Table of contentsRisk factorsModifiable behavioral risk factorsMetabolic risk factorsPrevention and control of NCDs NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are not transmitted from person to person other. They are long lasting and usually progress slowly. The four main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma) and diabetes. Let's bring this home. For example, in my extended family alone we have cases of hypertension and diabetes and I'm sure it's the same for many families around the world. I am convinced that in most households, family members suffer from at least one of these non-communicable diseases, hence the need to raise awareness about this topic. Of note, NCDs disproportionately affect people living in low- and middle-income countries, where more than three-quarters of global NCD deaths occur (31 million deaths). So the next question is: who should we focus on if we are trying to highlight the importance of NCDs? Who is at risk? The answer is very simple... everyone is at risk of non-communicable diseases. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay No one is left behind and no one is safe. People of all ages, regions and countries are affected by NCDs. These conditions are often associated with older age groups, but data shows that 15 million of all deaths attributed to NCDs occur between the ages of 30 and 69. Of these “premature” deaths, it is estimated that more than 80% occur in low- and middle-income countries. Children, adults and older people are all vulnerable to risk factors associated with NCDs, whether it is unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke or harmful alcohol consumption. These diseases are driven by forces such as rapid and unplanned urbanization, globalization of unhealthy lifestyles and aging populations. An unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity can manifest as high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, elevated blood lipids, and obesity. These are called metabolic risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease, the leading NCD in terms of premature death. Risk FactorsJust as we are taught in school with other diseases about modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, the same is true here. We need to know how instrumental we are in our own health. How can we wield the sword that strikes us or the shield that protects us. Modifiable behavioral risk factors Modifiable behaviors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and harmful alcohol use, all increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases. responsible for 7.2 million deaths each year (including the effects of exposure to second-hand smoke). This figure is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. (1) Nearly 4.1 million annual deaths have been attributed to excessive salt/sodium consumption. (1) More than half of the 3.3 million annual deaths attributable to alcohol consumption are due to non-communicable diseases, including cancer. (2) 1.6 million deaths per year can be attributed to insufficient physical activity. Metabolic risk factorsblood)In terms of attributable deaths, the leading metabolic risk factor worldwide is high blood pressure, to which 19% of deaths worldwide are attributed). (1) Next comes obesity and increased blood sugar. So, if this is important to us as individuals, what is the impact of NCDs on our societies? And why should different health partners dedicate themselves to this cause? What are the socio-economic impacts of NCDs? NCDs threaten progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a target to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one third by 2030. Poverty is closely linked to NCDs. The rapid increase in NCDs is expected to hamper poverty reduction initiatives in low-income countries, including by increasing household costs associated with health care. Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people get sicker and die earlier than people in higher social positions, in part because they are at greater risk of exposure to harmful products, such as tobacco, or practices unhealthy diets, and have limited access to health services. In low-resource settings, NCD-related health care costs quickly deplete household resources. The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including often lengthy and expensive treatment and the loss of breadwinners, push millions of people into poverty each year and stifle development. So, if this is the reality we live in, how can we then contribute to the preservation of our lives? NCD Prevention and Control An important way to control NCDs is to focus on reducing the risk factors associated with these diseases. Low-cost solutions exist for governments and other stakeholders to reduce common modifiable risk factors. Monitoring progress and trends in NCDs and their risks is important to guide policies and priorities. To reduce the impact of NCDs on individuals and society, a holistic approach is needed, requiring all sectors, including health, finance, transport, education, agriculture, planning and others, to collaborate to reduce the risks associated with NCDs and promote interventions to prevent noncommunicable diseases. and control them. Investing in better management of NCDs is essential. Management of NCDs includes detection, screening and treatment of these diseases, as well as access to palliative care for people who need it. Essential, high-impact NCD interventions can be implemented as part of a primary health care approach to strengthen early detection and timely treatment. Data shows that such interventions are excellent economic investments because, if provided to patients early, they can reduce the need for more expensive treatments. Countries with inadequate health insurance coverage are unlikely to provide universal access to essential NCD interventions. NCD management interventions are key to achieving the global target of a 25% relative reduction in the risk of premature mortality from NCDs by 2025, and the SDG target of a one-third reduction in premature deaths from NCDs by 2030. coordination role. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes NCDs as a major challenge for sustainable development. As part of this program, heads of state and government committed to developing ambitious national responses, by 2030, to reduce.