Noncommunicable diseases have become the leading killers around the globe. In 2012, two-thirds of all deaths worldwide were the result of conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory infections. The mortality rate from noncommunicable diseases was even higher in low- and middle-income countries.
What is it that's most likely to kill you? The World Health Organization says that in the 21st century, it's your lifestyle.
And it's not just a Western problem.
Around the world, lifestyles are changing rapidly ā and not for the better. In low-income countries, diets are shifting to foods heavy in salt and fat. People working behind computers instead of plows are less active. Economic growth isn't always a plus for your health. Bigger paychecks can lead to drinking way too much.
[For more of this story, written by Jason Beaubien, go to http://www.npr.org/blogs/goats...ably-not-an-epidemic]
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