancet, health officials called for new strategies and more money to treat mental illness in developing countries.  The authors of the journal argued that, without implementing measures to promote positive mental health, the future of these countries will be limited.

At the turn of the century, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a collection of papers titled “Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope” that highlighted the importance of mental health.

“The WHO is making a simple statement: mental health – neglected for far too long – is crucial to the overall well-being of individuals, societies and countries and must be universally regarded in a new light,” former director general of the WHO Gro Harlem Brundtland said.

The WHO conducted a program, titled Project Atlas, to catalog mental health resources around the world.  The program found that almost half the countries in the world have no explicit mental health policy and nearly one-third have no program for coping with rising brain-related disabilities.

The results for Project Atlas are as follows:

  • 41 percent of countries have no mental health policy
  • 25 percent have no legislation on mental health
  • 28 percent have no separate budget for mental health
  • 41 percent do not have treatment facilities for severe mental disorders in primary care

Depression, the most common form of mental illness, has seen an uptick of 18 percent between 2005 and 2015 bringing the total number of people with depression to a staggering  300 million worldwide.

Like most people with mental illnesses, those who suffer from depression often do not seek treatment. Almost 50 percent of people with depression or depression symptoms (such as loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, persistent sadness and problems with everyday activities) do not seek help.

Though there is still a lot of work to do to fight mental illness, especially mental illness in developing countries, some areas have already implemented strategies to fight these diseases. One of the poorest areas of India, with the help of mostly locally recruited mental health workers, showed the efficiency of community-based rehabilitation to manage severe brain-related disabilities. Other countries such as Chile have also implemented effective strategies to help fight mental illness.

The renewed global focus on mental health is encouraging, where mental illness in developing countries still remains a major problem. Through the implementation of new strategies as well as the development of positive policies regarding mental health, there is evidence that mental healthcare is gaining importance and is becoming more accessible in developing countries.

– Drew Hazzard

Photo: Pixabay

Avoiding Common Diseases in Barbados

Avoiding Common Diseases in BarbadosBarbados, the Caribbean island that rests the furthest east into the Atlantic Ocean, has a diverse population of about 280,000 people. English is the official language and the island has a literacy rate of nearly 100 percent, one of the highest literacy rates worldwide. Barbadians also enjoy high water quality, which reduces the number of waterborne illnesses that affect many other Caribbean countries. However, there are several common diseases in Barbados to be aware of.

The disease with the largest fatal impact in Barbados is cancer, comprising 29 percent of deaths. Cardiovascular diseases come in at a close second as the reason for 28 percent of deaths. All non-communicable diseases together are estimated to cause 84 percent of deaths, and most of the time other common diseases in Barbados cause more pain and inconvenience than fatalities. Tourists should be aware of hepatitis A, hepatitis E, typhoid fever, chikungunya and malaria when preparing to visit Barbados and should take all possible precautions to avoid contracting one of these illnesses.

Zika, the disease that caused a mass panic in 2016, has been reported to be active in Barbados. Spread by mosquitoes, those who contract the virus often do not suffer any symptoms. When sickness occurs, it tends to be mild. The disease has caused fear due to its link to congenital disabilities, which can in some cases be extremely serious. Expectant mothers or women who expect to become pregnant should be particularly wary of this virus and avoid traveling to Barbados.

Barbados has also been suffering from a syphilis outbreak for the past six years. Most victims are male, with an average age of 34 years. Cases of syphilis have stabilized in the last biennium, but doctors still advise travelers and citizens to only engage in sexual activity in a safe manner. This STD is one of the common diseases in Barbados and can be extremely severe if left unchecked.

The number of cases of dengue fever, a painful infection that causes a high fever, nausea and headaches, has risen significantly in Barbados since 2015. The disease, like the Zika virus and chikungunya, is spread by mosquito bite. Those living in and visiting the country should take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid these common diseases in Barbados.

With proper care and preparation, most of the common diseases in Barbados can be prevented.

– Julia Mccartney

Photo: Flickr

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Six of the Most Common Diseases in Morocco

Six Most Common Diseases in MoroccoThe North African country of Morocco is currently home to more than 33.5 million individuals, many of whom fall victim to various food, waterborne and vectorborne diseases. The following list compiles some of the most common diseases in Morocco:

  • Hepatitis A interferes with the functioning of the liver and spreads through consumption of food contaminated with fecal matter. Similarly, hepatitis E affects the liver through fecal contamination of drinking water. While these types of diseases are often a result of poor sanitation, vaccines are available for treatment.
  • Typhoid fever is another one of several severe and common diseases in Morocco, characterized as a bacterial disease spread through contact with food or water contaminated by fecal matter or sewage.
  • Schistosomiasis is a water contact disease caused by the parasitic trematode flatworm Schistosoma. The larval form of the parasite penetrates the skin of people exposed to contaminated water, allowing worms to mature and reproduce in the blood vessels, liver, kidneys and intestines and ultimately manifest as either urinary or intestinal issues.
  • Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by Leishmania parasites, spread by sandflies. The vector-borne disease has become increasingly prevalent in Morocco as a major public health threat, affecting nearly two million people annually.
  • Malaria is transmitted via the bite of a mosquito. Parasites quickly spread in the liver and attack red blood cells, resulting in flu-like symptoms of fever, chills and, if left untreated, sometimes death. Malaria certainly falls under the list of common diseases in Morocco, as 90 percent of cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease and ranges in its severity. While the disease’s fatality rate is less than 20 percent, some may experience severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever.

A large number of deaths over the years due to common diseases in Morocco can be overwhelming and make solutions seem nearly impossible. However, it is important to recognize improvements that have been made in areas of sanitation and medical implementation while still remaining aware of those at risk.

– Mikaela Frigillana

Photo: Flickr

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Common Diseases in Peru

Common Diseases in PeruHome to 11 ecological regions, Peru, the third largest country in South America, has made a major effort to control and prevent diseases. The efforts are critical for Peru’s vulnerable population of 32 million.

One of the most common diseases in Peru is dengue fever. A viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites, dengue fever initially has no symptoms. However, within a week of being bitten by an infected mosquito, individuals will display flu-like symptoms for which there are no antiviral treatments available. While dengue can prove deadly, Peru has actively been fighting the disease. In response to a May 2017 outbreak induced by flooding, the nation mobilized soldiers to distribute aid and health supplies, and set up mobile clinics to treat individuals. In this sense, they did much to support their citizens in preventing and eliminating the disease.

Another common disease in Peru is Zika virus. Although Peru declared a 90-day health emergency throughout 11 states in response to Zika in 2016, their allocation of nearly $6 million has helped reduce the epidemic. Unlike many nations throughout South America, Peru was reduced from a “high risk” area to a “minimal risk” area. The efforts to eliminate Zika have thereby proven at least partially successful.

Finally, typhoid fever—a bacterial disease spread via contact with food or water contaminated by feces or sewage—persists throughout Peru. With mortality rates reaching as high as 20 percent when left untreated, typhoid fever remains a disease which must be combated. While the mortality rate of typhoid fever rose between 1990 and 2013, the nation continues to dedicate resources intended to eliminate the disease.

Though these are not the only common diseases in Peru (others include bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, malaria, and Bartonellosis), their persistence throughout Peruvian society demands global attention. By helping fund efforts to terminate these illnesses, the United States can ultimately help ensure that the citizens of Peru continue to thrive and succeed.

– Emily Chazen

Photo: Flickr

Combating Common Diseases in Estonia

Combating Common Diseases in EstoniaEstonia, a European country that borders the Baltic Sea, was a member of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991. In 2004, Estonia joined the EU and had been run as a parliamentary republic ever since. With a population of a little over 1.3 million, the country has a life expectancy of 73 years for men and 82 years for women.

Over the past few decades, Estonia has built its healthcare system from the ground up. The increase in accessibility and quality of healthcare has helped to combat common diseases in Estonia.

Cardiovascular disease has by far the highest mortality rate in Estonia, causing 54 percent of deaths. Cancer is the second deadliest, claiming 21.5 percent. An unhealthy diet and high systolic blood pressure are the two most fatal risks in Estonia, each containing over twice the risk of the third greatest risk. Most common diseases in Estonia can be avoided with a well-balanced diet and consistent exercise.

There are also common communicable diseases in Estonia that can cause much harm, especially if left untreated. Afflictions like diarrhea and lower respiratory diseases comprise over 62 percent of fatal communicable diseases. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis also pose a threat to the mortality rate, causing 26 percent of deaths due to communicable diseases. Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis E, Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Rabies also pose a risk. While these diseases are not common diseases in Estonia, citizens and visitors should still be wary and take all possible precautions.

Tuberculosis has been a topic of concern for Estonians, especially because of its attachment to HIV. Estonia has one of the highest numbers of patients suffering from both tuberculosis and HIV. Thankfully, the government has committed to attacking tuberculosis, and the country is on track to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.

Estonia’s healthcare system provides health insurance for 95 percent of the population to combat these diseases. It is ranked a higher quality system than that of Great Britain by the Health Consumer Powerhouse (HCP). The HCP also ranked Estonia first as the most cost-effective healthcare program. With the Estonian government continuing to make consistent improvements in healthcare, deaths caused by common diseases should continue to decrease.

– Julia Mccartney

Photo: Flickr

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The Most Common Diseases in Burundi

The Most Common Diseases in BurundiBurundi is a landlocked nation located in East Africa that shares borders with Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over the past decade, Burundi has had a sustained decrease in its child mortality rate, from 114.5 deaths per 1000 live births in 2007 to 81.7 deaths per 1000 live births in 2015.

This state has been achieved due to several factors, including some vaccine programs – such as the rotavirus vaccines introduced in 2013 – all of which have helped to increase the supply and accessibility of health services. Nonetheless, the death rate in Burundi is still pretty high.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the infant mortality rate in the United States is 5.82 deaths per 1000 live births. Considering the population of Burundi is slightly under the population of the state of Ohio in the U.S., this is quite a significant difference. What makes matters more worrisome is that the common diseases in Burundi that do the most damage are for the most part avoidable.

Overall, diarrhea, lower respiratory disease and other common infectious diseases are the deadliest causes of harm in Burundi. This is supported by the fact that 20.1 percent of deaths are caused by these diseases. They are followed closely by HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis at 13.8 percent and neglected tropical diseases and malaria at 13.3 percent.

Again when looking at the common diseases in Burundi, we must understand that while much work still needs to be done, in the larger scope of things the situation is improving. The nation’s child mortality rate is dropping; death due to malaria has decreased by 69.1 percent, and above all, there is more knowledge and awareness about preventative health measures.

As said before, the common diseases in Burundi that do the most damage are for the most part avoidable. According to healthdata.org, the biggest risk factors that drive the most death and disability in Burundi include child and maternal malnutrition, unsafe water, sanitation, and hand washing. If the 3732.8 deaths due to diarrheal diseases can be cut down with access to clean water, then this problem appears to be solvable.

– Obinna Iwuji

Photo: Flickr

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The Top Diseases In Liechtenstein

The Top Diseases In LiechtensteinUntil the end of World War 1, Liechtenstein was under control of the Austrian Empire and then later was controlled by Austria-Hungary. The princes in the country maintained control until the end of the war, in which economic devastation caused the country to create a monetary union with Switzerland. The country has since regained total independence and has struggled to grow its economy since. The top diseases in Liechtenstein are mostly preventable with proper healthcare.

The poor state of health care in Liechtenstein has led to there being little access to health care for many citizens. This article hopes to highlight the top diseases in the nation.

Hepatitis B
One of the top diseases in Liechtenstein is hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is primarily spread through bodily fluids. The citizens of this country often contract this disease unknowingly through sexual contact or medical treatment. Although medical care is a necessity in the country when a citizen is going through a medical concern, many avoid going to the hospital to avoid getting sicker by contracting this disease.

Influenza
Although influenza may seem like a disease that is not dangerous to many in the developed world, influenza is one of the top diseases in Liechtenstein. The flu season usually runs from November to April and is caused by a virus spread from person to person.

The poor economic state of the country coupled with the poor infrastructure in the region has created the perfect conditions for influenza to be a major killer in Liechtenstein. The winters of the country are frigid due to its location and this combined with a lack of access to heated environments allows the flu to spread quickly in the nation.

Furthermore, many citizens avoid going to the hospital because of inadequate medical standards in the country. The prevalence of influenza on top of many people not treating it properly have continued to allow this easily treatable disease to be a major killer in the country.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is a disease present in some areas of Liechtenstein and has become one of the country’s most dangerous diseases. The disease is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system which soon leads to death once a person contracts the illness. The condition usually gets caught when a person consumes unpasteurized milk products.

Due to the lack of food regulations in the country, tick-borne encephalitis has become rampant in regions of Liechtenstein that rely heavily on dairy products. Although vaccinations are available for citizens in Liechtenstein, they are too expensive for many people causing them to catch the illness.

The top diseases in Liechtenstein are issues that people in developed nations do not struggle to avoid. Proper health care, alongside food and sanitation standards, would allow the country to avoid having its citizens catch these illnesses

Supporting organizations such as the Red Cross and other nongovernmental organizations will allow the vaccines needed for the people of Liechtenstein to avoid catching these diseases. Support could take the form of a donation or even volunteering one’s time. The best part is the top diseases in Liechtenstein are easily preventable. All it takes is a little effort from groups of people who care to make a change.

– Nick Beauchamp
Photo: Flickr