Question

Look back at the top 20 causes of mortality and DALYs for the Philippines. Identify major risk factors of each of the non-communicable diseases

Answer 1

Some of the common diseases that has led to mortality and disability in Philippines are cardiovascular diseases, COPD, road traffic accidents, different types of cancers, stroke, neurological diseases, diabetes and renal diseases.
Major risk factors for non communicable diseases includes :

1. Obesity : obesity is one of major risk factor associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and renal diseases.
2. Physical inactivity: physical inactivity results in slowing down body metabolism and musculoskeletal problems. Physical activity is the major cause of obesity.
3. Unhealthy diet : People who lack well balanced diet and eat lot of junk food, fried and oily food are high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant rich foods have shown to reduce risk for cancers.
4. Stress : chronic stress damages the brain cells abd brain structure. Stress is a major risk factor for neurological diseases such as Alzeihmers and Parkinsons. Chronic stress also can be cause of hypertension and stroke.
5. Smoking and alcohol abuse : smoking damages the lung structure and its functional capacity resultimg in various respiratory diseases such as COPD, lung carcinoma. Driving and drinking has resulted in many road traffic accidents.
6. Environmental pollution: various pollutants present in the air, water and soil such as carbon monoxide, lead, arsenic, pesticides has increased the risk of various types of cancers. Air pollution is the major risk factor for respiratory diseases and lung carcinoma.
7. Ionizing and non ionizing radiations : ionizing and non ionizing radiationhave the capability to cause gene mutations and uncontrolled growth of cells resulting in various forms of skin cancers.