Where countries rate in Health/Wellness. Curious?

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   tsmogposted 5 months ago

   A recent article discovered in my emails today presented opportunity to see where my country, the U.S. fall within a world perspective regarding health/wellness as a nation. With our recent election where Trump will soon be inaugurated as the new President his appointment to the position of the Department of Health and Human Services will be focused on meeting the challenges presented in this article.
   
   Curious of your country take a peek at . . .
   
   (Note: Your country may not appear in the provided graphic, however each subheading is a link taking one to the main article sharing all countries on that topic.)
   
   Lifestyle Choices and Health: Global Trends Revealed by World Population Review | Newsletter (Nov 19, 2024)
   https://wpr-newsletter.beehiiv.com/p/li … eehiiv.com
   Uncovering the hidden patterns behind lifestyle choices and health outcomes across nations.
   
   Topics covered within the newsletter/article are . . .
   
   ** 1. The Global Weight Surge: Tracking Obesity Trends Across Nations
   Obesity has become a global epidemic, with rates tripling since 1975. Concerning?
   
   2. Raising the Glass: A Deep Dive into Global Drinking Habits
   Alcohol consumption varies significantly across the globe, influenced by cultural, economic, and regulatory factors.
   
   3. Puffing Along: Smoking Prevalence and its Impact Worldwide
   Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable diseases worldwide. In 2024, Indonesia has the highest smoking prevalence, with 39.9% of adults being smokers, predominantly males.
   
   4. Substance of Society: Global Drug Use Trends and Insights
   Illicit drug use presents significant public health challenges globally. In 2024, the United States reports the highest prevalence, with 9.4% of the population engaging in illicit drug use, primarily opioids and cannabis (though recreation use of the latter has been legalized in some states).
   
   5. Move or Lose: A Global Look at Physical Inactivity and Its Consequences
   Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining health, yet many populations fall short of recommended levels.
   
   6. Fork in the Road: Global Dietary Patterns and Health Impact
   Dietary patterns vary widely across the globe, significantly impacting health outcomes. In 2024, the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, continues to be prevalent in countries like Italy and Greece, contributing to lower rates of cardiovascular diseases.
   
   7. Mind Matters: Mapping Mental Health Trends Across the Globe
   Mental health disorders are a growing concern worldwide. In 2024, the United States reports the highest prevalence of mental health issues, with 20.6% of adults experiencing conditions such as anxiety and depression.
   
   Thoughts, criticisms, accolades, and/or commentary?

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      wildernessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

      4. Illicit drug use.  As is so common, this is only a part of the story, and it is very likely that the "Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth" would tell a different tale.  The problem is that little word "illicit".  As noted, make that drug legal and the use suddenly goes to zero, while more and more people partake.  Hard to believe that the US is the highest in the world in drug usage when some countries have made nearly anything legal.
      
      7.  Mind Matters.  Again, more of the same kind of defect.  What American does not have a psychologist/ psychiatrist/counselor on tap?  When universities provide puppies for the kids to calm them down from losing a Presidential election it isn't due to mental health disorders.  And when that is reported as depression or other disorder it skews the numbers  - I think we have so much of that kind of thing the stats are skewed violently.  People today will visit their mental health professional at the drop of a hat, and for things that are common place and happen every day and every country.  Other countries/peoples have the same events, they just don't make an issue of them.
      
      I do not believe that US mental health is worse, for example, than in the Gaza Strip or the Ukraine.  Venezuela comes to mind as does much of the Middle East (Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iraq, etc.).  So does South Africa and Nigeria.  When you never know if you will be killed today it is not very healthy for the mind.

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         tsmogposted 5 months agoin reply to this

         Thanks for your contribution.

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            wildernessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            You're welcome.  I might add that, IMO, we as a species are healthier than ever in our past, at least physically.  Increasing stress, almost world wide, is decreasing our mental health, though.  We are living in a fast paced, high stress world today, and it shows.

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