Killer habits

Science World, May 10, 2004 by Britt Norlander

Poor eating habits combined with a lack of exercise are gaining on smoking as the top cause of preventable deaths (not caused by Inherited diseases) in Americans, says a new study.

Deaths from illnesses related to poor diet and physical inactivity--like diabetes and cardiovascular disease--jumped by 33 percent from 1990 to 2000. Compare that with only a 9 percent rise in smoking-related deaths. "Despite campaigns to get people fit, our diet and exercise aren't getting better," says Ali Mokdad, the study's lead researcher from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

See the graph (right): How many more people died from tobacco use than car accidents in 2000?

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Resources:

For more information related to this issue's new stories, check out the following Web sites:

This Web site from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information on the importance of physical activity: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/index.htm

Students can check out this Web site for tips on keeping fit: www.bam.gov/fit4life/index.htm