Exploring major risk factors for non-communicable diseases

Non-communicable diseases are chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, like cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.

According to the World Health Organization, NCDs are responsible for almost 70% of all deaths globally. Although NCDs can affect anyone, several risk factors are associated with them. In this article, we will explore the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

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Risk factors for non-commicable diseases

Here are a few:

Tobacco use

Tobacco use is one of the leading risk factors for NCDs. Cigarette smoking, for example, increases risk of developing lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular too.

Secondhand smoke exposure can also lead to NCDs. Moreover, smokeless tobacco products, like chewing tobacco and snuff, can cause cancer in the mouth and throat, among other health issues.

Apart from cancer and cardiovascular diseases, smoking also increases risk of stroke, respiratory infections and reproductive disorders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Unhealthy diet

An unhealthy diet can also lead to NCDs. Consuming a diet high in saturated and trans fats, salt and sugar increases risk of developing cardiovascular problems, diabetes and obesity. A diet low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can also increase risk of cancer.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, a healthy diet can help reduce risk of cancer by up to 40%. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day and consuming no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and nine teaspoons for men.

Physical inactivity

Physical inactivity is another significant risk factor for NCDs. Sedentary behavior, like sitting for prolonged periods, can increase risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. Engaging in regular physical activity, like brisk walking or cycling, can reduce risk of developing NCDs and improve overall health.

According to the CDC, only about 25% of Americans meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity, which is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure, reduce risk of stroke and improve mental health.

Alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase risk of NCDs. Alcohol is a known risk factor for liver cancer, cardiovascular diseases and mental health problems. NCDs increase with the amount of alcohol consumed, and the risk is higher in those who binge drink.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, heavy drinking is defined as consuming more than 14 drinks per week for men, and more than seven drinks per week for women.

Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men on a single occasion. Alcohol consumption can also lead to accidents, injuries and other health problems.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors can also increase risk of NCDs. Exposure to air pollution, for example, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Exposure to carcinogens, like asbestos and radon, can increase risk of cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution causes around 4.2 million premature deaths each year. Indoor air pollution, like from cooking and heating fuels, is also a risk factor for NCDs. Environmental factors like lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene can increase risk of infections that can lead to NCDs.

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Non-communicable diseases are a significant global health challenge, and several risk factors are associated with them.

Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and environmental factors can increase risk of developing NCDs. Reducing these factors can help prevent and control NCDs, while adopting healthy lifestyles can promote overall health and well-being.

It's essential to raise awareness about the impact of NCDs and to implement policies and programmes to address these risk factors and improve public health.