A Whopping 60% Of U.S. Adults Could Be Affected With Heart Disease By 2050

Within the next 30 years, at least 60% of U.S. adults (that’s 6 out of 10) could be affected by cardiovascular disease, which would significantly increase healthcare costs to $1.8 trillion by 2050. Key risk factors driving this increase include high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Key points:

• High blood pressure is expected to increase from 51.2% to 61% of the population by 2050.

• Cardiovascular disease will affect 15% of the population by 2050, up from 11.3% in 2020, with stroke rates doubling.

• Obesity rates are predicted to climb from 43.1% to 60.6%, particularly among adults aged 20 to 64.

• Diabetes rates are expected to rise from 16.3% to 26.8%.

• Children will also see rising rates of obesity, with one-third affected by 2050, up from 20% in 2020.

Demographic changes, including an aging population and increased diversity, will worsen these trends:

• Hispanic and Asian populations will see the largest increases in cardiovascular disease.

• Black adults will face the highest rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Thankfully, there’s a projected increase in physical activity and a decrease in smoking rates. Still, researchers emphasize the need for strategic investments in cardiovascular prevention and treatment to help counter the negative trends.

Read the full article from the American Heart Association News.

A Healthy Mouth Could Mean Life Or Death...Literally

Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams died of brain infections stemming from dental problems, officials say

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams carries the ball during the game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Dec. 19, 2010. (Getty Images)

After lots of rumors swirled surrounding how former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams died, officials released an official cause of death late Thursday, while still leaving the door open for other factors.

It was initially reported on Sept. 5 that the ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers player had died after he took an accidental blow to the head at a construction site. However, days later, it was revealed he was "fighting for his life."

Williams eventually died Sept. 12 at the age of 36, and the Hillsborough County (Florida) Medical Examiner Department said he succumbed to "Bacterial Sepsis with Cerebral Abscesses and Necrotizing Lobar Pneumonia due to multiple Dental Caries and retained tooth roots."

Essentially, his brain had pus growing around it after he had severe dental problems to the point where infections spread. Initial tests showed he had brain swelling and infections.

Fox 13 Tampa also says heart disease played a role — he suffered from a cardiac arrest, as well, shortly after the construction accident that occurred on Sept. 1.

Tampa Bay selected Williams in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact. 

In his rookie season, he led the team with 964 receiving yards, and his 65 receptions were one shy of tying the team lead. He also scored 11 times, the most on the team, and his impressive campaign was good for a second-place honor for Offensive Rookie of the Year behind St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford.

The Bucs signed Williams to an extension worth close to $40 million before the 2013 campaign, but he played in just six games that year and was then traded to his hometown Buffalo Bills, where he spent one season. However, he was unable to take the next step in his career. The most receiving yards he had in one season was 996 in 2012.

Williams' 20 touchdowns at Syracuse are tied for the second-most in school history, along with Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison.

In his professional career, Williams caught 223 passes for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Story published by Fox News on December 22, 2023 7:36am EST

5 Things to Know for Sun Safety

1. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which tells you how long the sun’s UV rays would take to darken your skin versus the amount of time without sunscreen.

2. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from UVA rays (that cause sunburn) and UVB rays (that cause skin damage).

3. Not all sunglasses are created equal.

Wrap-around or oversized styles offer more protection but make sure they block 99% to 100% of UV rays.

4. UPF clothing can be expensive.

Clothes labeled with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) provide a level of certainty. Still, standard fabrics like cotton and denim that cover most of your body can also offer some protection.

5. Some clothing colors can provide UV protection.

Darker and more vivid colors absorb more UV than pale colors, making them less likely to reach your skin.