By: Jain S, Ives J, Jonas WB, Hammerschlag R, Muehsam D, Vieten C, Vicario D, Chopra D, King RP, Guarneri EPublication Name: Global Advances in Health and MedicineYear: 2015ABSTRACT
We live in an age of unparalleled technological and scientific progress, juxtaposed with a cascading series of poor social, health, and environmental choices that could bring our species to the brink of catastrophe. Within the past 100 years alone, we have created significant advances in technologies to better control disease outbreaks, extend our lifespan, enhance global communication, increase our work productivity, and improve our overall quality of life. At the same time, we are facing major healthcare crises including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental illness. Despite our best efforts and technological advances, we have not yet conquered these and other life- and health-interfering disorders. In addition, health disparities are increasing and the 100 year rise in life expectancy is flattening. This continuance of human suffering, in the face of all our advancements, is leading to substantial and exponentially growing costs to individuals and to society.