Why are Americans sicker than everybody else?

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A report on a research conducted by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine suggests that Americans are sicker, die younger, and have higher rates of developing many disease types than citizens of other wealthy countries. The research’s findings are a little bit disturbing because this should not be the case, as the US is home to many medical breakthroughs.

The report states that even Americans who are insured and have higher income are also sicker compared to those in other high-income nations. It also pointed out that the life span of American men and women are a year less than that of their counterparts in Australia, Canada, Japan, and countries in Western Europe.

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One of the reasons for this is the high-fat, high-calorie diet of Americans. The triple patty burgers, double-fried chicken, and extra-large milkshakes have become the staple meals of most Americans, primarily because these fast food items are cheaper than fresh fruits and vegetables. Another reason is that a lot of Americans have sedentary lifestyles, with most opting to drive a car to school or to the office. This high dependence on cars is taking away one of the most fundamental things the human body needs to be healthy—physical activity. In addition, although the US is at the forefront of medical advancements, access to high-quality healthcare is limited due to its increasing cost.

These health problems can be easily be remedied by a lifestyle change—eating right and exercising regularly. Furthermore, there are companies like Healthbase and Satori World Medical that can provide Americans with affordable, high-quality healthcare services abroad to help them save money.

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This website offers more information on health care and medical travel.