Lifestyle Choices and Non-Communicable Diseases

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On a cold Monday morning, in the bustling city of Ibadan, amidst all the chaos of everyday life, Fejiro found himself pacing the length and breadth of the hospital hall, his heart racing and pounding heavily with worry, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He had just received news that his father, a once vibrant and active man blessed with the curse of excessive drinking and smoking, had suffered a heart attack- a subtle reminder of the fragility of life and the implication of lifestyle choices on one’s health.

As he paced around the spacious hospital hall, surrounded by the subdued sound of hospital equipment and hushed conversations of family members facing similar struggles, he couldn’t help but wonder how many lives were affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like the one which brought him into this present moment.

Understanding Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases, most times referred to as NCDs, are chronic diseases/conditions that develop overtime and cannot be passed from one person to another. They are mainly influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and tobacco uses. They include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, and are responsible for the majority of deaths worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCD accounts for the death of about 41 million people yearly, equivalent to 71% of death globally, with low-and-middle income countries bearing the brunt of this burden (about 77% of NCD deaths occur in this region). This worrisome statistics underscores the urgent importance to create awareness and raise actions to address the risk factors associated with these diseases.

Lifestyle Choices and NCD Risk Factors: Prevention Strategies

Risk factors can be described as an attribute or lifestyle, environmental exposure or hereditary characteristics that increases the likelihood of developing a disease.

The major risk factors associated with NCD includes:

Tobacco Use

According to the NCD Alliance, one in six deaths associated with NCDs are related to tobacco. Tobacco is attributed to be one of the major risk factors for cardio-vascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer and diabetes. Smoking exposes individuals to harmful chemicals that damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and elevate cholesterol levels, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, tobacco use is a primary cause of various cancers, including lung and throat cancer. Giving up smoking is essential for lowering the risk of NCDs. Accessible tools, such as counseling services and nicotine replacement treatments, assist people in their efforts to stop smoking, improve their health and pave the way for a future free from tobacco use.

Lack of Physical Activity

Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors of NCD and has been attributed to be the fourth leading cause for early death globally. According to a report by WHO, recent estimates show that approximately 31% of the world’s population does not get enough physical activity to protect their health. Physical inactivity has been linked to cause diseases such as: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and also mental health disorders.

This highlights the important role that engagement in physical activities play in the prevention of NCDs. Promoting regular exercise as a part of daily routines can help people considerably lower their chance of acquiring chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer.

Unhealthy Diet

It has been reported that one of the leading causes of NCD worldwide is unhealthy diet and the resulting malnutrition caused by this. Unhealthy diet has been reported to cause cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and other conditions linked to obesity.

A good recommendation for a healthy diet typically includes: increasing intake of fruits, legumes, nuts and grains, cutting down on salt, sugar and fats intake.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol has also been identified to be one of the major risk factors for NCD. According to the NCD Alliance, 3 million people die from alcohol use, and half of the population of these alcohol-related deaths have been attributed to non-communicable diseases. Excessive alcohol intake causes a wide variety of NCDs such as cancer, digestive diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mental health disorders.

An effective strategy for reducing the risk of alcohol-related NCDs include sticking to recommended alcohol intake and taking alcohol in moderation. Setting personal limits, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, and seeking help if needed are also proven strategies for reducing alcohol intake and safeguarding against alcohol-related NCDs.

Poor Stress Management

Chronic stress poses a significant risk to physical health, contributing to the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It disrupts the body’s equilibrium, leading to elevated blood pressure, weakened immune function, and increased inflammation, all of which can exacerbate NCDs.

To combat the negative effects of stress, it’s essential to prioritize effective stress management techniques. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, relaxation exercises, and seeking social support can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.

Conclusion

Fejiro’s experience in the hospital hall serves as a reminder of the profound impact lifestyle choices can have on our health. His father’s struggle with NCDs shows the significance of addressing risk factors associated with these diseases.

The World Health Organization’s data, which show millions of deaths annually from avoidable causes, paint an alarming picture of the worldwide burden of NCDs. But amid these difficulties, there are still chances for intervention and prevention.

By understanding the link between lifestyle choices and NCD risk factors, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their health and well-being. From quitting smoking and increasing physical activity to adopting healthier dietary habits and managing stress effectively, there are actionable strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of NCDs.

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