Killing Me Softly

Yesterday, the media reported a UN conference on what experts feel are some of the greatest future health threats to the human race – cancer, heart disease and diabetes.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43473027/ns/health-diabetes/t/un-cancer-diabetes-kill-millions-cost-trillions-globally/from/toolbar The World Health Organisation and Cancer UK have released statistics in the event, showing the occurrence of cancer worldwide is increasing. Research has shown in 2008, the latest figures available, 12.6 million people were diagnosed, with 7.5 million deaths from the disease. It is believed that cancer will increase as the world population increases and becomes more affluent and sedentary.

Analyzing the statistics for the UK, 27% of all deaths were the result of cancer. It is hard to believe that the death toll, already a huge strain on NHS budgets, will not rise as we become more technologically savvied and taking less and less exercise. Personally, both sets of grandparents died of the disease, family members, and a number of friends too.

Now I quite like potatoes, and I have sat on my share of padded chairs which could be called sofas in diffused lighting. I see my body in it’s battles with, and against, my various conditions, with bemused incredulity. Suppose cancer could be in a race – or even team up with – my diabetes and it’s subsequent risk of kidney and liver failure. I will confess that my life is spent sitting and lying down in the majority. Walking is, to put it mildly - interesting – and my food has lost it’s Sat Nav and is going nowhere but the Stomach and Hip Car Park!

I am one sedentary being hoping the stats don’t decide to creep up on me too.

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