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Article by: Edmund Chong
A prevalent issue amongst our generation, yet so little has been spoken about it: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). NCDs are diseases that usually don’t spread through infections or other vectors, but are typically caused by the unhealthy lifestyles that persist in our society today, due to work ethics and work environment as examples.
According to the statistics, it is more than ever before that NCDs have arised above all other causes of deaths in the world for the leading cause of death as our lives become more sedimentary and stagnant than ever before. It is estimated that NCDs account for over 74% of the world’s deaths, with 77% of those deaths from middle to low income countries and cardiovascular diseases accounting for the majority of cases.
As Malaysians, although we are quite better off than most countries with our healthcare system and economic status, it has caused us to be ignorant to the growing issue of NCDs, especially Cardiovascular diseases and Respiratory Diseases, as we move further into the future caused mainly by our dietary habits, social economic pressure, work-to-life balances and abuses of tobacco and alcohol.
As a growing nation in this world, it is imperative that our members of society adapt to this emerging health crisis by reducing the factors that cause these diseases in the first place. Such examples of reducing factors are the reduced intake of alcohol, smoking, and our intake of fatty, fried foods. Seeking alternatives, such as air-fried foods can help satiate our thirst for crunchy meals, whilst reducing our overall oil intake for a healthier lifestyle. In conclusion, it is not the end of the world to give up our beloved nasi lemak, however, we can adapt to change our lifestyle to be healthier, yet sticking to our old ways, for a better tomorrow and a reduced health risk.
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