What are NCDs | The Mend Initiative

What Are NCDs?

Non-communicable diseases are conditions not predominantly caused by a sudden infection, result in long-term health consequences, and often create a necessity for long-term treatment and care. These conditions include but are not limited to cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lung illnesses. People of all age groups, regions, and countries are affected by these diseases. These conditions are often associated with demographics including people who are in older age groups, but recent evidence shows that 17 million NCD deaths occur before the age of 70 years old. Children, adults, and the elderly are all vulnerable to the risk factors contributing to NCDs, whether from unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke, or the harmful use of alcohol or air pollution. Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. The main types of NCD are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes. NCDs disproportionately impact people in low and middle-income countries, where more than three-quarters of global NCD deaths (31.4 million) occur.

What Can You Do?

Non-communicable diseases are easily preventable, here are some tips:

1. ) Sustain a healthy eating lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and food, and drinks high in sugar.

2. ) Stay physically active: Engage in routine physical activity such as walking, jogging, cycling, or any form of exercise you enjoy.

3. ) Limit consumption of tobacco and alcohol: Attempt to quit the use of tobacco altogether. Limit the intake of excessive drinking, as it can cause major health problems.

4. ) Get regular check-ups with a doctor: Visit your healthcare provider for frequent check-ups and screenings. This can help notice possible health problems early on and allow for fortunate intervention.

5. ) Manage stress: Find beneficial ways to handle stress, such as practicing relaxation methods, engaging in amusements, spending time with loved ones, or finding support from a mental health specialist if necessary.

6. ) Supporting others: If someone you know is struggling with an NCD, supporting them can make a big difference. Some ways you can offer support are by being empathetic, educating yourself, encouraging healthy habits, and more. Overall, everyone's experience with NCDs is different, so it is vital to communicate with them and ask how you can best support them to their needs.

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