Back to: Physical and Health Education JSS 2
Welcome to class!
In today’s class, we shall be talking about the Causes of non-communicable diseases. Please enjoy the class!
Non-communicable diseases, unlike their infectious counterparts, aren’t passed from person to person. Yet, these silent assassins lurk within us, often developing slowly and stealthily until they manifest as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses. These diseases are a global public health challenge, accounting for over 70% of deaths worldwide. So, what lurks in the shadows, fueling these Non-communicable disease?
Causes of Non-communicable Diseases
- Unhealthy Diets:
Imagine your body as a finely tuned engine. What you feed it determines its performance, right? Well, Non-communicable disease are often the consequence of fueling our bodies with the wrong “fuel.” Diets high in processed foods, saturated and trans fats, sugary drinks, and excessive salt are like throwing sand into the engine gears. This can lead to:
- Obesity: A major risk factor for Non-communicable disease, obesity disrupts hormonal balance and puts strain on vital organs.
- High blood pressure: Excess sodium intake can elevate blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Diabetes: High sugar intake can overwhelm the body’s insulin production system, leading to this chronic condition.
- Physical Inactivity:
Remember that finely tuned engine? Just like it needs regular exercise to stay in top shape, our bodies crave movement! Physical inactivity is like letting the engine idle for too long, leading to:
Muscle weakness and decreased bone density: This makes us more susceptible to injuries and chronic pain.
Insulin resistance: Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels, so its absence can contribute to diabetes.
Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: Lack of exercise weakens the heart and circulatory system
3. Tobacco Use:
Cigarettes aren’t just bad breath-givers; they’re loaded with harmful chemicals that wreak havoc on our bodies. Smoking is like injecting toxins directly into your engine, causing:
Lung cancer: The leading cause of cancer deaths, smoking damages lung tissue and paves the way for this deadly disease.
Heart disease and stroke: Smoking constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, elevating the risk of these conditions.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Smoking inflames and damages the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
- Harmful Alcohol Consumption:
While an occasional glass of wine might not hurt, excessive alcohol consumption is like pouring gasoline into your engine – highly flammable and dangerous. It can lead to:
Liver damage: Alcohol disrupts liver function, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Increased risk of certain cancers: Heavy drinking is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, and liver.
Heart disease and stroke: Excessive alcohol consumption raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to these cardiovascular issues.
- Environmental Factors:
Our environment isn’t just the backdrop of our lives; it also plays a crucial role in our health. Air pollution, exposure to harmful chemicals, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation can contribute to Non-communicable disease by:
Triggering respiratory problems: Air pollution irritates the lungs and worsens conditions like asthma.
Increasing cancer risk: Exposure to certain chemicals can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer development.
Limiting access to healthy food and water: This can lead to malnutrition and increase the risk of Non-communicable disease associated with poor diet.
Remember: Non-communicable disease are often preventable or manageable if we adopt healthy lifestyle choices. By making informed decisions about our diet, exercise, substance use, and environmental exposure, we can take control of our health and build a stronger defense against these silent threats. Let’s be the generation that turns the tide on Non-communicable disease, one healthy choice at a time!
We have come to the end of today’s class. I hope you enjoyed the class!
In the next class, we shall be discussing Symptoms of non – communicable disease.
In case you require further assistance or have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below, and trust us to respond as soon as possible. Cheers!
Question Time;
Section A
- Which of the following is NOT a major cause of non-communicable diseases (Non-communicable disease)?
- a) Unhealthy diet
- b) Physical inactivity
- c) Bacterial infection
- d) Tobacco use
- Excessive intake of which nutrient is most closely linked to the development of diabetes?
- a) Proteins
- b) Carbohydrates
- c) Vitamins
- d) Minerals
- Which disease is NOT primarily caused by smoking?
- a) Lung cancer
- b) Heart disease
- c) Malaria
- d) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Environmental exposure to this pollutant can increase the risk of respiratory problems and worsen conditions like asthma:
- a) Noise pollution
- b) Light pollution
- c) Air pollution
- d) Water pollution
- What is the main advantage of a physically active lifestyle in preventing Non-communicable disease?
- a) Reduces fat storage
- b) Boosts immune system
- c) Improves metabolism
- d) All of the above
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