Non Communicable Diseases (Lifestyle Diseases)

Lifestyle diseases cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and blood pressure fluctuations have emerged as the biggest cause of deaths in India.

Four behavioural risk factors are responsible for significant proportions of these diseases— tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol
New data reveals that one in two deaths in country, estimated in the period 2010-13 is due to NCD
Cardiovascular diseases are the biggest killers within NCDs
In rural areas, deaths due to NCDs were much lower than urban areas
World Economic Forum estimated that India stands to lose $4.58 trillion before 2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions.

[clear] WHO has developed a comprehensive Global Monitoring Framework and Action Plan for prevention and Control of NCDs. India is the first country globally to adopt it to its National Context –

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke
National Programme of Health Care of elderly
National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control programme
National Programme for Control of Blindness
National Mental Health Programme
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness

The focus of addressing NCDs should be behavioural change at the family and community levels, promoting healthy dietary practices, physical activity, prevention of smoking, alcohol and pollution, starting early in life.

[clear]

Suggestions

Increase taxes on sugary drinks & use it to subsidize fruits & vegetables
Urban planning should support safe and pleasurable physical activity.
Change in dietary pattern required with more fiber and protein and less of sugar and starch.