Lifestyle and disease

• What are non communicable diseases?

  Diseases that cannot be passed person to person
• Why are non communicable diseases significant in the UK?

  They are the biggest cause of death
• What are the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases?

  • Diet high in fat and low in vegetables
  • High salt intake
  • Smoking
  • Lack of exercise
• What percentage of deaths in the UK are caused by cardiovascular diseases?

  Over a quarter of all deaths
• How does a diet high in fat affect cholesterol levels?

  It increases certain types of cholesterol
• What effect does high salt intake have on blood pressure?

  It increases blood pressure
• How does smoking affect the risk of cardiovascular diseases?

  It massively increases the risk
• What is the single greatest cause of death by cancer in the UK?

  Lung cancer
• What are carcinogens?

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

  Increases risk of miscarriage and low birth weight
• 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 physical problems
• What diseases can excessive alcohol consumption lead to in adults?

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

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

  Obesity
• What serious complications can arise from type 2 diabetes?

  Blindness or limb amputation