SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smodin, a trailblazer in AI-powered tools for students, educators, and professionals, is thrilled to announce an exciting development: www. contemplativeinquiry.org and www. freshu.io now redirect to Smodin.io, creating a single, unified hub for innovation and productivity. This move marks a significant step forward in Smodin's mission to make advanced AI tools more accessible than ever. By integrating these domains into Smodin.io, users will enjoy seamless access to a broader range of resources, from AI writing assistance to content analysis, all on a single platform designed to meet diverse needs. "This isn't just about redirection—it's about transformation," said the founder of Smodin. "By bringing everything under the Smodin umbrella, we're creating a one-stop solution for anyone seeking smarter, faster, and more effective tools to achieve their goals." Visitors from contemplativeinquiry.org and freshu.io will now have direct access to Smodin's continually expanding suite of features, including plagiarism detection, essay generation, and tools tailored to enhance productivity and creativity. This evolution ensures users can focus on what truly matters: creating, learning, and growing. The consolidation is part of Smodin's vision to innovate and deliver an unparalleled user experience while solidifying its position as a global leader in AI technology. Discover the future of AI-driven solutions at www.smodin.io . About Smodin Smodin is a leading AI-powered platform dedicated to empowering users worldwide with smart tools for writing, research, and productivity. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, Smodin transforms the way students, educators, and professionals work and create. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smodin-unites-powerful-domains-to-deliver-an-all-in-one-ai-platform-302314508.html SOURCE SmodinLUCA ANNOUNCES STOCK OPTION GRANTQuick hits: Altmyer, Bryant engineer another Illini fourth-quarter comeback win at Rutgers - 247Sports

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise Sells 1,396 Shares of Gatos Silver, Inc. (NYSE:GATO)

No. 24 Illinois stuns Rutgers on Bryant's 40-yard TD reception with 4 seconds left

Pick4: A Heart-Pounding Thriller About Survival, Redemption, and the Price of Peace 12-13-2024 11:46 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: ABNewswire Award-winning filmmaker Terry L. Chappell II delivers a pulse-pounding thriller in "Pick4," where a simple lottery ticket becomes a catalyst for chaos. This gripping tale combines intense action, tactical warfare, and the deep-seated need to protect what matters most, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. From Lottery Dreams to Lethal Reality What begins as a routine stop at a gas station transforms into a nightmare when retired government agent Brent Stevenson purchases a lottery ticket that wins the largest jackpot in history. But victory quickly turns to violence when the seemingly innocuous act of posting his ticket on social media puts a target on his back. Suddenly, every shadow holds a threat, and every familiar face becomes suspect as Brent finds himself thrust back into a world he thought he'd left behind. The stakes escalate rapidly as Brent discovers he's not just fighting for the money - he's fighting for his life. The local crime boss, masquerading as a simple gas station owner, sees an opportunity to claim what he believes is rightfully his. What follows is an intricate dance of survival, where Brent must utilize every skill from his past to secure his future. A Retired Agent's Worst Nightmare Brent Stevenson isn't your typical lottery winner. Years of covert operations and high-stakes missions have honed him into a lethal instrument, one that's been carefully sheathed in the quiet life of a security officer. But when threatened, this former agent proves that retirement hasn't dulled his edges - it's only made them sharper. The narrative expertly weaves Brent's tactical expertise with his desire for peace, creating a compelling character study of a man who can't escape his past. His military training becomes both a blessing and a curse as he transforms his home into a fortress, preparing for an inevitable confrontation with forces that severely underestimate their target. Master of Combat, Strategy, and Survival The heart of "Pick4" beats in its masterfully crafted action sequences. Chappell's background in film brings a cinematic quality to every confrontation, with detailed combat scenes that put readers right in the middle of the chaos. From close-quarters combat to strategic house defense, each sequence is choreographed with precision that only enhances the tension. The story showcases Brent's resourcefulness as he turns everyday objects into weapons and familiar spaces into tactical advantages. His ability to think several steps ahead of his opponents creates a chess match of lethal proportions, where every move could mean the difference between survival and defeat. Beyond the Action: A Story of Redemption While the adrenaline-fueled sequences drive the plot forward, it's the underlying themes of redemption and protecting peace that give "Pick4" its emotional depth. Brent's journey isn't just about surviving - it's about defending the quiet life he's built and proving that his past doesn't define his future. The narrative explores the cost of violence and the price of peace, showing how even the most skilled warrior seeks tranquility. Through Brent's eyes, readers experience the weight of each decision, the moral complexity of necessary violence, and the ultimate quest for redemption that lies at the heart of this thrilling tale. A Cinematic Experience in Print Drawing from his experience as a filmmaker and creator of works like "Don't Be Late" (2023) and "Crime Fighter" (2022), Chappell brings a visual storyteller's eye to every page. The action unfolds like a masterfully directed film, with precise pacing and vivid imagery that transforms written words into mental pictures that stay with readers long after they've finished the book. Fans of Jack Reacher and John Wick will find familiar territory in "Pick4," but with a fresh take that combines tactical realism with emotional resonance. Chappell's unique voice and understanding of visual storytelling elevate this thriller above standard genre fare, creating something both familiar and entirely new. The Perfect Storm of Suspense In "Pick4," Chappell masterfully crafts a perfect storm of suspense, where every moment of calm promises an impending tempest. The story's structure builds like a pressure cooker, with each new revelation adding another layer of complexity to Brent's fight for survival. From the initial discovery of his lottery win to the final confrontation, the tension never wavers but instead continues to escalate with precision timing. The narrative weaves multiple threats together - the ruthless crime boss, mysterious figures from Brent's past, and the ticking clock of the lottery claim deadline. Each element compounds the others, creating a web of danger that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Chappell's expertise in pacing ensures that even quiet moments crackle with underlying tension. A Hero for Modern Times Brent Stevenson embodies the complexity modern readers demand in their heroes. He's not just a skilled operative; he's a man seeking peace in a world that won't let him rest. His character resonates with anyone who's ever tried to leave their past behind, only to find it catching up with them. Through Brent's internal struggles and external battles, Chappell explores what it truly means to protect what matters most. The protagonist's moral compass remains steady even as the world around him descends into chaos. His tactical decisions are balanced with ethical considerations, creating a character who's both lethal and deeply human. This complexity makes Brent more than just an action hero - he becomes a mirror reflecting the challenges of finding peace in a violent world. The Art of High-Stakes Action Chappell's approach to action writing sets "Pick4" apart in the thriller genre. Each confrontation is choreographed with military precision, showcasing Brent's tactical expertise while maintaining heart-pounding intensity. The author's attention to detail in combat sequences adds authenticity without sacrificing pace, creating scenes that feel both realistic and cinematically engaging. The violence in "Pick4" never feels gratuitous; instead, it serves the story and character development. Each action sequence reveals something about Brent's character, his training, or the desperate nature of his situation. From close-quarters combat to strategic planning, every scene propels both the plot and our understanding of the protagonist. Who Should Read Pick4 This thriller will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate: * Tactical action and military precision * Complex characters with moral depth * High-stakes survival scenarios * Strategic thinking and resourcefulness * Emotional depth beneath the action Fans of authors like Lee Child and films like John Wick will find familiar elements elevated by Chappell's unique voice and filmmaking background. The book appeals to both male and female readers through its combination of intense action and emotional authenticity. Join the Fight for Survival "Pick4" is available now on Amazon and major booksellers. Experience the heart-pounding journey of a man fighting not just for survival, but for the peace he's earned. Visit enlightenedstudiosinc.com to connect with Terry L. Chappell II and join the conversation about this explosive debut thriller. Readers can follow Chappell's work through: * Social media engagement * Website updates * Upcoming project announcements * Author events and appearances Don't miss this pulse-pounding thriller that combines tactical action with emotional depth, creating an unforgettable story of survival, redemption, and the price of peace. Media Contact Company Name: Amazon Kindle Network Contact Person: Stephen Sinkler Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=pick4-a-heartpounding-thriller-about-survival-redemption-and-the-price-of-peace ] Country: United States Website: https://www.amazon.com/PICK4-LUCK-AT-DEADLY-COST/dp/B0DPF32BD3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KA8YOA0QU75K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4Bw65n9X8dZAoavMRigvGF9xJWLUGHEbU2RdVIkamqxSnrmu-Iibw8Lt-K9gdC4SGUEqqUHBMxWFzGTzM69JFWBDK2DmeVVkbkrSy-srvDC7fRSNZsPilhjFfGo2BuTd9O0B2ozEpTlgFdepqmP6KIhdIJ1jjfV5rFx9_VTHx40WwMRJJwLoYVJT12krwQ1LXHXwCZm6-QaVaSvoZHx3SWFpssgkw8hL9b_afAJEeK4.Hu3_XKO94ZO08DXkr_wlcIUWWCp5nrmlZa8GJVWo83E&dib_tag=se&keywords=pick4&qid=1734126615&s=books&sprefix=pick%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C440&sr=1-1 This release was published on openPR.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:05 p.m. EST

Mutual of America Capital Management LLC reduced its position in shares of Masimo Co. ( NASDAQ:MASI – Free Report ) by 6.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 23,865 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock after selling 1,667 shares during the quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Masimo were worth $3,182,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. NBC Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Masimo by 47.1% in the third quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 228 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of Masimo by 75.0% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 259 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in shares of Masimo by 133.3% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 350 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Masimo by 25.0% in the 2nd quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 625 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock worth $79,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Masimo by 5,730.0% during the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 583 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock valued at $85,000 after purchasing an additional 573 shares during the last quarter. 85.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have issued reports on MASI shares. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a “buy” rating and issued a $190.00 price target (up previously from $170.00) on shares of Masimo in a report on Friday. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of Masimo in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. BTIG Research lifted their price target on Masimo from $166.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, October 14th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Masimo from $160.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Masimo from $165.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $167.00. Masimo Stock Performance MASI stock opened at $172.96 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $142.28 and a 200 day simple moving average of $127.76. Masimo Co. has a 52 week low of $91.60 and a 52 week high of $174.34. The stock has a market cap of $9.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 119.28 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 2.01. Masimo ( NASDAQ:MASI – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 5th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.14. Masimo had a net margin of 3.85% and a return on equity of 14.98%. The business had revenue of $504.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $502.87 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.63 EPS. Masimo’s revenue was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Masimo Co. will post 4.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Masimo ( Free Report ) Masimo Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets various patient monitoring technologies, and automation and connectivity solutions worldwide. The company offers masimo signal extraction technology (SET) pulse oximetry with measure-through motion and low perfusion pulse oximetry monitoring to address the primary limitations of conventional pulse oximetry; Masimo rainbow SET platform, including rainbow SET Pulse CO-Oximetry products that allows noninvasive monitoring of carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, hemoglobin concentration, fractional arterial oxygen saturation, oxygen content, pleth variability index, rainbow pleth variability index, respiration rate from the pleth, and oxygen reserve index, as well as acoustic respiration monitoring, SedLine brain function monitoring, NomoLine capnography and gas monitoring, and regional oximetry. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MASI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Masimo Co. ( NASDAQ:MASI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Masimo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Masimo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Media lied about Joe Biden for years — and he just burned them for their obsequiousness

Max George ‘staying positive’ amid hospital stay due to heart issuesByte Federal Data Breach Exposes Personal Information: Murphy Law Firm Investigates Legal Claims

I'm A Celeb star says Melvin Odoom's 'crush' Carol Vorderman 'owes' him a dateLawmakers from the state of Baja California Sur (BCS) unanimously lined up against a massive mining project in the neighboring state of Baja California, approving a point of order asking federal authorities to provide details on the concession and permits granted to the mining company Mexicana del Arco. The BCS lawmakers approved several other points of order, including an invitation to Environment and Natural Resources Minister Alicia Bárcena to explain the federal government’s position on the issue to the state Congress. The BCS deputies characterized the project as a social and environmental disaster waiting to happen as the mining operation would impact two wildlife protection areas, one in each state. The mining operation will require an estimated 9 million cubic meters of water per year, according to Mexicana del Arco’s parent company, Grupo México. A separate point of order, according to the newspaper El Independiente, calls on the Baja California Congress to reject the El Arco mine project. The mine could begin production as soon as 2030, El Sudcaliforniano newspaper reported. The proposed El Arco open-pit mine, possibly extending to 50,000 hectares, has the potential to be one of the largest mines in the world, producing up to 15.5 billion pounds of copper, 3.5 million ounces of gold and unknown quantities of zinc and molybdenum. In 2021, Grupo México — the world’s fifth-largest copper producer and Mexico’s third-biggest company by market capitalization — said the El Arco mine could produce 190,000 tonnes of copper annually once operations begin. El Sudcaliforniano reported that the mine could likely be operated for 50 years before the minerals are exhausted. The primary issue prompting the BCS Congress to take action is water usage, but there are other concerns as well. The El Arco mine is located in the Valle de los Cirios Flora and Fauna Protection Area in Baja California. The water it intends to utilize would impact the El Vizcaíno aquifer, which is primarily located under the adjacent El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve in Baja California Sur. According to El Sudcaliforniano, BCS lawmakers objected to the fact that Mexicana del Arco was allowed to carry out the water availability study, which was accepted by Mexico’s National Water Commission (Conagua). Conagua not only accepted the results of the study — which reported water well in excess of historical records — but also created a new aquifer administration entity to manage water taken out of the newly designated “Llanos de Berrendo” aquifer in Baja California. The BCS lawmakers say the misrepresentation of the water available in the Valle de los Cirios means the mine will actually be siphoning water from the El Vizcaíno aquifer which sits within one of the most arid areas of Baja California Sur and already presents an annual deficit of nearly 500,000 cubic meters, according to Conagua. In addition to the water issue, the Congress noted concerns over the degradation of soil caused by open-pit mining and the damage to endemic fauna, especially the peninsular pronghorn, an endangered species known as a berrendo in Mexico. With reports from El Sudcaliforniano and El Independiente

KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. People are also reading... 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Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. From tuberculosis to heart disease: How the leading causes of death in America have changed From tuberculosis to heart disease: How the leading causes of death in America have changed We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. Infectious diseases lead causes of death in America According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. Leading causes of death tip toward lifestyle-related disease From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!What's next for Matt Gaetz: 5 possibilitiesTrump tariffs will hit California hard — and his voters harder