lifestyle and disease

• What are non-communicable diseases?

  Diseases that cannot be passed from person to person and are not caused by pathogens
• Give two examples of non-communicable diseases.

  Cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes
• Why are non-communicable diseases significant in the UK?

  They are the biggest cause of death, outweighing infectious diseases
• What is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease?

  A diet high in fat and low in vegetables
• How does a high salt diet affect cardiovascular disease risk?

  It can increase blood pressure, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• What lifestyle factor massively increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases?

  Smoking
• What is the relationship between exercise and cardiovascular disease risk?

  Regular exercise decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases
• What is the single greatest cause of death by cancer in the UK?

  Lung cancer
• What are carcinogens?

  Chemicals in cigarette smoke that can trigger cancer
• What are the effects of smoking during pregnancy?

  It increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low body mass in the baby
• What condition can drinking alcohol during pregnancy cause?

  Fetal alcohol syndrome
• What are the potential problems for children born with fetal alcohol syndrome?

  Learning difficulties and other mental or physical problems
• What diseases can excessive alcohol consumption lead to in adults?

  Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer
• How can alcohol affect the brain?

  It can lead to addiction and memory loss
• What is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes?

  Obesity
• How does obesity relate to type 2 diabetes risk?

  Obese people have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• How can risk factors interact to affect health?

  For example, drinking excess alcohol can lead to obesity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes
• What is radon?

  A radioactive gas that increases the risk of developing lung cancer
• Where can radon be found in the UK?

  In certain parts of the UK
• What should pregnant women avoid to protect their unborn baby?

  Smoking and drinking alcohol
• What are the risk factors for non-communicable diseases?

  • Diet high in fat and low in vegetables
  • High salt intake
  • Smoking
  • Lack of exercise
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Obesity
• What are the consequences of smoking on health?

  • Increases risk of cardiovascular diseases
  • Major cause of lung cancer
  • Leads to other lung diseases like emphysema
  • Harms unborn babies during pregnancy
• What are the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption?

  • Increases risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer
  • Affects brain function leading to addiction and memory loss
  • Harms unborn babies during pregnancy
• What are the serious health risks associated with type 2 diabetes?

  • Difficulty controlling blood glucose levels
  • Can lead to blindness
  • May require limb amputation
• What are the environmental risk factors for non-communicable diseases?

  • Radon exposure
  • Other environmental substances
• What advice is given to pregnant women regarding lifestyle choices?

  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid drinking alcohol