Diabetes. Hypertension. Obesity. Cancer.
What do all these states have in common? They are all known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and together account for over 63% of deaths worldwide; with a large majority of their victims being under 70.
Crazy right? You’ve always thought the deadliest diseases were things like HIV/AIDS that you can catch – aka communicable diseases? Well you’re not alone because for many years, a whole lot of people thought of the same and so didn’t give these bad boys the attention they deserve; but with the gradual but steady rise in deaths as a result of them, it’s time the world turns its attention over to NCDs.
Though these diseases aren’t technically “catchable” via transmission through direct contact or contaminated food, they are attained from something so simple yet so undervalued – our lifestyles. The things you eat, drink and your level of activity in a day all play a part in the development of prevention of these diseases.
Take diabetes for example, although there’s a type (1) which has a genetic predisposition, the main type of concern is type 2, which is developed in people that are obese (someone with a basal metabolic index of more than 30). So it’s basically the diet and lifestyle of a person which puts them at risk of diabetes – and the same goes for the others.
What can you do to avoid NCDs?
1. Eat a balanced diet in healthy quantities.
2. Reduce your daily salt intake to less than 5g per day.
3. Try to engage in active physical activity at least 3 times a week or daily take brisk 30 minute walks.
4. Minimize or totally stop drinking alcohol.
5. Stop smoking.
6. Go for regular medical check ups, twice a year is a good start.
7. Report to a health facility as soon as you detect a suspicious change in your body, like a lump, wounds taking too long to heal etc.
When you live healthily, you’ll live happily.
ETP xo
