Reference no: EM132930945

Question:

Beginning in 1900, we observe that death rates for Influenza and Pneumonia decrease while death rates for Heart Disease increase. What might have caused this shift?

Assign disease_trend_explanation to an array of integers that correspond to possible explanations for these trends.

1. People are living longer, allowing more time for chronic conditions to develop.
2. A cure has not been discovered for influenza, so people are still dying at high rates from the flu.
3. Improvements in sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition have reduced the transmission of viruses and bacteria that cause infectious diseases.
4. People are more active, putting them at lower risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
5. Widespread adoption of vaccinations has reduced rates of infectious disease.
6. The medical community has became more aware of chronic conditions, leading to more people being diagnosed with heart disease.

Hint: Consider what contributes to the development of these diseases. What decreases the transmission of infections? Why do we see more lifestyle-related conditions like heart disease?