St. Ignatius Post

KEEPING HEALTHY

Chronic Invalids on Increase

While it is gratifying to know that the life span has been lengthened from 49 to 66 years since 1900, this means that the percentage of elderly people in the world is greater than ever before. Although they are living longer, it is only natural that they will not be as well and strong at 60 to 80 as they were when younger; hence, the greater number of invalids today than ever before.

The death rates from acute infections, abnormality of glands, lack of proper foods including vitamins and minerals are falling and many patients afflicted with cancer now are being cured because the cancer is discovered and removed early.

In the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Edward L. Bortz, Cleveland, president, states that the patient with chronic illness is one of the major challenges to modern society. In 1900 chronic disease was the cause of 26 per cent of the deaths that occurred in New York state; today it is the cause of 70 per cent of the deaths there.

A point stressed is that although people live longer, chronic illness does not have to be present as we grow older. Many persons have a vigorous and enjoyable old age, free of prolonged illness.

What are the chronic illnesses that cause pain, unhappiness and fear? Heart diseases; diseases of the blood vessels (apoplexy); rheumatism and arthritis; advanced cancer; mental diseases; tuberculosis; diabetes; stomach and intestinal diseases.

Heart disease stands first as a cause of death and disablement, and arthritis and rheumatism stand second on the list of the most common disabling afflictions.

The major industries and school systems of the nation, in collaboration with medical authorities, should create a program for positive health which, among other benefits, should be able to uncover diseases in their earliest stages at which time their removal or cure is possible.