In our teens and early 20s, we don’t think about things like strokes, heart attacks or any other medical condition that could cause death instantly. However, as the old saying goes: when we get older, we get wiser.

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Life is precious and we are not promised tomorrow, so we should all educate ourselves on the significant health concerns facing Alabamians. I decided to research some of the top medical conditions that can cause death, according to the CDC. Some you will know, and some may surprise you.

Some of the Leading Causes of Death in Alabama

Kidney Disease

I have had kidney infections before, but really didn’t realize how severe kidney disease is and what causes it. You may be surprised to learn how ordinary things like over-the-counter medicine can increase your risk.

More from the Mayo Clinic here:

Alzheimer's Disease

I have seen this one personally. My grandmother had this condition.

It started with little things like forgetting to tie her shoes or walking into a room and forgetting why she went in there. Before she passed, she didn’t know who I or my grandfather was. It was very painful to watch the decline.

Stroke

High Blood pressure runs in my family, so this one also caught my attention. If unchecked, it can lead to a stroke. A stroke can leave its victim in a partially paralyzed state or cause their death.

Heart Disease

This isn’t one disease, but a combination of issues. I didn’t realize that symptoms in men for a heart attack are different than for women. In the study, it was found that women have milder symptoms, like nausea, where most men have chest pains

These are just a few of the conditions that are the leading causes of death in our state. You can see a complete list just by clicking right here.

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