Non-Communicable Diseases: A Major Problem Worldwide.
The labelling of the cigarette package with pictures showing the consequences of smoking has not been successful as people still continue to smoke. There is also a new alternative trend of smoking called e-cigarettes (vaping) which is equally or more detrimental to health compared to conservative tobacco smoking. Schweitzer et al has shown that nicotine and nicotine-free e-cigarette solutions have damaging effects on the lungs. Despite knowing the consequences, people still ignore the warning and continue to vape.
In terms of prevention of NCDs, according to a worldwide study, physical inactivity can contribute to 6-10% of NCDs such as type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, breast and colon cancers. Improving on physical activity can help to reduce the NCDs as well as increase life expectancy. No one can argue that physical activity is indeed important in order to prevent NCDs as highlighted in this study as well as in others. To achieve this, the individual need to take his/her own initiative to ensure that the physical activity is taken seriously. Healthcare professionals can only advice but in the end, it is the general public that need to take the initiative. The government/municipal councils should build more parks in the residential areas so that the public can engage in physical activity regardless of urban or rural areas.
With regards to smoking, the government has two choices; ban or increase cigarettes prices in order to reduce smoking among the general public. However, banning tobacco is not possible as it has been a source of income for many countries through implementation of taxes.
Public Health Open J. 2016; 1(2): 32- 35. doi: 10.17140/PHOJ-1-107
