Final answer:
Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death in the United States. Factors like smoking, alcohol, weight control, and dietary practices contribute to the development of certain types of cancer. Sedentary lifestyle and high trans-fat diets increase the risk of heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cancer
One of the leading causes of death in the United States is cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by an out-of-control growth of specific body cells. Factors like smoking, alcohol, weight control, and dietary practices are associated with certain types of cancers. Geographers study cancer to understand both behavioral and environmental causes, providing insights to combat this disease.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer in the US, primarily due to a sedentary lifestyle and high trans-fat diets. Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, which restrict blood flow, are common causes of cardiovascular disease. Accumulation of fatty deposits can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Summary:
Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death in the United States. Factors like smoking, alcohol, weight control, and dietary practices contribute to the development of certain types of cancer. Sedentary lifestyle and high trans-fat diets increase the risk of heart disease.