Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a group of health problems that can affect everyone, regardless of gender or age. These diseases result from modern lifestyle habits, leading to various risks. Today, we will explore NCDs, their causes, and how they can be prevented.
NCDs, also known as Non-Communicable Diseases, are a group of diseases not caused by infectious agents. Instead, they stem from improper lifestyle habits such as diet, rest, stress, and lack of exercise. Some causes are beyond control, like genetics, where despite being physically fit, there's still a risk of NCDs.
These NCDs develop slowly within the body, accumulating without showing symptoms. Without regular health check-ups, they may go unnoticed. NCDs are like silent threats that can harm us if we lack knowledge in prevention and self-care.
What are the types of NCDs?
· Diabetes - a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal due to insulin resistance, leading to sugar accumulation in the blood and the development of diabetes.
· Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases - caused by the accumulation of fats in blood vessels, resulting in narrowing and blockage, impairing blood supply to the heart and brain.
· Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - primarily caused by smoking, leading to inflammation in the lungs and various respiratory problems.
· Cancer - arises from abnormal and rapid cell growth, forming tumors in various organs such as the liver, lungs, or intestines.
· Hypertension - a condition where blood pressure is higher than normal, increasing the risk of various complications like heart disease.
· Abdominal obesity - caused by high consumption of sweets, fried foods, and high-fat meals, leading to the accumulation of fat around the abdomen, exceeding 90 centimeters in men and 80 centimeters in women.
Causes of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Several current lifestyle habits increase the risk of developing NCDs, such as:
· Dietary Choices: Food consumption is a significant factor in NCD risk. Foods high in sugars, salt, or spice contribute to various diseases like hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes. Similarly, indulging in grilled foods laden with carcinogens or fried dishes rich in LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol can lead to arterial plaque buildup, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
· Alcohol Consumption, Smoking, and Socializing: Regular alcohol consumption and smoking are risk factors for hypertension, cancer, COPD, respiratory infections, and more.
· Inadequate Rest: Insufficient rest negatively impacts health by weakening the immune system, increasing blood pressure and insulin levels, and elevating the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Severity of NCDs
According to the Ministry of Public Health, NCDs are the leading cause of death among Thais, accounting for 76% or nearly 400,000 deaths annually. The top five causes of death are cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, cancer, and abdominal obesity. These trends may continue to rise each year. Therefore, health management and lifestyle changes can mitigate the severity and incidence of these illnesses.
Prevention of NCDs
To prevent NCDs, consider:
· Consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
· Avoiding overly salty, sweet, or spicy foods.
· Limiting consumption of fried and grilled foods and fast food.
· Engaging in regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
· Abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.
· Ensuring adequate sleep of 6-8 hours per night.
Apart from lifestyle adjustments, regular health check-ups are essential for identifying underlying conditions and reducing the risk of NCDs and associated complications. For Krungthai-AXA life insurance customers interested in health management, additional health-related articles are available at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories
References:
· Synphaet Hospital
https://bit.ly/3UCJdWW
· Sikarin PCL
https://bit.ly/3UwX6FW
· thaihealth.or.th
https://bit.ly/49mKh5g
https://bit.ly/4bXMxlt
· Ministry of Public Health
https://bit.ly/43fntCN
