‘71.3 years’ was the average life expectancy globally, according to the World Health Organization in 2021. When a certain number of people die in a year, that number adds to the mortality rate of a county. There are big differences in death rates depending on where people live, especially between different counties. Mortality rates of counties can reflect a lot about them, how well their healthcare system is, what diseases are more prevalent, and what resources they are lacking. These things show the quality of life led by people in that particular county.

So, what is stopping a county whose mortality rates are high from decreasing these deaths?

The difference in how many people die is often tied to things like education and income. Studies have already shown that areas with higher average incomes tend to see the biggest jumps in life expectancy and have lower death rates from all causes. But until now, few studies have specifically looked at death rates from particular diseases across counties based on how rich or poor they are.

Linking Poverty to Leading Causes of Death

Researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) recently studied how death rates in U.S. counties (not including Alaska and Hawaii) are connected to how much poverty exists in those counties. They examined death rates for all causes of death and for the 10 diseases that cause the most deaths in the county. These top 10 causes were responsible for almost all deaths in 2020.

• Heart diseases (like heart attacks, heart failure, artery blockages)
• Cancer
• Stroke and other brain blood flow issues
• Pneumonia/influenza
• Unintentional injuries (like falls, car accidents, poisoning, drug overdose)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a serious lung disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Suicide
• Kidney disease

The researchers looked at changes in death rates over two time periods: from 1990 to 1994, and from 2016 to 2020 (they avoided the main COVID-19 years). They defined the poorest counties as those where 20% or more residents lived below the federal poverty line (for example, a family of four earning less than $26,200 a year in 2020). The richest counties had less than 10% of residents below this line.

Have The Death Rates Improved?

Overall, death rates got better in all types of counties for general deaths and for four of the main causes: heart diseases, cancer, stroke-related diseases, and pneumonia/influenza.

However, the improvements were much bigger in counties with less poverty. Because the poorest counties saw less improvement, the gap in death rates actually grew wider between the richest and poorest areas.

These improvements also varied a lot by location. The biggest drops in death rates happened on the East and West coasts and in some northern parts of the U.S. The smallest improvements were in the Midwest, Appalachia, and parts of the South—areas that often have higher poverty levels. Heart disease and cancer death rates improved the least in the South and Midwest.

Where Have Death Rates Worsened?

Unfortunately, death rates actually increased across the nation from other leading causes of death: accidents/injuries, COPD, Alzheimer's disease, Type 2 diabetes, suicide, and kidney disease. The effect of poverty on these conditions was mixed. For COPD and Type 2 diabetes, death rates improved in the richest counties but got worse in the poorest ones.

Overall, death rates worsened the most for accidents/injuries (likely due to the ongoing drug crisis) and Alzheimer's disease (partly because people are living longer and doctors are better at diagnosing it). Interestingly, for women, Type 2 diabetes death rates improved in all income levels studied. For men, COPD death rates improved across all income levels.

Why These Gaps Exist?

Some health differences are getting bigger than others. The largest increases in the gap in death rates between rich and poor counties were for Type 2 diabetes, pneumonia/influenza, COPD, kidney diseases, and heart diseases.

Factors like smoking and obesity are more common in certain areas, particularly the South. These are big risk factors for many of the diseases studied. Also, some Southern states haven't expanded their Medicaid programs, which help low-income people get healthcare. Access to Medicaid has been linked to better health outcomes and lower death rates.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

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PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
• Manage stress effectively
• Prioritize sufficient sleep
• Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
• Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes

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She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

ALSO READ: High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
• Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

ALSO READ: Prediabetes: How To Spot the Silent Warning Signs Before It Turns Into Type-2 Diabetes

By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.

Half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many don’t even know it. High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Recently, cases of high blood pressure have been rising rapidly in the U.S. and globally. As these numbers climb, regularly checking your blood pressure becomes essential.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, around 122 million people, have high blood pressure, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Shockingly, only about one in four have their condition under control. To help you stay on top of your numbers, here’s a detailed guide to understanding blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings ExplainedBlood pressure is written as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 120/80 mm Hg, which can be read as “120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

The first number, or systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps.

The second number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

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Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day depending on activity, stress, and other factors. A healthy reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic readings are 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings are 80 mm Hg or higher.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines by the American Heart Association

• Earlier Treatment: People with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or more are advised to start medication along with lifestyle changes.
• Personalized Risk Assessment: Doctors may use the PREVENT™️ calculator to estimate 10-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
• Expanded Lab Testing: Tests such as the urine albumin:creatinine ratio help tailor treatment plans.
• Lifestyle First: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
• Alcohol Limits: Men: 2 drinks/day; women: 1 drink/day.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

ALSO READ: This Small Mistake Can Change Your Blood Pressure Reading, According To Doctor

Home monitoring is particularly important for:

• Anyone already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• People starting or adjusting high blood pressure treatments, to see if they are working.
• Individuals who require closer monitoring, especially those with risk factors for high blood pressure or related health conditions.