A century ago, people were most likely to die from an infectious
disease. But improved hygiene and sanitation later prevented millions of
premature deaths from contagions such as tuberculosis. Today the diseases that kill
us are largely caused by the way we live.In 1900
1. Pneumonia/influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea, enteritis, and ulceration of the intestines
4. Diseases of the heart
5. Intracranial lesions of vascular origin (caused by stroke)
6. Nephritis (inflammation of the kidney)
7. Accidents
8. Cancer and other malignant tumors
9. Senility
10. Diphtheria
Today
1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Stroke
4. Chronic lower respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema)
5. Accidents
6. Diabetes
7. Alzheimer's disease
8. Influenza/pneumonia
9. Nephritis, nephritic syndrome, and nephrosis (kidney disease)
10. Septicemia (blood infection)
(‘Simple Health Secrets’, by Reader’s Digest)