Non-communicable diseases (also known as chronic diseases) are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. The four main types of non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are by far the leading cause of death globally which kills 40 million people each year, equivalent to 70% of all deaths globally. NCDs are usually as a result of genetic, physiological, environmental & behavioral factors – World Health Organization.
It is no longer news that the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is very alarming in today’s society despite the increase in healthcare facilities and service providers globally. Where did we get it all wrong? How did we move from being proactive to being reactive in matters concerning our health? Let us travel back in history. Our ancestors were more of hunters and gatherers which implies that they had more physical activity, burnt more calories and to crown it all, they had far lesser mortality from non-communicable diseases. In today’s society, life has been made easy and death easier. Virtually everything is done with the aid of technology and less of our energy. The only imbalance here is that we cannot keep eating the same way our ancestors ate and stay physically inactive. If we must take in lots of calories, we must also be ready to utilize/burn them out. Of what importance is the food you eat if the major part of it is not utilized by your body?
Sedentary lifestyle, a type of lifestyle with little or no physical activity is gradually becoming a major part of our culture silently killing us undetected. According to WHO, 60 to 85% of people in the world – from both developed and developing countries lead sedentary lifestyles, making it one of the more serious yet insufficiently addressed public health problems of our time. It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of children are also insufficiently active, with serious implications for their future health. Sedentary lifestyle increases all causes of mortality, double the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, increase the risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, depression and anxiety (which are mainly NCDs). The rapid increase in tobacco use and poor diet & nutrition is also a major factor contributing to the rise in NCDs.
At this point in our existence, we definitely need to evaluate the direction our current lifestyle is leading us – to a destination of quality living or life of chronic illness and pain especially at old age. The future of your health is very sensitive and highly dependent on the decisions you make today. Have you ever thought what effect your actions or inactions will have ten years from now? There is an adage that says “little drops make the ocean”. This is also applicable to your health as little choices today can have great impact on your health tomorrow.
A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons to fight cardiovascular diseases and other chronic illnesses. To ensure a healthy lifestyle, WHO recommends eating lots of fruits and vegetables, reducing fat, sugar and salt intake and exercising. Based on height and weight, people can check their body mass index (BMI) to see if they are overweight. Also, do not smoke tobacco and avoid second hand smoke. To improve overall cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). For those who will benefit from lowering their blood pressure or cholesterol, the AHA also recommends 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity three to four times a week to lower the risk for heart attack and stroke. The current evidence for the importance of healthy lifestyle is now overwhelming. The National Health Service (UK) also stated that a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity can help you keep your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels, and improve your heart health. A healthy lifestyle can also lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for coronary heart diseases, and help prevent other health problems, such as kidney disease and some cancers.
If we can adequately and effectively harness the potency of lifestyle modifications, the fight against chronic diseases will be a won battle. It is also worthy of note that lifestyle modifications is unique to every individual. Make a decision today to be more proactive about your health.
For more enquiries on lifestyle modifications that suits you, call us on 08117777070 or visit our website on www.totalwellnesshospital.com