The top ten you should know ... for better prevention.

At least suggests the results of a study from November 2018, which evaluated data from 195 countries between 1990 and 2017. According to the study, life expectancy is increasing significantly in most countries, consequently so is the number of people suffering from chronic diseases. It does indeed seem more challenging to stay healthy. Many of the top ten diseases can be attributed to so-called wealth effects – i.e. lack of exercise and poor nutrition. However, therein lies the good news, as we can do something ourselves against these triggers or amplifiers.

The study examined how frequently 354 diseases and 3,484 concomitant or secondary diseases occurred. The researchers reported that only a small number of all people examined were actually healthy. On the other hand, a large proportion suffer from several diseases at the same time. Particularly frightening: 81 percent of those people who suffer from more than five diseases are younger than 65 years according to the researchers.

The top ten most common chronic diseases among women:

1. back/back pain
2. headaches and migraines
3. depressions
4. iron deficiency anaemia
5. diabetes
6. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
7. hearing loss
8. anxiety states
9. neck pain
10. blindness and visual impairment

The top ten most common chronic diseases in men:

1. back/back pain
2. headache
3. diabetes
4. hearing loss
5. depressions
6. blindness and visual impairment
7. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
8. musculoskeletal disorders (degenerative diseases of the spine and joints, e.g. arthrosis, diseases of the tendons, ligaments and bursae)
9. neck pain
10. iron deficiency (dietary)

As already mentioned, many diseases on this list are due to results of our lifestyle and the strain on our environment. Increasing life expectancy also increases the probability of being affected by age-related diseases such as degenerative wear and tear or hearing loss. However, the fact that an increasing number of younger people have the same diseases is a cause for concern. Take care of yourself and always follow the three basic health tips:

1. regular periods of rest and recovery
2. healthy, balanced diet
3. sufficient movement