IndexRisk factorsModifiable behavioral risk factorsMetabolic risk factorsPrevention and control of non-communicable diseasesNon-communicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are not transmitted from person to person. They are long lasting and generally progress slowly. The four main types of non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma) and diabetes. Let's bring him home. For example, in my extended family alone, we have cases of hypertension and diabetes and I'm sure the same is true for many families globally. I am quite certain that in most homes there are family members affected by at least one of these non-communicable diseases, hence the need to raise awareness on this topic. It should be noted that non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries where more than three-quarters of global non-communicable disease deaths occur (31 million deaths). So the next question is: who should we focus on if we try to emphasize the importance of non-communicable diseases? Who is at risk? The answer is quite simple…everyone is at risk for non-communicable diseases. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay No one is excluded and no one is immune. People of all age groups, regions and countries are affected by non-communicable diseases. These conditions are often associated with older age groups, but evidence shows that 15 million of all deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases occur between the ages of 30 and 69. It is estimated that more than 80% of these “premature” deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Children, adults and older adults are all vulnerable to the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases, whether unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke or harmful use of alcohol. These diseases are driven by forces that include rapid and unplanned urbanization, the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles and an aging population. Unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity can manifest as increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose levels, increased blood lipids, and obesity. These are called metabolic risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease, the leading non-communicable disease in terms of premature deaths. Risk Factors Just 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 crucial we are to our health. How can we hold the sword that strikes us or the shield that protects us. Modifiable Behavioral Risk Factors Modifiable behaviors, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and harmful alcohol use, are all factors that increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases. 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 intake. (1) More than half of the 3.3 million annual deaths attributable to alcohol consumption are due to noncommunicable diseases, including cancer. (2) Another 1.6 million deaths each year can be attributed to insufficient physical activity. Metabolic Risk Factors Metabolic risk factors contribute to four key metabolic changes that increase therisk of non-communicable diseases: increased blood pressure obesity, hyperglycemia (high levels of glucose in the blood), hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood) In terms of attributable deaths, the main metabolic risk factor globally is high blood pressure, which is responsible for 19% of global deaths). (1) This is followed by obesity and increased blood sugar. So, if it matters to us as individuals, what is the impact of non-communicable diseases on our societies? And why should several healthcare partners dedicate themselves to this cause? What are the socioeconomic impacts of non-communicable diseases? Non-communicable diseases threaten progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes the goal of reducing premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030. Poverty is closely linked to non-communicable diseases. The rapid increase in non-communicable diseases is expected to hamper poverty reduction initiatives in low-income countries, particularly by increasing household costs associated with healthcare. Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people become more seriously ill and die earlier than people in higher social positions, largely because they are at greater risk of being exposed to harmful products, such as tobacco, or unhealthy dietary practices, and have limited access to health services. In resource-limited settings, healthcare costs for noncommunicable diseases rapidly drain families' resources. The exorbitant costs of non-communicable diseases, including often long and expensive treatments and the loss of breadwinners, force millions of people into poverty and stifle development every year. So, if this is the reality we live in, how can we help preserve our lives? Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases An important way to control non-communicable diseases 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 the progress and trends of non-communicable diseases and their risk is important to guide policy and priorities. To reduce the impact of non-communicable diseases on individuals and society, a comprehensive approach is needed that requires all sectors, including health, finance, transport, education, agriculture, planning and others, to work together to reduce the associated risks to non-communicable diseases and promote interventions to prevent and control them. Investing in better management of non-communicable diseases is crucial. Management of non-communicable diseases includes the detection, screening and treatment of these diseases, as well as access to palliative care for people in need. Essential interventions for high-impact non-communicable diseases can be provided through a primary healthcare approach to strengthen early diagnosis and timely treatment. Evidence shows that such interventions represent excellent economic investments because, if provided to patients promptly, they can reduce the need for more expensive treatments. Countries with inadequate health insurance coverage are unlikely to provide universal access to essential interventions for noncommunicable diseases. Non-communicable disease management interventions are essential to achieve the global target of a 25% relative reduction in the risk of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2025, and the SDG target of a one-third reduction in premature deaths for non-illnesses.