Non Communicable Diseases: An Insight

Deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on a rise recently. So what exactly are NCDs? A non-communicable disease can be defined as a condition/illness caused by infectious agents (and are also known as non-infectious or non-transmissible). NCDs also refer to chronic diseases or the illnesses which last for long periods of time and which progress slowly. Non communicable diseases list includes the following most severe NCDs:

Non communicable diseases list includes the following most severe NCDs:

  1. Cardiovascular diseases
  2. Cancers
  3. Diabetes
  4. Chronic lung diseases
non-communicable-diseases


Following are the some of the NCD stats & facts:

Sr. No.
Non Communicable Disease
Death in Millions
% of NCD Deaths
1
Cardiovascular diseases
17.7 million
45%
2
Cancers
8.8 million
22%
3
Respiratory diseases (For example asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

3.9 million
11%
4
Diabetes
1.6 million
2%

  • Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), primarily cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for 63% of all deaths worldwide (36 million out 57 million global deaths).
  • The burden of these diseases is on a disproportionate rise. 48% of deaths in 2015, approximately were noted below 70 years. In 2015, Out of 56.4 million global deaths, 39.5 million were as a result of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

NCD causes or Risks:


WHO has named a few risk factors or causes related to the NCDs. These are majorly related to the lifestyle of a person. Following are some of the risk factors:
  • Physical Inactivity and Unhealthy diet are the most common avoidable risk factors of NCDs. They are responsible for NCDs as well as other lifestyle related disorders like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stress, depression, etc.
  • Smoking/Tobacco and Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is really harmful not only for the person who is consuming it but also that person’s family. Annually, 3.3 million people die due to the over consumption of alcohol. More than 6 million deaths are noted due to the use of tobacco.
  • Other health issues/medical conditions like high cholesterol levels, overweight/obesity, high or uncontrolled blood sugar and high/uncontrolled blood pressure.

NCD Prevention:

We can prevent the NCDs by some easy corrections to our lifestyle. Following are some easy and manageable ways for NCD prevention:

Healthy Diet: The kind of food you eat helps in building body health. Incorporating a healthy diet solves many healthy issues like the high cholesterol, hypertension/high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc. Avoid the fast foods or junk food as they contain high salt and high fats and are harmful to our body.

Stay Physically Active: By staying active you can shed the harmful weight. You can follow an exercise regimen, or opt for some really good activities for the complete body like brisk walking, running/jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga or the latest trend of Pilates.

Avoiding alcohol or tobacco: Remember your body health is important. Alcohol or tobacco is harmful to health. Drinking and smoking to reduce stress, is an excuse; you can indulge in other healthy ways to de-stress yourself. Some de-stressing activities include meditation, breathing exercises, opt for counselling, etc.

Regular Health Checkup:  We should respect our body and health. Staying healthy is easier than dealing with an illness physically, mentally and financially as well. For this, you should get a complete health checkup regularly.



Remember…Staying healthy is the key to happiness!!

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