By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – State health officials say heart disease and stroke death rates have declined over the past quarter century. However, the cancer death rate has slightly increased in Alabama. Heart disease had been the number one killer since 1982. But cancer has overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death for those aged 55 to 74. State health officer, Doctor Don Williamson, says Alabamians need to be educated about the risk factors and warning signs of major cardiovascular disease and cancer. He says risks can be reduced by eating healthy foods, performing daily physical activity, controlling high blood pressure and limiting alcohol consumption.