Our Health Today: Are We Really Healthy?

A quick glance at the headlines paints a sordid picture, from rising rates of chronic diseases to global pandemics; our health status today being more paradoxical than ever. Given that we live in an era where advanced medical technology and unprecedented access to information should make us the healthiest humans in history (at least for now), one might expect glowing reports of vitality and well-being from every corner of the globe. But just how “healthy” are we, really?

The Chronic Disease Epidemic

If we measure health by the prevalence of chronic diseases, our report card will be expectedly bleak. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are not only common but are on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 74% of all deaths globally in 2023, with cardiovascular diseases alone responsible for 17.9 million deaths annually.

The Global Killer

Heart diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. In the United States, it accounts for about one in every five deaths. In the Russian federation, the stats are similar. In Africa, no significant difference is observed in the trend. Despite numerous campaigns advocating for healthier lifestyles, the incidence of heart disease continues to soar. Perhaps it is the allure of fast food, or maybe it’s just that exercise “bike” doubling as a clothes hanger that is to blame!!!

The Silent Pandemic

Diabetes, particularly type 2, is another condition that has seen a meteoric rise in recent times. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports that approximately 537 million adults were living with diabetes in 2021, and this number is projected to reach 783 million by 2045. It is almost as if our love for sugary treats and sedentary lifestyles are having some kind of negative impact, or who would have thought? The Chinese are seemingly blazing the trail in sustainably tackling this menace.

The Obesity Crisis

Just as observed with chronic conditions, obesity rates are skyrocketing. Obesity, a major risk factor for many NCDs, has more than tripled worldwide since 1975. According to the WHO, in 2016, more than 2.5 billion adults were overweight, and 890 million of these were obese. This global trend suggests that we are collectively “expanding” at an alarming rate, both literally and figuratively.

Children and Obesity

The crisis extends to children as well. Over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight in 2016. The childhood obesity epidemic is a ticking time bomb, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared to inherit the health woes of their predecessors.

Emerging Infectious Diseases: Old and New Threats

While chronic diseases dominate the health landscape, infectious diseases continue to pose significant challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how unprepared we are for new infectious threats. Despite advancements in medical science, the novel coronavirus brought the world to its knees, resulting in over 7 million deaths globally as of 2024.

Antibiotic Resistance

Adding to the infectious disease threat is the growing and persistent problem of antibiotic resistance. The WHO has declared antibiotic resistance one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development. Common infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea are becoming harder, and sometimes, impossible to treat as antibiotics become less effective. It is almost as if our overuse and misuse of antibiotics were bound to have consequences we obviously did not foresee.

The Invisible Crisis

Physical health is not the only area of concern; mental health issues are also on the rise. According to the WHO, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 264 million people. Anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions are similarly prevalent, exacerbated by the stresses of modern life and the recent global pandemic.

And despite its prevalence, mental illness often carries a stigma that prevents many from seeking the much-needed help. This stigma, coupled with inadequate healthcare infrastructure for mental health in many parts of the world, leaves millions “suffering in silence”. Perhaps if we just keep smiling and pretending everything is fine, it will all magically get better!!!

An aspect of Global Health Inequality

While some grapple with chronic diseases and obesity, others face the stark reality of malnutrition and lack of access to basic healthcare. Health inequality remains a significant issue globally. According to a 2023 UNICEF report, 149 million children under 5 were stunted (too short for their age) and 45 million were wasted (too thin for their height). The juxtaposition of over-nutrition and under-nutrition presents a cruel irony in our quest for global health equality.

The Overlooked Factor

Environmental factors play a crucial role in our health. Air pollution, for instance, is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths annually. Climate change, water pollution, and exposure to toxic chemicals further compromise our health, yet these issues often receive less attention compared to more immediate health crises.

Poor air quality is a silent killer. It aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, with long-term exposure leading to reduced life expectancy. According to the WHO, 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits for pollutants. The good news is that some countries are taking positive action to curb this problem. Perhaps it is time to consider swapping out our daily jogs for indoor activities, even though finding a gym with good air quality might be just as challenging.

The Future of Global Health

The future of global health presents both challenges and opportunities. Advancements in medical technology, better public healthcare policies, and increased awareness can drive massive improvements. These advancements must however contend with the growing threats posed by lifestyle-related conditions, infectious disease outbreaks, and environmental degradation.

Innovations such as telemedicine, wearable health tech devices, and personalized medicine offer promising avenues for enhancing health outcomes. These technologies can provide better access to healthcare, especially in remote or underserved areas. But the question remains: will we utilize these tools effectively, or will they become just another fleeting trend?

Addressing global health issues requires robust international cooperation. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling health crises. Strengthening global health systems, sharing resources, and fostering cooperation can enhance our collective resilience against future health threats.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate the complexities of modern health, it is clear that we face a multidimensional and daunting challenge. The interplay of chronic diseases, infectious threats, mental health issues, and environmental factors paints a sobering picture of our global health status. Yet, amidst these challenges lies the potential for meaningful progress and improved health outcomes.

While our world today might boast remarkable medical advancements, our overall health remains a complex and often contradictory landscape. As we strive for better health, it is crucial to address the underlying causes and work towards a future where wellness is attainable for everyone. After all, it is not just about living longer, but living healthier and happier lives.

The big question still remains… Are we really healthy?

Your thoughts, perceptions and opinions will be greatly appreciated. Kindly share in the comment section below.