The list for the Ten Most Expensive Diseases was release recently.  This list was calculated by Charles Roehrig an Health economist from the Altarum Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The rising expenses for treatment of these diseases is largely due to three factors: drug development, aggressive treatment utilizing cutting edge diagnostic testing and increase in incidence and prevalence of the disease processes. 

Drug development:  There are now many more drugs available to treat these disease processes. The large drug companies have watched the increase in incidence of these diseases and competition is keen between these companies.  Also doctors are treating more aggressively these diseases using multiple drugs.

Diagnostic Testing:  The cost of diagnostic testing modalities and machines has mushroomed as companies race to develop and deploy the latest technology.  These tests provide a remarkable level of diagnostic support and accuracy in spite of their inflated price tags.

Incidence and Prevalence:  It is no secret that many of our "lifestyle" disease processes are growing out of control.  We are seeing record increases in the number of individuals being diagnosed with diabetes to heart disease to hypertension.  And with this increase in the number of individuals with these diseases comes the prevalence of these problems. 

Here is the list of the Ten Most Expensive Diseases:

1. Mental Health Disorders
2. Heart Disease-still the #1 killer
3. Trauma
4. Cancer
5. Pulmonary Disease
6. Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
7. Osteoarthritis
8. Back problems
9. Kidney Disease
10. Diabetes

#1.  Avoid white foods (White rice, sugar, potatoes, breads etc)

#2.  No eating in front of the television (as soon as football is over)

#3.  Exercise for 20 continuous minutes 3 times per week. (Moderate exercise that raises your heart rate)

#4.  Use a smaller plate or shift to half portions. (Avoid going for seconds)

#5.  No eating straight from a bag or a box. (There goes a whole food group for some of us)

#6.  Drink a full glass of water before each meal.  (Ice water works the best)

#7.  Don't' eat standing up. (Studies show that you will eat 75% more while standing)

#8.  Don't eat late at night.  (If you stay up late enough your body thinks it needs to be fueled again)

#9.  Switch from soda pop and diet sodas to water.  (Please don't take my Diet soda) 

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible" 

The H1N1 influenza or Swine Flu seems to have peaked during the month of November 2009.  However authorities are concerned that a third wave of the flu virus will occur in the spring.  Historically there has been a third wave and unlike the seasonal flu, new variations of influenza, including the H1N1 strain, often have the capacity to spread rapidly in warmer weather.  We saw this spread during the warm weather last spring and summer during the first wave assault of the H1N1 flu. Seasonal flu activity is expected to peak in the coming weeks.  Authorities continue to urge people who have not been vaccinated against the H1N1 flu to do so soon.  Good hygiene continues to promoted along with eating and drinking foods and juices rich in antioxidants.