Here is my response...
You only hear about them because of the rarity, not the frequency.
From the WHO report, 'Preventing Chronic Diseases: A Vital Investment'
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=7875In their report the WHO identified 10 misunderstandings that were obstacles to changing these modifiable risk factors. A few were relevant
1) Chronic diseases are often viewed as primarily affecting old people.
One quarter of all chronic disease deaths occur in people under 60 years of age.
2) The solutions for chronic disease prevention and control are too expensive to be feasible for low and middle income countries (populations).
In reality, a full range of chronic disease interventions are very cost- effective for all regions of the world. Many of these solutions are also inexpensive to implement.
3) Half Truths and kernels of truth. In these cases, the kernels of truth are distorted to become sweeping statements that are not true. Because they are based on the truth, such half-truths are among the most ubiquitous and persistent misunderstandings. Two principal half-truths are refuted below.
“ My grandfather smoked and was overweight and he lived to 96”.
Answer: In any population, there will be a certain number of people who do not demonstrate the typical patterns seen in the vast majority. For chronic diseases, there are two major types: 1) people with many chronic disease risk factors, who nonetheless live a healthy and long life; 2) people with no or few chronic disease risk factors, who nonetheless develop chronic disease and/or die from complications at a young age.
These people undeniably exist, but they are rare. The vast majority of chronic disease can be traced back to the common risk factors, and can be prevented by eliminating these risks.
4) ”Everyone has to die of something"
Answer: Certainly everyone has to die of something, but death does not need to be slow, painful, or premature. Most chronic diseases do not result in sudden death. Rather, they are likely to cause people to become progressively ill and debilitated, especially if their illness is not managed correctly. Death is inevitable, but a life of protracted ill-health is not. Chronic disease prevention and control helps people to live longer and healthier lives.
In Health
Jeff
Sorry for the mix-up!!