L3.1: Introduction

• ● Morbidity – ILLNESS

  ○ The state of being unhealthy for a particular disease or situation.
• ● Mortality – DEATH

  ○ The number of deaths that occur in a population.
• ● NCDs have a huge part in the leading causes of death

  ○ Seven out of the top ten causes of death are NCDs.
• ● Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

  ○ Also known as Chronic Diseases (long duration)

  ■ Persist over a long duration and slow progress

  ○ Result of a combination of several factors (WHO):

  ■ Genetic factors

  ■ Physiological factors

  ■ Environmental factors

  ■ Behavioral factors

  ● i.e., stress, mental health, emotions
• ● Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

  ○ These are lifestyle-related diseases.

  ○ The exposure of an individual to the risk factors increases the likelihood of an individual acquiring a particular disease.

  ○ Leading cause of mortality (WHO); 7/10 diseases
• Communicable = Infections | Non-Communicable = Chronic
• Major Causes 1. Lifestyle

  2. Hereditary

  3. Environmental
• Lifestyle

  ● Result of unhealthy habits.

  ● Behavioral and modifiable risk factors:

  ○ Smoking

  ○ Alcohol abuse

  ○ High fat, salt, and sugar intake

  ○ Physical inactivity
• Hereditary

  ● Genetics–non-modifiable in nature.

  ● Traits are passed from parent to child.
• Environmental

  ● Where one lives or work (place-related)

  ● Nature of work or surroundings can increase an individual’s likelihood of having an NCD.

  ● For Ex: High amounts of radiation can alter the body’s physiological activity leading to diseases.
• ● Physical Inactivity – Sedentary Lifestyle

  ○ No longer engaging in exercises.
• ● Abuse of Substances

  ○ Alcohol and Tobacco impacts an individual’s physical health, thus, increasing the chances of NCDs.
• ● Unhealthy Diet

  ○ Unhealthy eating is manifested in one’s health.

  ○ You are what you eat.