general health situation in the uk - key problems
Among all the types of diseases one can come across in many countries like flu and cancer, two prominent ones stand out in the United Kingdom.
(i) obesity
In UK, many people are either overweight or obese, including 61.9 percent of adults (16 years old and above) and 28 percent of children. Overweight people have a higher risk of falling ill with type II diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers. Unhealthy lifestyles also make it more difficult for people to find and keep work, which can have a negative impact on self-esteem and psychological health. Health problems related to weight issues cost the National Health Service (NHS) more than 5 billion pounds per year.
Obesity is also the key cause of liver disease, which is one of the five big killers in the UK. From 2000 to 2009, deaths from liver diseases in UK increased by 20 percent while they fell in most European countries.
Obesity is also the key cause of liver disease, which is one of the five big killers in the UK. From 2000 to 2009, deaths from liver diseases in UK increased by 20 percent while they fell in most European countries.
(ii) respiratory problems
Smoking in UK causes more preventable deaths than anything else. In 2011, nearly 80 000 people died from smoking addiction. Not only do smokers themselves fall ill, but so do children. Every year, hospitals see an average of 9,500 children with illnesses brought about by second hand smoke.
The UK has one of the most number of people suffering from asthma in the world. Figures suggest that approximately 6 percent of the population in UK suffers from asthma.
Apart from asthma, more than 3 million people in UK suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This lung disease can kill up to 23,000 people a year in UK alone. It is mainly caused by smoking, but some cases are work-related, such as excess exposure to chemicals at work. This disease is one of the most common causes of emergency admission to hospital and is expensive in terms of hospital care.
Therefore, it is hoped that smoking rates can be cut to prevent too many premature deaths.
The UK has one of the most number of people suffering from asthma in the world. Figures suggest that approximately 6 percent of the population in UK suffers from asthma.
Apart from asthma, more than 3 million people in UK suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This lung disease can kill up to 23,000 people a year in UK alone. It is mainly caused by smoking, but some cases are work-related, such as excess exposure to chemicals at work. This disease is one of the most common causes of emergency admission to hospital and is expensive in terms of hospital care.
Therefore, it is hoped that smoking rates can be cut to prevent too many premature deaths.