Lifestyle Diseases: Effect of Lifestyle Behavior ( Economic burden) - Fizah Mughees

 Introduction:

A lifestyle diseases share risk factors similar to prolonged exposure to three modifiable lifestyle behaviour -- smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity -- and result in the development of chronic diseases, specifically heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some types of cancer. https://pin.it/244Jdiz

These illnesses used to be considered the diseases of industrialized countries, so-called "Western diseases" or "diseases of affluence"; however, internationally they are known as non-communicable and chronic diseases, part of the degenerative diseases group. Chronic disease can result in loss of independence, years of disability, or death, and impose a considerable economic burden on health services.

lifestyle diseases

Lifestyle diseases are ailments that are primarily based on the day to day habits of people.

Furthermore, effective public health measures are urgently needed to promote physical activity and improve health around the world. The challenge of promoting physical activity is as much the responsibility of governments, as of the people. However, individual action for physical activity is influenced by the environment, sports and recreational facilities, and national policy. It requires coordination among many sectors, such as health, sports, education and culture policy, media and information, transport, urban planning, local governments, and financial and economic planning. Towards this end, the World Health Organization is supporting its member States by providing nationwide evidence-based advocacy on the health, social, and economic benefits of healthy lifestyles.

1.  LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Lack of physical activity may lead to obesity or being overweight and it may lead to several other disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and various others. The WHO suggests regular physical activity is very helpful for the prevention of diseases and improves the overall quality of life. As per WHO, adults should do 150 – 300 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity every week to provide significant benefits to overall health.

 

2.  LACK OF SLEEP

According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), poor sleep has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression and obesity. In the case of diabetes, it has been linked to poor control of blood sugar levels. Whereas, in cardiovascular diseases, persons with poor sleeping are found to be at increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, coronary heart diseases and irregular heartbeats. In obesity, short sleep duration results in metabolic changes, which are linked to obesity. Sleep disturbances for a long time have been one of the important symptoms of depression also.

 

3.  Down respiratory infections

A down level respiratory infection is an infection in your airways and lungs. It can be due to:

·         influenza, or the flu

·         pneumonia

·         bronchitis

·         tuberculosis

Viruses frequently cause down respiratory infections. They can also be caused by bacteria. Throat problem is the main symptom of a lower respiratory infection. You may also feel breathlessness, wheezing, and a tight feeling in your chest. Untreated down respiratory infections can lead to breathing failure and death.

Impact of down/lower respiratory infections around the world

·         Risk factors and prevention

·         Risk factors for lower respiratory infection include:

·         the flu

·         poor air quality or frequent exposure to lung irritants

·         smoking

·         a weak immune system

·         crowded childcare settings, which mainly affects infants

·         asthma

·         HIV

One of the greatest preventative measures you can take against lower respiratory infections is to get the flu shot every year. People at high risk of pneumonia can also get a vaccine. Wash your hands well & regularly with soap and water to avoid transmitted bacteria, especially before touching your face and before eating. Stay at home and rest until you feel better if you have a respiratory infection, as rest improves healing.

 

4.  CHRONIC STRESS

As per Mayo place, long-term highly stress puts the body on over-exposure to cortisol hormone and other stress hormones, which affects your body’s normal health process. Extra Exposure to stress results in heart diseases, weight gain, depression, anxiety, digestive problems, sleep issues, headaches and memory issues. Stress management is very important to keep away from the different health issues.

 

5.  SMOKING

Smoking affects almost all the biological strictures in a bad manner. Direct smoking may conduct to different serious health concerns such as cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, lung disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), etc. Whereas second-hand smoke causes stroke, coronary heart diseases, lung cancer, etc.In adults, in children, second-hand smoke causes sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth.