By Prof. Dr. Mohsin Mahomed Sidat,
from Community Health Department,
Faculty of Medicine, UEM Member of
Board of Trustees of Merck Foundation,
Mozambique.
What you need to know about Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs):
Includes cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases 1. Results from a combination of genetic, physiological environmental and behavioral factors1. It is presently a leading cause of death worldwide and represents an emerging global health threat2.
NCDs: a Global Burden.
The burden of NCDs is increasing worldwide, in particular in low-middle income countries. Multimorbidities (more than one NCD) are common as well as the risk factors for development of NCDs. The prevention of NCDs can be achieved by promoting a healthy lifestyle, raising awareness and early detection, including of high blood pressure and diabetes (often silent!).
Complication of NCDs
High Blood Pressure:
Heart failure, Vision loss, Stroke, Kidney disease and Sexual dysfunction.
Levels of Prevention Strategies
Primary stage: Encompasses, avoiding development of diseaseandremoving risk factors. All under this can be realized through raising awareness for health behaviors.
Secondary Stage: involves, early detection treatmentand prevent progression.Under this, ensure periodic screening for NCDs.
Tertiary: Thisone involves, reducing complications of established disease. Under this, ensure regular medical control to prevent or aggravate complications.
Examples of Risk Factors: Obesity, in adequate physical activity, tobacco use,harmful use of alcohol, un healthy diet andstress.
General preventive measures to the Risk Factors:
Ensure life style modification, dietary changes, weight reduction, increasing physical activity, alcohol reduction, cessation of smoking, screening for risk factors and complications, awareness, diagnosis, treatment and adherence.
Prevention & Control of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be prevented through: Reduction of salt to less than 5g daily,eating fruits and vegetables daily,avoiding saturated fats, avoiding tobacco, reducing alcohol and being physically active every day.
High blood Pressure can be Controlled through: Following medical advice and adhere to life style changes, taking medicines as prescribed, regularly check blood pressure, reducing and managing stress.
Key Actions to Prevent Diabetes
For everyone: Eat healthily,being physically active, avoid excessive weight gain, checking blood glucose if in doubtand following medical advice.
For Governments:
Create healthy environment by ensuring: Better diagnosis and treatment and better and accurate data.
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