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Top 10 Causes of Mortality for All Ages in the United States

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated June 15, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

You can do a lot to decrease your risk of many of the major causes of death in the US. A healthy lifestyle with a good diet and plenty of exercise can increase add healthy years to your life.

1. Heart Disease

  • % of Deaths: 27
  • Prevention Methods: healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

2. Cancer

  • % of Deaths: 23
  • Prevention Methods: regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle.

3. Stroke

  • % of Deaths: 6
  • Prevention Methods: maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

4. Chronic lower respiratory disease

  • % of Deaths: 5
  • Prevention Methods: not smoking,quitting smoking, and living in a place with clean air.

5. Accidents

  • % of Deaths: 4.5 (motor vehicles accidents: 2%)
  • Prevention Methods: Keep buckling those seat belts, driving defensively, and being careful.

6. Diabetes

  • % of Deaths: 3
  • Prevention Methods: Control your sugar intake, manage your diabetes, and follow your doctor's orders.

7. Alzheimer's disease

  • % of Deaths: 3
  • Prevention Methods: Keep your mind fit through mental exercises and social interaction.

8. Influenza and pneumonia

  • % of Deaths: 2
  • Prevention Methods: Annual vaccines, good hand washing, and exercise can all help prevent these infections.

9. Kidney disease

  • % of Deaths: 2
  • Prevention Methods: Healthy lifestyle changes.

10. Septicemia

  • % of deaths: 1
  • Prevention Methods: Keep your immune system functioning well through sleep, exercise, and good nutrition.

    14.6% of all mortality in the US is from other causes.

    source: CDC NVSR

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