Bangkok: We've heard a lot about NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases), but today let's learn more about them. Are you familiar with "NCDs"? They are a silent threat stemming from your own behaviors. Many people have heard of NCDs but may not know what they really are or how dangerous they can be. NCDs stands for Non-Communicable Diseases, a group of chronic diseases. The special (and undesirable) aspect of these diseases is that they are not caused by bacteria or viruses and cannot be transmitted to others through coughing, sneezing, or contact. Instead, they originate from "ourselves," through lifestyle and eating habits accumulated over a long period, becoming a silent threat that slowly eats away at the body.
According to Thai News Agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 74% of all deaths, and in Thailand, these statistics are steadily increasing every year. Among Thais, seven common non-communicable diseases include abdominal obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, stroke and heart disease, cancer, and emphysema. These diseases often affect those around us, with abdominal obesity serving as the first gateway to other diseases, easily measured by an excessive waist circumference.
Risky behaviors leading to NCDs are frequently self-inflicted and can be broken down into four main categories: eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, drug use, and emotional stress combined with lack of rest. Indulging in highly flavored foods, sedentary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress all contribute to the development of these diseases. Accumulated stress from work or life triggers the body to release cortisol, raising blood sugar levels, while insufficient sleep prevents the body from repairing itself.
A word of caution: NCDs are not accidents; they are the "result" of daily choices. The good news is that while we create them, we can also change our behavior to "prevent" and "slow" their progress. Start today by reducing sugar, fat, and salt intake, increasing physical activity, and getting enough sleep before this silent threat knocks on your door.