The age-old adage, “prevention is better than cure,” is gaining renewed significance in today’s fast-paced world, plagued by chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Experts emphasize that adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial in mitigating these non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which have become major global health concerns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that NCDs account for 41 million deaths annually, representing 74% of all global deaths. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for preventive measures.
Dr. Vinus Taneja, a Consultant at the Department of Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, highlighted the importance of lifestyle changes in combating chronic diseases. “Preventing conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proactive health management. Incorporating stress management techniques and routine health check-ups can significantly reduce healthcare costs and enhance quality of life,” Dr. Taneja told IANS.
Dr. Sunil Kumar Chaudhary, an Internal Medicine Consultant at Fortis Escorts in New Delhi, emphasized that adhering to a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with consistent physical activity, is key to preventing NCDs. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding detrimental habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to bolster overall health.
Recent findings from the Apollo Hospitals’ ‘Health of the Nation’ report reveal alarming trends: approximately 75% of Indians are either obese or overweight, with obesity rates rising from 9% in 2016 to 20% in 2023. Hypertension rates have also increased from 9% to 13% over the same period, with 66% of the population now in the pre-hypertensive stage. The report also indicates that 10% of people have uncontrolled diabetes, and one-third are prediabetic. Additionally, there is a growing incidence of cancer among younger individuals.
The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) dietary guidelines reveal that over 10% of children aged 5-19 are prediabetic. WHO projections for March 2024 estimate that 77 million Indians over 18 will have type 2 diabetes, with an additional 25 million in the prediabetic stage. These numbers are expected to rise further in the coming years.
Experts attribute the rise in NCDs to unhealthy lifestyles characterized by high consumption of sugar, salt, and fat, sedentary behaviors, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, rising air pollution, and an aging population.
Dr. Kalpana Nagpal, Senior Consultant ENT at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, emphasized the role of vaccinations in disease prevention. She also underscored the importance of regular health check-ups, as many conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers often present no early symptoms. Early detection through regular check-ups can improve treatment outcomes and enhance chances of successful intervention.
“Timely medical attention is crucial for detecting early signs of conditions such as lumps, ulcers, and cancer. Regular screenings, including colonoscopies and sleep studies, are also recommended, particularly for individuals over 40,” Dr. Nagpal advised.
The consensus among health experts is clear: adopting a proactive approach to health through lifestyle changes, routine check-ups, and preventive measures is essential for combating the rising tide of chronic diseases.
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