Disease

As a member of a generation that is on the brink of adulthood, it is important to prioritize

my health and wellbeing. As a result, it is equally important to understand what a disease is and
how it can be prevented. A disease can be defined as any condition or disorder in a living being
that strays away from normal function and can display signs or symptoms. In todays society,
some of the most common diseases include obesity, heart disease, and diabetes all of which are
affected by our diet and exercise, or lack thereof. A reflection of our societys lifestyle, values,
and culture is essential to further grasp the seriousness of these three diseases and take
preventative measures against them.
Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are all related diseases that can be indicative of a poor
diet and lack of exercise. Obesity is a condition where a person has an excessive amount of body
fat. This is different than being overweight, because someone who is overweight can have
increased muscle mass. Although there are few cases where obesity is caused by a genetic
problem, this disease has a direct link to physical inactivity and overeating. Obesity can also
heighten the risks of getting heart disease and diabetes. Heart disease is caused by excessively
consuming foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Plaque begins to build up in the
arteries and as a result, not enough oxygen can get to the heart. Symptoms of heart disease
include shortness of breath and chest pain. Heart disease is the main cause of heart attacks, which
can be a painful and traumatizing experience. Diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels
are abnormally high. In type I diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-secreting cells in the
pancreas. In type II diabetes, the pancreas is still able to produce insulin, but it becomes resistant
to lowering the glucose levels in the blood. People can be genetically predisposed to getting
diabetes but obesity will significantly increase the risk of getting it.

These three diseases have become more prevalent in our society in recent years. Our
society is quick-moving and fast paced, so naturally Americans opt to consume fast food and use
cars. This can lead to an increased consumption of a high fat diet and reduced physical activity.
But this does not have to be the case. If Americans put more effort into exercising on a daily
basis and eating a balanced diet, the risk of getting these diseases would decrease. There is
nothing wrong with eating junk food as long as it is done in moderation and you burn the
calories that were taken in. Unfortunately, this can be difficult for some people. Socioeconomic
conditions can prevent Americans from purchasing the healthy food that they need to maintain
their balanced diet. People who work long hours might find it difficult to find the time to
exercise.
My own familys culture and lifestyle sometimes makes it difficult to take these
preventative measures. My grandparents were raised on a poor ranch in northern Mexico, and
they came to the United States in the late 70s. My grandparents often went without meals in
Mexico so this is something that they do not take for granted. When my grandmother puts a plate
of food in front of me or my other family members, she expects us to finish the whole plate. This
can be a bad eating habit because we should be eating until we are full, not until the whole plate
is finished. Another aspect of my culture is the food itself. Mexican food can be high in fat and
we often eat our meals with several pieces of bread or tortillas, which are full of carbohydrates.
This diet can increase my chances of gaining weight and becoming obese, thus putting me at risk
for heart disease and diabetes. Most of the women in my family have some sort of issue with
their thyroid while the men in my family are susceptible to high blood pressure. This puts me at
an even greater risk for getting these diseases. Overall, I would agree that my own familys
medical history and our culture can make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.

In conclusion, it is easy to see why these diseases are on the rise and are becoming more
and more common. Even the lifestyles of other ethnic cultures put people at risk for these
diseases. But as long as we put an effort to exercise and eat a well-balanced diet, we will lower
our chances of getting these life-threatening diseases.

Works Cited
Aubert, Ronald. Diabetes in America. N.p.: National Institute of Health, 1991.
Print.
Hurley, Dan. "Child's Plague: Inside the Boom in Childhood Diabetes."
Discover: Science for the Curious 8 Nov. 2010: n. pag. Print.
King, Hilary, Robert E. Aubert, and William H. Herman. "Global Burden of
Diabetes, 1995-2025: Prevalence, Numerical Estimates, and Projections."
American Diabetes Association Diabetes Care. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar.
2015. <http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/21/9/
1414.abstract7#cited-by>.