Surprising Health Statistics in the USA

The USA is a powerful country in regards to finance, science, military strength, and technology.  We rank in the top 5 in the world for all of these areas. These are areas we would want to be ranked number 1 in the world, but where do we rank in world health? A powerful country like ours one would think we rank at least in top 3 in the world, but we are definitely not. The latest world health ranking rates the USA as 16th in world health. How can this be?
Here are some statistics to ponder:
 
Pharmageddon:
-70-80% of Americans take at least one prescribed medication
-USA has less than 5% of the world’s population, but we consume 52% of the world’s drugs and 80% of the world’s pain medication.
-The American population consumes 71% of the world’s prescriptions written for depression and anxiety.
-In the past 20 years, prescriptions filled by adults and children has increased by 85% while the total population in the USA has only increased by 21%.
 
We are a sick nation.
 
Cancer statistics:
-40% of all women between ages 40-50 years old have microscopic breast tumors.
-1 in 2 men, and 1 in 2.4 women will develop cancer in their lifetime.
-1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer
-50% of men 50-60 years old have microscopic prostate tumors.
-100% of all people over age 70 have microscopic thyroid cancer tumors.
-The fastest growing cancers are found in those under age 35.
 
Just a few reasons for these statistics:
-Environmental/ toxic exposure
-Side effects from drugs because our liver can’t detoxify them
-Poor nutrition
-Lack of exercise
-Weak microbiome
-Broad use of antibiotics
 
Functional medicine is about prevention; it is about treating a person before he gets sick. If a patient comes to the office is a sick state, the focus is on getting to and treating the root cause of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms.
Drugs can be necessary in some instances, but not all.  The body is a remarkable structure and machine. If given a chance if can take care of itself. So let that be your goal! Do your best to maintain a healthy, functional body.
           
We are now doing DNA testing through AncestryDNA to analyze your raw data in order to treat and improve your health!
 
Please call the office at 615-371-1091 x13 to set up appointment or if you have any questions.