Introduction
Non-Communicable diseases are increasing and are impacting human beings all around the globe. In contrast to communicable diseases, these ones do not travel from one human being to another. They most commonly result from either lifestyle, genes or diet. Some common non-communicable diseases are diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases. The rise of these diseases at an alarming rate demands for awareness of causes and prevention strategies so that we can collectively control these diseases.
Causes of non-communicable diseases
- Unhealthy food habits: Those diets rich in processed food, trans fat, refined sugar and low in vegetables and fruits are responsible for increased cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These further give rise to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disorders.
- Physical activity: Physical inactivity due to work involving sitting at working places in adults and overuse of mobile phones among children lead to increased risk of obesity, blood pressure and cardiac disorders.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: Consumption of cigarette and smokeless tobacco and excessive drinking are causes that lead to cancer, respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease.
- Poor environment: Inadequate air quality within the environment, caused by pollutants and ingestion of harmful chemicals can be etiologic factors for respiratory disease and other illness.
- Mental disorders: Increased stress, anxiety and depression among individuals lead to behavior that is contributory to NCDs like physical activity, drug abuse.
Preventive Measures
- Healthy diet: Increase fruit, vegetable, lean protein, healthy fat like eggs, nuts, avocado consumption and decrease sugar, salt and processed food consumption.
- Physical activity: Regular physical activity such as walking, jogging and cycling helps maintain BMI in proper levels and avoids NCDs.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Avoid alcohol and tobacco, also do not let others near you consume alcohol and tobacco.
- Encourage mental health: Practice stress- reducing mechanisms such as medication, yoga and professional therapy in order to prevent reliance on unwanted behaviors.
Conclusion
As rightly said, “Prevention is better than cure.” Thus, with the implementation of some preventive measures we can all contribute to curtailing the cases of NCDs. All these measures done today will give us healthier tomorrow.