Tips To Avoid Lifestyle Diseases

The stress of modern-day living is causing enormous burden on healthcare, globally. Poor eating habits, sleep deprivation and sedentary lifestyle has contributed to growth of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, leading to a literal explosion of cases with cardiovascular complications and cases of people seeking liver disease treatment. Some of the common lifestyle diseases are Alzheimer’s disease, Atherosclerosis, Asthma, some kinds of Cancer, Chronic Liver Disease or Cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Metabolic Syndrome, Stroke, Depression and Obesity. Diet and lifestyle are major factors causing the above mentioned diseases. Drug abuse, tobacco chewing and smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and sedentary habits also contribute to the problem. What is needed today is an extension of focus from organ based expertise — Endocrinology, Nephrology and Cardiology, to a more holistic approach where physicians can provide holistic care in a clinical setting, helping people avoid medical complications which require expensive treatment in hospitals. Current surveys prove that people across all regions, both urban and rural, are equally prone to heart problems. Around 27 per cent of women in urban India are employed and their health issues are a major concern for society. It is disturbing to note that children are also increasingly falling victim to lifestyle diseases with incidence of Diabetes, Hypertension, Depression, Obesity, Thyroid and Joint Problems in under- 18 males and females rising considerably in recent times.  SOME HEALTHY TIPS • Make a timetable for daily activities with sufficient time for exercise and entertainment. • Do brisk walking daily for 15 minutes or 10,000 steps or 2-3 km. • Avoid foods with preservatives and colouring agents. • Never skip a meal as it hampers efficiency and productivity. • Avoid junk food. • Follow medical advice if you have some health problem in addition to a lifestyle disorder. • Use a proper seat and sit in the right posture to avoid postural disorders like cervical sprain and backache. • Quit smoking and tobacco use. • Maintain a healthy body weight. EAT A HEALTHY DIET • Replace saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, including sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. • Ensure generous consumption of fruits and vegetables and adequate folic acid intake. • Consume cereal products in their whole-grain, high-fibre form.