Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and dependency in today’s world and has been projected to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria by 2030 (Oluwaseyidayo, et al. 2020). The health cost of chronic disease is overwhelming. For some lower- and middle-income earners, it is a burden.
What are Chronic diseases?
Chronic diseases are diseases that usually last 6 months or longer and can worsen over time, requiring continuous medical treatment and negatively impacting a person’s daily life. Most commonly, they affect older adults, especially people 40 and older. Chronic diseases do not have a cure, but can be treated with some fundamental lifestyle changes in combination with medications.
Types of Chronic Diseases
Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias
Arthritis
Cancer
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Other Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Eating Disorders
Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Obesity
Osteoporosis
What are the major Causes of Chronic Diseases?
Poor Nutrition
Adopting Western lifestyle and dietary habits (Ejiofor, Ekenechukwu und Marcellinus 2020) such as eating overly processed foods with high calorie content and overeating puts you at a higher risk of getting Chronic Diseases . So much fats around the abdomen? That might not be an evidence of good living after all, rather a sign to check with your Doctor. Excessive fat deposits on your abdomen can interfere with the reabsorption of salt (sodium) and cause the kidney to keep blood pressure high to maintain salt excretion. If you are overweight, you are at higher risk for high blood pressure as well as stroke or heart disease.
Lack of Exercise
Too much sitting in one place and the lack of flexibility of the body tissues can lead to chronic diseases. If you do not move your body, you are at risk for high blood pressure. Because you don’t move your body, the channels (arteries) through which blood flows narrow over time and form plaque, making blood flow very slow. This situation causes the heart to have to pump harder to distribute blood throughout the body, and this increases your blood pressure.
Smoking Habits
People in their 40s who have been in the habits of smoking for a long time – cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoking and even second hand smoking, i.e. inhaling the smoke of other smokers are also at risk of getting Chronic disease like COPD and Adult Asthma. Other causes may include being exposed to harmful chemicals and smoke in the workplace. Dust and air pollution can also cause COPD. Genetic predisposition could also put you at risk of getting COPD, ie if you have a family history of COPD. You are more likely to get COPD.
Excessive Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol has never been a good companion for anyone. Too much alcohol can cause your blood channels (arteries) to narrow and your heart to pump more blood putting you at a higher risk of Cardiovascular diseases and High Blood Pressure. Reducing your alcohol intake can help prevent high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Good health is a key component of people’s well-being. Chronic diseases make no distinction between person and status, i.e. they can affect anyone, rich or poor. In a country with a health care system that is not too good, the presence of a chronic disease can be a burden for middle- and low-income people. Chronic diseases can be prevented, but they cannot be cured. Factors such as physical activity, healthy eating – including clean and mindful eatingchecks are all factors that can improve a person’s quality of life.
Sources
Oluwaseyidayo, Idris, Oguntade Ayodipupo, Mensah Ekow, and Kitamura Noriko. 2020. Prevalence of non-communicable diseases and its risk factors among Ijegun-Isheri Osun residents in Lagos State, Nigeria: a community based cross-sectional study. 18. August. Zugriff am 15. January 2023. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09349-2.
Ejiofor, Ugwu, Young Ekenechukwu, and Nkpozi Marcellinus. 2020. Diabetes care knowledge and practice among primary care physicians in Southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. 10. July. Zugriff am 15. January 2023. https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-020-01202-0.
